GREENDYKES 'A' HOUSING
Location: Craigmillar, Edinburgh
Client: Places for People
Programme: Completed 2012
This 34 unit project is part of the regeneration of the Thistle Foundation, a Conservation Area for which SSM produced a masterplan to direct future expansion. The buildings create an important corner and form a link between the low rise listed buildings of the Conservation Area and the larger scale contemporary developments being constructed on the sites adjacent.
The architectural strategy is one of forming buildings close to the street edge around an enclosed courtyard, with the streets conceived as Home Zones to provide extra recreational space for the residents. The accommodation is a mix of types including wheelchair accessible units. All accommodation meets Housing for Varying Needs standards and the development received Secured by Design accreditation.
The sustainability agenda resulted in a scheme which surpasses the City of Edinburgh Council’s sustainability standards, one of the most stringent in the UK, and achieved Eco Homes Very Good rating. A passive approach was adopted with high insulation levels, airtight construction and whole house ventilation system. A solar panel heating system provides a renewable energy contribution to the hot water requirements.
The result is a development that addresses a wide range of important design and quality agendas, blending them into a practical but distinctive architectural solution.