Modern brick residential building with balconies, under a blue sky with clouds.

The Echoes
Grays, Essex

KEY FACTS

  • Client: Thurrock Council

  • Project cost: Undisclosed

  • Status: Completed 2016

  • Category: Residential

KEY ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

Predicted domestic emissions

  • % improvement on Part L: 29.00%

  • Regulated emissions: 66.3 tCO2/yr

AWARDS

  • RIBA East Region 2017 | Winner

  • Architects Journal 2017 | Shortlisted

  • Housing Design 2017 | Shortlisted

  • Inside Housing Development 2016 | Winner

“This scheme displays exemplary design. It is a difficult one to beat.”

— Mark Vlessing, Chief Executive, Pocket

Modern brick residential buildings with balconies under a blue sky with clouds.

This scheme was the first of a programme of new council housing developments commissioned by Thurrock Council. The Council commissioned this, and a number of other developments, as exemplar designs intended as demonstration projects to set a benchmark for new housing in the area as well as providing much needed homes and acting as a catalyst for regeneration.

Three blocks of flats fold along the boundary of the site, creating an active, two sided street to the existing estate, whilst opening up at the centre to create a generous courtyard garden. The sculptural roof serves the dual purpose of creating a dynamic façade to the new development whilst reducing the impact of light loss to the adjacent existing properties. Generous balconies provide private external amenity to all units and views towards the River Thames.

A new community centre located between the estate and the town allows the community centre to engage with the town centre and for the activities of the centre to be projected to a wider audience.

Modern apartment building with brick facade and metal balconies, adjacent to a street with parked cars under a clear blue sky.
Woman standing on a balcony with an open book, overlooking a scenic city view.
Modern architectural design with close-up of perforated metal facades and balconies against a blue sky.
Modern interior with high ceiling and skylights, featuring three people sitting by an interior window and one person standing. The space has white walls, vertical fluorescent lights, and a dark floor.
Modern building facade with large windows and "The Community House" sign

This building, known as The Community House, is part of The Echoes housing development in Grays. The Community House is a local initiative that has been instrumental in engendering greater community spirit on the estate and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour. Prior to the housing development being undertaken The Community House occupied several portakabins on the dilapidated garage site.

The new Community House provides a café/community space and a function space that will enable local people to host a wide range of activities. A large window on the first floor acts as a shop window for the community, allowing them to demonstrate the range of activities that they undertake.

Modern building labeled "The Community House" with large glass windows, adjacent to scaffolding on a residential building.
Modern building with brick and metal facade, featuring a distinctive pitched roof. Several people gather outside near a brick wall, with trees and scaffolding visible in the background.

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