What's the idea?
Set around a courtyard, Reef Living takes its name from the way that coral grows new nodules (or in this case housing 'modules') when the need arises. Each module is self-contained, and can be bought separately, with a variety of extension possibilities available. Modules can be combined to form bigger units, so owners aren't limited to identikit box-shaped rooms.

Extensions are available for any sort of additional living accommodation, including office space, granny flats, student bedsits or just extra space for a growing family. Modules are built from sustainably-sourced, non-toxic materials low in embodied energy, are highly insulating and airtight, and are designed to provide generous amounts of daylight to reduce the energy needed to light the property.

Each module's roof (sloped to collect rainwater) is equipped with solar cells, and combined with a community geothermal pump makes the reef practically self-sufficient in energy. At the centre of the reef is a super-efficient battery which stores excess energy, thus ensuring consistent energy provision to the community when other sources fall short.

Unneeded rooms can be changed and even removed from a house, perhaps to become part of a neighbour's dwelling. Everyone's home is always the exact size that they need.

Offsite construction and speedy installation keep noise pollution and disruption to a minimum. Old modules are taken away and refurbished before being re-supplied, so wasteful change is avoided.

Why is this a low carbon product?
Some sources predict that as many as 4 million new households will be needed in the UK by 2026, the majority of which will be single occupancy. Building these could increase pressure on land, and result in substantial carbon dioxide emissions.

The Reef Living concept provides high density housing, designing in many of the features that we already know can reduce environmental impact, such as shared energy and waste facilities. The modular approach to putting community housing together means that it is very flexible, so that people don't have to move house every time there is a change in their circumstances - but if they want to move they can take their house with them.

How could Reef Living fit into our lives in 2022?