Saint-Gobain Isover, the leading developer of sustainable insulation solutions to protect both the built and the natural environment, has announced the launch of its 2012 Student Architectural Design Competition, which will include a national and international stage. The 2012 brief will require students to create a sustainable community living plan for around 12 to 15 families, located in Nottingham’s Trent Basin at the border between the city and the industrial zone. The development must be designed in accordance with Isover Multi-Comfort House principles, encompassing Passiv Haus components to create a sustainable neighbourhood. The competition is open to students of all architectural universities offering RIBA accredited degree or masters courses. Students can participate in teams of up to three members and will be asked to produce a design that takes into account social and economic aspects, as well as constructional considerations. The architecture of the development, which can also include urban space solutions for the immediate vicinity, must be sympathetic to the local surroundings and should also help breathe life into the existing urban area. Shortlisted UK finalists will be invited to showcase their work at Ecobuild 2012, with the winners going on to compete in the eighth international final, which takes place in Bratislava next May. Helen Tunnicliffe, marketing manager for Saint-Gobain Isover, comments: “We are extremely pleased that this year’s competition brief will focus on Nottingham as this will enable us to demonstrate how the Multi-Comfort and Passivhaus concepts offer a viable solution for UK developers. “As I’m sure last year’s finalists will testify, taking part in the competition is a valuable and enjoyable experience. I would urge any RIBA accredited universities and their architectural students to enter, as it will provide them with an ideal opportunity to showcase their talent to the wider construction industry.” The Isover Multi-Comfort House concept illustrates how energy use can be minimised and demonstrates how energy efficient living can be achieved both comfortably and economically. It builds on the Passiv Haus principles, incorporating a focus on a number of key elements including thermal and acoustic comfort, high indoor air quality, exceptional environment and energy efficiency benefits and air tightness. For more information on the 2012 competition and the Saint-Gobain Multi-Comfort concept, please visit www.multicomforthouse.co.uk, follow us on twitter @IsoverUK or ‘like’ us on Facebook.
