We developed a contemporary architectural solution that combined distinctive design with strong sustainability and accessibility principles. Our approach included:

• Designing eight semi-detached and one detached bungalow, including one fully accessible home.
• Using timber-frame construction and timber cladding across more than 50% of the development.
• Incorporating dual-pitched roofs, high-level windows and bespoke roof trusses to maximise natural light and create a greater sense of space.
• Incorporating renewable and energy-efficient measures, including solar technology, high levels of thermal efficiency and low-energy lighting.
• Providing electric vehicle charging points, secure cycle storage and off-street parking.
• Designing accessible features including wheelchair charging stations, covered parking, height-adjustable kitchen counters and accessible WC and bathing facilities.
• Undertaking consultation with local residents throughout the design, planning and construction stages to ensure the development responded appropriately to its surroundings.

Laureate Close was completed one month ahead of schedule and achieved an average KPI score of 9.2 out of 10. Building performance and dwelling emission rates also achieved a 25% improvement over the standard Building Regulations requirements referenced by the original project.

The quality and contribution of the scheme were recognised with the Hartlepool Civic Trust Civic Award for New Build 2010, celebrating its contribution to local regeneration and innovative architectural design. It was also shortlisted in the value category at the CENE Awards.

We worked closely with the project team and local stakeholders to develop a coordinated design that responded to the site’s heritage, access and construction constraints. Our involvement included:

• Developing the design in consultation with the local authority planning and highways departments, Historic Building Officer and Diocese Advisory Committee.
• Undertaking detailed transport analysis to support negotiations with the highways department and justify the exclusion of on-site parking.
• Delivering three public consultation exercises involving the local community and church attendees.
• Using micro-piling with water-flush rotary drilling to minimise vibration and disturbance to the neighbouring listed building.
• Coordinating construction phasing and just-in-time deliveries to respond to restricted site access and storage.
• Managing project risks through a regularly updated project risk register.
• Incorporating findings from a noise impact assessment into the design before tender.
• Using timber frame construction, structurally insulated panels manufactured off-site and bathroom pods to improve construction efficiency, minimise waste and support cost control.

The project successfully brought together new affordable housing, modern community facilities and the sensitive refurbishment of a Grade II listed church within a challenging and constrained site. The housing development also helped fund the church improvements, creating a mutually beneficial relationship between the two elements of the scheme.

The development achieved Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and incorporated the principles of Building for Life, Secured by Design and Lifetime Homes. Innovative design and modern methods of construction helped maintain design quality while controlling construction costs, improving efficiency and reducing waste.

As lead consultant, we worked collaboratively with the design team to develop creative solutions that responded to the site constraints while enabling the targeted development numbers to be exceeded. Our approach included:

• Carefully positioning buildings to minimise overlooking and enable reduced separation distances.
• Incorporating pedestrian-priority shared surfaces, communal landscaped areas and communal parking courts.
• Designing the development using Building for Life 12 principles to create an ‘urban village’ character.
• Working closely with the local council, Secured by Design representatives, neighbouring residents and the local police liaison officer.
• Integrating hard and soft landscaping to create attractive and varied public and private spaces.
• Working with Occupational Therapists to deliver fully accessible bungalows incorporating wheelchair charging stations, accessible parking, height-adjustable kitchen counters, accessible WCs and wet rooms, and accessible gardens.
• Minimising visible differences between tenures to encourage long-term integration and create a cohesive community.

Despite significant site constraints, the collaborative design approach enabled the targeted development numbers to be exceeded, delivering 58 much-needed new affordable and accessible homes within an inclusive and thoughtfully designed neighbourhood.

The completed development exceeded Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 requirements, while all homes achieved Secured by Design Gold accreditation. The combination of accessible design, mixed tenure and carefully considered public and private spaces has created a development designed to support social inclusion and integrate successfully with the wider community.

We worked alongside Thirteen Housing and Equans to develop and deliver a fabric-first package of retrofit measures. Our involvement included:

• Providing Retrofit Designer and architectural services.
• Supporting upgrades to windows and doors.
• Incorporating external wall insulation and improvements to loft insulation.
• Ensuring appropriate ventilation was incorporated to help reduce the risk of condensation.
• Supporting a coordinated approach to improving the energy efficiency and appearance of the properties.
• Supporting the introduction of sensors and technology to enable testing, learning and enhance the customer experience.

The programme has significantly improved the energy performance of the homes, with properties previously rated as low as EPC E achieving ratings as high as C. Residents have reported the benefits of homes that are cooler during summer and warmer in winter, while the improvements also help to keep energy bills lower.

The installed measures are expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 2,000 tonnes over their lifetime, with savings of up to 1.6 tonnes of carbon per property each year. The project has demonstrated the potential of a fabric-first approach to improve the performance, comfort and sustainability of existing social housing.

To meet the technical and programme challenges, Baily Garner provided a full design and specification pack for the initial properties (Lot 1), and an archetype-based design approach for the expanded group (Lot 2). We coordinated across multiple disciplines—Building Surveying, Health & Safety, Employer’s Agent services, and PAS 2035 compliance—to produce a fully integrated solution. Our design approach included a mineral-based external wall insulation system, triple glazed windows and doors, internal and cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, and the installation of photovoltaic panels. Heating and ventilation upgrades were tailored by property type: bungalows received mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, while houses were fitted with demand-controlled mechanical extract systems. Air source heat pumps were incorporated throughout.

We also led on consultation with legal, regulatory and third-party stakeholders to ensure all statutory and compliance obligations were addressed during the design phase. The design specification was issued in February 2022, with addendums following in March to finalise the tender documentation.

The works commenced on schedule in summer 2022 and concluded in November 2023, positioning Raven Housing Trust to transition seamlessly into its SHDF Wave 2.1 programme in early 2024. All 26 properties achieved the targeted performance metrics, including EPC A ratings and significantly improved thermal comfort for residents. Our flexible, archetype-led design methodology ensured each home received a tailored solution, despite the variations in form and construction. Through our coordinated and multidisciplinary approach, Raven now benefits from a robust foundation of energy-efficient homes, aligned with national decarbonisation targets and future retrofit funding opportunities.

Baily Garner delivered a holistic and phased approach to asset review and strategic planning. We began by conducting a comprehensive desktop review of Clarion’s existing property data to understand the scope and condition of the stock. This was followed by targeted structural surveys across key archetypes to identify recurring issues. Using this data, we developed cost models to estimate investment requirements across the short, medium, and long term. Our team identified and prioritised energy efficiency measures—including insulation upgrades, ventilation improvements, and external wall insulation—while also accounting for hidden logistical costs like limited site access or specialist scaffolding. In parallel, we reviewed homes that had undergone Housing Act remediation works, assessing both structural soundness and decarbonisation potential. The result was a fully costed, sequenced, and optimised strategic plan tailored to Clarion’s decarbonisation goals.

Through our structured and detailed approach, Clarion now has a comprehensive understanding of the condition and investment needs of its 5,500 non-traditional homes. Our work delivered a granular, archetype-specific roadmap for phased retrofit, repair, and decarbonisation, helping Clarion identify which estates and housing types to target first for maximum impact. The strategy balances cost, feasibility, and performance outcomes—enabling confident, data-driven investment decisions. In addition, the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session we delivered on common defects in non-traditional housing has empowered Clarion’s teams with the knowledge needed to manage these properties more effectively. Clarion is now equipped with the tools and insights to meet its environmental targets while improving the long-term sustainability of its housing portfolio.

We conducted a detailed review of the contractor’s submission, evaluating the strength of the arguments presented and identifying any weaknesses or inconsistencies. Our advice focused on the technical and contractual merits of the claim, based solely on the information available at the time.

Following our initial assessment, we held further meetings with the client to explore specific areas of the claim in more depth. We provided clear, actionable recommendations on how the client should respond, ensuring they were well-positioned to manage the situation effectively and in line with contractual obligations.

We advised Trinity Homes on the available dispute resolution options, ultimately recommending adjudication as the most efficient path forward. Once agreed, we led the process — drafting the Notice of Adjudication and Referral Notice, and liaising directly with the appointed Adjudicator.

Upon receiving the Employer’s Response, we quickly developed a detailed Reply, addressing all points raised. Our strategic approach and thorough preparation led to a successful adjudication outcome on all issues, securing the withheld retention payment for our client and bringing the dispute to a positive resolution.

Baily Garner provided full multidisciplinary support, from planning approvals to construction oversight. We ensured financial efficiency, while our CDM expertise safeguarded compliance and safety. As project managers, we guided the demolition process, initially conducted by hand due to the structure’s sensitivity. When the original contractor went into administration, we facilitated contract reviews, site security, and a re-tendering process, leading to Trinity Homes’ appointment.

We implemented a fabric-first design approach, integrating air source heat pumps, photovoltaic solar panels, and EV chargers. We also prioritised biodiversity, enhancing the Woodland Wildlife area and installing bat and bird boxes, bee bricks, and hedgehog gateways.

The scheme delivered 20 new affordable, energy-efficient homes, with 18 allocated to the Housing Register and two for shared ownership. All homes are adaptable, with specialised wheelchair-accessible units. Achieving an A energy rating and boosting local biodiversity, it sets a benchmark for sustainable, affordable housing that responds to both environmental and community needs.

Baily Garner acted as Employers Agent for Wealden District Council, delivering project management, cost consultancy, and clerk of works services. Our role encompassed risk identification, quality and performance reviews, cost monitoring, regular inspections, handover management, and overseeing defect resolution.

Completed in time before Christmas, the project achieved high customer satisfaction. It provides affordable housing, environmental improvements, and economic benefits to Heathfield, as residents are likely to shop locally. Cart Barn Place is a standout development combining affordability, environmental consideration, and community impact.