Essential Enterprise Village, Birstall, Leeds

This project involves the masterplan and building design of a small business enterprise village in Birstall, Bradford. The site located within the green belt, was originally occupied by a large industrial warehouse and surrounded by low density terrace housing and the M62 embankment. By incorporating a relatively dense development in a high quality environment the masterplan seeks to encourage the establishment of diverse employment opportunities.

The new design responds to the history of the site whilst maximising the architectural response to the brief for contemporary office, training and storage space with associated parking. The resultant masterplan delivers three buildings, which work together to form a cohesive commercial development.

njARCHITECTS do not believe in standard solutions – buildings are rarely that simple,  so have worked closely with the client to recognise the significance of the site and its contribution to local character to produce thoughtful, well conceived buildings.

The aim was to maximise the sites potential – striking a balance between the natural and man made environments inspired by the best lessons of Modernism. Making use of both contemporary and traditionally crafted materials to give the buildings a mass and scale characteristic of a timeless example of local architecture. With wide areas of glazing to facilitate dramatic views to the surrounding countryside and allow in the benefits of sun and daylight.

Completed 2015