Product category:
Housing, Regeneration and Developments
News Release from: Midas Homes | Subject: CABE Building for Life
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 31 October 2006
CABE Building for Life plaque unveiled
at Gunwharf
Gunwharf in Devonport is a joint Midas Homes and Devon and Cornwall Housing development designed by Lacey Hickie Caley architects.
The CABE Building for Life gold standard plaque was unveiled at Gunwharf, celebrating the completion of a successful scheme Gunwharf in Devonport is a joint Midas Homes and Devon and Cornwall Housing development designed by Lacey Hickie Caley architects, which was awarded a CABE Building for Life gold standard, one of only two awarded nationally
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 17 May 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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This national standard recognises commitment to design quality and sustainable development and is the national benchmark for well-designed housing and neighbourhoods in England.
The project received an engraved granite plaque, which was unveiled by Jeremy Gould, Professor of Architecture at the University of Plymouth and a CABE Regional Representative.
Speeches were also made by Bill Cawse, managing director of Midas Homes; Teresa Butchers, chief executive of Devon and Cornwall Housing Association and Mark Daley, associate director of Lacey Hickie Caley Architects.
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The brownfield development consists of 99 dwellings, comprising 35 homes for sale, 46 for rent and 18 shared ownership.
Midas Homes worked with Devon and Cornwall Housing Association, the South West Regional Development Agency and Plymouth architects, Lacey Hickie Caley on this project.
Bill Cawse, managing director for Midas Homes said: "We are thrilled that Gunwharf was nationally recognised for its distinctive design".
"It is a development which we are very proud of and has really benefited the local community".
Teresa Butchers, chief executive of Devon and Cornwall Housing said: "We are really pleased to have worked with our partners and residents in developing this scheme".
"Gunwharf meets local housing needs and helps the continuing regeneration of Devonport".
The judges praised the "rigorous approach" and the "ability to marry contemporary design with tradition" of the new scheme that addresses the current needs of the area, gives it a much needed sense of rejuvenation and has the potential to inspire future development.
The judges commented: "At last, this pioneering scheme starts to illustrate the full potential of this location, transforming it from a forgotten sink into a wellspring of renewal".
Historically this was an important area of Devonport and it was key to design the new urban blocks and streetscape proposals to weave into the existing fabric of the retained historic buildings.
A palette of materials were used with a predominance of render and timber cladding that echoes the ordered nature of a Georgian terraced street.
Particular praise has been given for the surfacing, energy efficiency and materials used (locally sourced wherever possible) and there was praise for the distinctive pitched slate and copper roofs.
The houses sit on a stepped terrace over looking the river Tamar.
The layout is inspired by Georgian town planning, based around a central circus which helps determine a strong sense of place, whilst making orientation clear and simple.
It acts as a public garden, and provides a central visual focus to the scheme.
The use of innovative design and layout to reduce the impact of vehicles and give priority to pedestrians is seen as an important aspect to this project.
The Home Zone principle is aimed at increasing quality of living - the scheme retains original elements such as cobbled streets, and new textured surfaces help define parking bays and boundaries without the need for raised curbs and painted lines.
Scotts Wilson, Parsons Brinckerhoff, The Willocks Practice, Claire Foxford and Randall and Simmonds were also involved in the scheme.
And funding was obtained from the South West Regional Development Agency, Devonport Regeneration Company, Plymouth City Council, the Housing Corporation, Devon and Cornwall Housing Association and the Devon Regeneration Community Partnership.
Wayne Hemingway, the chair for Building for Life said: "Building for Life is not about subscribing to any one particular form of architecture".
"It's about looking at the design of homes and the environment around our homes that best suits the way we live today.".
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