On Tuesday night The Courtyards was named 'Supported/Sheltered Housing Scheme of the Year' by the Northern Housing Awards.

For this project we developed an underused suburban site in Preston to provide 60 affordable homes for older people with varying care needs. Homes meet all the HAPPI recommendations and are fully accessible and wheelchair adaptable, with sliding doors to assist those with mobility issues and large storage areas inside for wheelchairs and scooters.

The apartments blur boundaries between private and communal space to encourage residents to take ownership of shared areas and facilitate interaction. The large central courtyard is an active focal point and features raised planting beds to encourage gardening.

Congratulations to our client Community Gateway Association! This scheme is a great example of how clients championing inventive and cohesive architecture and landscape design can positively transform people's lives.