INTEGRATED DESIGN TEAM FOR SOCIAL HOUSING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT AT HANNAHSTOWN PH2, BELFAST

Descriptions

Radius Homes Limited (Radius) and Choice Housing Association (Choice) are seeking to select an architect led, multidisciplinary design team to lead the development of a circa 270 unit social housing scheme on land to the north of the Glen Road in West Belfast., This design contest seeks a development that will provide a landscape-led master plan with high quality housing for families and individuals, which will fully integrate with the surrounding area and will bring a part brownfield site back into use. The proposal should create an innovative, high quality housing offer that reflects the unique characteristics of the land and its surroundings, while also challenging the perception of social housing design and delivery. , Radius and Choice are committed to continually improving the quality of our new build housing offer as we recognise its influence in acting as a catalyst for wider social, economic, cultural and community benefits which are fundamental to good place making and the empowerment of strong and resilient communities., The dwellings shall be designed using low maintenance components and provide a “home for life” for tenants regardless of change in circumstances. Consideration should be given to the ease of future maintenance with special regard to servicing and cleaning. Designs should highlight particular elements, which promote energy conservation, sustainability and conservation of biodiversity. Particular attention should be paid to innovative new concepts, which may improve the design, efficiency and environment of the buildings, a fabric first approach is preferred to achieve this. All of the new dwellings should be built to a minimum standard of EPC rating A. Radius and Choice are committed to improving the sustainability and environmental impact of their developments and have identified this scheme as an opportunity to pursue a landscape-led master plan, whereby the landscape proposals should drive the layout and character of the scheme. Emphasis on green and blue infrastructure will be encouraged, and the relationship between buildings and landscape character and setting will be important factor. The provision of open space, ecology and biodiversity gain, habitat creation and the conservation and retention of landscape features will be encouraged wherever possible. Designs should incorporate at least 10% open space and a provision of 3 trees for every new dwelling should be incorporated within the site where possible. Some off site tree planting may be considered to fulfil this requirement.