As the traditional boundaries between industrial, residential, and logistics spaces are blurring in the ever-evolving tapestry of urban landscapes, at Chetwoods we believe that finding the best co-location design solution requires a courageous approach that applies clever and imaginative thinking to make spaces work for new users and uses.

The perpetual dance between functional form and humanising aesthetics in our built environments is more relevant than ever in seeking to realise the untapped potential that lies at the intersection of industrial, residential, and logistics activities, so that we can create dynamic environments where live, work, and play converge and communities will thrive.

Courageous Creativity

Our founder and Chairman Laurie Chetwood’s bold approach to architectural design has always recognised that creativity is inseparable from risk-taking: to truly innovate, architects must be willing to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the unknown.

This is a philosophy that is instilled within our practice. Our designs always seek to go beyond conventional boundaries, drawing on a range of interdisciplinary perspectives to develop a successful architectural alchemy of building forms and uses. As we now develop new urban co-location typologies, we continue to push boundaries with a willingness to experiment with unconventional layouts and bold aesthetics.

Integrated Approach

When we are designing a new co-location development of adaptable hybrid spaces, we consider balancing the needs of different stakeholders, mitigating noise and environmental impacts, and navigating regulatory hurdles require careful planning and innovative design solutions.

As important as physical function, commercial viability and sustainability is how the design of co-location environments can facilitate the exchange of ideas, serendipitous encounters and cultivate a sense of belonging to those who experience them.

To achieve this, we consider every aspect of the project through the multiple lenses of its wider physical and community contexts, history, heritage and culture, and how we can design-in emotional, sensory and physical wellbeing for its employees, residents, visitors, and surrounding communities.

This requires a wide-ranging collaborative approach. We assemble a melting pot of different interdisciplinary perspectives, supported by our own research. We consider psychological and emotional responses to design, and social and organisational behaviour, drawing on the creative input of artists, scientists and craft-makers, and the multi-sensory impacts of materials, textures, colour and biophilic design principles.

Dynamic Communication

We use hand-drawing and sketching as a creative tool in our development of a design concept. This hands-on technique allows us the fluidity to explore and convey our thinking and ideas about the essence of a design’s permutations of massing, relationships, and connections, to all stakeholders from an accessible human perspective.

Integrated And Sustainable Urban Future

Integrated architectural typologies require an integrated approach. By breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across disciplines, we can create vibrant, resilient communities that thrive on diversity and innovation. The creative co-location of industrial, residential, and logistics uses represents a bold step towards a more integrated and sustainable urban future—one where people, businesses, and the built environment coexist in harmony, enriching communities and shaping the cities of tomorrow.