Graeme Nicholls Architects were appointed in 2016 to design a scheme for 24 flats on the site on Ashtree Road which formerly housed the Pollokshaws Swimming Baths. Working in close collaboration with the developer Merchant Homes and housing association Home Group, we have been able to deliver a design that has been really well received by the local community and stakeholder groups.

Our design is realised as two blocks, which synthesise the prevalent typologies found on each street- a ‘Tenement’ block to the north on Ashtree Road, and a ‘Villa’ block to the southern edge of the site on Christian Street. Our two flexible flat layouts can accommodate a variety of living arrangements by the inclusion of unique architectural devices which encourage user customisation.

Conceptually, our project seeks to develop a narrative which relates to the history of Pollokshaws. The neighbourhood flourished as a centre of textile production in the industrial era, which resulted in an influx of skilled Flemish weavers to help meet the workforce demands. Using human scale and proportions as a starting point, we have included a series of motifs related to both weaving and Flemish architecture throughout the design, including a woven pattern created across the façade in the careful placement of windows, the use of Flemish bond and textures in the black brick cladding, and more.

Location: Ashtree Road, Pollokshaws, Glasgow
Client: Merchant Homes & Home Group
Size: 24 units
Status: Completed June 2019

Ashtree Road won two prestigious awards at the AJ Architecture Awards 2019:

‘Editor’s Choice Award’ for best overall project of 2019
Best Residential Project (Under £10m)