Whitehaven
Whitehaven
This new multi-use scheme for Whitehaven Harbour presents a contextually sensitive design that balances the functional needs of 40 apartments and 4,000 sqm of office space with a refined approach to proportion and materiality. The architecture emphasises careful detailing and distinctive materials without overwhelming the harbour setting - serving, like its Georgian neighbours, as an elegant backdrop to the lively waterfront.
The building is composed of four elements: a base of punctuated brickwork topped by three timber-clad volumes facing the sea. These upper volumes are articulated with balconies and parapets to create a horizontal emphasis suited to the waterfront. The use of sustainable, FSC-certified Ekki timber - commonly found in marine structures - ensures long-term durability without chemical treatment.
A varied, stepped roofline helps break down the building's mass, strengthening the corner of Duke Street and the promenade while tapering toward the south to transition into the adjacent Georgian context. The silhouette complements the town’s roofscape, and green roofs are proposed to enhance views from surrounding hills.
