Design process

Using modern methods of construction

The architects strongly promoted the use of modern methods of construction. Unusually, and with the exception of the three storey terraced houses, the buildings are steel framed, with composite floors and a pre-formed light gauge insulated steel panel system which arrived on site with windows in place. External wall panels were clad with Siberian larch rainscreen cladding, installed from cherry pickers.

The terraced housing was formed of prefabricated timber panels which took just 12 days to erect on site. All buildings achieved an eco-homes rating of ‘very good’. This form of construction enabled the dramatic cantilevers to be built economically and minimised the need for scaffolding.

Applying a high quality finish

Brightly coloured rendered panels form backdrops to the terraces and alleviate the otherwise rigorous use of timber strip cladding. High quality double glazed timber windows complete the European, high quality, feel to the development.

The homes are finished to a high internal standard, have good natural lighting and feel warm and comfortable. Floor to floor heights are 2.7m and blocks are typically 10m deep.

Supplying central electricity and hot water

A central combined heat and power unit generates electricity and provides spare heating and hot water for the development. It is metered separately and supplied via a rather bulky heat exchanger to each unit. This is calculated to be at least 10% more efficient than the localised alternative. Whole house mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is installed and, as a result of this approach to energy use, total emissions are reduced to approximately 80kgCO2/M2.

Ensuing innovation and transparency

The project team was selected at the outset, to develop a collaborative and transparent process which Octavia thought was essential to realise an innovative scheme within quality, cost and programme parameters. This was a difficult working environment where the team had to interface on many complicated issues with the shopping centre developers.

“We wanted to get input from potential supply chain as early as possible especially from the several specialist sub contractors which had a design input. This required considering options, market testing, considering business cases and tendering work packages. The goal was that the scheme would be fully detailed and the whole of the supply chain would be in place prior to work commencing on site,” said John Nixon, Development Manager at Octavia.

The development was completed for £11,714,000, equivalent to £1707 per sqm.