South Quay Estate - Architectural Style and Layout

Architectural Style and Layout

South Quay Estate is designed in a modernist style, ranging from 4 to 8 storeys, chiefly in dark red brick with a wood-clad effect at higher levels. Properties comprise single floor flats and duplex maisonettes of one, two and three-bedrooms. The character of the buildings are largely in keeping with those surrounding the Docks. Whilst reflecting their origin at the end of the modernist architectural period, the use of brick is in strong contrast to the concrete of high-rise, Brutalist architecture that typified social housing in post-war Britain, coupled with a wood-cladding effect popular in the late '60s and '70s. This also contrasts with the circles, triangles and pale colours of the post-modernist style that came to the fore from the 1980s onwards and so now seem dated compared to most later Docklands developments - such as the adjacent City Quay development of the 1990s.

Most buildings are mainly set back from the street, surrounded or separated by mature trees and other planting around the Cloysters Green and Maudlins Green spaces, as well as communal courtyards linked by a network of elevated walkways. The Docks themselves have a largely peaceful and secluded character, blocking most of the traffic noise from the busy East Smithfield artery to the north. Other roads are minor and subject to significant traffic calming, with Burr Close being split into 2 service-only cul-de-sacs and Mews Street controlled by security barriers at both ends. The combination of trees and water create a calming atmosphere and a connection to nature, while the mix of shops and other uses are successful in creating quiet activity. Many historic dockyard features, such as bridges and cranes, have been incorporated into structures surrounding the estate and echo the Docks' industrial heritage.