Practice news

WESTFIELD HOUSING

Works started on site in January on the Westfield Estate, Workington, Cumbria for Westfield Housing Association.  A series of sites will provide accessible rented accommodation, mainly for older residents with specific access needs. Exceeding building regulations, the developments include PV panels, air source heat pumps and enhanced thermal envelopes to ensure dwellings are energy efficient and comfortable. New landscaping promotes healthy communal spaces for socialising.

NEW PFK OFFICE HEADQUARTERS

Designs for a new office headquarters for PFK Land and Estate Agents in Penrith has been submitted for planning approval. The contemporary design will include a fabric first approach to insulating the envelope, use of solar photovoltaic panels, battery storage, high coefficient heat pumps, and electric car charging. The contemporary design will aim for ‘RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge’ targets set for operational low carbon energy use.

AWARDS FOR YEWDALE ROAD & OLD SCHOOL COURT

We are proud to have won two prestigious awards for residential projects. Yewdale Road, Coniston for Castle & Coast Housing Association, won ‘Cumbria Regional Project of the Year’ at the North West Regional Construction Awards. This delivered 7 new affordable and sustainable dwellings in Coniston Village, constructed by Cubby Construction. Old School Court in Carlisle won ‘Regional Winner Best High-Volume New Housing Development’ at the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2022, built by McKnight & Son Builders Ltd. The development of 35 dwellings acknowledges much of the architectural language of the former Caldewgate Primary School building.

PENNINE WAY SCHOOL COMPLETED

Works to extend the existing Pennine Way Primary School at the Harraby Community Campus in Carlisle are now complete. The teaching staff are delighted with the new spaces we have delivered. Pupils have already moved into the 3 new classrooms. The design also includes additional meeting, library, office spaces and enhanced toilet provision. A central atrium corridor also provides access into small group teaching areas.

ENERGY CRISIS

We are all much more conscious about our energy usage and we are talking to our clients about the most efficient ways to save energy and reduce bills. Our team have a proven track record of delivering energy efficient and sustainable designs based on years of experience. We can offer guidance and advice on the best approach for any situation. We have qualified Energy Assessors and a certified Passivhaus Designer. Whether your project is a new build or a refurbishment of an existing property, we can provide you with the right support to save you money!

HEALTH AND SAFETY ACCREDITATION

We are pleased to announce we have recently gained Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) accreditation through the Alcumus Safe Contractor scheme. The scheme ensures we meet the highest industry standards for Health & Safety, equal opportunities, diversity, and environmental management practices. In addition, we have demonstrated our commitment to achieving the highest quality management and Health & Safety standards required to achieve Corporate Membership of the Association of Project Safety.