Leading housing developer Lovell partnered with Suffolk County Council and the Ministry of Building Innovation and Education (MOBIE) to host a ‘Think Circular’ student design challenge event at the University of Suffolk on Thursday 10th October 2024. The event celebrated the creative and eco-friendly housing designs submitted by Suffolk students as part of a countywide challenge to envision the sustainable homes and communities of the future and get young people excited about design and construction.
The event was hosted by George Clarke, TV presenter, architect, and founder of MOBIE, to celebrate the efforts of young designers in the county around the circular economy. The students, from various schools across Suffolk, were tasked with designing homes that minimise waste, utilise renewable technologies and promote biodiversity.
The event featured student presentations from the winners – Hartismere School & Sixth Form. The young designers explained how they approached the challenge of creating future-proof, environmentally friendly homes that contribute to the well-being of the community and planet.
The winning team received £300 and their sixth form was awarded £1,000.
Suffolk County Council selected Lovell Partnerships as its partner for a new joint venture, Edmundham Developments, to develop new high-quality homes on a number of its sites over the coming years.
George Clarke commented: “Home is the most important piece of architecture in our lives. I genuinely believe this to be true. It never ceases to amaze me just how creative, talented and passionate young people are when invited to design homes of the future that they want to live in. With my education charity MOBIE, we have run many home design competitions across all parts of the country for young people of all ages, each producing extraordinarily sustainable, technologically innovative and environmentally protective submissions. This challenge for young people in Suffolk was no exception.
“Indeed, this winning entry from a team of A level students at Hartismere School in Eye, was one of the best and most professionally designed and presented schemes we have had the pleasure of receiving. It was an absolute honour and privilege to meet these young designers of the future and their inspirational teachers. Huge thanks also to Lovell and Suffolk County Council for supporting this fantastic design challenge and congratulations to all the schools that participated.”
Councilor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste, said: “It’s been such a pleasure to see the invention of the next generation of potential designers, planners, historians, ecologists or construction industry workers. I hope the experience has shown them that there are so many varied roles when it comes to considering building new homes. Thank you and congratulations to all the young people who took part, they’ve all done a fantastic job – the future in Suffolk looks bright!”
Matthew Goakes, area director for Lovell, said: “We were thrilled to see how enthusiastic young people in Suffolk are about sustainable design. Our collaboration with MOBIE and Suffolk County Council emphasises the importance of inspiring the next generation to think about the future of housing and inspire the next generation of home designers. These students have really pushed boundaries with their innovative ideas.”
In addition to the awards ceremony, attendees engaged in a Q&A session with George Clarke, where students gained insight from the renowned architect and TV presenter. The event concluded with a light buffet lunch and networking session, providing students and educators with a chance to meet industry professionals and discuss the future of housing design.