Cambridge charity, Girton Town Charity (GTC), hosted a visit from its local MP on Thursday 28th August to showcase its ground-breaking new almshouse development.
Ian Sollom, MP for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire was welcomed at Girton Town Charity’s Dovehouse Court development, which had been selected by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as a recent winner of a RIBA East Award for its inspiring design and futureproofing technology .
A tour of the development by GTC Chair Ann Bonnett and representatives of RIBA and Mole Architects who created the award-winning design included a visit to one of the homes where Ian Sollom was able to talk to a resident and hear first-hand what it is like to live there.
Dovehouse Court is one of the the first almshouse developments in the country to fully conform to Passivhaus standards and has already been recognised with a number of prestigious national awards for its energy efficiency combined with adherence to design principles with a central courtyard to encourage social interaction.
Awards include: Innovation For Living Award from the Almshouse Association; British Homes Awards for the Later Living/Supported Living Design of the Year; Judges’ Award for Sustainable Project of the Year; and most recently the Royal Society of British Architects East Award.
The Passivhaus status ensures that the 15 single storey apartments enjoy low energy costs, with operational carbon consumption at just 34.1 kilowatt hours per square metre each year, lower than the target in RIBA’s 2030 Climate Challenge.
Other benefits are improved indoor air quality, stricter levels of airtightness, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery as well as high levels of building insulation.
The development allows for extended independent living including easy wheelchair access. The internal layout provides a master bedroom and small second room and open plan living/kitchen/dining area with access to balconies or individual terraces on the ground floor, as well as communal landscaped gardens, an orchard and allotments.
Matt Blakeley, Regional Director for RIBA Central, said: “Dovehouse Court is a shining example of how great architecture can transform lives. By combining innovative design with the highest standards of sustainability, this project demonstrates the power of architecture to address both social and environmental needs. It is a privilege to see such forward-thinking design recognised here in the East region, and to celebrate the collaboration between client, architect and community that has made it possible.”
Ian Bramwell, Director at Mole Architects said: “We were delighted to welcome Ian Sollom to Dovehouse Court, where he was able to see the almshouse development, designed to rigorous Passivhaus standards, demonstrating how low-energy design, superior insulation, and advanced ventilation systems help in the creation of sustainable, community-oriented housing”
Ian Sollom added: “What struck me most about my visit was hearing about and meeting residents who are genuinely thriving in their new homes. This isn’t just about creating energy-efficient housing – it’s about creating a space in the community where people can live with dignity and independence. Girton Town Charity and Mole Architects have shown what’s possible when we prioritize both sustainability and human wellbeing.”
[Above photo: Left to right: Mark Vile, Dovehouse Court resident; Ann Bonnett, Chair Girton Town Charity; Ian Bramwell, Director Mole Architects; Ian Sollom MP; Matt Blakeley, Regional Director RIBA Central. (Photo credit; Perry Hastings; Girton Town Charity)]
posted 11 September 2025