The RIBA Competitions Office is the official consultant for this open competition. A shortlist of six practices will be invited to proceed to the design phase of the competition. Each of these will receive an honorarium of 2,000 (+VAT) to develop a design – up to two A1 foam-mounted board(s), a short accompanying report and elemental cost breakdown. 4:00pm on September 7, 2005 is the deadline for expressions of interest, the deadline for proposal submissions is November 2, 2005.
The social housing project involves a site of approximately 1 hectare, of which half must be retained as open play space and will provide approximately 25 dwellings (subject to mix). The land is owned jointly by Elmswell Parish Council and Mid Suffolk District Council, in the village of Elmswell, Suffolk. The development will include properties for rent and shared ownership.
Competition Sponsors are looking for cutting-edge designs that will integrate sustainable, contemporary architecture with landscape designs across the entire site. The design teams will need to:
*Demonstrate a clear understanding of the distinctiveness of Suffolk and interpret this distinctiveness in a contemporary way.
*Maximize the potential of the site, its context/relationship with existing developments and address local needs.
*Demonstrate a sound grasp of the way buildings can be grouped to reflect the local character and landscape. They should create positive private and public spaces, to foster a sense of community and mutual respect amongst the residents.
*Produce a scheme that whilst innovative, will be capable of being delivered.
*Embrace the potential to harness natural energies, both in the design and the servicing of the buildings.
*Integrate sustainable materials to deliver a greatly reduced carbon footprint, minimizing the temptation to "greenwash."
*Minimize embodied energy and running costs using carbon neutral energy sources.
*Design interiors which reflect the needs of people living in a rural environment, with an emphasis on 21st-century living, quality of family space, natural light and flexibility of layout.
*Create a healthy living environment.
Entries should be sent addressed to:
Elmswell Housing Competition
RIBA Competitions Office
6, Melbourne Street
Leeds, UK
LS2 7PS
All enquiries regarding the competition should be made to the RIBA Competitions Office:
T. +44(0)113-234-1335
F. +44(0)113-246-0744
E. [email protected]