Distinctive, well-designed housing requires attention to good place-making and an aspirational client. SWA worked closely with the Home Group to define a range of pre-fabricated, modular, volumetric housing typologies for different regions of the UK, based on local market expectations and prices. SWA used clear and thoughtful graphic communication to illustrate the intention and value of well-designed neighbourhoods, streets and housing that felt like home and provided elements of delight.
Home Group Prototypes
Client: Home Group
Completion: 2017
Cost: N/A
Location: N/A
Brief Development
In collaboration with Home Group, SWA established area targets for proposed housing. These covered standards for internal and external spaces for different typologies and a mix of market and affordable units that can respond to different contexts. Performance and evaluation criteria were set which indicated Passivhaus standards, CfSH, carbon targets, embodied energy, sustainability, U-, R- and G-value targets.
Prototypes Catalogue
We designed a number of house and flat prototypes to illustrate the potential of a selection of typologies. A key principle was that the homes should not appear modular, while offering moments of delight such as a double-height space, high ceilings and a roof light over the stairs. The prototype system was designed to offer a variety of elevational treatments, allowing each dwelling to be tailored to suit the local character and residents desired design.
Technical Design
Underpinning the design work was an extensive study of the technical parameters and logistical limitations for transporting the modules to site and their final installation. The manufacturing system can take advantage of a shared BIM mode, allowing computer to factory communication and a seamless route to fabrication.
Housing Design Guide
As part of the appointment, SWA produced the Housing Design Guide, which is a practical resource to assist Home Group’s Development Managers in commissioning sustainable, lively and characterful places where people want to live.
The guide draws from case study projects to break down the design process, from understanding the existing context and the wider area, to the development of finer grain public streets and spaces and their interface with individual homes. Checklists at each stage ensure that Development Managers ask the right questions of their framework architects and make informed decisions based on the strategic consideration of a developments constraints, opportunities and priorities.
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