Laundry Quarter

Despite a six-month delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, property company Portabella used the extra time to meticulously refine every aspect of the Laundry Quarter project. This has resulted in a high-quality development with each material and design element carefully chosen.

A key influence on the design of the Laundry Quarter was the Victorian buildings that once stood on the site. The new development was designed to give a nod to the site’s industrial Victorian past with its use of contrasting brickwork, traditional masonry, feature stone and industrial-looking metal sliding doors.

One of the standout elements of the project is the mixed brickwork, a characteristic of Victorian architecture. Brickability worked with the clients to supply three brick colours to the project to help meet this design consideration. These helped to provide a sense of separation for sections of the development, whilst adding texture and interest to the facades. The bricks were also used within arches and recessed panels, further adding to the project’s visual appeal.

Connectivity was another key consideration in the design process. Local residents expressed a desire for the Laundry Quarter to be a part of the community, and it was felt that the new development must not only look, but also feel connected to the local area. The use of brickwork played a pivotal role in this, with the Ivanhoe Cream, Commercial Red and Black Smooth bricks chosen to blend with the existing local buildings. The openness of the development has also fostered a feeling of inclusivity, welcoming locals into this new space.

Following its successful completion in 2022, and its positive reaction from the local community and new residents, the Laundry Quarter was subsequently awarded ‘Residential Development of the Year’ at the Wales Property Awards 2023.