Jesmond Assembly

Brick Manufacturer: Michelmersh PLC

Architect: Faulkner Brown

Brickwork Contractor: SJL North East

Jesmond Assembly offers a new, sustainable approach to the increasing demand for later living in Newcastle. The development combines 63 independent homes with communal spaces and gardens, arranged to promote social interaction. The new homes are located within the leafy neighbourhood of Eskdale Terrace, in the heart of the Brandling Village and South Jesmond conservation areas.

The project was designed to encourage social connection while balancing the need for independence and future adaptability. Alongside 1 and 2-bedroom and duplex apartments with private patios, balconies, and terraces, there are a variety of communal social spaces, including a residents’ lounge, library, bar, social kitchen, communal garden and a guest suite to accommodate friends and family.

Responding to the surrounding Victorian terrace typologies, an extruded gable form in red brick is complemented by zinc pitched roofs and refined façade detailing. Michelmersh Freshfield Lane First Quality, Selected Dark and Specials were approved to be used by planners due to the areas semi-conservation status, and the implementation of them created an equilibrium with previously established structures. Clay brick helped to "stitch part of the terraced stree-scape back together" and led to a contemporary take on Victorian styles.

This new terrace responds in scale to the proportions of adjacent buildings, creating a sympathetic architecture that is an elegant and restrained reflection of the materiality and architectural language of the local context.