Woburn Close

As part of the Bolsover Homes Framework, William Saunders were appointed as Architects, Structural & Civil Engineers to design and deliver a new build residential scheme comprising of 23 houses and bungalows, plus a purpose built Sheltered Housing scheme incorporating 20 flats to provide independent living for the elderly.

This flagship scheme is intended to provide much needed regeneration on a very prominent site within the village of Blackwell. The contemporary design reflects the nature of the surrounding context and local vernacular, whilst incorporating modern design features and detailing to raise the bar in terms of design quality.

The project entailed early involvement with a wide variety of stakeholders within Bolsover District Council to ensure the design met their needs, and involved working closely with their development company, Dragonfly Development, to ensure the scheme was deliverable from both a technical and financial standpoint.

Our appointment includes the Lead Designer & Design Coordinator roles, and we are also fulfilling the role of Building Regulations Principal Designer to ensure the requirements of the new Building Safety Act are covered. We have played a key role in proactively managing and leading the design team to ensure that all regulatory compliance requirements are addressed, and that the design is delivered in accordance with the client’s bespoke requirements.

All elements of the scheme have been designed in accordance with the client’s design standards, and all properties within the scheme meet the enhanced accessibility standards of Part M Cat 2. The scheme incorporates a fabric-first approach to energy efficiency, achieving excellent levels of insulation and minimal thermal bridging, whilst also including sustainable technology such as PV panels and a communal ASHP heating system for the flats.

The Sheltered Housing scheme includes communal facilities, an external landscaped garden area and provision for an on-site warden. The flats are designed to be adaptable to allow elderly residents to continue living independently for as long as possible.

The project is currently under construction on site and Phase 1 is due for completion in June 2025.