The Terrace housing area forms the first phase of a long term multiphase residential development on the south-western edge of Lerwick. The steep topography determines the overall development pattern of The Terrace, comprising a sequence of residential buildings of 2 and 3 storeys aligned generally along and across the south facing slope, and progressively stepping up the slope towards the moorland landscape to the north.
The overall design approach comprises a strong urban edge of 2-3 storey flats fronting directly onto North Loch Drive and the southern section of the spine road, forming a lower terrace of development. Above this, a sequence of semi-detached and terraced houses and 3 storey flats form a second terrace of development set along a shared surface cul-de-sac extending from the spine road. Horizontal pedestrian circulation along the terraces links to the nearby local facilities and to the green corridor whilst north-south connections create a permeable access network between the different levels and residential blocks.
The shared surface cul-de-sac uses the strategic placement of buildings to create a diverse spatial sequence along the terrace. This varied arrangement of buildings defines and reinforces the concept of a shared vehicular and pedestrian public realm space, and helps to reduce vehicle speeds and create a more pedestrian friendly environment. The strong sense of enclosure created by the building pattern assists in providing shelter and protection from the open moorland climate for people and planting.
The combination of natural stone walls, vertical timber post boundary details, timber screen fences and soft landscape areas create a clarity of division between the public and private realms, and provide a clear definition to hard landscape spaces forming the frontages to individual units.
The planting strategy, comprising of a range of shrub and ground cover plants, draws inspiration from coastal native plants and other plants know to survive and grow in and around Lerwick. These planted areas form frontages to the shared surface area as well as contributing to reducing traffic speeds by their overall arrangement throughout the development, and will provide both a softening of the overall development character over time and season interest and diversity. In certain plant beds, birch trees will be introduced to create more spatial separation between specific areas of the development.