A model for affordable and sustainable housing

In the UK, the pursuit of affordable housing remains a pressing challenge, as soaring property prices and stagnant wage growth create a widening gap in the housing market.

At Pick Everard, we believe all people deserve a home. A home that is well-designed, safe, efficient and part of a sustainable community. Our proposal for 40-48 Midland Road in Bristol combines this ethos to deliver 71 one-and two-bedroom apartments, centred around a series of vertical gardens at its heart.

The importance of a sense of place

The 'Neighbourhood experience' is pivotal in enhancing the health and well-being of families, emphasising the importance of both a quality home environment and a tangible 'sense of place'.

Central to fostering a thriving community are the meticulously designed public spaces, including a roof garden and 'vertical gardens', which serve as the heart of social life. These shared amenity spaces, accessible to all residents, are intended to be the nucleus of the community, fostering engagement and facilitating social interactions.

Design for the future

In line with the city's climate goals, the design emphasises the need for climate-smart solutions. The use of Passivhaus design strategies, including a defined thermal envelope, optimum form factor, the use of natural daylight, the integration of solar shading and careful positioning and sizing of openings.

To improve energy efficiency, the development incorporates increased fabric efficiency, high air tightness, MVHR and connection to Bristol’s heat network, maintaining a comfortable internal environment, thermal comfort, and good health and well-being.

Crafted with an open-plan and adaptable layout, each apartment features a dual aspect design, complemented by private balconies. They are also equipped to accommodate working from home needs, offering an integrated desk and storage solution that can be discreetly tucked away behind bi-fold doors.

Linking in the local surroundings

The building's exterior is thoughtfully designed to harmonise with its local surroundings, durability, and environmental considerations. Showcasing a simple yet elegant approach, each residential block presents a robust solution coupled with a pronounced brickwork lattice. The efficient form, façade composition and internal layouts have been specifically designed to enable Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including; modularisation of elevational components and volumetric solutions for repeatable elements, such as, utility cupboards and bathrooms. Enabling standardisation and off-site quality control.

The architectural design culminates at the roof level, where the building's mass steps back to unveil 'scalloped' glass-reinforced concrete panels, harmoniously complementing the protruding brickwork that forms private terraces.

Linking the residential blocks are a series of green, lightweight steel platforms. This industrial design aesthetic responds to the heritage of the area and represents an honest architectural approach. Creating open, semi-enclosed external spaces that seamlessly blend the indoors with the outdoors. This motif is echoed in the balconies, further reinforcing the cohesive and integrated nature of the entire architectural scheme.

The role of design in urban transformation

By prioritising affordability, sustainability, and community, this design showcases the potential of creative solutions in addressing complex urban challenges, creating a sense of place and belonging, thereby forming a vibrant new neighbourhood.