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PROJECT REPORT: RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
“We wanted to focus on simple but elegant architectural form, whilst adding character to the homes with premium quality materials and points of interest”
development the homes have generous circulation spaces, higher than average ceiling heights, and a focus on natural light throughout, as well as high spec finishes. “It is important to us that the core product is at a standard that’s higher than other housebuilders,” says Gavin Calthrop, director of operations at Stonewood Partnerships. “That is why,” he says, “we have very few sales extras available, as we include these in the home as standard, for example, underfloor heating and oak floor finishing.” It is in part because of this high attention to detail that the development won the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) South West House Builder Award, with the trade association hailing the project as “setting the bar high for future projects,” and reinforcing Stonewood’s credentials as “a top-tier house builder.”
The right location “Working as part of Stonewood Group, we were first introduced to the prospect of working in new-build development through a former client, Richard Cherry, who is ex Countryside Properties,” says Calthrop. According to the director, the company is always keen to diversify, and so, through him “opening their eyes to the prospect,” the developer realised there was potential to create a “niche, high-quality, community-led
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scheme” that was in keeping with its core brand values. “We wanted to find the right location that would enable us to create a quality product that stays true to the Stonewood brand, so we focused on rural locations that would be resilient to market fluctuations,” he continues. As such, when the opportunity arose to build Stonewood’s first new scheme in Great Somerford, Calthrop tells me it felt like the “natural choice.” “Working with funding partners Housing Growth Partnership and Close Bros, we feel that we have a finished product we can all be truly proud of,” he adds.
Site acquisition & planning When it came to acquiring the land, Gavin highlights Stonewood’s positive existing relationship with the landowners, which ensured a “smooth conditional purchase” (facilitated by Savills). There was existing, but somewhat outdated planning consent, so the team spent time improving it, to ensure the development was more in keeping with the vernacular of the village. According to Calthrop, there were some access challenges to overcome with the site access extending through the old farm, but other than that, he reports that it was a “straightforward” site, needing little remediation.
ADF AUGUST 2022
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