'Unique' in-house design team to deliver carbon-neutral homes

Published by Jon Land for Accord Housing Association in Housing

Accord has become the first housing association in the country to set up an in-house design team to deliver Eco Homes and resident-led and culturally appropriate housing.

The five-strong team will be led by John Bedford, the former MD of an Architects’ Practice, and work alongside external architects within the Strategic Framework. Accord has its main offices in West Bromwich, Birmingham and Darlaston.

The team will be responsible for designing zero carbon housing and involving residents in all aspects of design, from detailed specifications to site planning. Its brief will also include designing culturally-appropriate housing.

The new team will also co-ordinate integrated project design teams involving the Care & Support, Housing Services and Regeneration departments.

Mr Bedford said: “This unique team reflects the innovative work Accord is doing in involving residents in shaping their homes and delivering mass market carbon neutral housing.

“We will continue to work with external architects, but with the in-house team responsible for ensuring that the aspirations of residents are ultimately reflected in the ‘bricks and mortar’ developments.

“The team will also lead on delivering sustainability through design in all of our developments, complementing the skills of the external architects with our own expertise and vision of the carbon neutral housing of tomorrow.”

The new team will also reduce Accord’s overall annual design spend.