Derwenthorpe stands out as an exceptional exercise in place-making and a rigorous exemplar of sustainable housebuilding. Derwenthorpe is one of the first large scale low carbon communities in Northern England with 40 per cent affordable homes pepper-potted across the development. It is the outcome of a long-term vision, conceived and sustained by the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust.

Derwenthorpe brings together the complex ideas of identity, community, material sensibilities, public spaces, and landscape into a singular harmonious place for the residents, where community is the focus and inspiration, creating a beautiful sense of place and identity for those living there.

The construction and testing of prototype houses in 2009 informed the ambitious first phase of Derwenthorpe (64 houses and an energy/ community centre) which has earned exemplar status and is praised by residents and industry professionals alike. Lessons learned from post-construction monitoring have ensured delivery of a substantial sustainable community with many ambitious elements replicated for later phases, delivering a further 417 homes completed 2019.

The architecture builds on the rich legacy of Joseph Rowntree's model village New Earswick and the picturesque vernacular of English towns and villages. The design focused on the creation of high-quality public space, with careful attention given to the design of streets, play areas, landscape and parking courtyards to ensure that all spaces were subject to overlooking and that play areas and recreational facilities were close to homes.

The generosity of the public space is equally extended to the spatial standard of the individual houses. The light-filled homes are notable for their fabric-first approach, pushing boundaries on space standards, dual-aspect living spaces and flexible winter gardens.

This project demonstrates a real and analytical commitment to sustainability. Its approach encompasses community and social wellbeing, passive design, and active technologies. Its reach goes beyond the buildings into the consideration of the local environment, both in terms of water usage/ attenuation/ biodiversity, as well as the types of spaces and amenities it provides for inhabitants.

Derwenthorpe is cited as a good practice example in the National Design Guide.

For more information download a project PDF here.

The development has won several awards including:

• Housing Design Award, 2013 ‘Completed Winner’ for Phase 1

• Civic Trust Award, 2014 for Phase 1

• Architects’ Journal Architecture Awards ‘Sustainable Project of the Year’ 2017 for Phase 1

• Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA) National Award, 2017 for Phase 1

• RIBA Yorkshire Sustainability Award, 2017 for Phase 1

• RIBA Yorkshire Award, 2017 for Phase 1

• York Design Awards, 2017 ‘Large Residential’ winner for Phase 2