The winners of the Velux Lifetime Housing Design Competition 2000 have been chosen. Architects, technicians and architectural students were challenged to design a mass-produced sustainable home that incorporated a habitable loft space in an imaginative way. With a total £18 000 prize money on offer, the calibre of entries was high and the judges had difficulty separating the best designs. A selection of winning designs will be on show at the RIBA in London from 13-24 November.
Winner:

Jeremy Tyrell and Simon Bircham
The winning architects incorporate roof windows into every storey of this high-density back-to-back terrace. As well as the bedrooms and living areas, the three-storey zinc-clad sloping façade contains a room in the roof with a balcony window, and a roof-top terrace. A masonry-built enclosed services core provides structural support for the sloping façade's rafters and incorporates the WC, bathroom, utility room and staircase. Tyrell and Bircham make extensive use of the Velux window catalogue and use its GEL, VEA, GDL, GIV and GGL units for doorways, balconies, electrically operated windows, and roof lights. "The winning entry demonstrates a novel approach to high density living," said architect and TV presenter Duncan Stewart, who chaired the judging panel.

Second:

Andrew Henderson of RH Partnership
The judges were particularly impressed by the adaptability of this timber-frame terrace and its use of outdoor space. The main accommodation on the ground floor is grouped around a courtyard, and two bedrooms open out onto a first floor garden, which is above a self-contained apartment/study area. The windows provide cross ventilation and ensure maximum penetration of sunlight. Rooflights can also be installed into the loft space in conversion to add further living accommodation.

Third:

Jonathon Reeves of J Reeves Architecture
The architect incorporates Velux windows into a radical curved roof, which acts as the main sheltering element for the homes in this back-to-back terrace. The roof is clad in aluminium and supported by prefabricated concrete side panels and an integrated steel frame. Two first floor bedrooms open out on to a small garden, which sits over two car parking spaces.

Commended:

Michael L Ozouf of Mloz
To reduce building costs the architect uses as little glass as possible. Small recessed triangular windows ensure that light reaches all areas of the home.

Commended:

Gokay Deveci, Gary Smollet, Craig Anderson and Jonathon Scott of G Deveci Chartered Architects
Designed for rural areas, this timber-frame house has triple and double-glazing on its south eleveation to provide solar warmth.

Source

Building Homes