Populo Living’s Post

📢 Can Pattern Books Solve the UK Housing Crisis? 📢 The idea of using housing pattern books—pre-approved, ready-to-go designs to streamline construction - has recently gained attention, particularly with New South Wales (NSW), Australia, launching its own initiative. As the UK faces a housing crisis and struggles with red tape in the planning system, could adopting a similar approach help us deliver much-needed homes faster? 🌟 The Positives: 1️⃣ Speeding Up Planning: Pre-approved designs could fast-track approvals and get homes built quicker, avoiding delays that often bog down projects. 2️⃣ Supporting Small Builders: By simplifying the process, smaller developers - who have drastically declined in the UK since 1990 - could return to the market, creating more diversity in housing supply. 3️⃣ Consistency in Quality: If done well, pattern books could set a baseline for sustainable, functional, and attractive housing. Modern versions could blend traditional local styles with modern needs, creating homes that fit regional identities. ⚠️ The Challenges: 1️⃣ Flexibility vs. Standardisation: The UK’s varied landscapes, climates, and site complexities may not suit “off-the-shelf” solutions. What works in Cornwall might not work in Manchester. 2️⃣ Overemphasis on Aesthetics: Critics warn that focusing on visuals might overlook key elements like site layout, public spaces, and infrastructure. 3️⃣ Small Impact on Supply Numbers: Would pattern books significantly boost housing delivery? Some argue they might only marginally improve the system without deeper planning reforms or investment. 💭 What’s Your Take? Could pattern books work in the UK, or are our challenges too complex for a one-size-fits-all solution? https://lnkd.in/dd9YJ3zS #HousingCrisis #UrbanPlanning #UKHousing #InnovationInConstruction #Architecture

Boundaryline presents: MDH – The Evolution of Medium Density Housing: Vol 2 From inception to print, the last 8 months has been a labour of love. Boundaryline Fencing Systems' MDH Magazine is a testament to all professionals who collaborate within various sectors of the building industry. We celebrate the voices of our Partners from Vol 1, and introduce new perspectives from professionals committed to developing, designing and building sustainable urban environments. To mark this beautiful publication and to remember why we get out of bed to do what we do, our team are getting out around the country for 3 special networking events. We have partnered with Teulo for CPD accreditation and invite you in Christchurch, Tauranga and Auckland for drinks, canapés and a chance to hear from acclaimed thought-leaders on the current challenges in the housing market. Our own Hugh McGaveston will join them on the couch to talk about the pressure this then puts on business leaders to pivot into new initiatives and the foresight needed to tackle urban growth uncertainty. In addition to this, what developers, designers and build partners need to consider to align with one another, and why standardisation is important to deliver in scale during a housing crisis. Guest Speaker line-up: Christchurch: Tony Milne – Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects James Solari – Solari Architects   Tauranga: Matt Lagerberg – Classic Group Rob Guild – Buchan   Auckland: Martin Russell – CPMC Limited James Solari – Solari Architects Emma Todd – Boffa Miskell Limited Gareth Ready – Signature Construction Ltd It’s a time to meet new people, consider other perspectives, get out from behind our computer and be there for one another after a really tough year for many. Our invite list includes developers, architects, landscape architects, build partners, councils and urban planners. If you’d like to attend, please reach out to me; rachel.m@boundaryline.co.nz as spaces are limited. See you there!

One of the books in our month-long Future of Housing focus, is Walter Segal: Self-Built Architect, by Alice Grahame 🌱 Grahame and John McKean with an introduction by Kevin McCloud ~ NOW 50% OFF at www.lundhumphries.com! This book is a study of the architect Walter Segal (1907-1985) – his background, influences, thoughts, writings, his unique approach to architectural practice (and his built work) – as well as his enduring impact on architecture and attitudes to housing across the world…   The timber-frame form known world-wide today as ‘the Segal system’, can be used by people to build their own houses. Indeed, at the time of Segal’s death, in 1985, two areas of self-built public authority social housing in London were being constructed - housing which, nearly half a century later, remains as unique and highly desirable neighbourhoods. Segal’s method provides the possibility of making, and then living within, communities whose places are constructed with a flexible, easily assembled, planet-friendly timber-frame building system for today and tomorrow. In practice now: Rural Urban Synthesis Society (RUSS)'s Church Grove in south-east London, a Segal-inspired housing scheme, has just been completed. https://lnkd.in/eMzXd_nn

Marlon Blackwell Architects is reshaping Northwest Arkansas' housing landscape by addressing the urgent need for affordable homes. Their approach blends thoughtful design with deep community connections, ensuring that these homes not only meet housing needs but also reflect the region’s unique identity. But it’s not just about design—it’s also about policy. In an interview with Katherine Lashley and Josh Matthews, AIA, Groundwork Intern Sydney Winkler highlighted the importance of zoning reform and flexibility to empower architects to bring more solutions to life. The future of housing in NWA lies in the intersection of innovation, responsive design, and progressive policies. Let's keep pushing for a community-centered approach to growth! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gt_QUVes #HousingforNWA #FutureIsNow #GroundworkNWA #InnovationInDesign

Brent Council Cabinet today adopted the Staples Corner Masterplan & Design Code SPD, following through on its commitment to provide Masterplan visions to support regeneration and development in LB Brent’s growth areas, and previous adoption of the Neasden Stations Masterplan SPD in 2022 and the Church End Masterplan SPD in 2023. https://lnkd.in/e9hw7m82 Recent openings of the Brent Cross West Thameslink Station and Brent Cross Town Centre, as well as the proposed future West London Orbital line, present opportunities that cannot be ignored. Staples Corner has massive potential to both increase industrial floorspace and build significant new housing. Adoption of the Staples Corner Masterplan & Design Code SPD sets the framework that will facilitate change, attract investment for more business opportunities and jobs, deliver at least 2,200 new high‑quality homes, all supported by new local infrastructure, amenities and an improved public realm. The Staples Corner Masterplan & Design Code SPD is the culmination of over 2 years work, informed by extensive public engagement and collaborative working from LB Brent regeneration, planning, and our excellent consultant team. Thank you to Kiran Chauhan, John Stiles, Kirti Chovisia and the wider team for all their hard work in reaching this key milestone, following last year's work by 5th Studio, RCKa, Alan Baxter, Steer, Colliers, PRD, XCO2, Secchi Smith. We will now want to reach out and continue the work with all the landowners, developers, businesses, residents, communities, stakeholders and partners who must work together to make vision reality and realise Staples Corners’ potential. Alice Lester MBE; Gerry Ansell; Paul Lewin hashtag #brentcouncilregeneration

The Times’s property writer shares his thoughts to how newbuild housing can be made more visually attractive to prevent “ugly” housing estates through good design… https://lnkd.in/eVEvwydr

Go ahead for South Kilburn masterplan housing.  Brent Council, advised by Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design, has been given the go ahead for 250 new homes within the South Kilburn regeneration area. The replacement of Hereford House and Exeter Court forms part of the South Kilburn Masterplan, which aims to transform the area into a sustainable and mixed neighbourhood for new and established residents. The proposal would see the existing Hereford House and Exeter Court buildings demolished and replaced with four new residential buildings ranging from 3 to 13 storeys, providing 250 new homes. A new public urban park will be delivered along with a total 190 trees planted across the development site. Of the 250 new homes in this phase, 121 will be affordable homes at social rent and have been designed to provide new, high-quality housing for residents currently living in blocks planned for redevelopment in the next phases of the masterplan. The scheme will also deliver a new, high-quality local park for residents and visitors to enjoy, as well as a number of commercial units to meet local demand and add to this vibrant mixed-use regeneration.  Councillor Shama T. Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Growth, at Brent Council said: “This is a major opportunity to turn a currently under-utilised area into a thriving, rejuvenated community. This scheme will provide local families with safe and secure homes in the area.” Tibbalds provided planning consultancy services and input to the project, submitting the application on behalf of the Council. Karakusevic Carson Architects are the lead architects and masterplanners working closely with landscape architects Periscope. Other members of the design teams include structural engineers Momentum Structural Engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers Max Fordham LLP. Lizzie Le Mare, Director at Tibbalds, said: “Brent Council is continuing to make progress on the South Kilburn masterplan, helping to meet local housing need with a regeneration programme focussed on long-term quality of living for existing and new residents. This planning milestone will also help pave the way for a better public realm, with high-quality architecture and design helping to make a positive contribution to the surrounding neighbourhood during this time of change” #SouthKilburn #masterplanning #affordablehomes #community #tibbalds #urbandesign #placemaking #tibbaldscommunity #tibbaldsplanning #regeneration

A worthy piece Ben ! To borrow a quote from Elif Ayes Fidanci when writing ‘Architecture as a Reflection of Society’ : ‘Architecture is more than the design of buildings and the configuration of cities; it is a physical reflection of society, embodying its values, beliefs, and aspirations. Through its form and function, architecture subtly influences our behavior, shaping our experiences and interactions. It tells the story of our past, gives form to our present, and charts the course for our future.’ ‘……gives form to our present, and charts the course for our future….’ There you have it !!!! Great Architecture, Landscape and Urban Design should be ‘of its time’ reflecting and responding to society’s needs and aspirations ….providing solutions that talk-to today’s challenges and opportunities (Climate and Bio-diversity Crisis) and not simply replicate yesterday’s glory. #architecture #urbandesign #placemaking #sustainability #socialhousing #homesandplace

Octagon soars to new heights, as Birmingham counts down to its new tallest building The world's first pure octagonal high-rise residential building is now just months away from claiming its place in Birmingham’s history books. With the core reaching level 40 and floorplates reaching level 35, Octagon has already begun offering unparalleled views of the city below. On completion, the Octagon will stand proudly at 155 meters (410 feet) tall, as a testament to Birmingham's burgeoning skyline. The pair of tower cranes have now reached their final height, allowing main contractor Midgard to construct the remaining 10 floors of the building core ahead of its practical completion, scheduled for summer 2025. The Octagon isn't just a feat of engineering; designed by Howells Architects, it's a testament to innovation in architectural design. As the world's first pure octagonal high-rise residential building, it stands as an example of progress and possibility in Birmingham. This milestone marks a significant leap forward in Paradise’s commitment to deliver a world-class estate and with a true mixed-use proposition by providing 370 spacious new Build to Rent (BtR) homes. Birmingham is the second fastest-growing city centre population in the UK, ahead of cities like Manchester and Leeds, with 7,000 new residential units either being built or planned across the city centre. Backed by global real estate investor City Developments Limited (CDL) https://lnkd.in/eBihckum

Affordable housing isn’t one-size-fits-all. What architects learned from 30 years of building affordable homes in Alabama’s Black Belt https://lnkd.in/g2pTkxDr #affordablehousing #affordablehousingfinance #communityimpact