Hypostyle Architects' Light Garden design concept has a clear emphasis on sustainability. The proposal draws from the prioritisation of pedestrian links through Southwick and the reversal of the primary entry point to the dwelling from front to back.

The garden is pulled into, and vertically through each unit with a ribbon of living green planting. This forms the basis of the plan deep sunspace that rises through the upper floors, allowing through passage of light and air.

The plan of the home comprises a compact services and circulation zone running front to back within the original footprint. The light garden connects this core with an open plan, full-depth, living unit representative of the modern living ideal.

Pushing alternate living units to the front and rear articulates the plan to generate a south facing elevation for each dwelling that maximises potential solar gain throughout.

The light garden section enhances natural daylight penetration and acts as a passive stack ventilation solution. Open tread stairs and cross bridging at upper floors promote visual links throughout.

»Sustainability
Ground source heat pump technology provides space and water heating. A communal borehole diverges and feeds into each property. Space heating is a below floor system zoned and thermostatically controlled. The system is carbon neutral when coupled with the solar photovoltaic roof tiles, providing required electrical power for the pump and other climate control elements.

Services and circulation are collated to one side of each dwelling, maximising space and services efficiency. This is separated from the living areas by the vertical 'garden'. This provides necessary stack and cross ventilation, whereby cool air enters low and is drawn through the light garden to roof level where it vents to external air through system/thermostatically controlled louvres.

Rainwater collection and a grey water recycling system are proposed to communal external below-ground tanks. The recycled water is used to flush WCs and irrigate planting in the light garden and the external garden. Attenuation of rainwater will be aided by the provision of a sedum green roof.

Light garden

The sedum green roof acts as an ecological extension of the green route promoted in the overall masterplan. This promotes passive carbon dioxide absorption from the immediate micro-climate and with the light garden planting promotes healthy air in the home.

It is proposed that the existing north gable is altered to accommodate integrated bat/swift boxes at high level.

Each garden space has a dedicated area for recycling of general household waste. This is complemented by a composting facility for recycling of green waste. Integrated intelligent control systems and smart meters give residents enhanced ability to manage environmental conditions and monitor generated/grid consumption.

Building materials are recycled where possible, with bricks being reused in the extension build or garden.

Reclaimed timber is used to form decking or chipped for use in the garden or in compost. Triple glazing is used throughout with existing and new build fabric insulated to the minimum U value to meet the 2013 requirement of level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, with a view to achieving better.

We anticipate an Ecohomes XB credit score, under BREEAM, and using the pre-assessment estimator we anticipate 82 credit points out of a possible 100 points.

The passive energy generation and preservation measures proposed would contribute to an anticipated betterment of current building standards by 65%.

»Flexibility
The open plan arrangement allows for flexibility in use/space planning, depending on individual residents' needs and desires.

The main living area can be separated from the kitchen with a sliding screen, providing the ability to change the spatial environment. It also allows for separate environmental conditions.

Positioning of the kitchen for east morning sun and the sunspace to the west, evening sun, simulates typical morning to evening usage patterns. Solar gain and natural light are maximised.

The design reflects Lifetime Homes criteria, considering initial provision and future adaptation for the multiple needs of users, old and young. The plan allows for future installation of a stair lift.

»87 Shakespeare Street
We propose including number 87 in the redevelopment, with a view to sharing the sustainable benefits of the interventions with existing residents.

In keeping with the overall concept, should the residents not wish to adopt the proposal, we propose the minimally disruptive addition of a south facing sunroom, mirroring the massing of the other units.

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