Poundbury Sustainable Urban Development
Dorchester, Dorset
Morrish Builders are continuing with their impressive work on Poundbury, the Duchy of Cornwall’s thriving, sustainable urban development on the outskirts of Dorchester.The South West Quadrant will complete Phase Two of Poundbury where simple detailing has produced a stunning array of restrained classical architecture drawing on late eighteenth century and early nineteenth century examples of Dorchester.
Poundbury
Poundbury is located on the western edge of Dorchester, the ancient county town of Dorset with it’s numerous historical and literary connections, Thomas Hardy, Alfred Barnes, the Tolpuddle Martyrs and Judge Jeffreys to name but a few, and with delightful rolling countryside, there is plenty of interest around Dorchester.The spectacular world heritage Jurassic coastline from Swanage to Lyme Regis is easily accessible at places such as Lulworth Cove, Weymouth & Portland.
A Real Community
A flourishing and cohesive community spirit has developed and prospered over the years. The innovative style and design of Poundbury, the foresight of the Prince of Wales in his book “A Vision of Britain” enables it’s residents to live and work successfully in close proximity. Poundbury’s story is ever evolving with a rich selection of shops, boutiques ,restaurants and tearooms, arts and crafts together with a mini market and the Poet Laureate in Pummery Square.Excellent communicative links exist with Dorchester, with the nearby A35 serving the South and South West.
Philosophy
The Poundbury philosophy is not just about architecture, but to do with careful planning where sensitively arranged work places, leisure and shopping facilities integrate with community buildings and residential development.This holistic approach to the planning of Poundbury has enabled planners to create both town and landscape to dovetail with successful road infrastructure which in turn brings a wider community together.
Much of this philosophy is also drawn from the inheritance of some prominent Dorset villages where a rich variety of housing is instantly recognisable and wholly distinctive without solely dominating a streetscene. There is a certain relationship of buildings towards each other as they blend with the local and natural environment.
In addition, there is the significance of enclosure where squares and courtyards define certain areas within this quadrant and where the use of non-standardised materials help celebrate a region of outstanding beauty.
