Case study detail
CASPAR II: North Street View
CASPAR II, Leeds
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Sustainable Development Commission
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City-Centre Apartments for Single People at Affordable Rents.
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Overview
CASPAR II (City-Centre Apartments for Single People at Affordable Rents) is the second project by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) to provide affordable housing for young singles and couples working in Leeds city centre. The difficult sloping site for this residential development has led to an ingenious semi-circular building located on what is essentially a traffic island, surrounded by busy roads, including the city's inner ring road. The scheme turns its back on the traffic, and focuses inward on a pleasant south facing courtyard overlooked by balconies.
The designers have employed innovative construction methods, including factory made service modules (bathroom, kitchen, hallways, study/dining area), prefabricated living rooms and bedrooms assembled on site, and stairs, walkways and balconies independent of the main timber structure, to create a landmark building in an area substantially demolished since the 1960s. Tenants enthuse about the building and its location, and enjoy the benefits of good quality accommodation, low rents and proximity to central Leeds. Social and environmental sustainability objectives have importantly been met simultaneously.
Energy efficiency features:
- Triple glazed windows, high levels of insulation, and an efficient heat recovery ventilation system mean that the gas fired boiler is rarely needed except in deepest winter, reducing tenants' bills for heating and hot water to around £2 per week
- Kitchen appliances provided are 'E' rated for reduced energy consumption
- Low energy lighting throughout, photocell control to landing lights
- Energy savings as a high density development, which also minimises urban sprawl
Sustainable materials features:
- Principal building components with a 60 year life
- Renewable source timber cladding and frame
Sustainable transport features:
- Residents without cars get a rent reduction of £40-£50 per month
- The scheme is within easy walking distance of the city centre, but buses are also accessible within 40 m of the entrance
(Information from www.cabe.org.uk)
Key features
energy
materials
transport
Key data
Completion Date: 01/01/2000
Project Team: Levitt Bernstein Architects
Cost: Contract value - £2.4m
Local Authority: Leeds City Council
Client: Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Links
Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment website
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