The development consists of two ground floor retail tenancies, basement storage, 1x studio, 2×2 bed and 2×3 bed apartments, all having private terraces and access to a communal courtyard.

The building has been designed as a specific response to the immediate and greater context of Cowley Road. It also includes design features that enhance its activity as an apartment and retail building in an urban location. In order to fit in with the eclectic nature of the local building context, and to harmonise with the greater character of Cowley Road the proposal draws upon various existing elements to present a truly contextual response. The familiar is used to create the unfamiliar – a contemporary building. The immediately adjacent buildings have been integrated into the scheme by responding to the design of adjacent facades. The façade of no. 59 is extended across the new building providing a continuous element. The proposed building is staggered to marry into the animated façade of no. 65 Cowley Road. The introduction of the setback upper level is an understated way to give interest to the building beyond just filing in the terraced row.

The rear elevation of the front block is informed by the ad hoc and chaotic nature of the existing context incorporating the old warehouse building to the rear of the site. A central first floor terrace separates these flats from the remaining apartments in the street building.

The proposal is not a neutral building; it makes a positive and progressive contribution to Cowley Road by engaging with and responding to it.