Lowarth Morbies

Project

Lowarth Morbies

Location

Truro, Cornwall

Client

Housing21

Contract

£9.13m

Duration

78 weeks

Project Description

Classic Builders was appointed by Housing21 to deliver the design and construction of forty new retirement living waterfront apartments with associated communal areas, drainage, incoming services, and external works on Malpas Road in Truro. The development, named Lowarth Morbies (Cornish for ‘Oystercatcher Gardens), has been specifically designed for independent living for people aged 55 and over. The complex consists of one- and two-bedroom apartments over three storeys, offering a blend of affordable social rent and shared ownership dwellings, all designed with residents’ health, wellbeing and safety in mind.

The project, located in a highly desirable site overlooking the Truro River, was originally started by a previous contractor that went into administration while the build was in the superstructure stage, leaving behind defective works. Our team worked in close collaboration with the client to ensure continuity, establish a remediation plan, and get the project back on site as quickly as possible. This required extensive demolition and site remediation works, where the primary challenge was completely removing the previous contractor’s superstructure without causing any damage to the existing substructures and drainage.

Once the site was cleared and remediation temporary works were complete, construction commenced using strip foundations, block and beam floors, masonry walls, and a combination of single-ply and slate roofs. Internally, the three-storey building utilises precast concrete beams, traditional masonry, and metal and timber studwork to create forty high-quality apartments. Precast staircases and an Otis lift provide seamless access to the apartments and communal areas, ensuring any subsequent client variations could be easily accommodated.

Each apartment is accessed via a secure electronic entry system and benefits from UPVC double glazing, an Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) warden system, gas boiler central heating, CAT6a data wiring, mechanical extract ventilation systems, and a client-specified sprinkler system with an oversized header tank. The waterfront apartments feature south-facing aspects and private balconies to maximise the scenic river views.

Externally, the apartments feature a sympathetic mixture of high-quality finishes, including natural stone, vertically hung slates, and composite cladding. The finished scheme benefits from extensive hard and soft landscaping, electric vehicle charging points, dedicated parking spaces, and private gardens.

Classic Builders’ team worked with stakeholders to improve the design and buildability of the scheme during the rebuild of the superstructures. PV has been added to the roof, air tightness and u values were key considerations so to improve the building’s energy performance and build sequencing was manipulated to compliment the construction programme.

Managing this complex project required strategic site logistics and a focus on community relations. Classic Builders made the early decision to install a pedestrian crane, securing the associated licence to significantly improve programme speed and boost overall site productivity. To keep multiple workfaces running consecutively and take full advantage of the build timeline, our team also introduced a temporary site entrance. Managing local relationships was vital, and we maintained successful, transparent communication with nearby residents.

Lowarth Morbies functions as a health-focused development, utilising intentional environmental design to combat isolation and promote active aging among residents aged 55 and over. The homes are tailored specifically for independent individuals who value both privacy and connection. Residents share beautiful communal lounges, landscaped central gardens, and private outdoor seating areas that encourage daily social interactions, friendships, and a shared sense of belonging. Combining the tranquility of a riverside retreat with the convenience of being just a short, level stroll from Truro’s bustling city centre, the location offers the perfect balance of peaceful retirement living and easy access to local culture, shops, and transport.