2009 WINNING SCHEMES > Project Winners

 

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The feted Newhall development in Harlow has struggled with slow production arising from some of its design complexity. A detailed code to unify some 3500 homes promotes local colours and crafts and an earlier scheme by these same architects included thatchers (Abode, Housing Design Awards 2004). The experience led the practice to rethink delivery of the code’s aspiration for local materials and modern architecture.

The result is a rare example of market sale volumetric housebuilding on a greenfield site. It utilises the Futureform Building System, a monocoque steel construction. Modules arrive on site sealed and weather tight with a full internal fit-out. They are then stacked, roofed in clay tiles and faced in classic Essex white render before prefabricated porches, canopies and balconies complete the exterior elevations.

The aim is to allow customers to specify extensive internal variations in bathroom and kitchen fit-outs, but still have the homes ready at about 16 weeks from reservation. A prototype interior was unveiled in Spring 2007 and the architects invested in their concept, becoming a JV developer with Renascent Developments Ltd for the 78 homes.

Launched as ‘slo’ (Simple Living Opportunities), the acronym soon reflected the market. A method of accelerating customisation to achieve a time-frame demanded by eager purchasers, found the market mired in anxiety and 16 weeks looking like a reckless dash. Part of the scheme has been pre-let to Moat, one of Harlow’s affordable development partners. The rest grinds on and judges chose to reclassify the half-finished scheme as a Project.

The houses deserve much better luck. The narrow 2-bed terrace houses draw daylight into their middle with an open plan and the stair at the centre, allowing light to pass either side. A lightwell over the kitchen also naturally illuminates the bathroom above, diffused through an opaque glass wall.

Courtyard houses at 107.5 m2 exploit the steel-frame to span expanses of fenestration at ground floor level, connecting living space with outdoors. A screened, covered outdoor area can be used to park bicycles and buggies and provides an outdoor ‘room’, adding to the sense of space to stretch out. Homes were all designed to be on average 5 m2 larger than standards introduced by English Partnerships in 2007, while construction trounces Building Regulations, achieving thermal efficiency only expected from changes due in 2013.

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