Isle Road, Outwell

Outwell provides fifty affordable rented and shared ownership homes, including family houses and accessible bungalows, to meet local housing need. Arranged around a central green with a children's play area, the development has been designed to create an attractive setting that responds positively to the character of the village. The homes incorporate a fabric-first approach with photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps, high levels of insulation and airtightness, together with on-plot electric vehicle charging points to provide energy-efficient homes with low running costs.

The scheme was developed in accordance with Freebridge Community Housing's design brief for high-quality, low maintenance and energy-efficient homes. The project was procured using a PPC 2000 form of contract, the Design Partnership provided a comprehensive range of services including land finding, architectural, partnering advisor, cost consultant, client representative, project management and principal designer roles. Our team developed the design, managed procurement and cost control, administered the contract and carried out regular site inspections throughout construction.

The architectural design draws inspiration from Outwell's late Victorian cottages through the use of red and buff brickwork, slate and pantile roofs, varied rooflines and a mix of sash and casement windows. Two-storey homes have lowered eaves, while bungalows are positioned adjacent to neighbouring single-storey properties to create a sensitive transition in scale.

All homes meet the Nationally Described Space Standards and benefit from generous private gardens, secure cycle storage and dedicated refuse storage. The development also includes accessible bungalows designed to M4(2) and M4(3) standards. Existing trees and hedgerows have been retained alongside additional native planting and tree-lined streets to enhance biodiversity and create an attractive landscape setting.