This project forms part of a wider strategy being undertaken by Bristol City Council to deliver new build council housing on council owned sites around the city. This project was designed by a team led by Emmett Russell Architects and relates to two infill sites on the Northern fringe of Bristol. Most of the housing stock in this area is made up of semi-detached and terraced houses and these projects address a need in the area for smaller units.
Challender Court provides eight one bedroom flats that fulfil the requirement for robust, low maintenance, low energy homes that contribute to the Council’s sustainability goals and address issues of fuel poverty. The flats have a communal heating and hot water system with solar thermal panels feeding into a large buffer vessel. Suffolk Close provides three new bungalows. All units were designed using Passivhaus principles with high levels of insulation, triple glazing throughout, minimal cold bridging and MVHR ventilation to all units.
These buildings have a timber frame with an external skin of brickwork to provide a high quality, robust and low maintenance finish well suited to Bristol City Council and their tenants.
Cut specials were used at Suffolk Close to achieve the non-standard geometry on the rear facade, designed to fit the awkward shape and constraints of the site. Both projects make use of tight brownfield sites whilst avoiding any overlooking to neighbouring properties.
Great attention has also been paid to the private gardens and public realm with an attractive shared amenity area in front of the houses. The conveyance channel that forms part of the SUDS strategy will have aquatic plants and contributes to the quality of the public realm.
Challender Court received two awards at the RIBA South West Awards 2018 including the Sustainability Award and an RIBA South West Award while Suffolk Close was awarded the ‘Best Social or Affordable New Housing Development’ at the LABC West of England Building Excellence Awards 2018.
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