GHA Knowledge Base
Cambridge City Council plan to build at least 500 new environmentally friendly council homes by 2022. The Good Homes Alliance contributed towards the development of ‘The Cambridge Sustainable Housing Design Guide’ for the Greater Cambridge Housing Development Agency (HDA) which sets out the key design principles that will be followed when developing the new homes.
Author: Greater Cambridge Housing Development Agency (HDA).
Publication date: February 2017
Part history, part insight and part opinion, this is perhaps the most detailed and contextual analysis of housing space standards that exists, and certainly the most current. Written by Julia Park, Head of Housing Research at Levitt Bernstein, the account begins with a summary of the evolution, or perhaps more accurately, the comings and goings, of the various space standards that have been applied to new housing in England.
Reflecting on what history tells us, the book examines the role of space standards in the context of the current housing crisis and explores how themes such as under-occupancy, overcrowding, density, mix, land value, viability and politics are all part of the story. The final section offers informed thoughts about the way forward. It concludes that the benefits of regulation are likely to significantly outweigh any disadvantages and could be a catalyst for far-reaching, positive changes in the way we live – potentially resulting in more housing, not less.
Author: Julia Park, Levitt Bernstein
Publication date: January 2017
Further information: housingspacestandards.co.uk
At the Local Government Association Annual Conference in July 2016 the LGA published the preliminary findings from the commission. Since then they have sought to take forward solutions, they have been impressed and proud of the work underway in the sector, and encouraged by the initial response from the Government. The Autumn Statement’s confirmation of additional investment and flexibility for councils to help build affordable homes, and to invest in infrastructure linked to housing growth both reflect central asks from the preliminary findings.
This final report sets out further detail, and sets out some key asks in advance of the Housing White Paper. But it is not the end of their work. The LGA will continue to develop these ideas with the sector, building up the case for policy change where it is needed, and capturing and sharing innovations that will help councils in their efforts to meet housing need.
Author: Local Government Association
Publication date: December 2016
This handbook sets out the key design requirements for delivering comfortable, healthy, low energy homes that perform as intended.
Author: The Buildings Hub
Publication date: December 2016
This report presents data about how people are using external spaces in residential areas on recently completed schemes in England. Inspired by the work of Jan Gehl Architects, it is a study of numbers of people, their activities and the time they spend outside as an indicator of what Gehl calls ‘life between buildings’. It presents new maps that show access to external spaces in relation to dwellings and the streets in between and reaches the conclusion that the layout of a development may have a significant impact on how well spaces are used.
It incorporates theories of child development, play and children’s independent mobility, in part to quantify some of the health and wellbeing concerns that need to be addressed, but fundamentally to highlight the value of children’s use of external spaces: both for their own bene t and as the generators of community life. The report reveals the social nature of these spaces, the importance for children and the challenges for other age groups, while also highlighting the damage that anti- social parking behaviour can have on otherwise well designed schemes.
“The report’s work in trying to understand how we use public space cannot be ignored. It is a vital manifesto for new planning policy and a cultural shift in our obligations towards people and the new communities we are creating.”
David Montague, Chair of G15 and Chief Executive, L&Q
Author: Dinah Bornat, University of East London/ZCD Architects
Publication date: November 2016
A step-by-step guide for SME housebuilders on building energy efficient homes cost effectively.
Author: Zero Carbon Hub
Publication date: July 2016
This is a good craftsmanship guide that highlights key construction details when building a new home, and good practice for delivering them.
Author: Zero Carbon Hub
Publication date: December 2016
However, where previous HAPPI reports have focussed on – and led – the drive to improve the design and quality of specialist housing, HAPPI3 explores how older people can be given more control over the management and delivery of services and access to a wider range of housing choices. It recognises that some of the factors that can impede older people ‘rightsizing’ – such as emotional ties to a home or community – are difficult to overcome. However, it says that measures to make moving easier, to build specialist ‘care ready’ housing where people want it and to address the sector’s lingering negative image will encourage more people to move while still fit and healthy.
Having taken evidence from a range of experts and stakeholders, it also calls on local authorities to recognise the social and economic benefits of right-sizing in their local plans and planning policies. House builders and lenders, the report says, should do more to support people looking to move to more appropriate housing by developing clear and transparent information around fees and other costs that offer greater choice and control.
Author: Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation
Publication date: June 2016
London’s failure to keep up with the demand for additional homes has renewed interest in regenerating existing housing estates – to not only increase the quantity of homes but also improve the quality.
The issue is increasingly politicised and polarised, with those on one hand who think the wishes of existing residents are of the utmost priority and those on the other who believe public land should be used to create more homes to widen access to homeownership. The authors of this report believe that regeneration can and should satisfy both camps.
Levitt Bernstein created this report in collaboration with three other architectural practices (HTA, PRP and PTE) to offer recommendations on how to reconcile competing interests in estate regeneration.
Author: HTA, Levitt Bernstein, PRP, Pollard Thomas Edwards
Publication date: May 2016
Further information: www.alteredestates.co.uk
The review covers a wide range of possible measures from town planning and building positioning, layout and orientation through to building fabric, windows, ventilation, to the actions of individual occupants. As such it covers issues relating to the local environment and neighbourhood as well as to the individual dwellings.
Author: Zero Carbon Hub
Publication date: March 2016