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ARCHITECTS from across the world are waiting with baited breath to find out if they have been short-listed for a chance to design the family homes at Tees Valley Regeneration's flagship scheme on North Shore in Stockton on Tees.

More than 100 entries were received and six finalists hailing from across the globe have been selected. Two practices are from London, together with firms from Liverpool, Italy, Portugal and Germany.  

Developers Urban Splash and Muse Developments, in conjunction with BD Magazine and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), held a competition which challenged architects to shape the future of family homes. They were asked for concepts which broke convention and delivered a new typology in housing design.

Submissions were judged on the design of the homes and the layout of the buildings on the site to take full advantage of its south facing position on the banks of the River Tees.

It is anticipated that at least 250 family homes will eventually be built on the £300m North Shore mixed use site and that the development will also provide between 2,500 and 4,600 long term job opportunities.

Joe Docherty, chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration, said: "To achieve this level of interest in North Shore from architects across the world is fantastic. It is a huge vote of confidence in the scheme and the Tees Valley.

"The designs are contemporary, exciting and innovative and will sit comfortably next to the stunning Infinity Bridge which is already showcasing Stockton around the world."

Matt Crompton, joint managing director of Muse Developments said:  "The judges were looking for designs that did justice to the Home Zone's riverside site, given its proximity to the new Infinity Bridge and the proposed new university campus.  As part of a substantial mixed use scheme, which will include offices and leisure amenities, public space and deliverability were equally important."

Jonathan Falkingham, chief executive of Urban Splash, said:  "We're questioning the typology of the family home, but at the same time trying to be provocative. We need to make sure that the scheme we choose is deliverable. 

"We want homes that are practical and functional, not merely architectural showpieces, and we need people to believe they and their families will be happy living here."

Members of the public can view the six finalists at a free exhibition in the Shambles, Stockton High Street from 9am to 4pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, January 29, 30, 31.   An exhibition of all 112 submissions is taking place at Manchester's Cube Gallery up to 28 February. Opening times are : Mon–Fri 12-5.30pm and Saturday 12-5.00pm. 

The winners will be announced in February.

 

The six finalists

K2 Architects, Liverpool

A contemporary house design which is characterised by varying scales of external space.

Impromptu Arquitectos, Portugal

An elegant house type based on a series of courtyards, creating some very pleasant viewing spaces

Tasou Associates, London

A unique home that can be extended to grow with the family and featuring extensive rooftop and courtyard gardens

Spine Architects, Germany

Houses shaped accordingly to the axis of vision onto the river, promising all rooms with a room

Bertolone Plazzogna, Italy

An original, cleverly designed house type that will open views to the River Tees

Loates-Taylor Shannon Architects, London

An exciting design that provides a neighbourhood encouraging social interaction.