C G Fry and Bridport Cohousing hosted a visit from the Duchy of Cornwall to Hazelmead, the UK's largest cohousing, emphasizing the importance of rural housing during Rural Housing Week. The sunny day welcomed the visitors with introductions and updates from the pioneering partnership; Bridport Cohousing, C G Fry, Barefoot Architectes, BCHA and Cepro. The visitors then took a tour around the award-winning homes to learn more about the project and the story of Hazelmead.
Judith Griffies, Co-Chair of Bridport Cohousing, said “Bridport Cohousing were delighted to share the success of our community led housing project with the Duchy. We were particularly pleased that the importance of building a community as well as building sustainable, affordable homes was recognised, and the common facilities for sustaining community relations for healthy and socially connected lives that our members enjoy.”
This sentiment was echoed by Barefoot Architects. Sam Goss, their founding Director, said “Hazelmead embodies many of the shared values of Bridport Cohousing and the Duchy of Cornwall. It is affordable, sustainable and high-quality housing that caters to the needs of local people and is in harmony with the local landscape. Through codesign with the CLT, we've been able to provide the kind of homes, and grow the kind of community, that would simply not be possible through more mainstream routes. It is a pleasure to be able to share the project with the Duchy of Cornwall group.”
Peter Lacey, Project Manager at the Duchy of Cornwall said: “It is fantastic to see such a strong and inclusive commitment from members of Bridport Cohousing and these partners to get behind and deliver this exemplary affordable residential development. With their project team they have designed, delivered, and now benefit from low energy, low embodied carbon homes that provide a high standard of living, surrounded by a strong community, rich in nature. It’s not often that these kind of plans are delivered as intended which is now a testament to the hard work and commitment of all involved”
Andy Durant, Partnership Housing Construction Manager with C G Fry said “C G Fry were delighted to co-ordinate the visit with The Duchy and Hazlemead’s full project team along with local residents to showcase the success of the project. There was great interest in the sustainability elements of the design and build process together with the cohousing living that highlighted a great community.”
BCHA are proud to have been part of the collaboration that has enabled Bridport Cohousing to deliver a pioneering and eco-friendly affordable housing scheme. The partnership has been instrumental in creating a collection of homes which helps to fulfil Bridport’s need for social housing.
Eliza, a resident member of BCHA, whom BCHA featured two years ago moving into her Hazelmead home, reflected;
"We are so happy here. I have made strong connections and relationships and consider these people family. I feel safe for both me and my son and it is lovely watching him play with other children right outside."
Hazelmead is a flagship vision of sustainable, community-based living which was conceived in 2008 and sets a benchmark for energy efficiency and low-carbon housing. It recently received three South-West and Wessex Sustainability awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and is currently being put forward for the RIBA national awards.
The judges said “The way that simple things have been done well distinguishes Hazelmead from many other new housing developments. The jury were highly impressed by the client’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and shared living and its incredible tenacity in overcoming funding challenges, navigating complex planning processes, and co-designing its net-zero-carbon homes with its dedicated architects”.
Hazelmead has also recently won a Pineapple award for Healthy Homes and a Green Energy Award, where judges said, "Their approach reduces network demand, empowers communities and inspires confidence in the energy transition."
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