News

Award successes for Dovehouse Court

13 Oct 2024

Dovehouse Court has been singled out for several national accolades – including winning the Innovation For Living Award from the Almshouse Association, for projects completed in 2023.

The first almshouses in the UK to fully conform to certified Passivhaus standards are being recognised for their excellent sustainability credentials, in addition to the inspirational low-rise design in white bricks and colourful entrance doors built around a central communal courtyard.

Futureproof housing
A detailed entry was required to tell the story, from GTC Trustees making a commitment to increase and futureproof housing in the Village through to the completion of the almshouses last year.

The vision was to create contemporary homes designed for extended independent living for the over 55s, with an internal layout to include a master bedroom and small second room, open plan living, kitchen and dining area. There would be access to balconies or individual terraces on the ground floor, as well as landscaped communal gardens, an orchard and raised beds for flowers or vegetables.

Judges’ visit
The written submission was shortlisted and followed by a visit from the judging panel to see Dovehouse Court at first hand and see residents living and enjoying the new homes.

Ann Bonnett, Chair of GTC said: “We are thrilled to have been given the Innovation For Living Award by the Almshouse Association, against fierce competition from almshouse developments across the UK.

“It is very fitting that the inspirational design for Dovehouse Court – adhering to traditional almshouse layouts around a central courtyard to encourage social interaction and the state-of-the-art Passivhaus energy efficiency credentials –  should be recognised in this way.

“I would like to thank my fellow Trustees for their commitment to our initial vision and support throughout the project in addition to Mole Architects for creating the award-winning design, brought to fruition by our wonderful team of contractors.

Shortlisting
In addition to the Innovation For Living Award, Dovehouse Court has also been shortlisted for two further accolades: the Social Housing Project Of The Year category in the Structural Timber Awards 2024 and the Later Living/Supported Living Design of the Year category in this year's British Homes Awards. 

Dovehouse Court recently hosted a visit from HRH The Duke of Gloucester, as Vice Royal Patron of the Almshouse Association.