Sector leaders put rural housing in focus at pioneering development

One of the UK’s leading housing figures has hailed a Stonewater development as an innovative example of addressing rural affordability.

Ahead of the National Housing Federation’s Rural Housing Week 2026, NHF CEO Kate Henderson visited the Shiremoor Hill scheme in Merriott, Somerset, where Stonewater is building 39 ultra-energy-efficient homes using Modern Methods of Construction.

The development is the UK’s first social housing project built using Travis Perkins ’ WholeHouse platform, which blends traditional construction techniques with off-site manufacturing processes.

On average, homes built using this method can deliver up to a 79 per cent reduction in customers’ energy bills, helping to alleviate the pressures on those living in rural communities where costs are typically higher.

Kate was joined by Stonewater CEO Jonathan Layzell, Chair of Stonewater’s Homes and Development Challenge and Assurance Panel, Angus Michie, Founder of building partner Galion Ltd, Angus MacDonald, Travis Perkins Technical Director, Lee Jackson, and Somerset Council’s Affordable Housing Officer, Amy Green.

During a tour of the site, the group discussed the collaborative approach required to unlock rural sites and the innovative features helping to keep costs down for rural customers facing affordability challenges.

Kate Henderson said: “Rural communities face some of the most acute affordability pressures in the country. While delivering more affordable homes is vital to sustaining these communities, it’s equally important that the homes we build are fit for the future.

“Through using innovative approaches like the WholeHouse platform and working with a local SME developer, Stonewater is both supporting local housebuilders and the local economy and responding to the twin challenges of the cost of living and the climate crisis.

“By combining modern methods of construction with a strong focus on energy efficiency and performance, developments like Shiremoor Hill are vital in providing much-needed affordable homes that are sustainable, cheaper to run and suited to rural communities."

Using standardised designs and an integrated supply chain, the WholeHouse platform streamlines logistics, promotes sustainability and reduces costs. Supported by Travis Perkins’ national warehousing and distribution network, WholeHouse ensures consistent high-quality material availability.  

Homes built using this method can deliver impressive environmental benefits. On average, they achieve an 89 per cent reduction in carbon emissions and a 22 per cent reduction in water usage compared to national household averages. 

These outcomes are particularly aligned with Stonewater’s rural development programme, as well as its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable housebuilding.

Jonathan Layzell, Chief Executive of Stonewater, said: “It was a pleasure to host partners at Shiremoor Hill ahead of Rural Housing Week. It was inspiring to meet with like-minded peers to discuss why innovation, as well as delivery, is imperative to sustaining the rural communities we hold dear.

“Developments like this show what is possible when housing associations, partners and communities work together with a shared ambition. It drives forward innovation and I’m proud this is the first social housing project to use the WholeHouse platform, helping customers live more comfortably in their new homes.

“But if we are to scale up delivery and continue to explore exciting initiatives, we need a supportive policy environment, access to land and long-term funding certainty that reflects the realities of rural house building.”

Angus Macdonald, Founder of Galion, said: "Finding innovative ways to deliver high-quality, affordable homes in rural communities is essential if we are to meet housing needs across every part of the country, not just in our towns and cities.  

“We were delighted to welcome colleagues from Stonewater and partners from across the sector to the development at Shiremoor Hill where we were able to demonstrate firsthand how this approach to design and construction can deliver greater consistency, efficiency and predictability throughout the build process.

“We look forward to seeing the development completed later this year and, most importantly, to hearing about the positive difference these new homes will make to the lives of the people who will live in them."

Michael Leverton, Head of WholeHouse, said: “We fully expect the need for high-quality, energy-efficient and future-ready social and affordable properties to increase in the coming years. This is why we believe that WholeHouse could represent a significant step forward for the industry, reducing risk for SME and regional housebuilders and speeding up delivery.

“Shiremoor Hill represents the first large-scale deployment of WholeHouse, with all of the 39 units here well underway. We’re genuinely delighted to have been able to demonstrate firsthand the quality of the homes at Merriott.”

Amy Green, Affordable Housing Officer at Somerset Council, said: “Delivering affordable homes in rural areas faces several additional challenges, so it’s fantastic to see innovative solutions coming forward to enable these much-needed homes in Somerset. The properties look beautiful and will make a real difference to our residents in housing need, providing safe, secure, quality affordable homes to 39 households.”

Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Housing and Homelessness, Councillor Sarah Wakefield, visited the same site the week previously. She said:

“The cost-of-living crisis and shortage of affordable rural housing are making it harder for some residents to find a place to live to stay in Somerset, so it was encouraging to visit a development that will support valued rural communities like Merriott.”

The first completions at the Shiremoor Hill development are expected in 2026.