The Bowlinger Court apartment development at Tower Street, Exmouth is a significant project situated in a conservation area adjacent to a listed church. This complex undertaking required us to navigate the challenges posed by the historical context and the narrow surrounding streets. We are particularly proud of how our design preserves the beautiful frontage of the existing Sunday School while incorporating a large slate façade that complements the imposing roofline of the nearby church.

The project features two apartment blocks: the Tower Street block, which includes 15 apartments, and the Queen Street block, consisting of 4 apartments and 2 retail units. 

Addressing the site’s challenges — being in a conservation area, adjacent to a listed church, and located on narrow streets with party wall and rights to light issues — became an opportunity to enhance our design. The larger block of 15 apartments wraps the scheme with a stunning slate façade inspired by the slate roof of the church, while the buff-coloured render draws inspiration from the architectural details of the existing buildings. This project removed unsympathetic modern additions that had been attached to the church over the years and facilitated the restoration of the organ room, preserving its integrity for the future.

The smaller freestanding block facing Queen Street was carefully designed to relate to the nearby terraced houses and to maintain views of the church from The Strand, an important public space within Exmouth town. This new building replaces an unattractive surface car park, contributing to a better-defined public space.

Both blocks presented design challenges with numerous material types and differing structural solutions. Block 1 featured a reinforced concrete frame with blockwork infill panels, whilst Block 2 was a more traditional masonry structure with pre-cast concrete plank floors and timber truss roofs. With a mix of hung slate, render, brick and zinc there was a broad range of details required. 

Given the limited repetition of apartment layouts, we developed MEP designs for all types. Our multi-disciplinary team worked seamlessly with the main contractor, Ease, to take the design from RIBA Stage 3 (Developed Design) to RIBA Stage 4 (Detailed Design), in accordance with BG6/2018. Additionally, we supplied energy modelling, SAP calculations, and provided technical support during Stages 5-6 as the Client Technical Advisor during construction.

This car-free development will provide a vital mix of one- and two-bedroom units in a central, sustainable location, contributing to the vibrancy of the town centre.

For CGI images of the project progressing from concept to completion, find our Project Story here.