Less Yes
More Integrity
Less Quantity
More Quality
Less Complacency
More Interrogation
Less Acceptance
More Research
Less Repetition
More Originality
Less Narrow
More Wide
Less Laziness
More Ambition
Less Loose
More Rigour
Less Fashion
More Substance
Less Apathy
More Passion
Less Complication
More Consideration
Less Haste
More Time
Less Separate
More Holistic
Less Ornamentation
More Longevity
Less Assumption
More Understanding
Less Conventional
More Alternative

Alt Studios

Artist’s impression of Ebrington Gardens characterised by elegance, restraint and a sense of permanence. The composition and intricate details of the design are influenced by historical cues unique to the site. Together, the residential blocks emanate a harmonious blend of clarity, surprise, sophisticated contextuality and confident presence.
Visual - Both residential buildings showcase white and grey brick to complement the sporadic tones mapped across the former barrack site. These influential tones include the prominent white rendered historic buildings and the recent public realm hardscaping in and around The Parade Ground, along with the surrounding scheduled monument, the Star Fort Wall. The multi-brick hues consciously contrast with the dominant red brick found elsewhere, though infrequent pale red tones are introduced for subtle reference, warmth and visual interest. The facing concrete matches the bricks’ colour with a slightly exposed aggregate finish. Consequently, from a distance, the building is designed to appear uniform in hue, but up close it reveals a more interesting and rich texture.
Ebrington Residential 1:25 Model Dimensions approx. 620 x 504 x 131 mm. Constructed from solid lime timber, lime dowels, and lime veneered plywood for the floorplates. Balustrades are laser cut and sprayed to match the timber, with furniture crafted from solid lime timber.
Ebrington Residential 1:25 Model Dimensions approx. 620 x 504 x 131 mm. Constructed from solid lime timber, lime dowels, and lime veneered plywood for the floorplates. Balustrades are laser cut and sprayed to match the timber, with furniture crafted from solid lime timber.
Ebrington Residential 1:25 Model Dimensions approx. 620 x 504 x 131 mm. Constructed from solid lime timber, lime dowels, and lime veneered plywood for the floorplates. Balustrades are laser cut and sprayed to match the timber, with furniture crafted from solid lime timber.
Ebrington Residential 1:25 Model Dimensions approx. 620 x 504 x 131 mm. Constructed from solid lime timber, lime dowels, and lime veneered plywood for the floorplates. Balustrades are laser cut and sprayed to match the timber, with furniture crafted from solid lime timber.
Sketch axonometric — capturing the social essence of the loggia — presents permanent and meaningful habitable spaces that serve as an extension to every apartment across both proposed residential blocks. These spaces benefit from the sun’s path, facing the centrally located public gardens, fostering chance encounters between neighbours, and facilitating private gatherings. Furthermore, a mix of considered fixed furniture and planters afford a controlled, yet diverse habitable space. For example, each two-bedroom apartment has been designed with a tri-folding window to enhance the use of the inside-outside dichotomy of utilising the loggia. The enlarged window cill forms both a seat for the internal dining space and the external dining area.
Axonometric — both residential blocks present a mix of premium apartment layouts; collectively providing 32no. two-bed (four-person) and 8no. one-bed (two-person) units, all with generous internal floor areas exceeding design standards outlined in Northern Ireland's Housing Association Guide (HAG) by circa 20-25%.
Analytical diagrams representing our concept in its simplest form hierarchically in both massing (top — elevation | section) and parti (bottom — plan) format. The in-house graphic standard is our reinterpretation of the style first published by Roger H. Clark and Michael Pause in 1985.
Axonometric — due to its advantageous elevated position on the masterplan, the height of the proposed perpendicular residential blocks consciously maximise meaningful views for all, achieving attractive vantage points to and from the site.
Freehand perspective conveying a reimagining of the deck, discovered, and listed on the nearby historic building depicted in the previous images. This feature is celebrated, yet consciously deviates from its transient status, becoming more akin to a loggia — benefitting from breathtaking, far-reaching views to historic landmarks scattered across the distant cityscape.
Sketch depicting the proposal’s sense of permanence, achieved through the visual weight of the masonry, accentuated by deep reveals. From this elevation residents experience striking views across St Columb’s Park.
Primary sketch illustrating the proposal; two linear blocks arranged perpendicularly, fronting a new focal landscape setting. Historic design cues from the adjacent listed building (visible — a former marriage quarters) and the wider masterplan are echoed in the architectural response in a contemporary manner at both a macro and micro scale.
Historic postcard of Ebrington Barracks, Derry, Northern Ireland. Located on the east bank of the Foyle, Ebrington Barracks has a long and important history and was first designated for military use during the 1689 Siege of Derry. Construction of a permanent barracks named after Lord Ebrington, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland commenced in 1841 when the rendered Georgian style buildings surrounding the parade ground were built – including a landmark Clock Tower building and hospital block. The centrepiece of the site, the Star Fort (1841) encloses the parade ground.
Aerial showing developable land within the former Ebrington Barracks site. An ambitious and exciting regeneration development programme is well underway for this 29-acre heritage asset on the Foyle riverfront. It’s aim, to attract businesses, residents, and visitors alike to deliver economic and social benefits to the city and wider region.
Ebrington Gardens, Ebrington, Derry, Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Site Location Plan.
Client Gardrum Holdings Limited
Stage Technical Design
Location Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland

What began as a critical friend service to Gardrum Holdings Limited organically evolved into an opportunity to lead the design for Ebrington Gardens — a new, design-led private residential apartment development situated at the highest point of the wider Ebrington masterplan.

This project adds a distinctive residential dimension to Derry / Londonderry, blending contemporary design with the rich historical context of the site. The development features two linear blocks arranged perpendicularly around a central landscape, offering panoramic views and fostering a sense of community.

Comprising 40 premium apartments — 32 two-bedroom (four person) and 8 one-bedroom (two person) units — with generous floor areas exceeding Northern Ireland Housing Association Guide standards by 20-25%, the architectural approach respects the historic grid layout, orienting the blocks to maximise sunlight, privacy, and key sightlines. Drawing inspiration from adjacent listed buildings, traditional elements like the deck from the former marriage quarters are reimagined as modern loggias, extending living spaces and enhancing the indoor-outdoor connection.

Ebrington Gardens is more than a collection of residences; it is a thoughtfully designed space that promotes community engagement. The public gardens at its core encourage interaction, while bi-folding windows fronting expansive loggias enhance the living experience. This project exemplifies a commitment to creating spaces that honour the past while embracing a forward-looking vision for the city, with a fresh perspective on urban living.

Ebrington Gardens
Images, Information