As a company we are also keen to push the boundaries of what is possible in design and development and we are always looking at new ways of building and working with our Solidspace DNA.
In July 2017 it has been announced by Create Streets and the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood Forum, that our scheme for 28 Solidspace Connect units – precast concrete, split-level, shell apartments – is one of three winners for the Mount Pleasant Phase 2 competition. The competition emerged from the local community’s desire to see housing that reflected their needs.
“Judges were impressed with your entry for a number of reasons. Leaving room for community involvement in a number of parts of the appearance of the building was a positive consideration. Your attempt to maximise internal volume and use large windows to maximise light was also impressive – judges recognised that this would create high-quality interiors to the flats in the scheme.
Judges were also impressed by the flexibility that was a key feature of the entry – both in terms of construction and post-construction personalisation of units. The associated benefits in terms of deliverability and affordability were judged particularly appealing, especially in light of the desire locally to maximise the provision of socially rented homes.”
Our Solidspace Connect project is typical of this type of research and development. In essence, the Connect project looks at the potential of developing the split-level Solidspace DNA as a kit of parts that can be constructed using an inventive concrete pouring and shuttering system in order to create a low-cost solution to housing.
Solidspace Connect units are formed from in-situ concrete, which is a material that provides thermal mass, fire and sound insulation and an engineering solution that responds to the infill sites where Solidspace developments are located.
Loughborough University and Solidspace have been working together over the last three years looking at innovations in concrete casting to achieve a more affordable and replicable solution for Solidspace homes using in-situ concrete. This work uses prefabricated formwork, which is re-usable up to 100 times and hand lifted. This research has directly influenced our Solidspace Connect designs.