A supported housing scheme in Colchester won the Best Housing Development 6-25 Units Category at the 2013 Brick Awards, which took place on 14^th November.

Hargood Close, described by the judges as “a clever piece of urban infill”, comprises 35 units for vulnerable people in need of emergency temporary accommodation. Designed by Proctor and Matthews Architects, it includes a mixture of apartments, studios, one and two bedroom dwellings, as well as family houses – providing a range of flexible options to help staff respond to the different living requirements of changing tenants.

The scheme also provides improved space for both onsite and visiting staff, communal space, meeting rooms and a secure children’s play area. The development is managed by Family Mosaic, in partnership with Colchester Borough Council’s homelessness team.

Inspired by several 19th Century almshouses found in this part of Essex, the new accommodation is arranged around two landscaped courtyards creating an oasis for homeless families and individuals to enable them to gain respite.

A key design feature is the imaginative use of brick and detailing that has been used to produce a range of contoured and interesting facades. Ibstock’s  Parham Red Stock bricks and Special Black Stock bricks used by Brickwork Contractor ISG Jackson fixed the development firmly within its context – not only referencing the materials used in more traditional almshouses in Essex, but also the brick of neighbouring terraced houses along London Road.

Brick clad storage units, located at the ground floor levels, form part of the rhythm and support for the cloisters and first floor decks that provide access and shelter to both the ground and first floor entrances. The development achieves Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 and includes photovoltaics on some roof areas.

You can see pictures and find full details of all the winning projects on the BDA’s website www.brick.org.uk/brick-awards.

Entries are now being invited for the 2014 Brick Awards. Entry forms can be downloaded from the BDA’s website http://www.brick.org.uk/brick-awards or a hard copy can be requested by emailing brick@brick.org.uk or by calling 020 7323 7030.