New Build: Private Apartments Winner:
NV Buildings, Manchester

The NV Buildings, Dock 9, Salford Quays, Manchester, were designed as a landmark residential scheme to complement their prestigious neighbours - the Lowry, and the Imperial War Museum. The concept echoes the area's maritime history in a bold and architecturally exciting manner. The positioning and orientation of the buildings produces south facing apartments with dramatic views across the quays.

The specifier, Broadway Malyan, wished to use as much high specification glass as possible to take advantage of the views, whilst complying with the new Part L of the Building Regulations. Despite the exposed site, this was achieved by using the StoTherm Classic external wall insulation system, including 90 mm of EPS insulation, on the solid areas. The finish was white Stolit render. The system helped the buildings to attain a good rating in the Ecohomes accreditation.

The system designer was Sto Ltd and the installer Harrison Render Systems Ltd - both INCA members.