32 SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT REPORT


Funding for the scheme was supported by MHCLG’s £400m Brownfi eld Housing Fund


or more storeys, partly in order to keep service charges low for tenants. The block is linear and the apartments comprise an open plan kitchen/living room with a bathroom and one or two bedrooms. For any developer or housing provider ensuring residents feel safe and secure is a top priority, and ForHousing are no exception. Safety and security were “important considerations” throughout the design process, says Mather. The development has a fully integrated door entry system, providing controlled access to the building, secure cycle storage, bin stores and the rear parking area. Only letter post box deliveries are allowed, with parcels and large deliveries managed by the tenants themselves. “This ensures that the block, and access to it and internal circulation areas remain as secure as possible.” The layout was also designed with secure access and “clear lines of management” in mind, while simultaneously “maintaining a welcoming environment for residents,” says Mather. Aside from safety and security, the other key focus for ForHousing when designing and building social rent homes, is that they feel high quality and attractive while remaining affordable and sustainable now and over the long term. “Key considerations include building safety, energy effi ciency, accessiility, duraility


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of materials, future maintenance requirements and the needs of local communities,” Mather explains. “Social housing should offer the same quality and design standards as any other tenure, while also delivering long term value and positive outcomes for residents.”


CONSTRUCTION & SUSTAINABILITY Work began on site in 2024, in the form of the demolition and clearing of some existing garages and hardstanding on the site. Construction was traditional brick and block; the fl oors and stairs are precast concrete, and the roof comprises structural timber with a single layer composite. While in this instance it was the developer’s choice to use more traditional methods, Mather says ForHousing uses MMC systems on approximately 50% of their developments.


The housing provider is committed, says Mather, to “delivering more sustainable homes.” This includes a decision to no longer install gas on any of their schemes, switching to air source heat pumps with effi cient panel radiators for heating. “White Lion follows this intentional approach for homes designed without a gas connection; residents enefi t from low caron heating technology; the heat pumps help reduce


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