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4 August 2003
These new homes are exceptional and set new standards of design for living at higher densities in city centres. To be recognised as such at this early stage in our development is very encouraging for the whole team.
Chris Crook, Managing Director of Countryside Properties’ North Thames division
Despite having only just received planning permission, 'Accordia', Countryside Properties' ground breaking new development in central Cambridge, has received an accolade at 'The Housing Design Awards'. This is in recognition of its design excellence on what is the largest centrally located brownfield site in Cambridge.
The Housing Design Awards are promoted by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the NHBC, the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Chris Crook, Managing Director of Countryside Properties' North Thames division, comments, "These new homes are exceptional and set new standards of design for living at higher densities in city centres. To be recognised as such at this early stage in our development is very encouraging for the whole team.
"As the homes are going to be created at quite a high density it was important to have a wide variety of styles and designs. This has been accomplished through commissioning three different architects and integrating their variety of styles throughout the development. The new homes also show how highly innovative design can be combined with functional practicality in such a way that it will attract international attention."
Feilden Clegg Bradley is the leading firm of architects commissioned for Accordia. Keith Bradley comments, "The university colleges in Cambridge have established a reputation for creating high quality new housing. The report produced by the awards committee makes reference to Accordia when stating that 'after trailing behind for many years, town now rivals gown in the Cambridge quality stakes'*. The new homes at Accordia have an extremely strong design concept, with the homes incorporating several integral courtyards and roof terraces which maximise private open space. I am sure these new homes will provide a benchmark for all future inner city developments."
* 'Town now rivals gown' is a reference to the fact that the properties that were built by the university (gown) have historically been superior to the buildings that were built by the town council (town), but how this is now changing.
On completion, Accordia will comprise 378 contemporary houses and apartments, which have been designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley, Maccreanor Lavington and Alison Brooks architects. The new properties will combine highly contemporary urban architecture with clean modern lines and a very sensitive use of light and space. Roof terraces have been incorporated into many of the properties to create a desirable living environment where residents will benefit from open plan or flexible living spaces extending upwards and outwards, using extensive glazing, and sleek contemporary fittings.
Accordia is located close to the Cambridge University Botanical Gardens on Brooklands Avenue. Additional high quality landscaping will be integral to the project, including the creation of a wildlife corridor along Hobson’s Brook, large open lawns, and children’s play areas.
This unique development is being created on a well known site which was formerly the home to the Government offices for MAFF, recently renamed as DEFRA, (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), who now occupy a new office building on the site.
An element of affordable housing will be incorporated as well as numerous sustainable and ecological measures which are proposed to enhance the biodiversity of the site and quality of living both inside the homes and within the new communities.
Prices are anticipated to be from approximately £200,000 to in excess of £1 million when the new homes are released for sale in spring 2004.
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Information correct as at 04/08/2003