Project Brief
We supported Equans with the phased delivery of this major scheme which provides accommodation for a range of ages and needs. Following demolition of 22 properties, we provided civil and structural design services for two four-storey buildings. Cherry Tree House comprises 51 sheltered apartments for the over-55s, with Hillside containing 34 general needs apartments. They connect to three existing blocks, establishing a larger village of 181 homes with secure access to the popular Ziff Community Centre.
Solution
Clear, consistent coordination helped achieve excellent outcomes on this impressive community scheme, part-funded by Homes England. Winner of ‘Supported/Sheltered Housing Scheme of the Year 2023’ at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Northern Awards, the development provides desirable, modern dwellings that are low-rent, energy-efficient, warm and secure.
Adept designed the substructure, foundations, superstructure and drainage, and detailed the external canopies, low-level roofs and boundary treatments. We managed delivery of the flood risk assessment and transport reports, and worked with the geoenvironmental consultant to evaluate intrusive site investigations. We achieved approval for the joint S278/S38 application, completing a land transfer plan to assist with adoption of a new footway.
We supported value engineering strategies to streamline the design. This included designing cantilevered corner floor slab panels to eliminate the need for corner building structural steel posts, and confirming a viable reduction in the number of wind posts required in the link corridor. Repositioning plant also introduced a project cost-saving by reducing the overall built footprint.
As the project progressed, we accommodated design amendments, including a change to areas of curtain walling and interior design proposals that altered internal glazing. We coordinated carefully with the team to maintain fire compartmentation throughout all stages.
Site conditions rendered CHP and air source heat pumps unviable, however roof-mounted PV provide 10% of electricity.
