Designed by local practice Cera Stribley Architects, Bridport is timeless, understated and sensitive to its local context. Comprising just nine residences across four storeys, the building is a monolithic yet subtle form tucked discreetly behind a heritage façade, allowing the original structure to read clearly while providing a calm and contemporary addition to the streetscape.
Intended to strengthen the character of the neighbourhood and complement the established vernacular of Bridport Street, the design restores key heritage features, including the awning, and helps to reactivate the locale through retail amenities on the ground floor.
The east façade employs a sawtooth form that maximises northern light and provides privacy from neighbouring buildings. Elsewhere, the design utilises a gridded structure to enhance outlook and provide generous views, while layers of landscaping work to soften the overall form.
Classical principles of proportion guide the design, reinterpreted in a contemporary language that contrasts old and new materials. Structural, treated concrete forms the primary façade to create a tactile, dappled texture that harmonises with the heritage surroundings. Curved forms add softness, while anodised and powder-coated metals provide warmth and durability. Honest and enduring, these materials establish a restrained and elegant presence that resonates with the interiors.