The VELUX Group and igloo Build New Homes in Sunderland

The VELUX Group and igloo Regeneration enter partnership to create homes in Sunderland based on award-winning sustainable construction principles

Roof-window maker VELUX and sustainable developer igloo Regeneration agree to build homes based on the Living Places concept as part of an ambitious city-wide project to transform Sunderland into a connected, international city with opportunities for all.

VELUX Group and sustainable developer igloo Regeneration are launching a partnership to build new homes in Sunderland as part of an ambitious city-wide regeneration project. The homes will be built based on the principles of ‘Living Places’, a prototype development in Denmark that VELUX inaugurated to showcase how to build with a low carbon footprint while also providing a healthy indoor environment. Living Places Copenhagen has won several awards including ‘Best Residential Project’ at last year’s MIPIM Awards, the real estate industry’s prestigious global awards that celebrate sustainable and visionary projects. Sunderland City Council attended the event earlier this year to forge stronger relationships with private sector partners, as it pushes ahead with plans to transform its urban core.

The homes in Sunderland will feature a mixed tenure of townhouses, maisionettes and apartments and will be built on a brownfield site adjacent to City Hall. Around 50 homes will be created, to house approximately 120 residents. The development is due to commence in 2026 and expected to be completed in 2027.

VELUX Group and igloo Regeneration ambitious city-wide regeneration project in Sunderland render.

The development is part of the Riverside Sunderland regeneration, one of the Uk’s most exciting urban regeneration projects, where Sunderland City Council is leading the delivery of 1,000 new homes, 1 million sq ft of employment space, Culture House, the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy, a new eye hospital, a 13ha riverside park, and a new footbridge crossing the River Wear that will link the city centre with Sheepfolds Stables and the Stadium of Light on the north side of the river .

“The plans to regenerate Sunderland are visionary in their ambition and scope and will create a vibrant city,” said Alex O’dell, Vice President for GB&I at VELUX. “We are delighted to be partnering with igloo to create beautiful new homes that will be built to the highest standards of sustainable construction and energy efficiency while also being fantastic to live in.

“We’ve demonstrated through the success of our Living Places prototype that homes can be built with a much lower than normal carbon footprint from inception to completion and that this concept can be scaled in a cost-effective way. Additionally, having a focus on good ventilation and plenty of daylight generates an optimal indoor climate that supports householders’ health and wellbeing.”

The developer igloo Regeneration supported the Council with the production and implementation of the Riverside Sunderland masterplan and the delivery of Expo Sunderland, an event programme to enable residents and businesses to engage in the city's transformation.

Insi Khushnood, Development Director at igloo Regeneration said: “We’re excited to be working with VELUX and Sunderland City Council to pilot the Living Places concept, bringing healthy and sustainable homes to Sunderland. This collaboration is about more than just building houses, it is about reimagining the way we live, creating spaces that support wellbeing, connect people to nature, and raise the bar for quality in new homes. Together, we’re demonstrating what’s possible for the future of housing.”

VELUX Group and igloo Regeneration ambitious city-wide regeneration project in Sunderland render.

Sunderland City Council’s City Plan is to create a connected, international city with opportunities for all in the coming decade. The three main aims are for it to be dynamic, healthy and vibrant, and the council believes the city should play its part in tackling climate change by becoming carbon neutral by 2040. Organisations and stakeholders from many sectors and industries are involved in the transformation of the city.

Cllr Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “I am thrilled that this dynamic partnership, driven by Sunderland City Council and fantastic private sector organisations, will deliver more high-quality homes that support health and wellbeing and deliver better outcomes for our residents in the heart of our transforming city centre.

“Our Vaux Housing development – already underway and visible - is pioneering in its approach to sustainability and showcasing the new housing and lifestyle offer that will be available to current and future generations. Riverside Sunderland is an award-winning regeneration scheme and that’s because we’re growing relationships with best-in-class organisations such as igloo and VELUX, to drive forward with our plans for a world-leading new urban district.”