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Developer GreenSquare Group has contracted Stepnell to build the first phase of its development at Northway in Oxford comprising 28 new energy-efficient homes along with a community and sports centre.
The Dora Carr Close site was previously occupied by Northway Middle School, which has been demolished, and the Northway Centre community facility which is also being demolished and replaced with the community centre.
Stepnell will build a four-storey block of 28 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The flats are positioned either side of a central ‘winter garden’ – an external covered walkway beneath a glass and aluminium apex roof. All homes will meet high standards for environmental performance, achieving.
The residential development has been designed by architect Allford Hall Monaghan Morris to reach Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, with sustainable features including photovoltaic panels and energy-efficient boilers. Construction is scheduled for completion in December 2015.
Next to the apartment block will be a three-storey community centre with ground-floor facilities including a community café, shared community space, reception area, kitchen, bar and changing facilities. The first-floor will have a multi-use hall, committee room, computer room and external terrace while the second floor will have three meeting rooms. The community centre is designed for a range of uses including social occasions, sports events and conferences. It is designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, with photovoltaic solar panels on the roof, an air source heat pump and heat recovery ventilation.
Stepnell is working with Birmingham-based architect RPS, which has have provided the working drawings for the development.
GreenSquare plans further phases of its Northway project, including 15 family houses in Dora Carr Close and a further 21 one- and two-bedroom flats at nearby Westlands Drive.
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