A carbon negative mews development in London, Walthamstow, has been highly commended at this year’s Secured by Design (SBD) ATLAS award
The Arbour is a carbon-negative mews development consisting of 10 modern and spacious properties. It has been built with zero construction waste and is energy-positive, generating more energy on-site than it consumes on an annual basis, thus incurring no energy bills.
Designing Out Crime Officers worked with the developer throughout the build
The unique nature of the carbon negative mews development meant that some of the design aspects needed very specific security rated products or a bespoke design/security enhancements that still provided a suitable level of protection.
SBD certification
The development was able to achieve SBD certification without compromising the vision of a pioneering planet positive development, showing that developments can be safe and secure whilst reducing the impact on the environment.
Receiving the award, Metropolitan Police Designing Out Crime Officer Matthew Fletcher said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the Architects and Developers to ensure a security-conscious scheme even with unique site-specific requirements. Advice was taken on board and implemented throughout the build and this is evident from the lack of crime and ASB reported in this development.”
Developers Gs8 said: “The Arbour was an extremely ambitious development in terms of its environmental ambitions, but also challenging in terms of its position as a backland site with a history of crime. Matthew was proactive and helped us to find solutions that enabled us to meet the requirements of SBD, whilst being able to deliver on our carbon, waste and energy targets for the development.
“The Arbour was intended to prove that a market leading and authentic environmentally conscious development can meet the requirements of policies and regulations and provide an enjoyable and safe place to live, which thanks to all involved, including LB Waltham Forest and SBD, we were able to achieve.”
Architects Boehm Lynas said: “Resident’s safety and security is at the heart of any community led design, which was integral to the overall environmental goals of this development. Our engagement with SBD from an early stage helped to achieve this and we are pleased the outcome was a successful one.”
Improved security
Developers around the UK can achieve SBD awards for incorporating crime prevention measures and techniques into their developments in all kinds of building sectors, such as residential, education, health, transport, commercial, retail, sport and leisure.
Indeed, SBD can be used as evidence to discharge third-party obligations under Part Q of Schedule 1 (Security) to the English Building Regulations, the Scottish Building Standard 4.13 (Security) and Welsh Building Regulations Part Q (Security – Dwellings). These awards are gained by working with police Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), who advise architects, developers and local authority planners long before construction begins – and continue to provide advice and guidance until the development is complete.
Academic and other research shows that improving standards of security in brand new and refurbished properties, helps deter and reduce crime. Reducing crime and the fear of crime has direct links to better physical and mental well-being, such as with regard to high volume crimes like domestic abuse.
