Today we are featuring a guest blog from Lynda
Smith of Denovo Design, an architectural practice based in Liverpool.
Here at Denovo design we have had an ongoing commitment to sustainable
design over a number of years, and so were thrilled when in April 2012 this was
formally endorsed with an NQA of ‘Sustainability Assessed’ accreditation.
We view sustainability in its widest sense, with the three main
drivers, Planet; People and Prosperity being integral to our design
process. Future-proofing the build by
specification of durable and environmentally friendly products and
technologies, along with interaction at all stages with a host of Stakeholders,
before, during and after the build process is, therefore, crucial.
Indeed, development of good partnerships is the very essence of
sustainable design, and helps to contribute to the positive transferability of
not only the environmental products, but also best practice in terms of
neighbourhood in the short term, and more importantly in the long term -
strengthening community backbone by encouraging social interaction.
At our recently completed affordable housing project at Halton
View for Halton Housing Trust, collaboration began even before inception with
local resident and school children, and with families and Occupational
Therapists, who advised on the specification of the bespoke bungalows with
specialist disabled provision.
Such relationships are critical to the evolution of the design and
to maximize its lasting effectiveness. At the end of the day, architecture is
about people.
We were therefore delighted to have an opportunity to work again
on a social housing project with Mobilane, fellow like-minded professionals,
sustainable champions, and suppliers of green ivy screens and living walls.
Landscaping and ‘greening up’ of the development was a key element
of the design concept, providing an uplifting aesthetic, beneficial to social
health, and also providing essential ecological habitat. A first for Denovo was
also the creation of a communal allotment to be managed by local school
children, creating the opportunity for them to learn about healthy living and
eating from an early age.
It was fitting that a development with such environmental
credentials should be showcased with a sizeable 180cm high green ivy wall,
which, as well as acting as an attractive anti-vandal boundary for the two
bespoke bungalows, spectacularly spans the main access to the site, making a
strong environmental statement to residents and visitors alike.
The ivy, as well as being low maintenance is also effective in
absorbing harmful microscopic particles generated by vehicular traffic, and is
therefore also valuable in terms of helping to combat pollution, especially in
urban areas.
The green screens, therefore, tick all the boxes ecologically,
environmentally and sustainably, and contribute towards the points for the
'Code for Sustainable Homes'.
It seems there can be no other way but onwards and
upwards.....and, of course in growth terms ... outwards!
Denovo Design Limited, 89 Wood Street. Liverpool, L1 4NU T: 0151 708
4999 F: 0151 708 5335
Follow Denovo on Twitter @DenovoDL
Follow Denovo on Twitter @DenovoDL
'The Green Organisation Built
Environment and Architectural Heritage' Award-Winning Practice 2006-2012
