Work underway on pioneering homes of the future with 'character' on Sunderland's former Vaux site
Work has officially begun on a new city centre development.
Ground has broken on a pioneering new housing development hailed as the homes of the future.
Work is now underway on 16 new homes on the former Vaux site, based on house builder igloo’s pioneering Home of 2030 concept with technology-led features, low energy use and reduced bills.
The homes, which blend modern technology with environmentally-responsible design, have been created in collaboration with Mawson Kerr Architects and Openstudio Architects, which jointly won the national design competition established by RIBA and the UK government.
The project is part-funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and Sunderland City Council, to bring forward the winning Home of 2030 designs.
The scheme also includes a further 18 high-quality new townhouses due to complete in early 2027 and the housebuilder say that the homes place a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, design innovation, long-term resilience and quality of life for residents.
The homes support the the wider regeneration of the historic Vaux neighbourhood, one of the new housing communities created as part of Riverside Sunderland.
Moving away from ‘identikit developments’, the homes are aimed at having ‘character’ and igloo says it has prioritised uniqueness, community and climate-friendly features in the design.
“Breaking ground on the Homes of 2030 marks a significant milestone in turning our vision into reality,” said Michelle Williams, Project Director at igloo.
“We’re setting a benchmark for sustainable, future-ready living that supports people’s wellbeing today, while building resilience for the future.
“We’re proud to bring our experience in the North East to this development, where we’re working alongside partners to create spaces that are truly distinctive, delivering something special that blends forward-thinking design, low-impact construction and lasting community connection.”
Will Mawson, co-founder at MawsonKerr Architects, added: "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."
With completion on the Homes of 2030 anticipated in autumn 2027, the scheme offers a mix of two- and three-bedroom terraced houses, maisonettes, and apartments.
There will also be green spaces to promote wellbeing and community, with residents also in close proximity to the wave of new bars, restaurants and venues on Riverside.
Other projects igloo has worked on include Ouseburn Valley, a former industrial site turned into a creative neighbourhood, as well as One Founders Place in Newcastle, a sustainable Grade A office development, and Newcastle Helix, a 24-acre mixed-use district designed for both businesses and residents.
The team at igloo also worked closely with Sunderland City Council on the creation of the Riverside Sunderland Masterplan, helping to shape a bold, long-term vision for its regeneration.
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.”