Todd Architects have been involved in the delivery of social housing almost since the practice's inception. Working together with client bodies that include Fold, BIH, Oaklee, Shac and South Dublin County Council, we have and are presently delivering the latest thinking in social housing provision.
The impact that the Quality Initiative and recent changes in Eco Homes Standard, the Code for Sustainable Homes, Life Time Homes and Secure by Design have presented a series of challenges for designers.
Sometimes the aspirations in these documents are in conflict with one another. Often in the past the codes have been applied literally to the detriment of the living space itself.
The practice has successfully completed a number of multiple unit schemes in both private and public sectors where we have been able to reconcile these conflicting demands.
We have also recently been involved in lengthy discussions with the Department of Social Development, the Housing Executive, Housing Associations and Community Groups in developing the interpretation of Life Time Homes criteria to support other aspirations to the places we want to call home.
The boundaries between private and social housing are disappearing through the growth of the rental market and the introduction of legislation. Private developers are also beginning to see the importance of building to guidelines set out for best practice.
The projects illustrated provide only a snapshot of the work the practice has completed in the social housing sector, which ranges from small developments of three or four units, to major framework plans for regeneration trusts.