I’ve been reading a lot about housing and sustainability recently, and came across this really fascinating proposal and competition:
"Instead of standard house designs on boring housing estates, it proposes community-led and self-build homes that people can design themselves.
The homes are simple to build, with flexible, affordable frames and components, and are climate friendly to build and run."
This proposal was part of a government-run competition to design housing fit for the future - and, let’s be honest, for many of us, housing is still a long-term dream and 2030 is not that far off the mark.
Ministers have shortlisted six teams of designers to be teamed with volume housebuilders in an attempt to make the next generation of housing estates greener, healthier, better for elderly people and quicker to build. Several of the winning designs in the government’s Home of 2030 contest show communal spaces running right up to front doors, shared vegetable gardens and outdoor community dining areas.
The government gave designers four key requirements. The homes should be adaptable to how needs change as people become older, have net zero carbon emissions, promote healthy living, and be deliverable in large numbers. (from The Guardian)
If we are really serious about long-term financial wellness, then a housing solution like this sounds like exactly what we should be working towards.
But:
- would you be prepared to give up the dream of your very own private garden and move into a more ‘communal’ estate?
- What about having to design and build your own home? Is that a dream or a nightmare for you?
Here’s more on the finalists, and the competition:
Does this idea appeal to you?
