The building which 'set new standards' (From Barry And District News)

The building which 'set new standards'

A BARRY building design has won an award for its architectural balance. The Pebble Beach development on the Knap was praised for harmonising with the surrounding scenery.

Capita Symonds designed the properties, which won a Welsh Housing Design Award from the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW). Materials were chosen for their robustness and sustainability given the extremes of the marine environment. The environmentally friendly materials, such as full height aluminum glazing to the primary living spaces, together with white rendered elevations and titanium zinc finished roofs were deliberately chosen to provide a contemporary feel to the scheme. This has been enhanced by a modern landscaping strategy, again befitting the marine setting.

Lead design consultant Paul Devitt, of Capita Symond, explains how CPC's fresh approach was crucial to the success of the project: "Our imaginative interpretation of the existing planning guidelines has meant that this project is finally becoming a reality. We challenged the belief that any housing in such a sensitive area would be detrimental to the local environment and have achieved a scheme that is confident, modern and contemporary whilst still mindful of its surroundings."

Three previous design schemes for the site had been refused planning permission and Capita Symonds was commissioned by Barratt South Wales to re-appraise the design brief. They offered new solutions that addressed the concerns both of the planning authority and local residents who objected to the site being used for housing.

The award assessors recognised the achievements of the project in "setting new standards for residential design in this location, and for one of the volume house builders", and also praised its "openness to the street, and its subtle use of levels to protect the privacy of the residents".

Overall, the judging panel said: "This scheme takes a significant and bold step forward in residential design in the volume house-building sector; and its healthy sales figures point to the desire amongst buyers for a more location-specific and contemporary architecture."