You may have heard that it’s just been lauded as a ‘modest masterpiece’, winning the prestigious RIBA Stirling architectural award, a first for a council estate.
But what makes this huddle of around 100 houses and flats in Goldsmith Street, Norwich, so special — and why might it have implications for the rest of us?
The initial impressions aren’t auspicious — passing a vehicle mechanics’ shop and blocky buildings that are a reminder of post-war planning missteps, you arrive at a site that, not so long ago, was given over to abandoned sheltered housing.
Leading the way: The Goldsmith Street development
Yet, even on a dull, grey afternoon, the scene can’t help but lift the spirits: light-coloured brick walls with rounded edges; soft-hued details such as mesh gates and sun screens above entranceways; cherry and lime front doors that call to mind an ice cream parlour; and a feeling throughout of vibrancy that isn’t confined to the abundant nature in the verges and flowerboxes.
Even for those who may never visit a housing estate, this project communicates a good deal about what goes into making a healthy, proud community.
But don’t take a visitor’s word for it —hear it from the residents. Louis Browne, 27, worked on the estate’s construction and was fortunate enough to secure a two-bedroom house, which he shares with his partner, Chloe, and daughter, Nevaeh.
‘This should be the example for councils everywhere,’ he says.
The houses are built to strict Passivhaus environmental standards. This means more than 60cm-thick walls, triple glazing and no openings (letterboxes are situated next to the front doors).
It might sound stifling but, not only are these homes incredibly quiet — ‘you can’t hear a sound from outside when the windows are closed,’ says Louis — they also get ample natural light, even on dull days, because of the low-rise scale of the three-street estate, its south-facing orientation and the shallow roof angles.
The real genius is in the air circulation system, which replaces stale air with fresh air from outside and warms the arriving cool air using heat from the appliances and people inside. ‘I notice the air quality difference when I compare our home with other indoor environments,’ says Louis. ‘It’s great to know my daughter is growing up in such a healthy place.’
In the ample back garden, Louis tends to dahlias and lilies. ‘My daughter loves the insect life,’ he adds.
The Passivhaus approach brings other benefits, too. ‘The house was surprisingly cool during the hot summer days and we’ve barely had the heating on since the nights have drawn in.’
Occupants of such a house can reckon on energy bills of just £150 a year. ‘It’s made a big difference to our quality of life.’
Other residents confirm that the estate brings families together. ‘It’s such a brilliant mix of private and public space,’ says one. ‘There’s no reason there shouldn’t be more of these projects.’
Even the flats have at least one private balcony each, as well as their own main door.
More than a quarter of the site is communal. A wide landscaped area, suited to community gatherings, runs through the middle of the estate.
These recreational spaces avoid the need to cross roads, and parking has been moved to the edges of the estate, meaning the streets are primarily given over to people. It’s a microcosm of a different era, when children could roam safely.
One of the most striking features of the estate is the range of occupants, from young to old, nurses to metalworkers, and larger families to sole occupants.
One single woman with a chronic health condition speaks of her ‘love at first sight’ upon seeing the flat that has proved transformational for her health.
Goldsmith Street took six years to complete and a £17 million budget, equating to £2,200 per square metre.
Gail Harris, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for social housing, says: ‘It shows councils can do great affordable housing despite the financial constraints.’
Will there be more? ‘That’s the plan.’