Hazelmead, Bridport Cohousing, Bridport

2025 RIBA South West & Wessex Award
2025 RIBA South West & Wessex Client of the Year sponsored by Equitone
2025 RIBA South West & Wessex Sustainability Award sponsored by Autodesk

Hazelmead, Bridport Cohousing, Bridport
Barefoot Architects for Bridport Cohousing CLT
Contract value: £9.5 million
GIA: 3,779m² 
Cost per m²: £2,714

The result of the 10-plus years of collaboration between Barefoot Architects and the community housing organisation client in developing this new residential settlement on the fringes of Dorchester is a complete triumph. Through the creation of 53 exemplary timber-framed homes, Hazelmead provides safe, sociable, accessible, sustainable and affordable dwellings at a time when the need for good affordable housing has never been greater.  

The architectural forms are simple and efficient, with surprisingly generous internal layouts that benefit from high ceilings and plenty of natural light. A range of accommodation is available, from one-bedroom flats to two, three and four-bedroom terraced houses, all offered at affordable rates – both shared ownership and private rental.

The site layout is very well considered and efficient, with a separation of pedestrian and parking areas. The car-free space between the homes allows for continuous greenery and biodiversity and creates a calm, safe environment for all ages, benefiting from a sunny aspect and views to the neighbouring farmland and hills. The orientation of the terraced homes and flats works extremely well in terms of maximising solar heat gain.

The project has a good balance between private and communal amenity spaces, as well as shared services and facilities such as guest accommodation and a lounge/meeting space.

This generous, accessible and inclusive response to its setting reduces pressure on the existing local infrastructure. Sustainability is writ large throughout the development. Built with low-carbon materials, it balances affordability, beauty and practicality. Achieving net zero carbon in operation, with actual energy use approaching Passivhaus standards, it is even more energy-efficient than the design target value, with photovoltaic panels and a local micro grid alongside the low-energy housing. It also integrates water reuse measures for the extensive areas of landscape.

The way that simple things have been done well distinguishes Hazelmead from many other new housing developments. The jury were highly impressed by the client’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and shared living and its incredible tenacity in overcoming funding challenges, navigating complex planning processes, and co-designing its net-zero-carbon homes with its dedicated architects. 

The project has exceeded the client’s aspirations by making a wider contribution to society. The design team has shown innovation and excellent use of environmental technologies, stretching the budget through repetition and robust material choices that still feel unique and characterful.

This is testament to how the right design choices can allow a community to grow, and sets a powerful example of determination and collaboration. This groundbreaking multigenerational co-housing project sets a new benchmark for sustainable living.

View all of our South West winners here, and all our RIBA UK Award winners here.

View the full RIBA UK Awards 2025 process.

RIBA Regional Awards 2025 sponsored by Autodesk, EH Smith, Equitone and Velux