“We’re delighted that the Zodiac development has been selected as an example of one of the nation’s best housing schemes – a testament to the fact that ‘affordable’ doesn’t have to mean cookie-cutter or carbon-intensive.”
Architects’ Journal and Architects Action for Affordable Housing recently launched “Good Homes for All: 20 examples of how to do housing” – a report and campaign that aims to “make the case for high-quality housing for everyone, promoting the use of architects, the involvement of residents, and the delivery of affordable homes”. This report emphasises the importance of delivering the government’s proposed 1.5 million new homes affordably, with imaginative design, in collaboration with residents and local communities, and delivered within the UK’s legally binding climate commitments.
We’re delighted that the Zodiac development has been selected as an example of one of the nation’s best housing schemes – a testament to the fact that ‘affordable’ doesn’t have to mean cookie-cutter or carbon-intensive. Zodiac illustrates that reuse is a viable and essential part of the house-building puzzle, providing opportunities to protect our heritage and alleviate the housing crisis afflicting our towns and cities.
Those on housing wait lists for temporary accommodation are often left with no choice but to accept substandard private sector options. We hope that Zodiac can prove to others in the sector that temporary housing can be delivered in a way that doesn’t sacrifice design, space and comfort.
“Many office buildings across the UK, underused yet strategically located, are ripe for repurposing into housing. Zodiac Court exemplifies how we can deliver a new type of sustainable housing in areas facing acute housing pressure. We sought to transform this neglected building into an asset for the local community, while sensitively retaining its heritage, art and carbon-intensive concrete bones. 73 space standard-compliant homes now surround a communal courtyard featuring original artwork. Sold this year to Croydon Council for temporary accommodation, these homes are modern, bright and clean – a stark contrast with the poor-quality housing typical of costly private sector alternatives.”
Read the Zodiac case study here: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/case-study-zodiac-house-by-shedkm
And see the report in full along with other featured case studies, here: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/good-homes-for-all
