We are
really excited to announce that a social housing project featuring a Mobilane
green screen has been endorsed by the Green Organisation, a UK based group dedicated to recognising environmental best
practice around the world.The Houghton Street project
in Widnes, Cheshire for Halton Housing Group scooped a Silver Green Apple Environment Award for its strong green credentials.
Designed
by architectural practice Denovo Design, the aim of the residential development
was to create green homes with a contemporary edge. In order to foster a sense of community and
to ensure that people could keep an eye on one another’s properties, the
various homes were designed so they were inward-looking. This resulted in the
rear gardens of two bungalows facing on to a main road. Rather than erect a
timber fence or brick wall, which could fall foul of vandalism or graffiti,
Denovo Design opted for a Mobilane ‘living’ screen.
Installed
by Lovell and measuring 180cm in height and 51m in length, the screen provides
a striking first impression to people visiting the new build development. It
also sets the tone for a host of environmentally friendly features that have
been incorporated into the affordable housing development and helped contribute
towards valuable points in the project’s Code for Sustainable Homes Assessment.
As well as
it deterring potential graffiti artists, the architects chose the green screen
because it provides a natural habitat for wild birds and insects, and is
low-maintenance. Another feature of the green screen is that it absorbs harmful
microscopic particles that are generated by motor vehicles.
The Green
Apple Award was presented to Denovo Design by Doreen Lawrence at a ceremony
held at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon
on 24 July.