28 CASE STUDY
best to achieve that goal.” To do so, the contractor introduced measures such as the installation of surface water storage tanks stacked underground, and later in the process, taps that restrict the flow of water and baths that hold slightly less.
The former measure in particular is key for the scheme, as in the event of heavy rainfall, water doesn’t discharge straight into the existing drainage, potentially causing flooding further down the system. Instead it backs up into the storage tanks, and enters the system at a time when it is not as full. “Overall,” said Watson, “this makes
the development more sustainable, and lessens the impact on the current infrastructure in the area.” Once past the foundation stage, Melody
Gardens was then constructed using a traditional brick and block method. The floors are a pre-cast concrete slab,
THE SCHEME PROVIDES ENOUGH DENSITY TO MAKE THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING MODEL WORK, WITHOUT SACRIFICING ON 100 PER CENT PARKING PROVISION AND RECREATIONAL SPACES
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and each floor is a direct repeat of the one below. The internal fit-out was completed using metal stud walls with traditional plasterboard and plastered walls, and the roofs have been constructed using engineered trusses, with a single ply rubber membrane installed to act as the roof covering. Watson added: “In all, this created
a high quality finish, meeting the exacting standards for new-build affordable homes.”
DESIGN When discussing the designs behind these affordable homes, Dong explained the process necessary to address the different types of housing requirements – which range from family homes, to smaller, one-bedroom apartments “that are ideal for the ageing population.” “The houses were all designed to fit in
with the neighbouring community and the local environment,” he said, “and the site comes with a strong provision of green space and onsite amenities to aid this, as well as electric car charging points.” In terms of the distribution of these
house types, the scheme has been laid out in a way that provides enough density to make the affordable housing model work, without sacrificing on 100 per cent parking provision and recreational spaces for residents. This thoughtful design carried through
into the placemaking aspects of the build, according to Dong, placing a priority on engendering a sense of community into the development: “Places for People says that ‘places only truly succeed when they work for everyone, and when everyone is included’ – this ethos is shared by both Investar and Watson Homes, and Melody Gardens therefore needed to be built in order to deliver social value in the local community.” He continued: “Creating a community
of houses, bungalows and apartments means that Melody Gardens will foster a real sense of intergenerational living – bringing together people from all walks of life in one residential development, where they can thrive.” It’s important to recognise the high
level of sustainability specified in the designs, which according to Dong, was achieved largely through a fabric-first approach. “This meant that every construction element was scrutinised to enhance the energy performance and reduce the overall running costs of each home.”
A WELCOME RECEPTION All 58 of these homes have now been given over to Places for People to allocate
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