Cliff Road

About The Client

Pegasus Life was established in 2012, with the goal of re-thinking and reinvent the places and ways in which we live as we get older. The number of Pegasus Life sites in the UK is growing. The company is currently in the process of developing over 30 sites in a variety of locations, from Wilmslow down to the South Coast of England. All Pegasus Life developments are close to key amenities, such as supermarkets and GP surgeries, and have easy access to transport links.

The Brief

A collection of one and two bedroom self-contained apartments exclusively for people over 60, situated within the sea side town of Falmouth in Cornwall. The scheme comprised 34 modern apartments with communal facilities and gardens. This development was the first use of crosslaminted timber (CLT) in retirement apartments. The construction consisted of ground bearing strip foundations, on which a CLT and structural steel frame was constructed with insulated render, natural stone and Siberian Larch facades. The roof finish consisted of natural slate and single ply membrane; Windows and doors were double glazed aluminium frames opening on to apartment balconies and walk ways. Apartments consist of dry lined walls fitted kitchens and bathrooms.

Solution & Results

Using CLT reduced the construction time for the project by six weeks as the CLT panels are manufactured off-site, reaping benefits for the business as well as nearby neighbours. CLT is half the weight of traditional concrete
frames, which also reduces the depth and cost of the foundations needed by 25%. Simply through specifying CLT, the project was quieter, and caused less disruption for neighbours. The CLT panels were machine cut, which reduced
wastage and helped to create an airtight envelope which also helped to shrink heating costs. This scheme is setting new standards for the quality of retirement housing in the region.