Planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of Knoll House in Ingram Crescent.
This great milestone was unanimously approved by the planning committee earlier this summer.
Knoll House is a truly unique project for various reasons. The works include the resurrection of a 1981 Brighton based residential building that no longer meets the needs of the council and its occupiers. The proposed design better aligns with the Council’s declared commitment to reducing health inequalities while also considering environmental responsibility following their declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergency in 2018.
The existing building is to be demolished to allow for the construction of a new, modern block providing 28 apartments for independent living with an inviting and friendly communal space.
Intended residents are primarily those that require extra support, some have acquired brain injuries whilst others are bariatric – all separated into four cohorts. Some units will be specifically for people aged 18 to 25. All apartments have been designed to be wheelchair accessible as a response to strong local demand for such accommodation.
The concept is that they have the opportunity to live independently in a place that they can call home with the support of council staff who work in the building 24/7. The greater scheme provides onsite accommodation for staff, giving them the opportunity to successfully manage the scheme.
The design is one that has been greatly considered with sustainability measures implemented from the outset. PRP’s design principles for Knoll House incorporate a fabric-first approach and the use of Air Source Heat Pumps and Heat Interface Units for efficient communal heating helping to reduce energy consumption. Active measures such as low-energy lighting, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and energy efficient appliances will reduce this further.
The project is one that we’re incredibly proud to be a part of – providing modern and affordable accommodation to those in need, at reasonable council rates.
b&m is currently acting as Quantity Surveyor, Employers Agent and Principal Designer with aims to commence on site in March 2024.
We’re pleased to have worked with an incredible and collaborative project team. A job well done for all those involved! PRP
“I have absolutely loved working on this, to have the opportunity to be part of a team that creates such needed homes to people in need has been amazing.” – Jake Whittlesea, Assistant Project Surveyor
