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12 October 2008
Countryside Properties’ acclaimed development, Accordia, in Cambridge, has received the highly prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize 2008 which was broadcast live on Channel 4 on Saturday 11th October. Accordia is the first ever residential development to receive the most highly prized architectural accolade. The RIBA Stirling Prize is awarded annually to the buildings which have made the greatest contribution to British architecture in the past year.
The judges said, "This is high density housing at its very best. Beautifully thought-through houses are linked by a series of public, semi-public and private but visible open spaces, making the whole development a joy to walk through. Houses and flats have good-sized, well-proportioned rooms with views out ranging from the urban views to rural pasture. This development proves that good modern housing sells, that a committed local authority can have a very positive influence on the design, that a masterplan with a range of architects can be successful and that the very best architecture does not need to rely on gimmicks. This will be a project that will be much referred to and used as a future case study. It is architecture which gives hope for us all for the future."
Alan Cherry, CBE DL, Chairman, Countryside Properties PLC, comments: “The RIBA Stirling Prize is the most highly acclaimed architectural award and this is the first time it has ever been won by a residential development. This is a very welcome and much needed boost for the residential property industry, which is facing tremendous challenges at the moment. Accordia is a landmark development for Countryside Properties and for it to beat off competition from other highly acclaimed buildings across Europe is fantastic. Countryside Properties is dedicated to delivering high quality architecture in modern sustainable developments. Accordia exemplifies this ethos and to win such a prestigious award is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.”
The design of
Accordia was heavily influenced by its unique location. The vision was to create a modern, sustainable development and the stunning properties, designed by architects Fielden Clegg Bradley, Maccreanor Lavington and Alison Brooks Architects, have been designed around the concept of living in a large garden, inspired by the 700 mature trees that frame the site.
Accordia is located on Brooklands Avenue, Cambridge.
ENDS
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Information correct as at 20/10/2008