Design and innovation
...every good scheme relies on a joint commitment to collaboration from developer, architect, planner, highways team...
Good design creates an enduring and desirable place, both in the use of the buildings and the spaces in which they are set. It directly affects the quality of life for those who live in and around the area. Good design is underpinned by a set of fundamental principles which are applied individually to each scheme in response to its unique setting, and the interests of a wide variety of local stakeholders.
During the development of a Masterplan we balance an increasing number of standards and requirements to ensure the development is both deliverable and capable of achieving a unique sense of place. On each of our developments we follow a set of key design principles – understanding of historic setting and the site physical constraints, coupled with an in-depth assessment of local socio-economic needs and desires. This detailed phase of research and understanding, in close collaboration with local stakeholders is essential to developing a shared vision from which to create the Masterplan.
Crest Nicholson applies the knowledge gained from its continuous innovation processes, including exemplar schemes, to take forward the Masterplan into a deliverable scheme which integrates public realm balanced with good urban design, and architecture.
"On each of our developments we follow a set of key design principles - understanding of historic setting and the site physical constraints, coupled with an in-depth assessment of local socio-economic needs and desires."
Leading in Design and Innovation
The zero carbon challenge
As part of delivering the UK's carbon emission reduction commitments, the Government has set an extremely challenging requirement for the housing sector to deliver zero carbon new homes in 2016. The coming consultation on non-domestic dwellings will set the zero carbon targets and timelines for commercial and mixed use sectors.
Crest Nicholson are strongly supporting the Zero Carbon Hub (ZCH) in its work to deliver the Zero Carbon Timeline.
Our challenge, and one which faces the whole sector, is to develop the knowledge, expertise, skills, and supply chain partners to deliver these stretching requirements while maintaining high standards of design and customer satisfaction.
The ZCH recently completed its work to recommend a minimum Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard to Government. This is just one part of the zero carbon conundrum.
The final step to zero carbon - Allowable Solutions encompasses all the remaining predicted energy usage of occupants and will allow a wide variety of approaches – such as retrofitting of existing buildings in the locality, or investing in offsite renewable electricity. The sector is now awaiting finalisation of the definitions from Government.
Optimum energy efficiency of dwellings via fabric and building services innovation is a core skill for Crest Nicholson. To ensure we can cost-effectively meet the fabric and design challenges of the zero carbon timeline, we are part of a £6.4m research consortium which achieved Technology Strategy Board grant funding (AIMC4) for ground breaking research to power the cost effective delivery of the sustainable homes of the future.
Sustainable Homes – the new normal
In 2009 we completed our first homes at Elements in Epsom, which feature air-source heat pumps with individual heat regulation in each room, low energy lighting, A-rated appliances, recycling facilities, and water efficiency of 105 litres per person per day – the Code 4 requirement. Dwellings have access to private gardens, with cycle storage, and water butts. An intricate network of cycle ways begins just outside the garden, with dedicated routes.
Read More
AIMC4.