Project: Code 6 / Carbon Negative housing development

Location: Reed Street, South Shields

Status: On site

Cost: 3.5 million

Description: The challenge was to design a ‘carbon negative’ social housing scheme on a former car park site with many constraints including trees, vehicular routes, neighbouring properties and services below ground. The solution was 21 environmentally responsible dwellings which also are to be ‘carbon negative’ in energy use. Among others, the scheme is designed to maximise passive solar gains, natural surveillance and be an exemplar in the use of natural, breathable materials. The highly innovative project has been designed to exceed Code 6 of The Code for Sustainable Homes. The scheme was submitted for planning approval in September 2009 and has an estimated project cost of £3.5m.