Wates Meanwhile Modular Homes

HTA’s architectural approach at Waterloo Estate rethinks the potential of modular housing to deliver a complete and liveable neighbourhood. Designed to support privacy, comfort and wellbeing, these homes provide stability and dignity for families experiencing housing insecurity.

Each home is a fully self-contained, dual-aspect volumetric module, delivered as a single unit. Ground floor dwellings include private gardens, while upper-floor homes feature balconies. The arrangement of one and two storey groupings creates a varied, human-scale layout that reinforces the street edge and contributes to a coherent, legible setting. Contextual materials, integrated pergolas and clearly defined entrances strengthen the homes’ relationship with place.

Internally, the homes are shaped around everyday family life. Layouts are zoned for flexibility, with generous natural light, integrated storage, and fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms. The combination of spacious interiors, private outdoor space and thoughtful detailing helps to create a calm, stabilising environment that responds to the psychological and emotional needs of residents, particularly important for those moving on from homelessness.

The homes are designed for reusability. Screw pile foundations and adaptable service connections reduce ground impact and allow for efficient relocation with minimal disruption. This extends the lifespan and value of each home, enabling it to serve multiple communities over time.

The project delivers a resident focused, replicable model for high quality temporary accommodation that meets immediate need while supporting long-term resilience.

The landscape at Waterloo Estate plays an active role in shaping a supportive environment for temporary living. HTA’s design ensures the site feels established from the outset, providing immediate social and ecological value while allowing for future adaptation as part of wider regeneration.

The strategy focuses on creating familiar streetscapes and shared green spaces, rather than temporary enclosures. A network of small gardens and pathways supports a mix of uses, from movement and play to rest and planting. Wildflower meadows, resilient trees and pollinator-friendly species are selected to establish quickly and offer ecological benefits.

A flexible “kit of parts” supports this approach. Benches, planters and play elements are designed to be relocated or reused, while long-term features such as trees and meadows can be transferred to nearby community spaces as the site evolves.

The landscape has been shaped in dialogue with residents, housing staff and children, who contributed ideas around play, privacy and safety. The result is a layered environment of open and enclosed spaces that supports both communal interaction and individual retreat.

Sustainability at Waterloo Estate is embedded in the design, construction and long-term adaptability of the site. The approach is defined by reuse, not just of materials, but of whole homes. Each dwelling is designed for relocation, reducing the need for demolition and rebuilding, and enabling more flexible and efficient land use over the long term. Screw pile foundations minimise ground disturbance, while services are designed for easy connection and removal.

The homes are built to exceed performance benchmarks. Triple glazing, airtight construction and MVHR systems contribute to excellent thermal performance and indoor air quality. All-electric systems reduce operational emissions, and rooftop solar PV is included where viable to reduce reliance on the grid.

Material choices support long-term resilience, both environmentally and practically. Durable fibre cement cladding provides a robust, low-maintenance finish. The landscape strategy applies the same principles, using low-carbon materials and minimal intervention to reduce embedded impact.

The environmental performance of the homes is matched by a focus on social value. Lower energy bills, improved air quality and year-round comfort help residents build more secure, healthy lives, particularly important for families moving on from temporary or insecure accommodation.