The proposal consists of flexible multi-level terraces, expansive and lively semi-private community spaces, plus safe, naturally lit and ventilated underground parking to accommodate the needs of a variety of homeowners.

Sustainability/technologies

The proposed standard home is designed to high environmental standards and includes features such as a groundwater heat pump, photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof, and an integrated mechanical heat recovery system. Other features include mechanical solar louvres and internal blinds controlling the level of solar gain, plus an integrated rainwater harvesting system for use alongside the washing machine, for plant watering and WC flushing.

Carefully selected utility products also ensure minimum energy expenditure. These include fittings such as A++ rated white goods, low water use shower and taps, and dual flush WCs.

Each house is also fitted with an electric car charger as standard. The aim of this is to encourage homebuyers to consider the positive effects of choosing electric cars over the standard polluting vehicle. Car chargers are also placed in the visitor underground parking spaces, to allow all to use the area for energy effective purposes.

Materials and construction

The design is based on the FutureForm modular building system. The system is fast, safe, efficient and is both time and cost efficient with regard to construction. It provides eco-friendly, sustainable, low-maintenance buildings with more than 90 per cent reduced waste during the construction process. It also provides a high level of thermal insulation and airtightness to the building.

The structural design of the home allows for ease of construction, and the possibility of prefabrication of the interiors and the facade. This method also allows for simple structural grids of transportable proportion, which is a critical consideration.

BionictileR cladding is chosen as the preferred aesthetic. As well as providing the buildings with a structured yet subtle appearance, the cladding has eco-friendly benefits such as the ability to degrade the pollution it absorbs and convert it to fertiliser, which can be used on the copious vegetation covering the site. The cladding is an ideal choice in the urban setting.

The proposed wooden louvres provide solar control, as well as some privacy into the glazed areas on the front elevation. The louvres are locally sourced, minimising transportation costs during construction.

Gas filled, aluminium frame triple glazed window units ensure maximum insulation to the houses, and minimise heat loss.

Ecology

The designers regard the extensive integration of vegetation and ecology as being very important element to the scheme. Biodiversity not only encourages wildlife and a range of ecosystems, but also improves the aesthetic value of the area significantly.

The community is encouraged to grow its own vegetables and plants within individual glasshouses, located on the top floors of the houses, or alternatively in communal vegetable patches located in the central core of the neighborhoods.

Green walls with carefully selected plants also provide ideal conditions for wildlife.

Ecological enhancement and opening of dark areas also helps to prevent or deter the possibility of uncivilised activity.

Adaptability (Lifetime Homes)

One of the main criteria for the project is its compliance with Lifetime Homes criteria. This proposal is closely focused on these requirements.

All approaches to the houses are level or gently sloping, including the car park access. This allows for ease of wheelchair use. The entrances are well illuminated and have a level threshold, as well as a 1200mm by 1200mm external landing. All entrances doors have 850mm clear openings and have 300mm nib to the leading edge of the door on the pull side. This allows for future adaptation to create a wider access point to the house.

Circulation within the dwelling, and in the area as a whole, is accessible by wheelchair. The living spaces are capable of a clear turning circle of 1500mm to allow for ease of rotation.

Sufficient space is provided at entrance level to allow for additional bed space, should this be required. The ground floor WC is designed with drainage provisions for a shower to be fitted in the future. Also within the WCs are fitted walls capable of firm fixing and support for adaptations such as grab rails.

There is a 1000mm by 1500mm space allocated for a potential through-floor lift in every home, and a route is available for a potential hoist from the larger first floor bedroom to the bathroom should this need to be provided.

Underground parking

The scheme integrates underground parking, allowing the above-ground space to be primarily a car-free zone. The basement level is naturally lit through large punctured spaces through the level above, as well as open slots running along the frontages of all the houses. These features also allow the underground space to be naturally ventilated.
Escalators, and a lift, allow for movement between the two levels, and storage is provided underground for both general use, and more specifically for the vegetable patch.

© British Homes Awards |  Site design: LW design