Project Highlight: Social Housing Schemes in Bishops Cleeve

Our work for Rooftop Housing Group spans almost 20 years, working full RIBA stages on a variety of social housing schemes in Bishops Cleeve.

1. 21 New Build Social Housing Units Over 3 Sites

   This competition winning project was our first scheme in Bishops Cleeve for Rooftop Housing Group and consisted of 2 and 3 bed houses set across 3 separate sites, all brownfield with challenging footprints and restricted access.

   The development responds to the density, plot sizes, vehicular circulation and over-looking issues of the existing housing estate. The 5 housing types were designed to meet Rooftop Housing Group’s requirements for security, storage and space combined with economic and social longevity.

   Whilst the proposal has a contemporary feel the aesthetics are appropriate for a rural development such as this and maximises on countryside views.

2. Bishops Drive: Mews Style Social Housing

   This project continued our work on the former Smiths Industries housing estate at Bishops Cleeve for Rooftop Housing Group, which now extends to over a decade, transforming former garage sites into contemporary social housing.

   The initial community consultation was carried out by Wayne Hemingway (of Red or Dead fashion fame) we then collaborated with Hemingway Design on the design up to the planning application stage.

   The scheme transforms a former garage site into a contemporary mews style scheme on what was otherwise disused land that encouraged anti-social behaviour. The design emphasises a street rhythm via the gable ends which are facilitated by a standing seem valley roof. The selection of brick seeks to find a balance between the local context and the desire to be contemporary.

3. Eversfield Close: New Build Social Housing

   This ambitious project began with an initial design collaboration with Hemingway Design and a consultation with the local community. The feedback collected during this consultation was key in shaping the vision for the development and used to refine the design to ensure both aesthetic and practical needs were met for future residents.

   The key characteristic of the houses and apartment buildings is of a contemporary terrace with feature gable ends creating a sense of rhythm and a charming yet modern streetscape. Alongside the architectural ambition of the scheme, the designs are inherently practical in their layouts, energy efficient, designed to reduce maintenance having consulted with the maintenance team, and cost effective having worked closely with the cost consultant throughout.

   ​The new housing includes a balanced mix of homes for rent and shared ownership, including two fully compliment Part M ground floor apartments. The new development will offer ample parking and dedicated community spaces, providing residents with a strong sense of connection and belonging.

   This project is a testament to the continued commitment of the space studio and Rooftop Housing Group to create high-quality, sustainable, and inclusive housing solutions.

Community Engagement

Engaging the community was very important in the early design stages of each of these projects and community consultations helped keep residents and local community members involved in each project. This inclusive approach not only ensured that the projects reflected the needs and values of the community but also fostered a sense of ownership and trust among residents.