Shannon Road Housing Scheme, Hull City Council

Houlton were delighted to have been awarded the contract by Hull City Council to develop a scheme of 7 dwellings on the site of the old Viking pub on Shannon Road in Hull. Procured via the YORbuild 2 framework, the successful scheme was a finalist in the 'best Social Housing' category at the South Yorkshire & Humber LABC Building Excellence Awards

The utilised site was that of the former Pub on a large established housing estate to the east of the City centre, which was purchased by Hull City Council using the local ward budget for redevelopment in response to the housing demand in the area. The site contributes to the Council’s Strategic Housing Plan diversifying the housing stock within the city by providing 2 & 3 bedroom accommodation with ground floor living and compliance with Lifetime Homes (Building Regulations Part M4 – Category 2).

The design concept was driven by a contextual analysis of the site and its surrounding area to create a contemporary residential community that compliments and enhances the sites location. Each new home has been designed to complement the existing tree lined road and with the contemporary take on a traditional house type, the seven new additions to Shannon  Road offer an interesting and updated view from the main street.

The seven new dormer bungalows have been designed to provide flexible living space for carers to stay at the bungalows and provide long term care to older or disabled tenants who may face changing needs. The seven homes are split into two blocks and along with the striking façade, each plot comes with external parking, front and rear gardens and secure boundary fencing to the rear with pedestrian access. The front gardens have metal hoop top railings leading on to the new block paved road that in addition allows for visitor parking.

Level access has been provided to the front and rear doors and all around the perimeter of the dwellings, from both the driveway and adjacent public footpaths. Externally, the architect has opted for a mixture of materials and subtle tones to offer interest, texture and colour. Internally, the new homes have open plan living and dining areas, two bedrooms and a dormer window to allow greater headroom within the first floor bedroom area.

Efficient build methods were used to ensure the quick and nuisance free progress of the build. The design philosophy was that of a highly insulated shell for a ‘fabric first’ approach which meant that their thermal performance is beyond that required standard by current Building Regulations and therefore they actually achieved a Code Level 4 for the fabric and

a high Energy Efficiency Rating on the EPC’s of 84. Utilising modern methods of construction (SIPs – Structural Insulated Panels) for the external walls and roof structure the project only took six months to complete. An efficient gas boiler and energy efficient lighting ensure each home operates as economically as possible and will aid the reduction in household energy requirements making for a sustainable housing development.