New Retirement Living Apartments for KCHA

Torrington is a development for 11 new retirement living apartments for Kingston Churches Housing Association (KCHA). The scheme, on a backland site in Elmbridge, is designed to meet Homes England and Passivhaus standards delivering high-quality energy-efficient, affordable housing, which is the ethos of Kingston Churches, meets residents’ demands, and helps create thriving communities.

We have developed a real understanding of Kingston Churches’ goals and ambitions through projects we’ve worked with them on which has been critical to the success of these new retirement living apartments. Our strong client relationship based on trust and openness has helped deliver an exemplary scheme.

We are working with the client to secure Homes England funding for the development and are exploring additional funding streams through the Elmbridge Borough Council housing department.

“Working with WWA has been a delight, and the communication has been excellent. The team are very knowledgeable, knowing when to listen and when to make suggestions to keep the project progressing.” Rosscoe Brown, Chief Executive, KCHA.

Planning and Design

Critical constraints of the infill site are its backland nature; surrounded by residential properties on three sides with the existing property on the other, there are several mature trees and a WWII bomb shelter in the grounds.

Ensuring that there was no loss of privacy to existing residents and neighbouring properties defined the courtyard layout providing green space. The buildings sit outside root protection areas of significant trees thereby maintaining the biodiversity on site.

These constraints influenced the layout of the simple but contemporary design which takes inspiration from the existing building in terms of materials and massing.

Another key issue was parking provision and, working with the highway’s consultants, we justified reduced provision and achieved planning permission.

Following Passivhaus guidelines, these properties were designed by our Certified Passivhaus Designers. During the concept design stage this affected orientation, fenestration and massing in order to guarantee a suitable form-to-perimeter ratio. Minimising potential thermal bridge details was also a key consideration.

Extensive consultation was undertaken with the current residents. This collaboration influenced the layout of the design and character of the external spaces.

Early and meaningful involvement with council members and residents was the planning strategy. This collaboration, along with proactive engagement with the Elmbridge Borough Council’s Planning Department, resulted in a successful planning decision on this contentious site.

The development delivers much-needed affordable housing in an affluent area with high energy standards which the Planning Committee praised.

Quality and End User Satisfaction

The internal layouts of the apartments are carefully designed for the end user. We design inclusively and are experts in older people’s housing design. We are members of Housing LIN, ARCO and Access Association. We have undertaken presentations and research in this field and applied our detailed knowledge to Torrington to ensure high-quality, accessible environments. The internal layouts are also designed in line with the Technical Housing Standards.

A deep retrofit will also be undertaken on the existing property to improve its energy efficiency, reducing bills for existing residents.

Project Services

WWA provided full architectural and planning services including Project Management for the client, setting the programme, leading consultation, maintaining budget control and advising on procurement. The development, currently at RIBA Stage 4 technical design, achieved planning permission by a large majority at Planning Committee. WWA managed the Consultant Team from initial briefing and appointment to ensure planning requirements were met.

WWA are at the forefront of design innovation in accessible environments with extensive experience in delivering specialist housing, please contact WWA Managing Director, Mark Slater at 0123 552 3139 for a free initial consultation.