According to Government data, housing starts are down year on year in various parts of England. It’s most worrying in London, with numbers at a historic low and many projects paused. The timing couldn’t be worse; we’re in the midst of a housing crisis, with rising homelessness and more people living in emergency accommodation. So, how can we fix the problem? It could be time to consider the types of housing typology we favour. Let’s dive into that topic here, then you can speak to us about residential architecture in London if you need some help.

Favoured forms

One of the most important things to note is new build housing tends to favour two different models. Firstly is apartment blocks, largely with one, two, and three bedroom homes. It is a very common form, especially in busy urban areas, because it maximises the amount of housing on the site.

The second popular typology is suburban style housing estates. They are generally developments of three, four, and five bedroom semi-detached houses, often on quiet cul-de-sacs. Properties generally include outdoor space like private gardens.

While there are advantages with both of these models, there are drawbacks too. Blocks are harder and take longer to build than individual houses. At the same time, they generally lack outdoor space and have more complex building regulations and fire safety requirements. The main issue with suburban housing estates is they are often inefficient with land use. There can be issues with amenities too. Discuss the pros and cons of different forms of residential architecture in London with us.

Exploring an older form

While blocks and suburban housing estates are the two most popular forms today, that wasn’t always the case. In Victorian England a common typology was to build rows of terraces, often with properties back to back. It was an efficient way to create a large number of houses to support growing populations in urban areas.

The Victorians had some very good ideas, creating homes with efficient layouts and using space effectively. However, the back to back terrace design became unpopular because of issues with the houses. Notably they tended to have poor ventilation and lighting; some interior spaces could be dark and damp.

Time to revisit?

It’s an interesting time to consider if a modern take on the Victorian typology of back to back terrace housing would work. There is certainly potential. It could help to revolutionise residential architecture in London and other areas.

A key thing here is the basic idea of back to back terraces is great in terms of using land and interior space efficiently. It can also save costs because properties have several shared party walls. This helps to improve sustainability too. Addressing the drawbacks, including light and ventilation, could create quality new homes. Dual aspect designs and lightwells are fantastic solutions.

A big question here is would people want to live in a modern take on a Victorian terrace? It’s likely they would, especially if they are high quality, energy efficient, and affordable. They would be very attractive to first time buyers who want to get on the housing ladder but don’t want a flat. Even a loss of exterior space may not be a deal breaker, especially for younger people who don’t value it.

Ask us about forms for residential architecture in London

Coffey Residential gives you the chance to explore different types of typology for homes, housing, and more. We can look at any style of building for various locations, from busy city centre spots to rural areas. We’ll help you to achieve your goals, offering creative solutions to problems and outstanding designs.

So, get in touch and tell us what you have in mind for residential architecture in London or any other area. You can also browse our projects and learn more about our team on our website.