UPSIDE DOWN HOUSES IN SALFORD AND LIGHTWEIGHT HOMES IN MILTON KEYNES ARE JUST TWO OF THE WINNING DESIGNS RECOGNISED IN THE 2008 HOUSING DESIGN AWARDS ANNOUNCED THIS MONTH. THE AWARDS DEMONSTRATE HOW STRONG DESIGNS CAN SUCCESSFULLY REINVIGORATE AND REGENERATE NEIGHBOURHOODS AND PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY HOMES THAT WILL LAST AND ARE BUILT TO THE HIGHEST ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS.
Housing Minister Caroline Flint said: “These awards show the incredible results that can be achieved when strong partnerships are formed between local communities, planners, architects and developers. The winners are testament to the creativity in the industry and demonstrate the possibilities for designing sustainable, low carbon housing that will last the test of time.” To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Housing Design Awards, this year sees the biggest ever exhibition of at least 60 schemes which have demonstrated excellence in 2008. They are on free display at the RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London W1 from 23 July to 13 September.
CHIMNEY POT PARK SALFORD
Architects Shed KM Developer Urban Splash Contractor Urban Splash Build The overall winner, comprising a stunning terrace of 2 up- 2 downs, is the result of the UK’s difficult VAT pressure which changed the original idea to modernize. It’s very original and a mix of the new behind the original brick facades (hence zero rated) and uses the innovative concept of moving the living accommodation to the top floor of the houses. The new space reflects the original dimensions while prefabricated bathrooms are compact wet rooms separating two double bedrooms. Top lighting illuminates the extra room in the roof with a GRP rooflight replacing the chimney. There is an ingenious configuration of decked garden terraces, screening and individual parking behind. The whole scheme is a very clever reversal of fortune for these once condemned terraces.
Image © 2008 Tim Crocker / Design For Homes
