Saunders Boston Architects (SBA) were delighted to attend the grand opening of Reynolds Court, a 42 apartment Sheltered Housing scheme for Uttlesford District Council (UDC).
SBA provided both architectural and interior design services. The project was won via a design competition in 2014 and SBA have been involved from inception to handover.
Darren Heffer, Director of SBA stated
“We are delighted to be associated with this exciting project and it is fantastic to see the culmination of the development. Uttlesford District Council have been a dream client – they have encouraged good design from the outset and the resulting building is one they can rightly be proud of. Moreover the scheme provides first class accommodation for local residents in a stimulating, safe and secure contemporary building”.
Addressing guests at the official opening Councillor Julie Redfern, Cabinet Member for Housing at UDC continued,
“What you see before you is a pretty amazing building, and something that proves that good design doesn’t have to cost any more than bad design”.
The scheme was built in two phases with residents of the existing building staying on site for the duration of the 21 month build programme. Lovell were the main D&B contractor with Henry Riley acting as Employers Agent and QS.
As well as 42 self-contained one and two bedroom spacious and light apartments, residents can also enjoy the lounge, garden room, hair salon, health and wellbeing room and assisted spa. Each apartment has its own external amenity space and occupants can also enjoy the enclosed landscaped courtyard or communal gardens.
The sedum roofs encourage biodiversity and also aid in a sustainable drainage solution and provide excellent thermal qualities, reducing energy use.
The scheme was delivered within budget and has already been submitted for a number of design awards.
“I just thought it was breath-taking. It has everything you could ask for. The whole building is so well-planned. The flats, the facilities, the entrance and the outlook – they are fabulous. It looks beautiful. We are a real community, and that is so important.”
Resident, Reynolds Court