Developer: Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust
Architect: Adam Cornish, Studio Partington, London
Structural Engineer: Alan Wood and Partners
Services Engineer: Arup
Landscape Architect: Fira
Project Manager: MDA
Post completion testing: Leeds Beckett
Builder: David Wilson Homes
This is a further instalment of the notably successful new residential neighbourhood promoted by the Rowntree Housing Trust. The overall plan draws on the theories of the New Urbanism that evolved in the 1980’s that sought to combine the texture of traditional towns with the requirements of contemporary life – in particular car usage. The result involves the close integration of a broad range of house types, large and small, private and rented – set out in a way that provides parking without it dominating the street or threatening pedestrians. The buildings use traditional material in a contemporary manner. The detailing is of the highest quality and the interiors are both practical and delightful. And these standards are maintained throughout the development.
There was considerable opposition to the project in the early days. But now that the buildings are finished and occupied, the new neighbourhood is generally recognized as a very fine example of what can be achieved by a combination of thoughtful planning and meticulous design
