Many hands can make some pretty impressive work, as our judges noted of this project. The first phase of Broadclose, Bude, is the product of a partnership between Midas Homes and Guinness Trust Housing Association, Westcountry Housing Association and North Cornwall District Council. ECD Architects carried out the outline and masterplan design work on the project, while architect Trewin Design has worked on the detailed design. The scheme has also benefited from the input of ecological consultant McCarthy Associates.
The end result combines modern architecture with ecological features, all homes being designed to reach a very good rating under the EcoHomes environmental performance standard. Homes have been orientated to minimise heat loss and maximise solar gain, and are designed around the Homezone concept, making streets pedestrian friendly. A pond on the site forms a wetland area and habitat for wildlife. Inside their homes residents can help the environment and save water with the help of a rainwater harvesting system, used for toilet flushing.
Sustainability extends to the community living in the homes. The site contains 173 apartments and houses and is truly mixed tenure, with a third of the homes for sale, a third for rent and the remainder for shared ownership. Irrespective of tenure, homes have the same finishes: white render, timber detailing and slate roofs. With their white elevations and contrasting black roofing, doors and windows, the homes make a dramatic addition to Bude and one that has caught the attention of many, including our judges.
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