Seaham

This is one of a number of schemes which we have prepared for different developers for competitions run by English Partnerships and the Regional Development Agencies. We have established an enviable track record in schemes being taken forward based on design quality.

This scheme for approximately 380 houses builds on the existing road layout constructed as part of the site reclamation works. Our proposals seek to define a ‘New Village’ within the existing town of Seaham, with a hierarchy of spaces inspired by traditional forms: a Village Street, Greens, Squares and ‘Wynds’ or Lanes. The new neighbourhood will be connected and integrated into the landscape and urban fabric of Seaham.

The site is inherently ‘sustainable’ being the redevelopment of redundant land and by virtue of its location within the town. We have built on this and it is intended that houses will incorporate ground source heat pumps and other features to reduce energy consumption. Streets are designed to accord with the principles of ‘Manual for Streets’ to encourage pedestrian and cycle journeys.

The architecture is derived from a reinterpretation of the local vernacular and will exceed the minimum requirements of English Partnership’s Quality Standards. The proposals provide a legible layout comprising a hierarchy of linked spaces, offering a broad mix of dwellings with their own distinct character and identity.