Flax Court

Passivhaus affordable housing for a more sustainable future

Client

Stonewater

Location

South Petherton, Somerset

RIBA Work Stages

0-6

Services

Architecture, Town Planning Consultancy, Landscape Architecture, Sustainability

More than affordable housing

Flax Court brings together 30 affordable homes in the Somerset village of South Petherton, creating a vibrant new neighbourhood where sustainability, wellbeing and community sit at the heart of everyday life. Delivered for Stonewater, the development provides a mix of affordable rent and rent-to-buy homes, helping local people access high-quality housing while reducing the cost of living through exceptional environmental performance.

Providing integrated Architecture, Town Planning and Landscape Architecture services from project inception through to completion, the project demonstrates how a holistic design approach can create places that are both environmentally responsible and socially meaningful.

Tackling fuel poverty

At the heart of the project was a commitment to creating homes that are affordable not only to rent, but also to live in. Built to Passivhaus standards and enhanced with solar photovoltaics, the homes achieve EPC A ratings and dramatically reduce energy consumption.

For residents, this translates into tangible long-term benefits. Energy modelling indicates that a typical two-bedroom home has an annual regulated energy cost of just £73.88, helping to reduce household bills and alleviate the pressures associated with rising living costs.

Building healthier homes

Flax Court has been designed around the principle that better buildings create better outcomes for people. Exceptional insulation, airtight construction and mechanical ventilation systems contribute to comfortable internal environments that support health and wellbeing throughout the year.

Beyond the homes themselves, the development encourages community interaction through shared outdoor spaces, including a community garden, natural play areas, allotments and seating areas. These spaces provide opportunities for residents to meet, socialise and build meaningful connections with their neighbours

Sustainability beyond construction

Sustainability informed every stage of the project. The development achieved impressive airtightness results, with 96% of homes surpassing Passivhaus air permeability requirements and some homes achieving results as low as 0.35 air changes per hour.

Environmental benefits extend beyond the buildings themselves. Water-saving measures were implemented as part of the project’s phosphate mitigation strategy, while edible fruit trees were incorporated across the development to promote biodiversity, encourage healthy living and provide a lasting resource for the community.

A Model for Future Affordable Housing

Flax Court demonstrates that high-performance, net-zero-ready housing can be successfully delivered at scale within the affordable housing sector. Through close collaboration between client, consultant and contractor teams, the project proves that Passivhaus standards can be applied pragmatically and effectively to create homes that perform exceptionally well for both residents and the environment.

At a glance

Scale

30 affordable homes comprising 17 affordable rent and 13 rent-to-buy properties within a distinctive village-edge development.

Design

Contemporary Passivhaus homes arranged around a distinctive cul-de-sac, responding to the character of South Petherton.

Sustainability

Passivhaus standards, solar PV, EPC A ratings and exceptional airtightness deliver ultra-low energy homes.

Wellbeing

Highly insulated, well-ventilated homes provide healthier living environments with reduced energy bills and improved comfort.

Community

A shared community garden, natural play space and allotments encourage social interaction and connection with nature.

Impact

Setting a new benchmark for sustainable affordable housing, tackling fuel poverty while supporting Stonewater's carbon-neutral ambitions.

Lasting Impact

Flax Court is more than a housing development. It is an investment in people, health and long-term sustainability. By combining Passivhaus principles, renewable energy generation and community-focused placemaking, the project creates homes that are comfortable, affordable and resilient for future generations.

As residents establish roots within this new neighbourhood, Flax Court will continue to deliver lasting environmental, social and economic benefits, providing a blueprint for how affordable housing can support thriving communities while helping create a lower-carbon future.

Sustainable Development of the Year