Creating Homes

What are the priorities when delivering homes? Beautiful homes, accessible homes, environmental homes, adaptable homes, community, safe homes, affordable homes, financial bid stacks? Which of these should fall away when inevitably, one or more will have to, to realise a development? To some extent it depends on who you talk to – architects, know which ones are their priority, developers know which are their red lines.

It is a tough thing to balance, much like cooking. Not enough salt and the food can be bland, too much and there are consequences. It is all about creating a balance that will result in the best outcome for those who live in the homes, and those who are affected by it – while still balancing the books.

There are many organisations who get the ingredients right and produce wonderful places to live. They learn from their errors and improve each time. There are some who are happy to have bland food with a view to ensuring red lines are avoided at all costs. But there are consequences, perhaps not measured by them, but reflected in the lives of those who live in their homes.

Our homes are very important to us. They are not just environmental filters; they offer security and help to inform and mould us. How we are a treated, how our children are treated and how our neighbours are treated all have a profound impact on us. It is often those elements, that are almost impossible to measure on a spreadsheet that can help create a strong community, make a place safe, empower us to interact with our environment and improve our lives as a result.

Knowing what those ingredients are and how to incorporate them into housing, is what makes the difference and creates a place for people to thrive in … whilst balancing the books and the many other elements of being a good housing provider.