Cumbria-based housebuilder Russell Armer Homes has been shortlisted for four prestigious awards in the LABC Northern Building Excellence Awards 2020.
Russell Armer’s developments Lesketh How in Ambleside and Crookfield (Phase II) in Staveley attracted the attention of LABC judges and are in the running for awards including: Best New Housing Development and Best Change of Use of an Existing building (both Lesketh How), plus Best Social or Affordable New Housing Development (Crookfield). The company’s Architectural Technologist, Paul Townsend, is also in the frame for LABC Construction Professional of the Year.
The two developments showcase Russell Armer’s expertise across two very different sites. Formerly the grand family home of William Wordsworth’s physician, Sir John Davy, Lesketh How has been sensitively transformed into a small cluster of high-specification homes, perfectly marrying old and new structures and set amid beautiful wooded gardens offering breathtaking views.
In Staveley, the second phase of the Crookfield development – the result of a successful collaboration between Russell Armer and Castles & Coasts Housing Association – has delivered more affordable housing to the area. The thirteen properties represent a mixture of homes for rent, rent-to-buy, shared ownership and open-market bungalows for sale, subject to occupancy restriction and other eligibility criteria.
Both sites, however, offer high-quality housing options that enhance their surroundings.
Russell Armer Homes Architect, Richard Wood said: “We’re thrilled that we’ve been shortlisted in four LABC Awards categories – especially with two incredibly diverse building projects. We’re proud of both developments – each came with their own challenges, but both offer a positive contribution to Cumbria’s built environment. Thanks to the affordable homes on Crookfield, dozens of local families are now enjoying comfortable accommodation that is modern, well-equipped and energy efficient – we’ve got to be happy with that result, whatever happens at the awards ceremony.”
The LABC awards celebrate achievements in the construction industry. They reward ‘excellent buildings and outstanding companies’. The LABC network covers all local authorities in England and Wales and is split into twelve regions, each of which awards its own prizes.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, no LABC awards ceremonies will be held this year; instead winners will be celebrated digitally. Winners in each category will be announced on 24th September.
