Design proposals

Design principles

The evolving design is based on a number of key design principles, taking into consideration surrounding buildings, the sunpath and how people will move through and around the site. Scroll through the images below to view these key principles.

Architectural excellence

A high quality and distinctive building that makes a positive contribution to the character and architecture of Exeter.

Approach to height

Sketch diagram of the proposed building, showing how the tallest element is on the north west edge of the site boundary. Arrows indicate how the height of the building steps down towards and along Heavitree Road and towards the Triangle Car Park
This is an image of the key to the previous sketch image referencing the varying heights of the proposed building

Precedent images for facade materials

Photograph of the stone facade of the Berliner Gassenheit building in Berlin

Berliner Gassenheit 

Berlin, Germany

Image showing the red steel facade of the R7 building in King's Cross, London

R7

King's Cross, London

Photograph of the criss-cross facade of the Pole Sante Bergere building in Paris, with additional greenery

Pole sante Bergere

Paris , France

Photograph of the glass facade of the Ten Degrees building in Croydon, London

Ten Degrees

Croydon, London

Photograph of the green stone facade of the Woods building in Leuven, Belgium

WOODS

Leuven , Belgium

Access & Movement

Connected to the City and Campus

The site is well connected, being a 10-minute walk to the City Centre and to St Luke’s Campus which can be accessed via the no. 44/44A bus every 15 minutes.

Streatham Campus is a short bus ride via the no.4/4A every 10 minutes and is well connected via cycle routes taking approximately 7 minutes by bike.

Sketch image showing key travel destinations in Exeter from the Clarendon House site and asscoated travel times

Map showing key destinations and travel time

Improving Local Connectivity

A new route is proposed, linking the car park to Western Way, through new generously sized public realm next to Leonardo Hotel.

In addition, new crossings are proposed across Western Way and Cheeke Street linking the car park to St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre. Improvements to the existing pedestrian link from Heavitree Road to Russell Street are also proposed, as well as a doubling of the pavement width alongside the roundabout. 

All these things together will significantly improve the pedestrian environment and experience locally.

Sketch map of the site and surrounding road system, highlighting how connectivity can be improved

Map showing improved local connectivity

New public realm and routes

Diagram showing an aerial view of the existing site and proposed site, comparing the extent of public realm and highlighting enhanced pedstrian routes
Illustration providing an artist's impression of the proposed new building as seen from the corner of the roundabout by Vue Cinema

Illustrative view from Vue Cinema looking at the new route to the Triangle Car Park

Ground Floor Uses

Illustration showing the proposed ground floor uses

Illustration showing indoor and outdoor uses, routes and activity

Community start-up space

 

We are looking to engage with the community and partners to explore possible uses for a large and lofty space with a shop window on to Heavitree Road. Possible uses might include co-working and spaces for small business start-ups to grow.

Illustration showing the proposed community space, and how it is accessed from Heavitree Road, plus the improved connection through to the Triangle Car park

Sketch showing activities in the community space, accessed from Heavitree Road





Precedent images showing how the space could look

Public Realm

Harnessing opportunities to improve connectivity and the public realm, and to enhance the urban fabric.

Diagram showing the key themes of the landscape approach - Creative water management; Welcoming neighbourhoods; Connectivity and active streets; Health & wellbeing; Memorable places; and A place for nature

Diagram showing key themes of our landscape approach

Landscape Approach

We aim to create an inviting outdoor environment that promotes interaction, relaxation, and community connection. Embracing green spaces, thoughtful landscaping, and outdoor areas, our approach prioritises sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality. 

New public realm will offer serene pockets for reflection, dynamic zones for social gatherings, and greenery that harmonizes with the surrounding urban fabric.

Landscape Concept

Photograph showing an example of how the street scene could look, with seating and planting

Seating in the student garden creates social opportunities and a place to study or relax in a leafy and calm setting

Photograph of a relaxed street scene in which people are sitting and chatting among raised beds and planters

Precedent Image for Garden Walk

Diagram highlighting the varied character areas across the site such as areas to play or be social, garden rooms, biodivers roofs, and green edges at the site boundary

Diagram showing varied landscape character areas across the site

Landscape Key Moves

A garden lane between the buildings connects the city for people and nature

Sketch diagram showing the green connection from Triangle Car Park to Western Way

A place for wildlife is created to the street edge and across the roofs

Sketch diagram showing the wildlife connection through the site from the Triangle Car Park across the south east courtyard and the green roofs to the roundabout

Distinctive, high quality public realm creates an address and encourages active travel

Sketch diagram showing the area of public realm surrounding the new building

Capture water to facilitate urban greening

Sketch diagram showing which parts of the site can facilitate water capture, such as the green roofs on the proposed new building and the planters in the new pedestrian link at the north of the site

Playful elements and seating invites people to pause

Sketch diagram showing where playful elements can be introduced to enhance the green connections between Triangle Car Park and Western Way / Heavitree Road

The site currently has little wildlife value as it’s mainly building and hardstanding. The landscape proposals will include new tree planting, making connections for wildlife across the site. Under the trees, luscious planting will include flowering pollinator species for bees and other insects. Living roofs with bee and insects habitats and bat and bird nesting boxes will provide new habitats on site.

Sustainability

Creating a landmark building and setting a benchmark for sustainable, low carbon development.

Diagram highlighting the liveable principles agreed as part of the Exeter 2040 vision i.e. memorable places, outstanding quality, welcoming neighbourhoods, spaces for people and wildlife, active streets and liveable buildings.

The Liveable Exeter Principles

- Use of natural ventilation wherever possible

- Measures to mitigate current and predicted over heating impacts.

- Utilisation smart monitoring in each bedroom.

This diagram shows the core elements of the sustainably strategy for this project, including Passivhaus principles, improving biodiversity value, focusing on student well being, improving the pedestrian experience, designing rooms to benefit from natural daylight and water conservation

Core elements of our sustainability strategy