Platway Housing

Design ACB were asked by a private client to maximise the value of a picturesque brown field site in Shaldon, South Devon. A number of complex site issues have been overcome to produce a contextual but contemporary design response with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

A steeply sloping site with north-facing views over the River Teign has given rise to interesting and unusual housing typologies. The dwellings have been designed to maximise views, minimise heat loss and make use of solar gains from the south. Integrated solar panels are positioned on sections of south-facing pitched roofs, and a highly insulated, airtight building envelope is proposed. Locally-sourced materials will be used including limestone plinths and garden walls, white render and timber infill and slate pitched roofs. Sedum (green) roofs are proposed on flat sections of roof so as to increase the biodiversity of the site and break up the roofscape when viewed from the south.

The dwellings have all been designed to achieve a ‘level 5’ in the Code for Sustainable Homes criteria.