Back to News
14 November 2003
The first thatched roofs and three-storey conservatories by Copthorn Homes are now clearly visible at Abode, part of the innovative Newhall development in Harlow, Essex. Building is now well underway and the first homes have been released for sale.
Designed for Copthorn Homes by leading architects Proctor and Matthews, the one and two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses break the mould of conventional high density housing with their sleek lines and contemporary styling.
Abode, in Harlow’s Old London Road, is the second phase of building at Newhall. Its inspirational and challenging designs have embraced the pioneering ethos of the master plan, which was to co-ordinate the whole neighbourhood and was prepared by Roger Evans Associates. Although work on the master plan started some ten years ago, it embodies all the principles of the current government’s PPG3 planning objectives, including a 20 mph designated speed limit and higher housing densities, and yet sets aside 40% of the land for parkland. Commenting on the progress of Abode, Roger Evans said he was very impressed with the way Copthorn Homes had interpreted the master plan. “We wanted architects to acknowledge the master plan but make their own individual interpretations which will be critical in establishing separate identities for each area of Newhall,” he said.
The whole project is the brainchild of third generation landowners, Jon and William Moen. Driven by a passion for high quality, architecturally inspired housing and a desire to create a sustainable community on their land, the Moen brothers are selling their estate in parcels, to be developed within the strict guidelines of the master plan by developers working unusually closely with leading contemporary architects.
“Part of our aim is to liberate architects from the more conventional building industry constraints to marry their vision with reality, to create a community which will both invigorate the people currently living in it and stand the pace of time, in a true sense of stewardship of the land,” said Jon Moen. “We have been delighted with the high quality craftsmanship and attention to detail of Copthorn’s work at Abode which has fulfilled all our aspirations for the development.”
Neil Armstrong, Marketing Director for Copthorn Homes commented, “These homes are the first evidence of the success of combining top quality architecture with creative, modern, high density house building. The range of houses at Abode will challenge the preconceptions of conventional housing developments and offer a real lifestyle change for purchasers,” he continued. “Abode will provide urban chic, craftsmanship and design on a level rarely seen outside a city, in a delightful semi rural setting.”
The appeal of Abode was recognised earlier this year when its concept designs won the prestigious Housebuilder Award at the RIBA Housing Design Awards, 2002. The judges commented, “These are houses and flats which cater for today’s lifestyles, with clean, innovative and flexible planning and detailing. At last the 21st Century arrives on a Greenfield site.”
Abode is well situated for commuting around the country. It is a short drive from Harlow town centre and junction 7 of the M11 motorway, providing fast access to the M25 and London, only 25 miles south, and Cambridge, less than 40 miles away. Frequent trains run from London’s Liverpool Street Station to Harlow, taking approximately 35 minutes.
Marketing has now started and prices at Abode range from £220,000 to £450,000. Further information can be obtained by visiting the on site Sales Centre, which is open Thursday to Monday from 10.30am to 5.30pm, by telephone on 01279 639309 or by visiting the Abode website at www.abode.gb.com.
-Ends-
Further media information: Issy Lowndes at Gritti Partnership plc
ILowndes@grittiplc.com
0870 444 4568
Back to News
Information correct as at 29/08/2007