Trivallis proud to be part of sustainable housing revolution at launch of Tai ar y Cyd

Yesterday, Trivallis was proud to attend the launch of the Tai ar y Cyd initiative, a collaborative project between 23 Welsh social landlords, Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government , and construction industry experts. This unique collaboration paves the way for high-performing, sustainable, and affordable housing that benefits people, communities, and the planet. 

The core of the initiative is a pattern book containing standardised layouts for 15 house types and 18 variants. These designs range from 1-bedroom flats to 4-bedroom houses, including accessible options like wheelchair-accessible bungalows. A design guide accompanies the pattern book to assist design teams in integrating the standard designs into the local context and ensure developments complement local areas. 

Earlier this week, we launched our new development plan, which outlined how we have radically changed the way we think about development and approach new schemes. We have become bolder and more entrepreneurial as we build more first-rate, energy-efficient, and affordable homes. The Tai ar y Cyd pattern book and supporting design guide is a key element of our plan and has significant implications for how we develop new homes. 

• Environmental benefits: the use of natural, low-carbon materials and a focus on energy efficiency will contribute to environmental sustainability. Our pattern book homes will utilise natural materials, primarily timber sourced from Welsh forests where possible, and manufactured locally. The focus is on low-carbon construction methods, reducing emissions, and lowering tenant energy costs. The Tai ar y Cyd emphasis on cutting-edge building techniques and using Welsh timber to reduce emissions will maximise sustainability.
• Accelerated construction: the standardised designs and prefabrication methods specified in the design guide should speed up the building process. They will enable us to be more efficient in our manufacturing processes, so we can build more homes at a faster rate for people who desperately need them.
• Cost reduction: we expect that the pattern book will lower our construction costs due to increased efficiency and bulk purchasing of materials. However, it will also strengthen our relationship with the construction industry by moving away from development-by-development procurement towards a longer-term collaborative partnership.
• Economic growth: the project will help us contribute to the Welsh economy by utilising local resources and manufacturing and creating green jobs and training opportunities. It will strengthen our local supply chain and create lasting change for the foundational economy in Wales. Our homes from the pattern book will be made by Wales-based timber frame manufacturers from Welsh timber. Other materials will also be sourced in Wales wherever possible.
• Improved housing quality: the designs aim to meet high standards of quality and accessibility. While focusing on efficiency and cost, the designs also adhere to both Welsh Development Quality Requirements and Welsh Housing Quality Standards. The pattern book ensures high quality for the long-term, essential for social landlords who retain the housing stock they build to provide homes for tenants.

The project received £300,000 in funding from Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government government, supplemented by £580,000 contributed by consortium members. At the launch yesterday, Jane Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government and Julie James, Counsel General and Minister for Delivery both strongly endorsed the approach. 

Trivallis Director for Development, Louise Attwood , has been a key partner in the Tai ar y Cyd initiative. She spoke passionately at yesterday's launch: “The pattern book is a game-changer for social landlords. It makes development more cost-effective, empowering even small landlords to build new homes and tackle the housing shortage. It’s already speeding up our new Penrhys village project, allowing us to involve tenants in home designs and floorplans from the outset. It simplifies tendering with a standardised specification, freeing us to focus on what truly matters—placemaking. Most importantly, it benefits tenants for the long term. High-quality, low-carbon designs ensure easier maintenance, reduce energy bills, and create homes that are comfortable, bright, accessible, and built for lasting, joyful living."