Jeremiah Smith House receives special commendation

Jeremiah Smith House receives special commendation

We are pleased to announce that we have received a special commendation at the London Evening Standard’s New Homes Awards which was held at the Dorchester Hotel, London, for an innovative social housing development in Luton. Working as part of a team with Aldwyck Housing Group, Marsh Farm Development Trust, PRP Architects, Calfordseadon and Luton Borough Council, we constructed the contemporary Jeremiah Smith House in the Marsh Farm area of Luton.

The project, which received funding from the Homes and Communities Agency as part of a mass regeneration scheme for the local area, resulted in the design and creation of a new residential building housing 24 flats.

All involved were commended for the modern, clean and energy efficient environment of the development. Two blocks are connected by a glass roof, creating a light and airy central atrium fitted out with modern glass and aluminium fixtures, and has plenty of seating, a lift, video door entry, and interior raised flower beds. Lighting in the communal areas is powered by photo voltaic cells on the roof of one block. Energy efficient timber frames with thick, high quality insulation have been used, along with sustainable materials where possible. Residents can also benefit from high efficiency boilers.

Jeremiah Smith House not only brought us an award but also brought together many parts of the community in its construction. Six half-day taster sessions took place enabling 60 local residents and school students to look around the site. In addition 21 trainees from the immediate area had work experience on site for two days a week for the duration of the project, resulting in 420 training days and several NVQ Level 2 qualifications. Employing local labour was important and 27 percent of the workforce lived locally

It has been an honour forming a partnership and working with Aldwyck Housing Group and we are extremely pleased with our achievement!