On the site of former Government offices, Accordia is a unique vision of modern, sustainable city living. The dynamic, innovative design of the houses and apartments has been recognised as the Overall Winner of the Housing Design Awards 2006.
Accordia challenges the traditional concept of a new home with a diverse range of architecturally dynamic new apartments and townhouses that were designed to bring the outside in.
The homes were built with natural, traditional materials but these were used in a highly contemporary way. Stock bricks, copper and timber gave texture and warmth to the homes, while large expanses of glazing flood the homes with light. Terraces, balconies and courtyard gardens were provided at varying levels throughout the homes, blurring the conventional boundaries between outside and inside.
The layout of Accordia was planned by Feilden Clegg Bradley architects. The site has more than 700 existing mature trees, and these provided the framework for the masterplan, which was themed around the concept of 'living in a garden'. From productive gardens with fruit trees, herbs and berries, to formal lawns, reedbeds and meadows, the existing mature landscape has been enhanced with new and diverse green spaces between the mews courts, greens and squares.
Each home was designed to overlook one of these green spaces. Each space is linked to the next by a network of footpaths and cycleways. Low key streets, homezones and subtle traffic calming measures reduced the prominence of the car and created a safe 20 mph zone.
Accordia comprised a mix of houses, apartments and duplexes, including 30% affordable mixed-tenure accommodation evenly split between housing for rent and low cost housing for sale.
Careful consideration has also been given to sustainability in the construction of the homes. Wherever possible, timber has been procured from managed, FSC -approved sources, and insulation materials are zero ozone-depletion rated. In addition, green 'sedum' roofs have been used on apartment buildings, providing a habitat for wildlife, as well as being low maintenance, aiding water attenuation and an excellent insulator.
Features such as dual-flush toilets, A-rated appliances and excellent sound insulation have resulted in Accordia receiving a BREEAM/EcoHomes rating of 'Very Good'. Furthermore, each home has been provided with dedicated bicycle storage for at least two bikes. Accordia also has excellent links to public transport, and its close proximity to Cambridge city centre helped to give it sustainability on every level.
"This is a triumph of family life in a city. Both townhouses and flats are large family-sized homes. High density is demonstrably no bar to comfortable family housing where private garden space abounds, essentially as outside rooms. Clever use of the existing planting is key to the masterplan and even new planting impresses."
The judges of the Housing Design Awards 2006
Information correct as at 28/04/2008