Back to News
29 July 1998
Countryside winning schemes were at St. Michael’s Mead, Bishops Stortford and Harts Lane, Hallatrow, Avon. The Judges said of the St. Michael’s Mead, Thorley Lane Development:
"It is rare to see a coherent urban design strategy for a relatively large site worked out with such intellectual rigour."
"Probably the most fully worked out demonstration to date of the principles which lay behind the original Essex Design Guide."
Countryside’s commitment to developing sympathetically within the local style was recognised. The judges argued that the design of this development "goes much further than vernacular in pursuit of visual effect"
They concluded that:
"In its single minded pursuit of spaces which are distinctive and enjoyable to live in, this scheme is an important test bed for a range of design techniques which promise to produce an extremely interesting environment"
Trisha Gupta, Chief Architect for Countryside Properties PLC said that:
"Our emphasis on the vernacular is predominantly design led. We look to the local traditions, not to slavishly follow or copy what already exists, but to design in sympathy. We don’t want our developments to stick out like a sore thumb, this is all part of being a good neighbour."
"Our concern for the integrity of the area applies to both the architecture and the landscape, but in the end , the results come down to good individual designs. We wouldn’t want to stulify the artistic flair of our architects and designers."
Harts Lane, Hallatrow was praised for bringing cohesion and character to the existing village and taking steps to favour the pedestrian over the car. The judges said:
"What the developer has done is to knit a new structure back into the settlement with twenty two family houses… centred around a new village square."
In selecting Countryside’s developments at Harts Lane, Hallatrow, in the SouthWest as well as Thorley Lane, the judges also recognised the increasing diversity of Countryside’s design as well as the geographical scope.
ENDS
For further information contact
Tim Read/ Sarah McDermott at DCA on 0171 813 3050
Editors note
The Housing Design Awards are sponsored by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Religions, the National House Building Council, the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Royal Town Planning Institute.
The committee is looking for the very best in housing planning and design. Marks are won for project swell related to the local environment, for sensitive layout, innovation, and the provision of homes suited to the needs of people who live in them and of the wider community.
Back to News
Information correct as at 29/07/1998