BedZed: London's 'Radical Housing Experiment'

The BedZed housing development, the first of its kind in the world, promises a new way of life.

1 minute read

August 7, 2002, 2:00 PM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"With three storeys of triple-glazed floor-to-ceiling glass gulping light and heat into the south-facing homes, ventilation is a priority. The passive solar heating and thermal mass insulation is so efficient that the homes will use about 90 per cent less energy for heating than conventional buildings. The development was recently awarded a global award for energy-efficient architecture.But the architecture of the 82-home development may be its least radical aspect. For many residents it will mean a new way of life - forsaking their car, eating local organic food, perhaps giving up the daily commute to work. "

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

Sunday, August 4, 2002 in The Guardian Unlimited

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Wide suburban road with landscaped median and light pole banners advertising local amphitheater.

End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl

The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.

April 29, 2025 - Todd Litman

Wasco Viaduct under construction in California's Central Valley as part of California High-Speed Rail project.

Trump: Federal Government Won’t Pay for California HSR

The President has targeted federal funding for the California bullet train project since his first administration.

3 hours ago - The Fresno Bee

Bird's eye view of Salesforce Park in San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco Enhances Urban Planning Initiatives with Green Infrastructure

San Francisco incorporates green infrastructure in its city development initiatives, elevating the importance of sustainability in urban planning.

4 hours ago - The Daily Californian

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

5 hours ago - CBS News Chicago

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Comprehensive Bikeway Design Workshop

Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University

Early Bird Deadline – save on your tuition fee!🚨

Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)