Canalside, the long-awaited regeneration of Sheerwater in Woking, Surrey, comprises nearly 1100 energy-efficient dwellings set around new public parkland, with landscaped, pedestrian and cycle-friendly links connecting individual neighbourhoods, community facilities and green spaces. Designed and masterplanned by BDP, the development includes an assisted living facility for older and vulnerable people at the centre of the development, as well as age-friendly apartments located amongst the family homes.
Brick was chosen as the principal building material for reasons of robustness and longevity. The brick selection comprises a range of light and medium buff colours used on the medium rise housing, as well as rich red tones employed in specific areas on the mews houses. The bricks, which have a pre-weathered appearance and are rich in variation and texture, have been laid in both traditional and patterned courses to add depth and character. Window openings are detailed with generous brick reveals and cills.
A specially developed ‘Canalside Bond’ signifies specific areas within the development, including entrances to the apartment blocks and houses, as well as the ‘garden walls’ which conceal the carpark below the podiums. The bond draws inspiration from local arts and crafts brickwork, including the work of Edwin Lutyens.
