Lessons from housing
- Sarah Jones-Morris
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Visiting recently completed housing schemes is always informative and a valuable learning experience. Each tour we were lucky enough to gain something valuable to learn, especially from the experiences shared by the residents we meet.
A group of avid enthusiasts visit various completed projects, including Amanda Taylor from Nash Partnership, Clare Van Someran from Churchman Thornhill Finch, and Dr. Gemma Jerome from Building with Nature.
1) 2022: Bristol - Hanham Hall - HTA Design, Elderberry Walk - Churchman Thornhill Finch, Shaldon Road (Lockleaze), and Creswicke Road (Filwood)
The tour highlighted the stark contrasts in Bristol’s housing design—from high-quality, community-focused developments to poorly integrated, car-dominated schemes. Key outcomes included increased awareness of the long-term impact of design decisions on social and environmental wellbeing, and a shared recognition of the need for stronger planning, inclusive consultation, and design standards that prioritise sustainability, access, and quality of life. It left us with a renewed commitment to advocate for better housing solutions across the city.
2) 2023: Stroud - HAB Applewood and Springhill Cohousing
The two housing had similarities of radical changes to how streets, gardens and housing can work. The furry edges and dense and inviting feel of the communal garden and wild spaces were great contribution to Applewood. But there are conflicts with parking as many younger generation can not move out from their family homes putting more pressure on the need for car ownership. Springhill Cohousing scheme has delightful SUDs and feel to the area, but feel socially closed.
3) 2025: Swindon - The Triangle, Wichelstowe, and Oakfield
Recent visits to The Triangle, Wichelstowe, and Oakfield in Swindon revealed how communal spaces, parking arrangements, and materials mature over time. The Triangle’s green space is well-used, though its allotments have been replaced by fruit trees after vandalism. However, the resident stated that the hempcrete housing has resulted in now heating bills for 4 years! Wichelstowe, despite its scale, feels pleasant with canal-side features and strong materials. Oakfield stood out for its high-density terraces, generous planting, and shared gardens—though privacy remains a question. The big aspect is the 3m front gardens over in-curtilage parking: enough space for planting and socialising, not enough for a car.
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