24 CASE STUDY
architects are aiming to re-imagine what was originally conceived in 1838 as a cost- friendly solution designed for homes for workers. In practice, however, the project team have designed a more contemporary take, which David said will “fill the gap between the apartment market and the national housebuilders.” The first project is made up of 40 two-
bed Sky-Houses, and four four-bed end ‘specials,’ all of which include roof terraces. These will all be freehold, though a self- managed management company will look after the communal grounds. There are four blocks of eleven homes in
“WE WANTED CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE TO BE AVAILABLE TO THE FIRST- TIME BUYER AND NOT JUST THE WEALTHY ELITE!” – DAVID CROSS, CODA ARCHITECTS
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plan, separated by a small parking court- yard and the pocket park. The homes’ layout are linear and ‘stringing’ in terms of their design, taking reference from the region’s industrial past with locally inspired saw-tooth roofs. There is small ground floor patio leading off the open plan living area, first floor balcony off the master bedroom, and a rooftop garden off the fourth floor study. The homes are being traditionally built of brick and mortar, and will include aluminium windows and zinc roofs. The architect added: “These are top quality materials, and not bog standard house- builder specification!” They will also be highly insulated, both in terms of their air tightness and acoustic treatments, as well as being “naturally low energy by design.” David explained: “They are low-tech, but low-energy – airtight, with low E appli- ances and bulbs throughout, and bags of natural light. We didn’t want the houses to be like an aircraft control system to run.” It is also hoped that the houses will weather over time, “like the timeless classic that is the Victorian Terrace,” said Coda.
HOMES & INTERIORS On the inside, also designed by the archi- tects, the homes are designed to be flexible and low-maintenance, “for the busy urban- ite,” as the firm put it.
The ground floors will be open plan, and each home will include a double bed and a bathroom, which David Cross said will be “ideal for families, sharers, downsizers or anyone wanting their own architect- designed ‘Grand Design.’” With the houses being stacked one room and one bathroom per floor, the architects have created a sense of vertical living, which utilises space efficiently, so families can make the most of the homes. The interiors will have a modern
minimalist feel throughout, and will contain over 840 foot squared of living space each. High gloss white and grey interiors will fill these areas, with storage space considered a priority, including optional fitted wardrobes.
OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS Explaining the practice’s ethos when designing the project, David explained: “We wanted contemporary architecture to be available to the first-time buyer and not just the wealthy elite!” “We have had nothing but good feedback,” he continued, including from “national news, regional news, and approaches from all over the UK to bring Sky-House to their communities.” The process has been seen to break new
ground in development, and as such David commented on the barriers the team have overcome to achieve this: “Five years R&D with banks, valuers and local planners. We’ve ripped up the rulebook to create a totally new market – we wanted to create naturally affordable, beautiful and sustain- able homes.” The architect concluded: “Sky-House has been one of Coda’s most talked about and applauded concepts and one that we feel will fit in perfectly with the Waverley devel- opment plan.”
Complete with Help to Buy available, the
new Sky-Houses will provide a great opportunity for first time buyers and young families alike, and continues a new trend in the up and coming community of Waverley.
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