Orwell Housing Association, working with the Parish Council and Suffolk Preservation Society commissioned an architectural competition to build 26 units on a site owned by the Parish Council and Mid Suffolk District Council.
The design competition was won by Architects RHM Architects and a two stage tender process was begun to select a contractor for the scheme. After a tender submission and interviews Seamans Building were appointed as Main Contractor on the innovative and prestigious project.
Detailing is contemporary, with a focus on sustainability and low carbon footprint. Dwellings are arranged in four ‘blocks’, with each ‘block’ containing two terraces of three properties.
The buildings are designed for efficiency and incorporate latest technologies including a biomass district heating system, hemcrete sprayed insulation, lime renders, rainwater harvesting, cedar boarding, cedar shingle roofs, hemp insulation, allotments, orchard and extensive landscaping which includes a playing field and swales to act as water attenuation for surface water.
There has been national interest in this scheme and television coverage of the hemp and lime technology involved.
