Competition entry for the
Nationwide Sustainable Housing Awards. Launched in September 2009 in
association with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The theme
for the 2009/2010 awards was ‘Suburban Urban – Secure and Green’ with sub
categories of new build, refurbishment and community projects.
TOWERED TERRACE - URBAN SUBURBAN LIVING
'Sustainable living
projects eg eco-towns: The standards eco-towns should include (as set out in
the 'draft Planning Policy Statement: eco-towns'):
* Affordable
housing: a minimum of 30% affordable housing in each eco-town
* Green space: a
minimum of 40% of eco-towns must be comprised of greenspace
* Community:
there must be a mixture of housing types and densities'
Design Aim: [within the context of the competition
brief, 'Suburban Urban'] to design urban affordable housing which offers peace
and quiet, greenery, privacy and is subject to the Hannover Principles of
sustainable living.
Towered Terrace - The
Towered Terrace design describes houses which utilise a standard sized land
area (32 sqmetres) of which 50% comprises green space, with a standard size
internal volume area (60 sq metres). This design is not intended for non urban
landscapes.
CONSTRUCTION - economical
eg:as in commercial building: pre-fabricated steel frame/
pre-fabricated concrete/double glazed staircase and large windows
INTERIOR - traditional:
Ground Floor - Internal 4m x
4m - Lounge /kitchen
Large double glazed bay window to front and rear ( rear incorporates
door into garden (4m x 4m).
Double glazing surrounding staircase
First Floor - 4m x 4m - Master bedroom
Large double glazed bay window to front and
rear
Landing for staircase to second
floor
Double glazing surrounding staircase
Second Floor - 4m x 3m - Bathroom/Storage
Landing to staircase for third floor
Third Floor - 4m x 4m - Bedrooms
2 and 3
Large double glazed bay window to front and rear
Notes / Advantages
1. Green space provided for each house despite urban
surround.
2. Modern design based on stylish respected automobile
design. Facade concrete to be coloured [metallic effect colours]. These colours
are already prevalent in the landscape (cars) therefore are not expected to
cause alarm. Residents to be offered colour choice to induce affection for
their property eg: more traditional pastel colours.
3. Internal privacy promoted by positioning of bathroom
between master bedroom and bedrooms 2 and 3.
4. Vertical design (14m) promotes motion therefore health.
Designed specifically for young urban families (age
18-35).
5. This building is designed to incorporate eco-friendly
building materials as far as is practically possible ie: FOUNDATION - Expanded clay
aggregate - excellent thermal insulation properties./ STRUCTURE
- Concrete - low carbon emitting
concrete. Glass panels and steel sections – use of material
reclaimed from demolition sites, salvage centres, reclamation sites and other
specialist companies./ INSULATION
- Cellulose – in the form of quilts, boards and batts composed of
newsprint and other cellulose fibre. Lime plaster./ HEATING - Solar
heating - Combines a photovoltaic system with a secondary source, such as
the wood pellet stove, to provide all year cover of electricity./ VENTILATION
- Louvered vents./ LIGHTING
- Daylighting Design - large double glazed PVC windows therefore natural
daylight. WASTE - Water - a gravity hot-water system. Toilets
- Low-[DUAL] flush toilet. Taps and Fittings - Push taps. Showers - Low-flow
showerhead. Rainwater Harvesting Systems