Housing LIN Case Study 175: Hazelmead, Bridport Cohousing: More affordable, more sustainable and more neighbourly homes for Dorset

This new Housing LIN Case Study (No. 175), written by Sam Goss, Founding Director at Barefoot Architects, shares the story of Hazelmead, Bridport Cohousing – the UK’s largest cohousing development to date.

Located in Dorset, this award-winning community of 53 affordable homes demonstrates how housing can be reimagined to respond to today’s urgent crises of affordability, climate, and loneliness. 

Key points include:

• Creation of 53 permanently affordable, eco-friendly homes via a Community Land Trust (CLT)

• Award-winning, resident-led design fostering connection, mental health and wellbeing

• Focus on intergenerational living, social interaction and community support

• Net-zero operational carbon with ultra-low energy bills and renewable infrastructure

• Emphasis on shared spaces, gardens, and community-led food growing

• Sociocratic governance model promoting transparent, inclusive decision-making

• Strong move-in integration and support system for new residents

• A built environment that balances nature, accessibility, and beauty with affordability

Read on to find out more about how Hazelmead’s sociocratic governance, environmentally sustainable design, and strong community ethos support multigenerational living and wellbeing.

We were pleased to welcome Sam Goss (Founding Director at Barefoot Architects and Case Study author), along with other expert speakers, to our HAPPI Hour webinar exploring international and national perspectives on intergenerational living. Watch the full recording and download the presentation slides here.