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17 October 2003
CABE, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, has credited the architecturally innovative development, abode, at Newhall, Harlow, Essex, as one of the ten best architectural success stories of the year.
In CABE's latest annual report, abode was named as one of the building design favourites of 2003, along with the Imperial War Museum North, the National Maritime Museum , Falmouth, and Bournemouth Library. It was the only housing scheme named in the top ten.
Developed by Copthorn Homes to a master plan by Newhall Projects, the cutting edge designs and urban planning ethos of the 82 home development has been applauded throughout the building and architecture industries, and was given the ultimate praise from John Prescott when he visited the site in July, commenting that "the wow factor in our architecture…….is here, at Newhall".
In the Commission's Annual Report, CABE chairman Sir Stuart Lipton said: "Despite an economic downturn, we have seen a host of great buildings, spaces and places completed in the last 12 months, and many promising new proposals have come forward.
"The public appetite for exciting contemporary architecture is growing. However, there is no cause for complacency. Most new buildings that are built, most new spaces that are created, are at best mediocre. Too many clients opt for the lowest cost, lowest risk option. They do not use good design teams, they do not insist on a quality approach. We hope to turn this around by both influencing the current planning system and encouraging consumers to demand more."
Neil Armstrong, Marketing Director for Copthorn Homes said that the company was delighted with the recognition from CABE for the excellence of its work at abode. "It is a great honour to have been singled out by CABE, initially for its inaugural Building For Life award, and now in its Top 10 Architectural Highlights of the year," he commented. "This has been an outstandingly successful scheme for us. Everyone, from potential buyers to the building industry to the media, who have seen the amazing combinations of thatch, sharply angled glazing, steel and weatherboarding has been knocked out by it."
The first buyer at abode, London media worker Mark Field, bought his top floor, two bedroom apartment off-plan, and said that it was the individuality of the development compared to schemes he was looking at in central London, which sold it to him. "I was knocked out by the stunning modern designs and loved the fact that one home is not like another," he commented. "This means that, although the houses are close together, when I look out of my window I see interesting architecture not just a flat wall. Most people never get the chance to live in a one-off, architect designed home - buying into abode, I feel I have done just that!"
-Ends-
Picture:
Copthorn Homes development, Abode, in Newhall, Harlow, Essex has been named by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment as one of the ten best architectural success stories of the year.
Further media information:
Issy Lowndes
Gritti Partnership plc
0870 444 4568
ilowndes@grittiplc.com
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Information correct as at 17/10/2003