Member Article

Local housebuilder receives industry praise for pioneering design

A local housebuilder and City of York Council have been praised at a conference of architects for their pioneering approach at a new city development. Acanthus Associated Architects visited David Wilson Homes’ The Chocolate Works, which is being developed on the site of the old Terry’s Chocolate Factory, during a recent conference in York, and praised David Wilson Homes and City of York Council’s collaborative design response in the redevelopment of the brownfield site.

The conference saw Acanthus Associated Architects, which comprises of eight independent architectural practices, gathering in York for lectures and tours of the city. Over 80 architects, heritage experts and designers from across the UK came together to celebrate outstanding design, placing York firmly at the forefront of architectural innovation in the UK. The conference encompassed visits of different developments across the city, including David Wilson Homes’ The Chocolate Works, the innovative design and enviable location of which is helping the development become the housebuilder’s fastest selling development in Yorkshire.

York, which is more commonly known for its rich heritage and traditional architectural design, is quickly becoming more well known for its contemporary architecture, with developments such as The Chocolate Works placing the city firmly in the limelight. Conceptualised by leading London architect Studio Partington the development blends modern design and materials, while complementing the remaining factory buildings and giving subtle nods to the site’s rich chocolate making past.

Jonathan Wingfield of AcanthusWSM Architects commented: “A visit to The Chocolate Works by some of our group resulted in widespread approval. Both the council and developer should be praised for the collaborative design response which is contemporary and of a high quality.”

Peter Morris, Development Director at David Wilson Homes Yorkshire East, commented: “We were delighted to be able to invite Acanthus Associated Architects down to The Chocolate Works for a tour of the site. It was fantastic to see the development praised for its modern approach to design, while still respecting its position alongside one of York’s most iconic and most loved buildings, the Terry’s Chocolate Factory tower. It was great to have these efforts recognised by such industry experts.”

Homes are available to purchase at The Chocolate Works, with two, three and four bedroom homes available. Prices start from £269,995. To find out more about The Chocolate Works go to www.dwh.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Savage .