LONGHURST GROUP HA CALIFORNIA ROAD HOUSING
Completed in 2023, the multi award winning residential development, consisted of 56 new build affordable houses for the housing provider Longhurst Group.
Located upon an existing brown field site, the requirement was to provide a mix of one, two and three bedroom properties that met the local housing needs. As well as housing, the development also provided a much-needed pedestrian route across the site connecting existing adjacent developments and a new large open public space with integrated sustainable urban drainage systems in the form of a lake.
The unit sizes were aligned to the National Housing Standards and offered modern, good quality, affordable accommodation for local families. Every house on the development was designed with its own private garden and parking which was a requirement of the Huntingdonshire District Councils local standards. The units have larger format windows, improving natural daylight while providing uplifted elevation treatments.
Key views into but also out of and across the site were carefully considered to create an attractive and open development.
The development was constructed using the Eco 200 Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) system manufactured offsite. The factory finished prefabricated external wall panels had 200mm of insulation providing an impressive ultra-low thermal u-value rating. This approach combined with a ground source heat pump helps to reduce the daily running costs for residents, while meeting Longhurst’s sustainability targets.
The project won Social Housing of the Year and Timber Frame Project of the Year in the Structural Timber Awards 2023.