Beech Road | ZED PODS

Beech Road, Tiverton

A social housing development of 5 zero operational carbon homes in flood zone 3 area

In collaboration with Mid Devon District Council, we have designed and achieved planning approval for this groundbreaking social-rented, zero-carbon operational development. This initiative helps maximise the Council’s provision for housing and parking by providing 8 high-quality energy-efficient homes. It aligns with Mid Devon District Council's ambitious objective to construct new affordable housing units and introduce innovative housing solutions.

Project Information

Client: Mid Devon District Council (MDDC)

Location: 6-8 Beech Road, Tiverton, EX16 6HW

Building Solution: Permanent

Scope of works: Full Turnkey Service (RIBA Stage 0 – 7)

Status: Planning granted

Project Team

Funding Supports

Transforming our council-owned sites into affordable, low carbon homes that help towards our climate agenda is huge boost for the area.

Councillor Simon Clist

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Property Services

Mid Devon District Council

Brief

Building affordable & energy-efficient homes

Mid Devon District Council has received grant funding from the “Affordable Homes Program 2021-2026”, a £11.5 billion of capital funding over five years to enable the supply of approximately 162,000 new affordable homes. In addition, the Council has received additional funding under “Brown Field Release Fund” as part of a total award of £660k to build 50 social-rented homes at six regeneration sites across the district.

Full Turnkey
Process

This project was executed through a full turnkey Design & Build process, encompassing all stages of design according to RIBA standards, planning application, offsite manufacturing, module delivery, onsite groundworks and construction and handover. The proposed development helps maximise the Council’s provision for housing and parking by providing 8 high-quality energy-efficient homes in configuration of 4 x 1B2P and 4 x 2B4P, each home with generous private amenity spaces. This scheme further develops surrounding landscape by providing a communal garden and an extended footpath with better connection to existing neighbouring context. By giving serious consideration of the window positions, there are no overlooking into houses located to the east. The scheme provides more formal parking for local residents whilst addressing the local housing need.

Constraints

Telegraph pole with overhanging cables running parallel to site

Existing informal & formal parking spaces

Close proximity to neighbouring property

Road width 3.1m - 4.4m

Single story bungalow units

Street character with typology mix of 1 and 2 storey dwellings

Existing dilapidated units to be demolished

Rear garden access to neighbouring parking

Opportunities

Keeping within existing rear building line

Retention of informal footpath

Potential for green verge to act as buffer between development and existing road and public footpath

Potential site for building location with max building height of 2-stories

Potential provision for parking

Provision of communal landscaping

Massing Strategy

The massing maintains the same footprint as previous demolished structure, as well as using the existing distance between neighbouring building as a buffer. The existing building line created by the streetsape informs the positioning of the mass as it sits back further from the public road as to not to appear dominating of the current streetscape. Retention of existing informal footpath improves access to the site and connects to the wider context.

Strategic Views

Habitable room spaces have all been designed with primary windows and balconies facing towards the front of the property onto public road with amenity grassland and defensive planting acting as a buffer. The gable end windows have views onto tree planting and frosted glass ensuring there are no views into the adjacent property.

Noise and Pollution

The position of the massing increases distance between habitable spaces and Beech road with amenity grass land and defensible planting creating a buffer zone. Walkways are positioned toward Moorhayes Bungalows with the mass helping to screen communal spaces.

Set Back and Key Distance

The proposed massing has been set back from the road line with access to units and parking located to the rear of the site improving access and increasing parking. With large distances to the windows of any surrounding buildings there is no opportunities for overlooking or privacy concerns within the proposal.

Vehicular Access

The existing site access from Moorhayes Bungalows will be retained for vehicle access and pedestrian access to units and will also serve as Refuse Vehicle access. Orientation of parking allows for the widening of Moorhayes Bungalows introducing a vehicle turning point.

Pedestrian and Cycle Access

There is one new pedestrian access point proposed running parallel to Moorhayes Bungalows and reconnecting with an reinstated existing informal footpath leading towards Beech road. Cycle store is located off Moorhayes Bungalows allowing for a secured out-of-sight cycle store with easy access for residents.