Hope Street Shortlisted for 2025 Housing Design Awards

Hope Street Shortlisted for 2025 Housing Design Awards

We are thrilled to announce that Hope Street, our pioneering project in collaboration with the charity One Small Thing, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Housing Design Awards. This recognition celebrates our commitment to designing spaces that not only meet architectural excellence but also serve profound social purposes.

A New Paradigm in Justice-Focused Housing

Located in Southampton, Hope Street serves as a transformative alternative to traditional custodial sentences for women. Designed with a trauma-informed approach, the facility offers a safe, supportive environment where women and their children can live together, fostering rehabilitation and community reintegration. The project comprises two main structures: a public-facing 'Hub' with a café, consultation rooms, therapy suites, and communal areas, and a residential block housing eight shared flats for up to 24 women and their children.

Designing with Empathy and Sustainability

Our design philosophy centered on creating a homely atmosphere rather than an institutional one. By engaging with women who have lived experience in the justice system, we ensured that the architecture promotes dignity, autonomy, and healing. The use of natural materials, soft textures, and biophilic elements like abundant natural light and greenery contribute to a calming environment.

Sustainability was also a core focus. Hope Street is on track to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating, incorporating features such as cross-laminated timber construction, air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, and green roofs to minimize its environmental impact.

Recognition and Impact

Being shortlisted for the Housing Design Awards adds to the accolades Hope Street has received, including the 2024 RIBA MacEwen Award and a Civic Trust Award. These honors underscore the project's role as a beacon of change in the justice system, demonstrating how thoughtful design can contribute to rehabilitation and community integration.

We are honored by this recognition and remain committed to creating architecture that serves the common good. For more information about Hope Street and our other projects, please visit the portfolio page of our website.