It’s awards time – again

Another development Build Lite UK has been involved with has won an international Green Apple Award for Built Environment & Architectural Heritage and been nominated for a building excellence award

Last year, Queen’s Court, a social housing development, in the centre of Widnes, won an environmental and architectural heritage award for its innovative approach to environmental sustainability

This year, Crossways, a £1.2m ‘new build’ mixed development of houses, bungalows and apartments designed by the same architects Denovo Design and the same specifier, Halton Housing Trust and built by MBE Construction has clinched two prestigious awards

The first is the green apple award, awarded by the Green Organisation. Accredited by the RSA, the award is aimed at promoting environmental best practice around the world. In this case, the premier citation, is awarded for a construction project that has made a positive impact on the environment

The second award is for ‘innovation in construction.’ Presented by Local Authority Building Control (LABC) the Crossways project has been selected as finalist in two categories of the 2017 LABC North West awards for ‘best social or affordable housing development’ and ‘best small housing development’

The LABC regional awards recognise developers that go that extra mile by specifying the building of structures that are enhanced by innovation and technical skills.

To fulfil these criteria, Build Lite UK were able to remove traditional stone from the project’s ‘critical path method’ (CPM) and provide a unique substitute, ‘Stone-Coat’ for the window surrounds

The use of Stone-Coat enables a faster, cleaner and easier installation and allows for installation using non-specialist on-site trades people and a small access platform. The innovation continues with its ability to create a versatile design process for producing bespoke features for incorporating in the finished construction

Made from an ultra-lightweight material and coated with a unique material that looks like stone, feels like stone but is lighter than stone, Stone-Coat mouldings are manufactured in our purpose designed South Yorkshire factory and transported to site ‘just in time’

The Crossways development is modelled on the ‘Lifetime Homes Standard’, a series of criteria aimed at making homes easier for adaptation in the event of ill health, as an alternative to relocation. The concept, originally created in the 1990’s by a group of housing experts, encourages developers to incorporate the standard into their planning application

Not only was Crossways, designed around this Standard, but the estate layout is arranged to provide a safe and stimulating neighbourhood. This includes the maximum use of green space, with communal gardens throughout, screened with ivy boundaries and clumps of semi-mature trees

The LABC awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner at Emirates Old Trafford on 19th May while the Green Apple award will be presented at a Houses of Parliament ceremony on 9 June.

For more information about Stone-Coat please click here.