Hemel Hempstead Homes wins best design award

A development of 56 homes on the edge of Hemel Hempstead’s Old town has won an award for its design. Grover Close, developed by Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association (Hightown) was recognised as being the Best Designed Scheme in the 2009 Affordable Home Ownership Awards.

The awards were supported by the National Housing Federation, the Homes and Communities Agency, Communities and Local Government and the Royal Society of Architects in Wales. The competition attracted a record number of submissions from across the UK.

Designed by Buschow Henley Architects, the homes in Grover Close provide residents with generous internal space standards and attractive communal areas. Many of the flats have excellent views over the Old Town and beyond. The site was previously occupied by eight houses, but the development is skilfully designed and positioned to fit into the surrounding neighbourhood. An underground car park provides car parking for each apartment. Modern features include a video entry phone system allowing greater security for the residents. The homes are particularly ‘eco’ friendly with high insulation levels, and butterfly roofs that conceal solar thermal heating panels.

The winners were revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at the Victoria Park Plaza Hotel on 3 September 2009 hosted by Channel 4’s ‘Property Ladder’ presenter, Sarah Beeny. The awards were sponsored by Savills and SPF Sherwins.