Long-standing client, Inspired Villages, have submitted plans for an Urban Edge designed 125-unit integrated retirement community on the western edge of the village of Dore, Sheffield, close to the edge of the Peak District. It is the latest in a series of successful scheme designs on behalf of Inspired Villages as we continue to assist in driving their development pipeline forwards, whilst building further on our strong track record of creating deliverable later living projects through carefully considered design.
The proposal seeks to redevelop the former Dore Moor Garden Centre to create an integrated retirement community that provides accommodation for the over 65s. Given the site’s location on the periphery of Dore and its close association with the Peak District, our design for the village necessitated a visual identity that is consistent and integrates wholly into its surroundings. This will help to strengthen the site’s response to its context and assist in embedding the proposed development within the milieu of the local village and surrounding landscape.
There are three main types of building found within the scheme, the Village Centre, the Village Apartment buildings and the cottages. A common architectural language has been developed that can be found across all three types and which takes cues from the design principles found within Dore and the wider Peak District. Key materials, such as stone, have been used sparingly, applied to the main façades of key buildings or in locations where elements of buildings terminate key vistas. To the rear of buildings and in areas where façades are less visible, this is replaced by buff brickwork.
Due to the site’s location, Inspired Villages identified a need for additional parking for residents, staff and visitors. Although a constrained site, our masterplan ingeniously seeks to maximise its potential by taking advantage of the substantial level changes, with the Village Centre being reconfigured to provide a level of undercroft parking at its base to accommodate the required number of parking spaces.
Darren Hodgson, Senior Associate Director, says: “We are delighted to have submitted this proposal on behalf of Inspired Villages for what will be a stunning integrated retirement community on the edge of the Peak District. We have conceived a contemporary interpretation of the architectural language and material palette of the Peak District and historic core of the village of Dore to ensure our design proposals are as robust as possible and integrated into the environment. It is our view that this is a well-considered masterplan that makes the most of the site and meets the high demand for older person’s housing within the area. We very much look forward to seeing the scheme delivered.”
In keeping with all Inspired Villages schemes, the proposals for Dore target net-zero carbon (regulated energy) and will feature a hybrid renewable energy solution utilising photovoltaic panels, ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps, in conjunction with careful consideration of the thermal performance of the building fabric. Endeavouring to exceed current Building Regulation Part L 2022 requirements for the levels of insulation and air tightness, the proposed development will incorporate a range of energy-efficient measures such as the installation of high-performance glazing and energy-efficient lighting.
Darren concludes: “As an ISO 14001 accredited business, sustainability is at the heart of our business strategy and forms a part of our everyday thinking, including the design solutions we deliver for clients. It is a privilege to work with forward-thinking clients such as Inspired Villages, who encourage the principles of sustainable design on all of their schemes, including the proposals at Dore and at Millfield Green in Caddington where we continue the delivery onsite of the UK’s first net-zero carbon (regulated energy) integrated retirement community.”