Barefoot Architects has received a major housing award for their groundbreaking cohousing development in Bridport, Dorset. The innovative project, developed by Bridport Cohousing Community Land Trust (CLT), features 53 homes where residents enjoy a 20 percent discount on rent or shared ownership thanks to the land being held in a community trust structure.

The Hazelmead development, which was reviewed by the Architects' Journal in July, has also been nominated for the prestigious RIBA Neave Brown Award, although it did not make the Stirling Prize shortlist. The project represents a significant achievement in community-centered housing design, combining affordability with sustainable living practices.

The Housing Design Awards, where Barefoot Architects received this recognition, is a government-led multidisciplinary program that has been running since 1948. This year's awards ceremony took place on September 4 at London's Coin Street Conference Centre, marking the first time Barefoot Architects has been recognized in these prestigious awards.

The firm joined an impressive roster of first-time winners, including Satish Jassal Architects, Archio, and Gort Scott. These newcomers were honored alongside established sector specialists such as RCKa, Howells, PRP, DK Architects, and HTA Design. RCKa won recognition for their mixed-use Highgate Newtown Community Partners scheme for the London Borough of Camden, while HTA Design was awarded for Kidbrooke Park phase one, which represents the first phase of the largest council housing scheme built in the UK since the 1980s.

The awards ceremony drew approximately 170 attendees and was hosted by England's chief planner Joanna Averley. Prizes were presented by several high-profile officials, including London's deputy mayor for planning and regeneration Jules Pipe, and Homes England director of strategy Mike Wiltshire. The event highlighted the government's continued commitment to recognizing excellence in housing design and innovation.

All the winning projects, including detailed films showcasing the Hazelmead, Highgate, and Kidbrooke developments, can be viewed at hdawards.org. The recognition of these diverse projects demonstrates the evolving landscape of housing design in the UK, with particular emphasis on community-focused, sustainable, and affordable housing solutions that address contemporary challenges in urban development.