LONDON.- The Northshore Development Partnership, a joint venture between Urban Splash and Muse Developments, has today launched the "Make me a Home" international architecture competition, challenging architects to shape the future of family housing.

The competition, organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), invites architects to raise the bar and deliver a new housing typology at Northshore, a £300m redevelopment scheme in Stockton-on-Tees. It is planned that 250 family homes will eventually stand at the site, and the partners want creativity and a concept which will break the mould.

Simon Gawthorpe, managing director at Urban Splash in Yorkshire, explained: "The industry hasn't ever moved too far away from the traditional family home, something which has remained relatively unchanged in recent years. We want designers to think beyond convention and set a new trend in this area of residential development.

"We want the houses to be cutting edge and award winning. Although we want them to fit into the wider masterplan, we want them to stand out on their own. We are also asking that designers consider the Code for Sustainable Homes so that we can deliver something which naturally encourages green living".

The 23 hectare Northshore scheme, which is being delivered with Tees Valley Regeneration and English Partnerships will transform Stockton with an additional 65,000 sq metres of offices and commercial space, and 900 residential units.

Dan Needham from Muse Developments said: "We are very excited about this competition and ultimately the designs that it will bring. These are exciting times for Stockton and working together with Urban Splash and English Partnerships we are going to give the town the redevelopment it needs for the 21st century".

The "Make me a Home" competition will run from Friday 26 September to 12 noon on 1 December 2008. The shortlisting process will take place during January and the overall winner is expected to be announced in February 2009.

Further information about the competition and how to enter can be found in the dedicated website for this competition : www.northshorestockton.co.uk|.