Having originally designed the strategic framework for the redevelopment of New Islington, an area of Greater Manchester situated between the Ashton and Rochdale canals towards the northern edge of the city centre, Alsop Architects was commissioned to design a mix of living and studio units and commercial space within a single project, including 142 one-, two- and three-bedroom mixed development flats.
Research-led development over a sustained period since 2002 included substantial public and community consultation. Taking its formal inspiration from three fat chips piled on top of one another, the building is clad in a composite wall faced with a cladding covered in newspaper print with text that echoes the industrial heritage of the Ancoats area. The project defines a quality of living by combining high design values with technological innovation while embracing sustainability, integration into the urban landscape and the provision of inspirational and sensational spaces.
The building's apartment types range from studio to three-bedroom, each of which is planned internally around a central 'pod' unit, housing the bathroom and kitchen areas. This approach means that the apartments can be open plan or sub-divided by the use of large folding screens. Combined with differing external balconies, these design features serve to differentiate and afford the personalisation of domestic spaces, valued by the building’s inhabitants.
In addition to offering an innovative, contemporary design solution, CHIPS achieved a BREEAM Eco-Homes 'Excellent' rating, and conforms to the Manchester Methodist Housing Trust scheme's stringent development standards. It also meets the Sustainability guidelines as set out by the UK Homes and Communities agency as part of the Millennium Community Programme.
As Principal of Alsop Architects, I led the conceptual research, development and resolution of this building.
