Ecological specification
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The 12 new dwellings, constructed by Main Contractor, Cruden, comprise a mix of 2 bed x 4 person houses and 3 bed x 5 person family houses with a new adopted access road.
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The dwellings are characterised by the roof cowls incorporating sun tunnels, which mimic the chimney stacks of the surrounding properties.
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Designed to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes, Level 3 and a high Housing Quality Indicator score, the homes also have Secured by Design Accreditation
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‘Lifetime Homes’ standard design will reduce the need for carrying out expensive future adaptations and will help to sustain the local community.
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The "instant" greening up of the front gardens will soon establish to form an attractive frontage to the houses , whilst the green ivy screen provides an attractive outlook for residents living in the close. Both provide natural habitat for birds and insects.
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for Halton Housing Trust
Lacey Street, Widnes
"We were impressed ... particularly with how the buildings were arranged
to create a sense of community. Landscaping and the use of living walls helped to green the streetscape, create a pleasant oasis in an otherwise fairly harsh urban environment.
Houses were well proportioned and with façade detailing that looks like it should stand the test of time".
Your Move Property Awards October 2015
Judges Feedback
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Swift bricks are built into the gable ends of the houses. This provides ideal nesting sites for the birds, whose numbers are declining as increasingly more traditional nesting sites under the eaves of older houses are blocked up.
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The houses incorporate a number of environmentally-friendly products to conserve resources and reduce tenants’ bills.
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High insulation levels in the walls, floor and roof; double glazing and full draught-proofing; high efficiency boilers; along with the sun tunnels will all help to conserve gas and electricity.
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Low flush WCs; low flow rate showers; spray taps; and water butts are also provided to save water.
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The new access road is called Martinsville Court. This is in response to a road in Martinsville, Indiana which is called Widnes Lane - in recognition of a lady from Widnes who moved there after meeting an American Air Force mechanic in nearby Burtonwood in 1943.
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Winner of Gold Green Apple Award for Built Environment 2014 and Best Affordable Housing at the Your Move Property Awards 2015.