Sustainable Housing Development Projects
The Crown Estate Appointed Three Firms for New Project
Colin Smith — March 29, 2025
The Crown Estate has appointed three UK-based firms—gs8, igloo Regeneration, and TOWN—to lead its sustainable housing demonstration projects across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Cheshire. These projects aim to address housing challenges by exploring innovative approaches to sustainable design and construction. Collectively, the developments will deliver 200 homes, each designed to meet ambitious environmental targets, including upfront carbon levels of less than 300kg CO₂/m² and operational energy use intensity of 35kWh/m²/year. Additional goals include achieving a minimum 15% biodiversity net gain and incorporating on-site renewable energy generation. The projects also align with the Passivhaus standard, promoting energy-efficient and healthy living environments.
Each firm brings specialized expertise to the initiative. gs8 will develop 50 net-zero carbon homes in Wootton, Bedfordshire, focusing on regenerative development principles and deconstructable housing for future reuse. TOWN will oversee the construction of 80 homes in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, emphasizing community engagement and alternative housing models such as intergenerational living. igloo Regeneration will lead the development of 60 homes in Knutsford, Cheshire, adopting a community-first approach and exploring low-carbon infrastructure solutions. These demonstration projects are expected to provide valuable insights into sustainable housing practices and inform future developments across The Crown Estate's portfolio.
