FE Peacock Construction has been handed top honours in a scheme celebrating conservation in Rutland.
The prestigious George Phillips Design Award, organised by Rutland Local History Society and supported by Rutland County Council, is given to the project that is considered to have contributed to the conservation of the character of the built environment in Rutland.
FE Peacock Construction built the winning development, located in Drift Close, Barrowden, on behalf of Peterborough-based housing association Accent Nene.
The development includes five houses and two bungalows that were all rented or sold on a shared ownership basis to people with a local village connection - nominated from Rutland County Council's housing register.
This enabled local people to purchase a home in a small rural community where they would otherwise be priced out of the housing market.
The development was designed by John Blair, director of Cambridge based architects Saunders Boston, who ensured all properties were built with features such as stone detailing so that they are in keeping with existing rural homes in Barrowden.
The timber frame construction of the properties is an economical and efficient method of building which allows for a quicker construction time. The timber is sourced from sustainable forests.
The properties all meet the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 - some 25 per cent above the standard building regulations specification for energy performance, highlighting FE Peacock's commitment to creating affordable, well-built and energy-efficient homes.
The scheme received the support of the Homes and Communities Agency which provided a grant of £185,000.
The George Phillips Design Award was presented to FE Peacock managing director Karl Hick on behalf of the development partners. He said; "We are delighted to receive this prestigious award as everyone involved has worked extremely hard, to the highest standards. The development has helped meet the need for affordable housing in Barrowden with homes which are both economical and environmentally friendly."
Rutland County Council's housing portfolio holder, Coun Mark Wells, praised the project and its impact on the village and its surroundings. He said; "The award to the Drift Close scheme demonstrates how affordable housing can capture the look and feel of its surroundings as well as meeting the housing needs of local people."
FE Peacock, which is part of the Larkfleet Group, was also responsible for an eco friendly office park in Oakham that was shortlisted for the same award. Each of the nine office units included many features such as a lighting system which automatically turns off lights when rooms are unoccupied and dims lights when the sun is shining.
Larkfleet Group's development company Hawksmead has submitted a planning application to Rutland County Council for permission to build a major extension to the town of Oakham that could provide up to 1,100 homes, new shopping facilities, offices, parks and open spaces.
Planning proposals also include a continuing care retirement community at Oakham North. If these are approved FE Peacock will be responsible for the development of the site which will include the use of low carbon building techniques and renewable energy technology.