Welcome To Leeds Society of Architects

The Gatehaus is a landmark residential development in the historic Little
Germany quarter of Bradford, comprising 142 apartments grouped round a
landscaped court.

The accommodation is separated into 3 elements: a curved glass shard rising to 10 storeys, a 5 storey curved ‘living wall’ fronting the main road, and a more demure 5-storey stone clad block facing Little Germany.

There is some commercial space at street level to provide an active frontage, and 2 levels of below-ground parking for 100 cars. Planning was given the go-ahead after Robinson Design Group worked closely the client Asquith Properties and organisations such as Bradford Centre Regeneration, URBED (Urbanism, Environment and Design Ltd) and English Heritage on the design for this sensitive site.

The dynamic and bold new architectural design for this sensitive site was created by Robinson Architects and the structural design by Robinson Consulting (both members of Robinson Design Group) who worked closely with developers Asquith Properties.

Due to the sensitivity of the site on the edge of Little Germany, home to 50 listed buildings, and the creation of Bradford Centre
Regeneration (BCR), formed to oversee the regeneration of the city, both Robinson Design Group and Asquith Properties
worked in conjunction with BCR, URBED and English Heritage to gain planning consent for a contemporary design that
blended and complimented the grand character of the conservation area.
“We acquired the site just at the time of the launch of the Bradford Masterplan and the formation of Bradford Centre
Regeneration, a perfect opportunity to promote design excellence and quality in the city.” Russell Baker, Chairman Asquith
Properties.

The outcome is the creation of a truly innovative development, combining respect for and reflection of the area’s history with cutting-edge architecture which is now inspiring other developers and architects, while Bradford Metropolitan District Council are using the development as the benchmark that future schemes are required to live up to!

The original stone warehouses built by the wool merchants sit alongside modern day industrial architecture, designed with extensive glazing and less masonry. This contemporary approach helps to alleviate the sense of enclosure from the surrounding buildings and to gain maximum impact from natural light. The use of reflective finishes in the new courtyard has also increased the sense of light and space.

The innovative and extensive use of glass and glazing technology has been justified within the historic environment as the design is of such a high quality. Care had been taken to ensure that as much light as possible reaches the courtyard and apartments that face into it.

The glass tower itself presented a number of challenges in particular; it needed to help keep residents cool in summer, and materials needed to be flexible enough to cope with any movement over time.
Robinson Design Group specified a structural silicone glazing, bonding glass and metal panels to the structure via a metallic sub frame. As well as the virtually unlimited design potential of this system, it delivers unsurpassed weatherability and UV resistance. The 40mm thick double glazed units also provide insulation against outside noise, vital for a City Centre location.

The glass tower of The Gatehaus has created a striking landmark for the city, Robinson Architects used the lie of the land to the benefit of the 10 storey tower design so as not to rise above the adjacent Behrens Warehouse. The two other buildings in The Gatehaus were designed at heights to complement the neighbouring Sikh Temple and built from local
sandstone.

Throughout the lifespan of this project, both Asquith Properties and Robinson Design Group have demonstrated their commitment to regeneration and sustainability. All natural stone used in the development was sourced locally and Bradford based subcontractors were employed. The underground car park incorporates natural ventilation to reduce energy
consumption and a limited number of parking spaces encourages residents to walk or use public transport. In conjunction with Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Asquith Properties has brokered discounts for residents on various methods of travel around the city.