The development, which sees the creation of 14 one-bed apartments and six two-bed apartments, ensures more high quality, affordable homes in Cardiff.
The homes have been developed by Hafod, one of the leading not-for-profit providers of housing in south Wales. A socially conscious organisation focused on building communities, Hafod’s development ambitions are centred around making and shaping places where people want to live.
‘Ty Lleuad’, the name given to the apartment building, was chosen by pupils at the neighbouring Adamsdown Primary School. It means ‘Moon House’ and was named by students in the history club after a local street that was demolished in 1980, Moon Street.
‘Ty Lleuad’ was built by contractor JG Hale Construction and was part funded by the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant through Cardiff Council.
Neil Taylor, Head of Development at Hafod, said:
“We’re delighted to have delivered 20 high-quality homes in Adamsdown. These apartments are helping us to tackle the housing crisis in Wales by providing affordable homes in Cardiff that also consider our carbon emissions and the cost of living for residents.
“At Hafod, we focus not only on the built environment, but pay equal attention to social, economic, and environmental factors. Building quality affordable homes, in vibrant communities where people feel truly connected to local amenities, helps place wellbeing at the centre of our development approach.
“Residents have begun moving in and we hope they will enjoy life in their new homes!”
FIT FOR THE FUTURE
Once the site of the Great Eastern Hotel, which closed in 2003 and was later demolished in 2009, the land was purchased by Hafod in 2021 with work beginning onsite in January 2022.
The location, on the corner of Metal Street, is within walking distance to the city centre as well as schools, workplaces, transport links and healthcare centres, ensuring access to amenities that suit the needs of residents now, and in the future.
Sarah, who moved into her apartment last week, said: “‘I love it, I’m really happy. I love my bathroom. This is my first home and I have my independence at last.”
Three of the homes are wheelchair accessible, with rise and fall kitchens and widened doorways. But accessibility has been a wider consideration, with all ground floor apartments having wet rooms to ensure they continue to meet the needs of residents as they grow older in their homes.
GREEN CREDENTIALS
Homes that are fit for the future must also help minimise our carbon footprint while supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.
‘Ty Lleuad’ has been built with a timber frame; a method of construction favoured for its environmental credentials. Timber is a renewable material and has low embodied carbon, meaning the carbon emissions released during its lifecycle is less than that of other materials used in construction, such as steel.
These highly insulated and energy efficient homes are also helping to tackle economic pressures on residents.
Photovoltaic solar panels will directly benefit residents as the solar gain will ensure lower energy costs than in a home that uses fossil fuels for heat and energy.
A spokesperson for JG Hale Construction said:
“We are delighted to have successfully completed and handed over the Metal Street development. The three-storey development comprises of 20 homes and the application and use of materials on this project was important to ensure the scheme harmonises and fits in with the local area. We were keen to work on this landmark site and to continue our well-established relationship with Hafod Housing Association.
“JG Hale Construction look forward to further expanding our links with Hafod through our commencement of work on their Track 2000 development.”
