Winner announced: Elmswell affordable housing competition

Date:

04 January 2006

Press release contact:

RIBA Competitions Office
T: +44 (0)113 234 1335
E: riba.competitions@riba.org

Riches Hawley Mikhail Architects have been announced as winners of the competition to design sustainable affordable housing in the Suffolk village of Elmswell. This circa £2.9m development brings together Elmswell Parish Council, Inspire East (East of England Development Agency), Mid Suffolk District Council, Orwell Housing Association Ltd and the Suffolk Preservation Society.

The first phase of the competition attracted seventy-three Expressions of Interest from teams across the UK, Europe and North America. Riches Hawley Mikhail were selected from a strong shortlist that also included the following practices (in alphabetical order):

Alison Brooks Architects Ltd
Allies and Morrison Architects
Foster Lomas
Fraser Brown MacKenna Architects
Henning Stummel Architects Ltd

The Jury Panel, which consisted of representatives from the partner organisations together with an architectural adviser from the RIBA (Walter Menteth, Walter Menteth Architects), was greatly impressed by the varied responses to the Vision Statement and the obvious enthusiasm and commitment that each team demonstrated for the project. The panel felt that the Riches Hawley Mikhail team had produced a subtle, poetic response which whilst highly efficient in terms of its land take, had skilfully resolved potential over-shadowing issues on the challenging site. The proposed use of rammed earth/chalk blocks was commended, whose on-site production would truly embrace the sustainable ethos behind the competition, as well as providing a link to Suffolk's past.
The partner organisations are looking forward to working with the Riches Hawley Mikhail team on their designs for the scheme, which they hope will act as an exemplar for other affordable housing developments.

Wendy Evans-Hendrick (Orwell Housing Association Ltd., Director of Development & Property Services) commented: 'The association was keen to ensure that both the design and development of the project resulted in an exception for affordable housing in the future. We are excited by the designs of RHM Architects and feel that both their innovative design and environmental approach will provide an example for the future of how affordable housing can be attractive, innovative and built to a tight budget.'

Richard Ward (Director, Suffolk Preservation Society) commented: 'The society is excited by the Riches Hawley Mikhail scheme that secures the very best design combined with true sustainability features. It incorporates techniques that reflect on building traditions of Suffolk but interprets them in a 21st Century way. It is therefore exactly the sort of scheme that the society was hoping for. Most of all, it provides flexible, affordable accommodation fit for family living requirements now and in the future.'

Peter Dow (Clerk to Elmswell Parish Council) commented: 'We look forward to working with this innovative team of architects to refine their exciting concept design through consultation and dialogue with the community, to provide much needed affordable housing in Elmswell and an example of practical sustainability for others to follow.'

Cllr Sara Michell (Portfolio Holder for Housing, Mid Suffolk District Council) said: 'Elmswell residents have a major stake in the project and we were impressed with the ability of this young and enthusiastic team of architects to engage with local people. We welcome this new and innovative cutting edge scheme which has the potential to evolve and develop over time. Although it is one of the more modern schemes submitted, it is thoroughly rooted in our heritage.'

Gwyn Jones (Inspire East, Executive Director) commented: 'Inspire East is evaluating the Elmswell Affordable Housing Competition and will be drawing out good practice lessons from the process as well as the final development. We will ensure that other housing associations, developers and local authorities in the region are able to learn from the experience in Elmswell to improve the quality of development in other parts of the Region.'

Notes to editors

Inspire East is the regional centre for excellence for sustainable communities in the East of England. It is supported by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and was set up in response to the Egan Review. It aims to assist in improving the quality and sustainability of all future regeneration and development projects in the region. It works through promoting and sharing knowledge and best practice.

Orwell Housing Association Ltd was established in 1963 to help people who were unable to afford to either purchase their own home, or rent on the private market. The association has long believed that good quality design of both housing and communities is essential in ensuring that people respect and value their community.

The Suffolk Preservation Society was set up as a group whose aims are to protect the buildings and landscapes of Suffolk. The society wishes to ensure that all development in Suffolk should be of the highest possible quality and where appropriate, good contemporary architecture should be promoted. For further details please contact Richard Ward, SPS Director, on 01787-247-179.

Please ensure that the RIBA is credited when mentioning the above competition. The RIBA Competitions Office organises bespoke architectural competitions that encourage excellence in design, offer value for money, and are run smoothly from inception through to the appointment of a winning design or architect/team. The RIBA Competitions Office has vast experience of managing competitions for a diverse range of clients, project types and budgets. The competition process has produced landmark buildings/structures such as BALTIC and The Sage Gateshead, the Millennium Bridge etc. For futher details please visit www.ribacompetitions.com|