igloo and Housing Growth Partnership

Nomination

Images

Videos

Direct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqxCX8LaOy8

Direct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zp5hy1hyO0

Company

Stallan-Brand Architecture + Design & Ann Nisbet Studio

Summary

Founded in 2002, with the belief that there was a better, more sustainable way to do development, igloo has continuously strived to set new standards for regenerative development, an approach guided by their innovative Footprint process that prioritises People (Community and Social Wellbeing), Place (Placemaking and Nature), and Planet. Igloo regeneration are the world’s first responsible real estate investment fund (according to the United Nations), and the UK’s first real estate B Corp, having scored in the top 5% of all B Corps and been awarded ‘Best in the World for Environment’.

In 2018, igloo and Housing Growth Partnership invited Stallan-Brand Architecture + Design and Ann Nisbet Studio, along with four other Glasgow practices, to take part in a collaborative process developing custom build housing solutions for a phase of a bold new masterplan at Dundashill. This initial exercise explored custom build as an innovative alternative to housing, highlighting new approaches for sustainable urban living. Subsequently, Stallan-Brand and Ann Nisbet Studio were appointed to deliver Dundashill Phase 4A, known as ‘Maltings Wynd’.

Dundashill is a new neighbourhood that is fast gaining prominence as an alternative, creative destination. From the outset, it was clear that igloo’s priorities and aspirations were rooted in fostering the growth of this new community and neighbourhood, ensuring that development harnessed the character and potential of the unique North Glasgow industrial context.

Reason for nomination

Igloo’s People, Place, Planet driven ‘Footprint’ methodology is centred around a genuine desire to create high-quality, community focused neighbourhoods through aspirational architecture and nature focused landscape design along with a willingness to take some risks in embracing new ideas and typologies that challenge the more traditional notions and of what good urban housing should be. The design team had the scope and opportunity - and were positively encouraged - to explore and test ideas and design solutions beyond what might typically be anticipated for a housing/ residential development. Igloo chose to select two separately appointed architectural studios to collaborate on the project - this brought an enhanced creative energy to the design process and contributed to the development, achieving a complementary diversity to the design, which significantly contributes to the quality of the design and the neighbourhood. Igloo, with Stallan-Brand and Ann Nisbet, spent time building long-term relationships and connections with the community, local residents, key stakeholders, and small business owners, while working with local charitable and cultural organisations in the neighbourhood to create new opportunities for residents to access natural environments and develop new skills. The Maltings Wynd development has been a huge catalyst in boosting the environmental, economic, and social status of the area. Igloo established key environmental design principles, including: improving connectivity to encourage active travel and reduce car reliance; enhancing the green and blue network; and promoting low-carbon housing. The sunken gardens with naturalistic planting, rainwater gardens, integrated bird and bat boxes, and wildlife runs have earned the project a Building with Nature accreditation. Igloo looks to build communities, not just homes. Part of this commitment is connecting new residents with the local community, demonstrating that you can live, work, and play on your doorstep. The following details several of the initiatives that igloo pioneered at Maltings Wynd; • Partnership with Yardworks, a Glasgow street art social enterprise. https://swg3.tv/explore/news/yardworks-residents-help-bring-colour-to-dundashill/ • Resident vouchers for Everyday Athlete, to help promote wellbeing and a healthier lifestyle. • Partnership with Pinkston Watersports, including sponsorship of their 10th birthday party. • Resident vouchers to try a winter wellbeing session (swim and sauna) at Pinkston Watersports. • Igloo worked with Open Gates, a charitable organisation that aims to reduce reoffending, to provide opportunities on-site. • Igloo worked with contractor CCG to provide work placements, curriculum support, site tours, and construction-related training. • Resident memberships to the Glasgow Tool Library. • Enterprise Car Club membership, with an EV car club vehicle on site. • Low-carbon, EPC A-rated homes.

Links

https://dundashill.com/

https://www.iglooregeneration.co.uk/projects/dundashill

Photographer

David Barbour