Text and images are courtesy Claire Curtice for Hawkins/Brown's design of Shoebury Garrison in Shoeburyness, Essex, England. Click on images at left for larger views. [Google Earth link] Shoeburyness was an army town until the 1980s and the ex-garrison land is now part of a major regeneration programme being implemented by Southend-on-Sea Council. Hawkins\Brown were appointed by GladeDale Homes to develop a signature piece of architecture for phase 3 of the program, a prestigious location which abuts the shore, giving spectacular views of the coastline. The shoreline location and coastal views were a determining factor in the design of the scheme, along with the consideration to provide sunlight in all the primary habitable rooms. The inclusion of outside space within the blocks remained a constant consideration throughout the development of the scheme. The ability to connect to the external environment from within the buildings was a priority. The intention has been to create a permeable development of outlook buildings, which do not present a barrier between the shoreline and the development inland. The approach from inland reveals a family of four contemporary buildings with castellated profile, in between which offers a glimpse of a band of sea. The obstruction of cars is avoided by locating parking facilities within the blocks. Footpaths and landscaped areas lead pedestrians through the development and along the shoreline. The materials – timber cladding and brick - have been to chosen to reflect a human scale in their proportions and modules. The relationship to the sea is crucial in the scheme and has influenced the composition of the development. The line of the waves, the washed up layer soft debris, the tide markings, the parallel strips of landscaping and walkway all form a strong seductive pattern which is transferred to the brick plinths upon which the buildings sit. The vertical pattern of the panelling diverts the eye in a vertical direction to the sky.   Shoebury Garrison in Shoeburyness, Essex, England by Hawkins/Brown 2006.08.21     Click on images below for larger color views.