Diggers
Diggers, was the first ‘green’ self build housing project with solar conservatories and green roofs, and the first pilot of a self build for rent model using public finance.
Location
Brighton, UK
Area
Status
Completed
Year
1996
Client
CHISEL
The Diggers scheme brings back into use the derelict site of a disused golf club, surrounded by a mixture of postwar housing developments on the outskirts of Brighton. The site, edged with trees and offering extraordinary views over the town to the sea, demanded an alternative form of construction as opposed to conventional methods due to its steep sloping gradient. The post and beam method championed by Walter Segal was an obvious choice, with minimal pad foundations at the foot of each post it allowed development close to mature trees as well as on steeply sloping sites.
Planners’ initial concerns about density were overcome by specifying a sea of grass roofs to provide wildflower gardens where overlooked from the flats behind.
Vision
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What are the fundamentals of successful collaborative design?
Collaborating With Communities
Collaboration
What are the fundamentals of successful collaborative design?
Participation and choice
Participation and choice was a key element of both Architype’s and Digger’s approach to the design process.
Self build for rent model
Diggers was initiated by a group of families and individuals in Brighton who came together with a common purpose - to self-build for rent, as an affordable way of providing their own permanent homes.
No two homes are the same
The houses were designed in close consultation with the group and individuals; developed to enjoy the natural advantages of the site, with generous windows and natural light, changes in level, conservatories, balconies and verandahs.
Design
Expertise
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