2019 was a record-breaking year for the ICSH Community Housing Awards, sponsored by Allianz, which saw 50 entries across 10 categories.
Interesting themes and trends emerged during the competition: the record number of schemes being built for older people throughout the country; high quality and accessible housing demonstrating the supports and technologies that people need to “age in place”; and the number of rightsizers the judging panel encountered also signalled a welcome trend.
The welcome emergence of regeneration projects that address not only the bricks and mortar issues, but also the social issues in communities, was another notable feature of this year’s entrants.
What stands out above all is the quality of social housing being delivered, the design, the assistive technologies and the attention to sustainability and renewable sources of energy. What is also clear is that social housing developments place huge significance on social dimensions: the support services, tenant involvement and quality of life, the integration of international families and overall community cohesion.