Dutch's Corner
"At the design stage of the project and subsequently, they have listened carefully to our requirements, aspirations and concerns, at the same time as bringing innovation and architectural understanding to the design. This approach enabled a collaborative and successful planning application
We have enjoyed working with CCD Studio and would have no hesitation in recommending them to others with similar requirements."

The site is on the lively and active Mill Road, in Cambridge. Mill Road is an historic route in the east of the City and was originally a quiet country Road leading to a windmill. Most of the area was developed in the late 19th Century, as can be seen from the historic plans, due to the advent of the railway. The railway divided Mill Road into two distinct areas, Petersfield and Romsey. The more gentrified Petersfield, closer to the city centre and developed by the colleges, and Romsey, the more working class area of terrace houses for railway workers.




Site history
The site of 213 Mill Road has been in the ownership of the Holland family since the early 1900’s. Initially supplying yeast to Cambridge bakeries, the Holland business expanded to other food products, and this continued from the site even through the times of rationing in the war.
After the war the family grew the business and built a warehouse on the corner of Mill Road and Ross Street until the site became too small and inconvenient for the loading of delivery vehicles.
By 1975, 213 Mill Road was home to Dutch’s Corner Ltd, for the sale & repair of motor vehicles, with the addition of a petrol forecourt. This use of the site continued until around 1980, after which the building was home to numerous and varied businesses, including the locally well known Cambridge Bed Centre.
This client connection to the site and area remains, and the naming of buildings reflect the family connections.
Mill Road Frontage
The site faces Mill Road and is situated adjacent to a bus stop providing excellent transport links into the city centre however it is also easily within walking and cycle distance from the city centre and Mill Road is rich in local amenities, shops, restaurants, post offices and public houses.
Ross Street frontage
This part of the site sits within a typical street of terraced houses, for which this part of Cambridge is well known. The development fronting Ross Street respect the established character of terraces without mimic or reproduce what already exists.

The rear site
The rear of the site, currently occupied by garages and parking. This part of the site was the most sensitive and challenging to develop, given the very tight relationships with surrounding residential property and the need to avoid too much building bulk, respect privacy and avoid overlooking


The proposal is located on the site of the Cambridge Bed Centre on the corner of Mill Road and Ross Street which incorporates the current single storey Aston and Fincher building and a row of lock-up garages and parking to the rear. The site (1679 sq.m) is surrounded by predominantly residential properties on Mill Road and Ross Street, with the majority of the retail premises on Mill Road to the east of the site.
text


Fourteen dwellings in three separate and distinct residential blocks. Each block responding to its setting and context.

Block 01 : Dutch's Corner
Ground floor retail unit and six one and two bed apartments over three floors. The material, scale and form of this block has been inspired by the other buildings on Mill road.
Block 02 : Ross Street Housing
Three town houses with front and rear gardens and off street parking
Block 03 @ Holland Place
Five single storey Mews housing with off street parking. With a grass roof and private amenity spaces, these discrete houses have minimal impact in the area whilst providing high quality living

"CDC Studio input during the detailed design and construction phases has been equally valuable – they have paid careful attention to, and shown clear understanding of, contractors concerns and budgetary constraints to enable the delivery of a high quality scheme."







-
Client
HTS Estates -
Location
Cambridge -
Budget
Private -
Design Team
Peter Dann
Hoare Lea
Liz Lake Assoc.
Carter Jonas
AFP
Bremnar Partnership
Cass Allen
T16
TPA -
Contractor
PB Doyle -
Team
Robin Dryer, Mark Clarke, Delphine Dryer, Ting Khu, James Howells, Alasdair Ferguson, Samantha Greaves -
Photographs
CDC Studio