The Upton project, jointly sponsored by English Partnerships, The Prince’s Foundation and Northampton Borough Council, is being developed as a pioneering urban neighbourhood – to be held as national best practice in delivering sustainable urban extensions across the country. The design and development process is being guided by a set of Design Codes.

Following a high profile competition, requiring an intensive design response, the Cornhill Estates / Fairclough Homes consortium was successfully appointed with Matrix Partnership acting as masterplanner, co-ordinating the inputs of six architectural practices. The result of this approach is a fascinating blend of architectural styles ranging from traditional to modern, held within a cohesive urban framework. The Phase B designs have been subsequently detailed and construction work is proceeding on site. The project will achieve an ‘Excellent’ EcoHomes rating by incorporating solar heating, rain water harvesting, photovoltaics, passive ventilation, sheep’s wool insulation, green roofs and micro CHP.