Much of the character and quality of North Belfast is still defined by its remaining three–storey, red brick, Victorian townhouse terraces. This building stock is engrained in the city’s distinctiveness and identity. The development site is located at the end of one of these streets, on a plot which was once an extensive garden belonging to the large end–terrace townhouse on the adjacent street. The brief was to provide four new terrace dwellings within an ‘Area of Townscape Character’.

All constructed in timber frame and finished with a brick skin, the form of the new terrace reflects adjacent pedimented rooflines, projecting bays and fenestration proportions. The bay is adapted in form at first floor level to maximise room space and shelter the threshold below. This formal gesture gives a visual asymmetry to the bays, a subtle articulation which sets the terrace apart as a contemporary insertion.

Each rear return incorporates a terrace garden at the first floor. This terrace is accessed from a landing study area, and both landing and terrace overlook the dining area below. This void opens up unexpected views to surrounding chimneys and eaves while drawing daylight, solar gains and natural ventilation into the depth of the plan.