Lowfield Green, York

York, Yorkshire & Humberside

Lowfield Green successfully demonstrates thoughtful, community-oriented urban planning and design. Delivered as the first housing development by the City of York Council in over 30 years, the scheme reflects a commitment to quality architecture, while fostering a sense of community and enhancing the surrounding suburban environment. The design of Lowfield Green integrates harmoniously with its context, using a restrained material palette of grey, red, and buff bricks to create a cohesive aesthetic across diverse housing types, including bungalows, apartments, and family homes. The thoughtful placement of affordable homes throughout the development ensures a seamless blend of social and private housing, demonstrating how "pepper potting" can successfully eliminate visual distinctions. The Village Green serves as a focal point, offering an inviting space for recreation and interaction, while the scale and massing of the development create a balanced relationship with the surrounding area. Sustainability is evident in the incorporation of photovoltaics and electric vehicle charging points, as well as the achievement of a 30% improvement on Part L regulations and EPC ‘A’ ratings. The landscaping enhances biodiversity, and the layout minimises visual intrusion from cars, prioritising a greener, more pedestrian-friendly environment. Streets are designed to reduce traffic speeds and clearly delineate pedestrian routes, creating a safer, more inclusive environment. Internally, homes offer generous circulation spaces, including turning circles at entrances and wide corridors, making them suitable for a range of needs. Age-friendly apartments with balconies overlooking the Village Green provide an attractive, inclusive option for older residents. The emphasis on mixed housing types ensures that the development caters to diverse demographics, from families to single occupants and seniors. Lowfield Green successfully fosters a sense of place and community. The Council’s engagement with residents throughout the project, combined with an active role in its ongoing management, has ensured the development reflects local needs and aspirations. Increased housing availability, particularly the 40% affordable provision, addresses critical housing shortages while boosting the local economy.

Judges’ Comments:

“The local authority and design team are to be commended for the care and effort that has gone into this development; other authorities should learn from this example”