Primrose Hill is a project providing 79 affordable homes as part of the regeneration programme of the Primrose Hill Estate in Huddersfield. Following the entire demolition and clearance of existing housing stocks, the construction includes 48 apartments and 31 new homes over the area.

Working in partnership with Kirklees Council and Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing, Yorkshire Housing is providing innovative energy efficient new homes for affordable rent and shared ownership which will transform the outlook of the estate. Yorkshire Housing stipulated that modern methods of construction should be used for the project. Structherm’s Fastbuild System was chosen due to the ability to arrive at a cost certainty at a much earlier stage then with the other systems.

This is achieved by using standard rates and experience from similar projects to calculate an anticipated maximum price. This is done from architects drawings without the need to develop detailed drawings at concept stage.

The design of the flats incorporate two specifications;
 

The project uses solar power as a means of energy efficiency. Photovoltaic panels are being attached to the roof of the construction providing 55kWp of electricity which can either be used by the residents or fed back into the grid.

The concrete Fastbuild panels contribute to the energy efficiency of the building by way of Thermal Mass. The panels absorb internal heat gains, helping to prevent overheating and ensuring a more stable internal temperature. Night cooling purges the accumulated heat from the slabs, preparing it for the next day. Due to the circular design of the building, the project was initially built in two semi circular blocks. This then allowed for the cranes to enter the centre of the site without problems. The semi circular blocks were eventually completed by the installation of the lift shaft.
 

The design incorporates the service holes at the design stage of the project allowing for less wastage on site and neat installation. The Fastbuild system automatically conforms to progressive collapse.

Due to the Fastbuild panels being so robust they can be finished with a wide range of renders, cladding, stone or brick. The internal core of the polo design has benefited from Structherm’s Italian insulated render finish; the external radius was finished with cedar boarding.