1967-1969 Dumbarton Road

The project comprises twin blocks, housing predominantly old and ex-homeless persons, that infill a gap site in a long row of 4-storey red sandstone tenements on the south side of the main route between Glasgow and the west highlands. The opening between the blocks allows light into the dark street and retains open south views across the shipyard and the river beyond. Corner located stair windows provide a day- and night-time focal point to the long views from either direction to become a landmark in the approach to the city.

Parking for 50% of units has been achieved at basement level by excavation down by a full storey to the level of adjoining back-courts, the associated costs putting pressure on achieving a high number of units. The building shape allows for full utilisation of the site with six flats at each level – three per building – whilst enabling each to have some view to the river and the south without placing all sleeping areas to face the busy road. Between the blocks is a steel structure with open grille floor panels that provide an amenity deck for residents, allowing ventilation and light into the basement parking, whilst partially screening the cars from the flats above.

A basement concrete frame provides support for a superstructure of steel stud walls supporting in-situ concrete floors. Highly polished block-work cladding provides the break against the sandstone tenements to the front whilst buff facing-brick provides a visual continuation to the stone rear walls. Between these heavy claddings hangs an aluminium panelling system that seems to be propped on its heavy base. The panelling is highly articulated into strong horizontal courses echoing the stonework of the neighbouring buildings whilst its prominent curved edges speak also of the strong shipbuilding history of the area.