Peter Stutchbury Architects’ (PSA) Richard Smith will travel to the Russian town of Cherepovets with Living Steel’s Project Manager, Neill McClements, to bring to life PSA’s innovative vision for energy efficient and responsible housing design in Russia’s extreme climate.

PSA, represented by Peter Stutchbury and Richard Smith, was selected by Living Steel as the winner of the 3rd International Architecture Competition for Sustainable Housing in July 2008. Their design was chosen for its radically different approach to the creation of single-family, detached housing that minimises carbon emissions, and for its imaginative use of the local Russian landscape and seamless integration into the environment.

The development will provide flexible living accommodation for workers of SeverStal – Russia’s largest steelmaker – in Cherepovets and deliver a housing solution that can withstand temperatures ranging from -49 C to +34 C, yet is affordable to build and buy.

Scott Chubbs, Living Steel Programme Director, said: “We are delighted that progress is being made in Russia and that PSA’s vision will soon be a reality.

“There is a worldwide need for economical and environmentally responsible housing and at Living Steel we are committed to working with architects and the construction community to deliver solutions that will provide practical yet innovative and affordable design solutions.

“Through the success of our demonstration projects we hope to inspire architects to respond to this challenge and recognise the benefits of steel in the production of affordable and sustainable housing.”

The development of the demonstration house will take place in a new area located on a SeverStal recreation site, and serve the dual purpose of a guest house and meeting space with a floor area of 160m2.

Peter Stutchbury of Peter Stutchbury Architects, said: “Through its competitions, Living Steel is helping to stimulate innovation by inviting architects to make a departure from traditional design formats and explore new landscapes. Steel provides a plethora of design opportunities which support the necessity to deliver efficient and sustainable housing, yet create elegant homes with individual style.”

Construction of the demonstration house is programmed to begin mid year following further development of PSA’s concept proposals. Due to the extreme Russian winter conditions, the project will explore the benefits of off-site manufacturing during the winter months to allow for fast installation during the summer period.