We are thrilled to announce that the Honeycroft development in Lawford, Essex, has been shortlisted for the prestigious LGC Awards 2025 in the Housing category. This recognition celebrates innovative and impactful housing initiatives, and we couldn’t be prouder to have been part of this transformative project that exemplifies energy-efficient design and social value.
A Beacon of Social Impact
The nomination in the Housing category highlights the Honeycroft development's profound contribution to the community. Led by Tendring District Council and delivered by Rose Builders, the project replaced a former sheltered housing scheme with 13 modern, single-storey senior living homes, specifically designed to meet the needs of residents aged 55 and over.
At the heart of Honeycroft’s mission is a commitment to fostering community and enhancing quality of life. Each home prioritises accessibility and independence, with thoughtful features such as mobility scooter storage and charging points, private manageable gardens, and seamless connections to communal areas. Beyond providing housing, the development boasts a multi-use community building, which serves not just residents but also local groups, fostering stronger community ties.
Environmentally Responsible Design
Environmental care is central to Honeycroft’s design. The development achieved an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) through innovative and forward-thinking solutions. Renewable energy generation, including solar photovoltaic panels, alongside air source heat pumps and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems, have been seamlessly integrated to reduce energy usage and lower environmental impact.
Communal gardens and allotments promote well-being for residents, while wildlife features such as bat and bird boxes and hedgehog-friendly pathways underline its commitment to preserving biodiversity.
Leveraging Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is a term that focuses on newer construction materials such our Kingspan TEK® SIPs to optimise efficiency and precision. Offsite construction, in particular, played a crucial role in the Honeycroft development. By manufacturing key structural components in a controlled factory setting, the project minimised waste, reduced resource usage, and lowered on-site energy demands. This method not only facilitated a fast construction but also ensured more accurate build quality by reducing variability often encountered in traditional on-site building processes.
The use of MMC and offsite construction further reinforced the development’s eco-friendly ethos. By decreasing onsite activity, these techniques also reduced disruptions to the surrounding environment and the local community, ensuring the process aligned with Honeycroft’s broader mission of sustainable, community-focused living.
Kingspan Timber Solutions’ Contribution
The Honeycroft development represents a proud achievement for KTS. We played a crucial role in delivering the project’s ambitious energy-saving and eco-conscious goals through the use of our Kingspan TEK® Structural Insulated Panels.
Renowned for their thermal performance and offsite manufacturing benefits, Kingspan TEK® SIPs aligned perfectly with the project’s aspirations for both energy efficiency and streamlined construction. Working closely with Rose Builders, Arcady Architects, and Tendring District Council, our teams collaborated to integrate the SIPs into a design that achieved the necessary airtightness for compatibility with MVHR systems while also accelerating the onsite build process.
The combined efforts of all stakeholders ensured that the Honeycroft development not only met its environmental targets but also delivered housing that residents can be proud to call home.
An Award That Reflects Collective Effort
The LGC Awards are a celebration of innovation and excellence in local government, and this nomination is a testament to the hard work, vision, and collaboration of everyone involved in Honeycroft. From Tendring District Council’s leadership to Rose Builders’ exceptional project management and our contribution at KTS, the Honeycroft development is a shining example of how eco-friendly housing can transform a community.
The winners of the LGC Awards are set to be announced on June 11, 2025, at a gala event in London. Regardless of the outcome, this recognition alone underscores the enduring impact of the Honeycroft development.
Looking Ahead
At KTS, we remain committed to delivering energy-efficient, innovative, and people-focused solutions for housing projects. Honeycroft exemplifies the difference we can make when a fabric-first approach, collaborative partnerships, and socially responsible design come together.
