Eddington
Cowen+Partners have created a sustainable, long-lasting and ambitious place that would enhance both the city and the University of Cambridge by providing homes for key workers, families and post-graduates on this site owned by the University of Cambridge.
Planning permission was achieved in 2022 and allowed us to develop the scheme through to Stage 4. At the core of our vision is a rich community lifestyle where residents invest in their neighbours and their neighbourhood. We amplified the unique elements of the brief to envision a distinct community lifestyle with long-lasting character that promotes diversity. We aimed to create homes that appeal to a growing rental demographic including families with children and the over 65’s.
The impact of our approach is a range of 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments alongside 3- and 4-bedroom family homes in a close-knit environment that encourages social sustainability and wellness. Our design creates connections between homes and families by offering high-end shared amenities, luxury health facilities, open green spaces, and a thoughtful layout that works to bring people together.
We not only want to design sustainable buildings, we want to create buildings that allow residents to live sustainably by naturally reducing their energy usage whilst having full comfort. Using parametric modelling as an integral layer to the design process, we seek to understand the context, climate and microclimates unique to every scheme. This combined with the other key factors such as noise and wind tunnelling allows for the mapping of façades and public realm to truly understand and interrogate site conditions. Solar exposure is also combined with these climatic considerations to conclude not only where the sun hits the building, but if this is likely to be detrimental or beneficial to the scheme.
Unique measures are integrated in every aspect of Eddington to encourage residents and visitors to lead more sustainable lives. This means using resources in a safe and efficient way, minimising carbon emissions and pollution to help the environment now and in the future. The buildings have all been designed BREEAM Excellent.
