Work begins on flagship Home of 2030 scheme

Work has begun on a pioneering housing development in Sunderland that aims to showcase the future of sustainable living.

Developer igloo has broken ground on 16 homes based on its award-winning Home of 2030 concept, created with MawsonKerr Architects and Openstudio Architects after winning a national design competition backed by RIBA and the UK Government.

Part-funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Sunderland City Council, the homes form part of a wider development in the historic Vaux neighbourhood.

A further 18 townhouses are also planned, with the full scheme expected to complete in autumn 2027.

Designed to prioritise energy efficiency, low-impact construction and resident wellbeing, the homes feature high-performance energy systems and off-site construction techniques intended to reduce carbon emissions and running costs while creating distinctive, community-focused neighbourhoods.

The development forms part of the wider Riverside Sunderland regeneration programme and will deliver a mix of two and three-bedroom terraced houses, maisonettes and apartments, alongside landscaped green spaces.

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.  

“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.”

The scheme builds on the original Home of 2030 competition, which challenged architects and developers to rethink the future of housing by creating sustainable, adaptable homes that move beyond traditional housing design.

Construction is expected to complete in autumn 2027, with the project representing the latest phase of igloo’s long-term regeneration work in the North East.

Alongside the Sunderland scheme, the developer is progressing projects including One Founders Place and Newcastle Helix, having also helped shape the Riverside Sunderland masterplan.

Joe Broadley, development director at igloo, added: “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.” 

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