What is Transforming Homes?

Transforming Homes is a research project with the universities of Bath, Cardiff, Bristol, and Exeter funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and supported by Future Observatory. It brings together a diverse range of stakeholders committed to co-designing solutions to provide Beyond Net Zero (BNZ) carbon homes suitable for current and future generations – ‘Transforming existing housing with, and for, communities.’ The project involves residents, industry, practitioners, local authorities, community-led organisations, and researchers working together.

The NHMF is partnering this project through its Net Zero Working Group.

What is the aim of Transforming Homes?

The project’s aim is to transform existing housing to create healthy, sustainable living environments for current and future generations. It uses co-design to identify opportunities to do this through architectural design, using bio-based, recycled, and re-used materials, and low-carbon technologies. Improving our existing housing stock is a national priority. When delivered well, the transformation of our homes can offer significant benefits. These range from reduced carbon emissions and reduced energy bills to improved health and wellbeing, improved comfort, and a better-quality built environment. Realising these co-benefits will provide a better future for all.

Which housing is being considered?

The research focuses on interwar, 1920-1940, low-rise council-built houses which now face challenges in meeting modern living expectations.

At what stage is the project?

The project started in October 2023 with the selection of homes intended to become demonstration homes on two 1920-1940 estates. As part of this process, residents were engaged, homes surveyed and co-design workshops held. The project has been further developed through community design charettes and resident workshops. The transformed homes will be monitored to assess outcomes. These demonstration homes will inform the design and transformation of the remaining homes. An exhibition is being held at the Design Museum, London until August 2026.

What further information and resources are available?

More information is available on the Transforming Homes website, including recordings of webinars:

• Design Research Approaches for Transforming Homes for Future Generations
• Giving everyone a voice through Co-Design
• Transforming Homes at Scale

To find out more you can sign up for the Transforming Homes newsletter to stay updated on the project’s progress and hear about future events.

The NHMF organised a workshop with Transforming Homes at its 2025 Conference.

The NHMF promotes best practice in social housing maintenance and is committed to championing innovation to deliver excellence in maintenance and asset management. An organisation automatically becomes a member when it subscribes to the M3NHF Schedule of Rates and selected modules. Its Best Practice website publishes briefings on asset management and repairs and maintenance, including links to all the relevant legislation and guidance.

The NHMF acknowledges the help and advice from Julian Ransom, NHMF partner lead and Jo Patterson, Transforming Homes Lead.