02.03.20
Government announce design competition for homes of the future
Housing Minister Christopher Pincher has today (Feb 2) announced a new competition aimed at finding the best architects and designers to help deliver homes for the future.
The most talented designers in industry are invited to submit their ideas for new low carbon homes that meet the highest standards and will cater for the needs of generations to come.
The homes will also be designed with aging generations in mind, using technology and innovation to make their home age-friendly and improve their quality of life.
Three successful finalists will be given the chance to partner with developers on a site owned by Homes England.
It comes after a recent government consultation highlighting that all new homes built from 2025 would need to have 80% fewer carbon emissions.
Housing Minister Christopher Pincher MP said:
“This competition will harness all that technology has to offer to bring in a housing revolution: new low carbon homes that deliver low energy bills and independent living for older generations.
“The new gold standard of building will have the future in mind – not just in the United Kingdom, but worldwide.”
The United Kingdom has committed to net-zero emissions and as homes are responsible for 25% of carbon emissions in the UK, this new competition will put energy efficiency at the front of new home design.
Submissions must include designs that are age friendly and inclusive, have a low environmental impact, promote healthy living and be deliverable and scalable across the country.
Minister for Clean Growth and Energy Kwasi Kwarteng said:
“Levelling up environmental standards in new housing across the country is essential to end our contribution to climate change.
“This government is also investing over £6 billion to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes, and during this Year of Climate Action we plan to go further to decarbonise buildings, with low carbon heating central to that.”
Applications are now open and the first phase of the competition will run until April 15 2020. Entries will be judged by an expert panel and six successful applicants will be asked to progress their designs further with £40,000 funding per project.