Poundbury Crescent

Dorchester, Dorset 2001

Woodlands Crescent forms one of the central urban areas at Poundbury. Commissioned by the Duchy of Cornwall, the houses were designed as a series of linked villas loosely based on the Paragon, Blackheath, London.

The materials and detailing have been kept deliberately simple. Brick and stucco walls rely on good proportion for effect. It was practical to use repeated cast stone elements for pilaster bases, capitals and string course. Stucco door surrounds and iron railings are based on 19th c. originals.

The Crescent was highly commended in the 2006 Georgian Group Annual Award, Best New Building in the Classical Tradition.

The initial designs were developed by Ben Pentreath when he was working with Fairfax and Sammons Architects, New York.