Regeneration specialist igloo has broken ground on 16 new homes in Sunderland city centre that aim to set a benchmark for sustainable properties. The project brings the Home of 2030 concept to life, featuring low-impact materials, off-site construction and high-performance energy systems.
Design collaboration and competition win
The designs result from a collaboration between Newcastle-based Mawson Kerr Architects and London-based Openstudio Architects. The partners jointly won a national competition run by the Government and the Royal Institute of British Architects, which called for ideas prioritising uniqueness, community and climate-friendly design, moving away from identikit developments towards homes of character.
Michelle Williams, project director at igloo, said: “Breaking ground on the Homes of 2030 marks a significant milestone in turning our vision into reality. We’re setting a benchmark for sustainable, future-ready living that supports people’s wellbeing today, while building resilience for the future.”
Funding and timeline
The Sunderland project is part-funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and Sunderland City Council. It includes a mix of two and three-bedroom terraced houses, maisonettes and apartments, and is expected to be completed in autumn 2026. The scheme is accompanied by 18 townhouses and is part of the wider Vaux neighbourhood and Riverside Sunderland regeneration efforts.
Will Mawson, co-founder at MawsonKerr Architects, said: “While the Home of 2030 concept is future-focused, it is fundamentally about delivering quality homes today, making the mobilisation of construction for this neighbourhood an exciting milestone. There were a number of important design factors in creating living spaces that elevate residents' quality of life, both now and in the future; that respect the planet on a micro and macro level; and that seamlessly fit into, and speak of, the bustling Sunderland city centre. This development works incredibly hard to balance all of these aspects.”
Regional impact and igloo's track record
Joe Broadley, development director at igloo, said: “The start of construction for the Homes of 2030 is a significant moment for Sunderland and for the wider regeneration of this key city-centre neighbourhood. This scheme reflects igloo’s ambition to deliver high-quality, innovative homes that will attract people to live, work and thrive here. Working with our partners and Sunderland City Council, we’re helping to shape a vibrant, future-focused community that will benefit residents and support long-term economic growth across the city and wider North East region.”
Igloo has been involved in other North East projects, including the One Founders Place office scheme in Newcastle and the mixed Newcastle Helix site.
