Going beyond the brief
The need for homes
Following the financial downturn and the
changing needs in this area, Spire Homes and Longhurst Group’s
development team, with the full backing of the local authority and
additional funding secured from the Homes and Communities Agency
were able to turn an existing building into high quality apartments
for the over 55’s at St Peter’s Way.
Despite their beautiful setting the original
building had become outdated and unsuitable containing 20 very
small bedsits with bathrooms shared between several flats. The
building was built on several levels, making it hard for people
with restricted mobility. As a consequence, many of the flats
remained empty for long periods of time and it was exceptionally
hard finding people who wanted to move in.
Beyond the brief
Spire Homes and Longhurst Group’s development
team commissioned a number of surveys to establish if the existing
property could be refurbished to provide larger accommodation, but
the layout of the property proved this to be a non viable option.
The decision was taken to close the building and move any current
tenants into nearby bungalows. This was back in 2006, but many
former tenants are still neighbours. As part of the closure, the
Development Team commissioned Midlands Rural Housing to carry out a
survey to establish the type of housing required to replace St
Peters Way and which scheme would best benefit the local community
in Irthlingborough. The project was a complete overhaul,
demolishing the original site, and rebuilding.
Design and Sustainability
In keeping with the neighbouring church, the
flats boast a sympathetic design. Bricks and roof tiles are of a
similar shade together with brown timber-effect UPVC windows, as
opposed to standard white. The properties have been constructed
using a sustainable method of modern timber frame. Utilising a
prefabricated timber frame helps to speed the building process up,
accommodating other trades to start on site and results in budgets
and programme targets being achieved.
A grant of approximately £1.1million was secured
allowing the site to be developed to suit the current economic
climate. The result of which has created high quality luxurious
homes for the over 55’s. With the additional funding, Interior
Classics produced a high quality design providing a modern and
comfortable living space.
Specific features for the over 55’s were
incorporated into the design of the build. An emergency call care
system, Tunstall, was integrated in the building and wet rooms were
built in some of the rooms to provide choice to potential
residents. A scooter store was also included in the build.
Please click on the images to enlarge