Background

Located on the main road into Stratford-upon-Avon, Shipston Road marks a milestone in flood-resilient residential design. Commissioned by a private client who sought to unlock a brownfield site repeatedly dismissed due to flood risk, the project was entrusted to us for our expertise in flood-proof housing and sensitive site development. Over many months, the team collaborated closely with the local authority and the Environment Agency to achieve what others could not: planning approval for eleven high-quality homes within a floodplain designated Flood Zones 2 and 3.

The result is one of the UK’s first flood-resilient housing developments, combining innovation, environmental sensitivity, and architectural elegance. The homes respond directly to the growing challenges of climate change and urban housing demand, creating a safe, attractive community just minutes from the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Process

The site, previously occupied by a derelict 1970s apartment block, was transformed through an approach that unites engineering, urban planning, and sustainable design. Each home is elevated on piles above potential flood levels, with a controlled, floodable undercroft designed to allow water to pass safely through the site. A gently ramped access road and raised pedestrian and cycle path ensure safe routes during flood events, while rain gardens and swales absorb surface water and promote biodiversity.

Throughout the design process, we worked with environmental specialists to ensure compliance with the Environment Agency’s flood thresholds while preserving the site’s character and connection to nature. The homes were carefully scaled and detailed to blend into the existing neighbourhood, proving that flood-proof homes can be both functional and beautiful.

Architecture

Architecturally, the development balances contemporary living with resilient design principles. The elevated structures protect against fluvial and surface water flooding, while landscaped green spaces enhance water management and community well-being. The scheme demonstrates how sustainable housing can thrive within existing settlements, unlocking brownfield sites previously considered undevelopable.

We view Shipston Road as a blueprint for future flood-resilient communities across the UK. It embodies the belief that living with water, rather than away from it, can drive a new generation of sustainable architecture that protects people, supports the environment, and keeps towns thriving in a changing climate.