Architects BDP wins Bristol competition to design Midland Road site

Architects BDP has emerged as the winner of five finalists in a competition to design a 100% affordable home development for Midland Road in the centre of Bristol.

The competition was facilitated by Bristol Housing Festival and the winner was announced by city housing association Brighter Places. It will create around 70 energy efficient homes at the redeveloped site at the Old Market Quarter.

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The finalists were Alec French, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, BDP, Ferguson Mann and Pick Everard, while the judging panel included representatives from the Old Market Community Association (OMCA), a local councillor plus Brighter Places residents and staff.

They liked BDP’s design for its curved section echoing local architecture, the resident garden space that creates planting areas, the consideration of mechanical and electrical servicing and a design that accommodated Passivhaus principles.

Sally Gilbert, homes director for Brighter Places said: "BDP's striking and thoughtful design will help us deliver a unique development of 100% affordable homes in Bristol city centre.

"As an innovative Bristol housing association committed to providing much-needed, energy efficient affordable homes, we were impressed by the balance of comfortable living space, climate smart elements, biodiversity net gain and Passivhaus design within BDP’s proposal."

Adam Darby, associate architect at BDP, added: "Our climate positive scheme is designed around the needs of Bristol’s residents. Our use of sustainable principles will have a positive effect on the health of the people who live there and on their day-to-day quality of life.

"We are so happy to have won this competition and to be working with Brighter Places and the Bristol Housing Festival to deliver this game changing development.

"Healthy buildings, which are safe, warm and affordable to run, mean happy residents with a strong sense of belonging. We are sure that the design principles that will be implemented within Midland Road will set a precedent for future healthy housing in the city."

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