Salford Move-On Homes

The heart of the design brief was rooted in empathy and sensitivity. We worked closely with the council, project managers Identity Consult and local charity Loaves and Fishes to listen to the voices of those who had experienced homelessness.

Each apartment is self-contained, with its own front door, natural light and an open plan living space to reflect the familiar elements of a traditional home. Each front door opens onto a shared deck and stairway to encourage a social connection between residents and to build a community of support. The size of the units were considered with ease of maintenance and upkeep in mind. Design decisions were shaped with purpose - to make residents feel like they belong. As well as making each apartment feel like a traditional home, they were designed to integrate into the existing neighbourhood. The pitched roofs and red-brick facade drew inspiration from the surrounding Salford terraces. This helps both current and new residents feel that the housing is part of the community, not just an add-on. One of the most important challenges was making the development feel architecturally and socially connected to the existing neighbourhood to remove the perceived divide between residents and neighbouring communities.

Outside of the design, site selection was also guided by social needs with proximity to transport links and local amenities - with the Eccles New Roads site positioned adjacent to a tram stop. This helps residents to easily access jobs and support networks as they rebuild their lives.

The greatest complexity lay not in technical delivery but in addressing the emotional and social needs of people who have experienced homelessness. To ensure the scheme genuinely responded to its future residents, Buttress and Salford City Council worked closely with local charity Loaves and Fishes, and with individuals with lived experience of rough sleeping.

The consultation presentations and feedback sessions allowed their voices to directly shape the outcome – influencing layout, material choices, privacy levels, and the inclusion of individual front doors. The scheme was shaped by the people it serves.

Sustainability was integral from the outset. Salford City Council made a commitment to work towards achieving the Greater Manchester strategic framework local plan of delivering carbon-neutral new homes by 2028. The homes are low-energy and low-carbon, built to high thermal standards. This reduces running costs and is crucial in supporting a sustainable financial plan for Salford City Council.

Our team explored modern methods of construction, including volumetric modular approaches that could speed delivery and improve energy performance. Each unit shares a common footprint, allowing different housing layouts to be adapted across multiple sites without changing the wider masterplan.

The move-on homes have been a success so far, providing support to those at risk of or currently homeless. At its heart, the programme redefines what social housing can be and provides a stable base for those most at need.