28 CASE STUDY
OAK FRAMED DOUBLE GABLES ARE INTENDED TO ‘ROOT’ THE PROPERTIES INTO THE RURAL LANDSCAPE
species in order to maintain the healthy canopy and carpets of bluebells.” Also integral to minimising impact on this ecology, the team developed a SuDS design for the site, using an existing combined drain at the rear of the site. In line with environmental guidance, then added an attenuation pond to control the flow of storm water into the central systems.
Springbourne wins Best Residential Development Leicestershire award
walls and then install the roof. However, the team found that the oak frames needed further lateral support and would need temporary propping while the roof was installed. Then, the tolerances of the large roof spans and variances in the wall plates could pose problems with the pitches. “After many design and installation meetings with our supply chain partners, architects and structural engineers we decided to construct the houses with the opening, roof included,” says Harris. “It would require strengthening in the roof structure using gable ladders and glulam beams, however the oak could then be scribed and installed within the aperture – tolerances were critical here, as was access for cranes to position and access for trades to make safe and secure fixings into the walls.”
PERFORMANCE
A further benefit that this use of timber brought to the development is its inherent environmentality, also bolstered by the offsite methods used to put them together. Harris tells me that minimising the development’s environmental footprint was always an essential goal for the team in the whole project, particularly as it is a greenfield site.
One way in which they hoped to achieve this was to embrace EVs for example, and install, as standard, one car charging point per property, the capacity to add a second was included. Another example, and one that was more challenging, was the transition to air source heating technologies across the
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homes, “presenting a learning curve in every part of the build.” To fill the company’s gap in experience here, Springbourne partnered with Vaillant, who Harris says were invaluable in this journey: “The lower operating temperatures of the air means that the battle to reduce radiators had now returned.” However, their suggestion of using underfloor heating negated unsightly radiator panels and provided balanced ambient heat to the house, controlled with in-room thermostats, and wirelessly operated.
One further challenge they faced was balancing the heat output with the relative heat losses – making it vital to retain energy. At Hornsey Rise, this was achieved through creating large 250 mm cavities to include high performance mineral insulation, reportedly out- performing the standards for SAP and air tightness.
ECOLOGY
Beyond technological innovations, Springbourne Homes also had a duty of care to look after the surrounding ecology, including not just the varied tree and plant life, but badger sets, rabbits, birds of prey, and even the occasional Muntjac deer.
In order to approach this in the most informed way, the team engaged the services of specialists, including arboricul- turists, to preserve a number of special trees. He continues: “We have invested large sums of money in the restorative works and maintenance of trees within the woodland, and removed self setting
SUCCESS
Having spent the best part of two years developing, designing and creating the masterplan for Hornsey Rise, Harris is “delighted” with the initial response to the project.
“The real success came when we finally erected our first sign board outside the entrance,” he says. “The enquiry rate was a steady two to three per day, and the conversion rate on site was over 80%.” According to Harris, people were buying off plan in “absolute comfort,” and within eight months of the site being operational reservations were completed throughout. This included plots that had not been dug out for foundations. Outside of prospective residents, Harris says the project’s greatest reactions have been from within the industry, especially scooping three prestigious prizes at the UK Property Awards, including Best in the UK for Architecture.
Looking back on the efforts behind this success, Harris reflects that building bespoke luxury homes is “no easy journey.”
“It takes time to craft the design, harness the build and care for the customer,” he says. “However, it is all worth it when you see the excitement in their eyes as they take the keys.” g
SUPPLIER’S LIST
Architecture - Hayward Architects Flooring - Karndean Taps - Quooker Sanitaryware - Hans Grohe, Villeroy and Boch Tiling - Porcelanosa Heating - Vaillant
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