Affordable & Social Housing
Creating Quality Homes with Purpose
We deliver thoughtfully designed, affordable housing that enhances lives and strengthens communities. With over 30 years of experience in affordable rent, shared ownership, and supported living, we partner with housing associations, local authorities, and developers throughout Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and the wider South West.
Our deep sector knowledge has consistently resulted in successful, award-winning projects. From feasibility studies and initial concept development through to planning applications and technical delivery, our collaborative approach ensures every project, be it standalone homes, mixed-use developments, or specialist accommodation, is handled with care, expertise, and a commitment to design excellence.
Design that meets needs and budgets
We collaborate closely with clients to create cost-effective, practical, and welcoming homes. Our expertise spans:
- Affordable & social rent and shared ownership
- Wheelchair-accessible and lifetime homes
- Independent and supported living for older, disabled or vulnerable people
- Specialist housing for SEND and complex needs
- Flats, apartments and houses including mixed use and retail
Whether designing homes for families, individuals, or residents with specific health or mobility requirements, our priority remains functionality, safety, and long-term value.
Collaborative Partnerships
Our deep understanding of planning regulations allows us to assist clients with compliance and maximising site potential. We frequently lead multi-disciplinary teams, preparing applications that successfully meet funding and regulatory criteria.
We maintain longstanding relationships with many clients including:
- Sovereign Housing Association
- Aster Group
- Magna Housing
- Spectrum Housing
- Bournemouth Churches
These partnerships underline our ability to deliver projects that blend compliance, design quality, and strong community identity.
Designing for Local Communities
We design affordable housing that complements its local context, ensuring our schemes are:
- Tenure-neutral: indistinguishable from market-rate housing
- Integrated and community-focused: avoiding isolated clusters
- Respectful of local architectural and planning requirements
Our consultative process involves residents, parish councils, and local authorities from the outset, securing community buy-in and enduring success.
Sustainable, Affordable Design
Sustainability is integral to all our affordable housing designs. We prioritise homes that are energy-efficient, environmentally responsible, and affordable to maintain, utilising:
- Fabric-first construction to minimise heating costs
- Use of Modern Methods of Construction(MMC)
- Air source heat pumps, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting
- Landscape designs enhancing biodiversity and community wellbeing
- Use of small and medium-sized enterprise contractors
Our sustainable approach ensures long-term affordability for residents while contributing positively to environmental goals.
Project Highlights
Our diverse portfolio showcases award-winning affordable housing projects across the South West, including:
- Portland: Affordable market homes, enhancing wellbeing with open-plan layouts and private gardens
- Milton Abbas: Wheelchair-accessible flats providing comfort and independence through passive solar gain and sustainable materials
- Gillingham: SEND-supported living designed to support sensory needs with dedicated sensory rooms and therapeutic outdoor spaces
- West Bay: Waterside affordable apartments offering vibrant community living within a mixed-use masterplan
Over 30 Years of expert affordable housing design
WDA are proud to have designed over 35 affordable projects, which have recently included;
- 23 affordable flats, Weymouth – approved 2023
- 18 affordable houses, Curtis Fields, Weymouth -2023
- 18 affordable flats in a 4 storey building, Weymouth – 2023
- 23 affordable houses, New Road in Shaftesbury – approved 2021
- 112 affordable houses & flats, Weymouth – approved 2021
- 4 wheelchair accessible flats at Curtis Fields, Weymouth – 2020
- 23 affordable houses, New Road in Shaftesbury – approved 2021
Designing for Supported and Specialist Housing
Specialist Inclusive Design
WDA has extensive experience designing specialist homes for residents with diverse physical and neurological conditions, including:
- Supported living for adults with learning disabilities, autism or complex needs
- Transitional housing and reablement units for recovery from brain or spinal injuries
- Specialised homes for wheelchair users or other long term disabilities, with fully equipped bathrooms, kitchens, and adaptable living spaces
We collaborate closely with care providers and support organisations, designing inclusive environments that promote independence and wellbeing.
Adaptive and Flexible Spaces
Our supported housing projects are carefully tailored around residents and their support teams, incorporating:
- Training kitchens for skills development
- Sensory rooms and calming spaces
- Shared community lounges and relaxation zones
- Secure, accessible outdoor areas
- Flexible layouts to adapt to changing care needs
Why Choose Western Design Architects?
We combine design expertise with a practical understanding of the strategic factors essential for successful affordable housing delivery. Our projects consistently achieve outstanding planning outcomes, commendations, and exceptional resident satisfaction.
- Extensive experience with housing associations and local authorities
- Specialist knowledge in supported, accessible, and affordable housing
- Comprehensive understanding of the National Design Guide
- Bespoke solutions that respond to the environment.
- Proven success in obtaining planning approval
- In-depth regional knowledge across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire
- Commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and community-centred design
Whether new builds, specialist accommodation, or contributions to larger masterplans, we’re here to help.
Affordable Housing Portfolio
Explore a selection of our affordable and social housing projects.
