Coffey Architects received the building permit for a 141-to-spread development in Elstree, Hertfordshire. The program, submitted on behalf of the Retirement Villages Group (RVG), is part of the developer's Thrive Living brand.
The design includes five Villa-style apartment blocks that are positioned to react to the steep topography and the cultural heritage of the location. These are arranged in a place that connects to the surrounding landscape with common amenities, including a café, a multi -purpose hall, a wellness center and a hiking route.
Additional one-story cottages are proposed on the northern border, with the views over the Aldenham level.
The project is intended to combine social and ecological sustainability in its design and layout. It is coordinated with the residents aged 65 and tries to promote the connection to nature and the interaction of the community, with a central square forms the focus of the location.
The square is arranged by a sophisticated oak tree that is retained and used to orientate surrounding buildings, pedestrian paths and common rooms.
The buildings have green roofs, double layouts, energy-efficient fabric and photovoltaic panels. The development is intended to fulfill and comprise the net zero-operative carbon standards and include net profit targets of 20%.
Vehicle access is limited to the scope of the location, with the internal layout for priorities in the pedestrian paths. The strategy is presented as a supportive hiking and face to face the interaction, although parking is still offered on site.
The team of consultants for the project includes RPS as a project manager and volume vermet, whereby Stantec is appointed landscape architect. Quad offers structural and civil engineering, while TGA is responsible for MEP design, sustainability as well as daylight and sun light analysis. Bureau Veritas acts both as a building control and as a fire engineer.
The construction is expected to begin at the end of 2025.