All-Ireland Housing Awards winner 2024
Best Housing Development
Ark Housing, a progressive housing association based in Northern Ireland (NI), is committed to making a positive impact on housing and community wellbeing. Ark’s mission is to, in partnership, provide quality homes and support services to meet housing need and contribute to the wellbeing of communities.
Ark Housing strives to provide quality homes that meet the diverse needs of residents. Whether through houses, apartments or maisonettes, our focus is on creating comfortable, inclusive living spaces that meet all compliance regulations.
We believe that a safe and well-designed home contributes significantly to individual wellbeing and overall community health.
Beyond housing, Ark Housing actively engages with communities. We recognise that strong communities are built on collaboration, inclusion and empowerment.
By fostering connections, supporting local initiatives, and involving residents in decision-making, we aim to create vibrant neighbourhoods where everyone thrives. Ark Housing recently announced its membership in the Supporting Communities Tenant Participation Accreditation programme. This programme aims to empower our tenants and to give them the power to shape our services.
Ark Housing’s dedication to quality community wellbeing and empowerment drives our work, making us a vital contributor to Northern Ireland’s housing landscape. We are proud to be one of the top developing housing associations in NI and we plan to go from strength to strength.
What were you trying to achieve?
With the Ogle Street development, Ark Housing had several key objectives:
Contribution to the Shared Housing Programme
Ark Housing partnered with the Department for Communities and the NI Housing Executive (NIHE) community to develop the ‘Housing for All’ program. With the goal to make housing accessible for all community members, building a stronger and more united society.
Architectural excellence
Beyond mere functionality, Ark envisioned an innovative housing scheme that reflected architectural brilliance. Ogle Street aimed to seamlessly blend contemporary design with Armagh’s rich heritage.
Meet Shared Housing Criteria
Ark wanted Ogle Street to excel in design while meeting all criteria for the Shared Housing Programme. This included ensuring that community foundations were as solid as the construction foundations.
Inclusivity and adaptability
Ogle Street’s thoughtful design features, such as wheelchair accessible units and gas central heating, aimed to enhance the liveability of homes. The development catered to diverse family sizes and lifestyles.
Community engagement
Ark Housing actively involved Armagh residents through initiatives like the ‘Bounce Back Armagh’ networking event. By fostering a sense of belonging, Ogle Street truly became part of Armagh’s vibrant fabric.
What did you do?
The communities team actively ensured that the community foundations were as solid as the construction foundations. Even before the first tenant moved in to Ogle Street, the communities team were engaging with support services and community interest groups to ensure that Ogle Street would be a lynchpin in the local community. By fostering connections and involving residents, Ogle Street became an integral part of Armagh’s vibrant fabric.
Environmental considerations
Ark Housing considered sustainability in Ogle Street’s design. This included:
- Sustainable design: The use of local materials and energy-efficient features minimised environmental impact.
- Improved access to green spaces: The potential for incorporating pocket parks or landscaping within the development enhanced residents’ wellbeing.
- Reduced urban sprawl: Effective redevelopment maximised existing space, minimising the need for development on greenfield sites.
Economic rejuvenation
Ogle Street’s positive impact extended beyond its physical environment. It provided employment opportunities for local professionals, contributing to Armagh’s economic wellbeing.
Ogle Street’s architectural excellence seamlessly blended contemporary design with Armagh’s rich heritage. The stepped roofline, local stone and careful colour coordination respected the city’s history while embracing modernity.
What were the outcomes?
In summary, Ogle Street stands as a model of sustainable and inclusive development, setting a new standard for housing in Armagh and all of Northern Ireland. Residents can now live fulfilling lives in vibrant and thriving communities. Ark is incredibly proud of this new development, and honoured to have won the prestigious Best Housing Development at the CIH All Ireland Housing Awards.
