New Islington regeneration project

New Islington regeneration project achieves EcoHomes Excellent rating with Ibstock Brick Northern Buff.

Matching Ibstock Brick's commitment to sustainability in brick manufacture, the Guest Street, New Islington project, on regeneration ground in Manchester by practice dMFK, has delivered outstanding inner city social housing which achieves the EcoHomes Excellence rating.

This much commended and written about terrace of houses is part of an extensive Urban Splash development on 29 acres of brownfield industrial regeneration between the Ashton and Oldham to Rochdale canals.

"We always select building materials from manufacturers who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability," comments director Julian de Metz, "which is why Ibstock's Northern Buff was chosen for the project".

"The housing is a finalist in the Public Housing category of the Brick Development Association Awards." "Northern Buff is a waterstruck brick made at our Birtley, Co Durham, factory," points out Ibstock Marketing Manager Andrew Halstead-Smith.

"We have 24 manufacturing sites using local clays around the country, which means our transport costs to site are kept as low as possible".

"It's great to see our commitment recognised in such an exemplary development, which achieves the EcoHomes ratings for its low primary energy consumption, low CO2 emissions and low water consumption".

The 14 houses at Guest Street were designed after extensive consultation with future residents, and incorporate many elements that make them outstanding places to bring up a family.

These resident-friendly features include a courtyard design introducing light on three sides and big central kitchens as a gathering centre for eating and other family activities like homework.

Amongst the range of sustainability features are green roofs for improved insulation and increased bio diversity.

The Guest Street houses have been built by the Manchester Methodist Housing Association (Great Places) as social housing for rent.

They form part of the New Islington development planned by architect Will Alsop for Urban Splash which also includes projects by other forward looking architectural practices.

Back to top