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The project, now completed, already ‘teems with life’ – the Market Square in particular proving to be a vibrant social hub for the new community
considered throughout the design process, with edible plants interspersed across the site. Wildlife was further encouraged through bird boxes and ponds, and a combination of wild meadows and manicured lawn areas. Gavin Henderson told Housebuilder & Developer that this kind of ecological living was “fundamental to the ambition of the North West Cambridge Development,” one which is not just actioned through planting. The masterplan provides for limited car use for example, site wide combined heat and power energy generation meaning that individual homes do not need boilers, and photovoltaic panels have been roof mounted to all 10 buildings. As well as this, the apartments have been designed to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5, while retail units and non- residential spaces will reportedly achieve BREEAM Excellent. The homes themselves display a high
ONCE THE SUN SETS, THE MARKET SQUARE IS LIT UP WITH PROJECTIONS OF ARTWORKS, POEMS AND PATTERNS, ALL INSPIRED BY CAMBRIDGE AND THE HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF ITS UNIVERSITY
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performing building envelope to match and fulfil these specifications, including low U-values and high standards of air tightness and sound insulation. The residences include passive solar design to supplement the energy usage, with generous levels of both daylight and views out to the surrounding landscape offered on all occupied areas. The homes also offer natural cross ventilation, achieved through open plan layouts and dual aspects. These designs are even future proofed to a degree – adaptability being consid- ered through a 120 year design life of principal structural elements. Aside from the residences, cycling proved to be another avenue for sustain-
ability. With cycling a part of the culture in Cambridge, it was clear from the outset that the mode of transport needed special provision throughout the site. This is enacted through timber pavilions scattered throughout the site, which not only provide secure storage space, but also provide an oppor- tunity for social interaction. Acting as garden wall-like elements, their slatted timber facades connect the enclosed spaces to the landscape beyond, and create a lantern effect after dark. The single storey cycle pavilions also serve to break down the scale and massing of the surrounding buildings, “celebrating arrival by bicycle,” said the architects.
POSITIVE FEEDBACK
The project, now completed, is already beginning to bustle and teem with life – the Market Square in particular proving to be a vibrant social hub for the new community. Heather Topel, project director of the North West Cambridge Development was reportedly “delighted” with the project on completion, calling it the “final piece” of Eddington, and one which “establishes a high quality environment for the new and surrounding communities.”
Gavin himself was similarly happy with the result,” especially with the positive feedback the practice has received from the first residents.
Only time will tell, but it appears as though this community-first style of development is set to provide an example of well-catered key worker housing. Blending the urban with the natural effec- tively, it feels as though this project genuinely belongs in this landscape. g
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