Amber Vista Retrofit
Amber Vista is an exemplar retrofit project and winner of the commercial development of the year at the Cardiff Property Awards 2023. Originally constructed in the 1960s, the two-story mixed-use development is located near Roath Lake. Over the years, it had fallen into disrepair due to a lack of investment. Silver Crescent Developments approached Pentan to regenerate the site, aiming to create nine high-end retail spaces and 27 luxurious apartments with an additional 2 storey roof extension.
Given the existing site’s constraints and planning history, the project required a careful design approach. During construction, the on-site Pharmacy and Tesco remained operational, necessitating careful coordination in building sequencing. The timing of the design development, which occurred during the pandemic, allowed the shopping parade to temporarily host a collective of independent pop-up businesses. This gave the community a preview of the vibrant atmosphere Amber Vista could provide. The design provided social opportunities in its covered walkways, covered patios, and numerous gardens, creating versatile spaces where people could safely gather.
Pentan designed an additional two-story element which projected over the parade. The use of brick and brick slips helped seamlessly blend the new and existing structures. The process was technically challenging due to the recesses and projections in the original building, making the detailing of the external envelope and external wall insulation more complex and non-uniform.
Underpinning the existing building was necessary to reinforce the foundations and support the new loads. In addition to government lockdown restrictions and the presence of occupied units, a detailed analysis was conducted at specific excavation points to determine the most suitable underpinning method.
The top floor is set back from the building’s edge, requiring a large amount of rolled steel sections and features perforated cladding. The top floor apartments offer private outdoor spaces for residents and a communal roof garden with expansive views of greenery and the city skyline. The same perforated cladding is used on the retail extension along the southwestern boundary, creating a unique destination space with a café that aims to draw in the community.
Amber Vista is an exemplar retrofit project and winner of the commercial development of the year at the Cardiff Property Awards 2023. Originally constructed in the 1960s, the two-story mixed-use development is located near Roath Lake. Over the years, it had fallen into disrepair due to a lack of investment. Silver Crescent Developments approached Pentan to regenerate the site, aiming to create nine high-end retail spaces and 27 luxurious apartments with an additional 2 storey roof extension.
Given the existing site’s constraints and planning history, the project required a careful design approach. During construction, the on-site Pharmacy and Tesco remained operational, necessitating careful coordination in building sequencing. The timing of the design development, which occurred during the pandemic, allowed the shopping parade to temporarily host a collective of independent pop-up businesses. This gave the community a preview of the vibrant atmosphere Amber Vista could provide. The design provided social opportunities in its covered walkways, covered patios, and numerous gardens, creating versatile spaces where people could safely gather.
Pentan designed an additional two-story element which projected over the parade. The use of brick and brick slips helped seamlessly blend the new and existing structures. The process was technically challenging due to the recesses and projections in the original building, making the detailing of the external envelope and external wall insulation more complex and non-uniform.
Underpinning the existing building was necessary to reinforce the foundations and support the new loads. In addition to government lockdown restrictions and the presence of occupied units, a detailed analysis was conducted at specific excavation points to determine the most suitable underpinning method.
The top floor is set back from the building’s edge, requiring a large amount of rolled steel sections and features perforated cladding. The top floor apartments offer private outdoor spaces for residents and a communal roof garden with expansive views of greenery and the city skyline. The same perforated cladding is used on the retail extension along the southwestern boundary, creating a unique destination space with a café that aims to draw in the community.
