Within a tree-lined site on the fringes of Berkhamsted ColladoCollins were challenged to bring forward a low-rise integrated retirement community of 103 dwellings for longstanding client Elysian Residences that respected the setting of the site and offered connections between the site entrance and the trees and landscape beyond. Our solution involved conceiving a building as a series of interlinked pavilions grouped around a sunken courtyard serving the amenity spaces that act as the heart of the community.

The pavilions use either a green brick or a black brick, inspired by the colours of the trees against the sky, to distinguish between elements, and a variety of brick bond patterns to enliven the facades. The scheme is currently on site and is due for completion in early 2024.