North Harbour Street is an affordable housing development located close to the centre of Ayr, comprising two new residential buildings, associated parking, and a shared courtyard garden for residents. The scheme responds sensitively to its waterfront context while providing high-quality homes within a cohesive and contemporary architectural framework.
The scale and massing of the buildings are informed by the surrounding residential character, drawing on the heights, proportions, and roof pitches of the neighbouring stone-built housing. This contextual approach helps integrate the development into the existing urban fabric while establishing a distinct identity along the harbour edge.
A defining feature of the project is its expressive roofscape. Facing the waterfront, the roof form references the traditional gabled profiles of local housing while subtly evoking the maritime setting through a gently undulating silhouette. This contemporary interpretation creates a strong visual presence and reinforces the site's connection to the harbour.
The material palette has been selected for both durability and character, combining brickwork, Cedral cladding, and natural slate roofing to withstand the exposed waterfront environment. Careful detailing within the brickwork, including varied bonds and patterning, provides visual richness across the façades, helping to distinguish individual homes and break down the scale of the buildings.
Together, these elements create a robust and contextually responsive development that contributes positively to Ayr’s waterfront while delivering much-needed affordable housing.