Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a benchmark for housing standards in the UK, and that the case studies can be used as a tool to argue for better quality. It focuses on the Vernacular, discusses what vernacular architecture means to UK housing today, why it is needed in the current climate of a housing crisis, and design qualities that can be identified as ‘contemporary vernacular’. The book presents ten case studies that show the rich diversity achievable in housing when there is an understanding of vernacular principles. It also focuses on community self-build projects. These are important examples of contemporary vernacular housing, as they highlight not only the psychological, ecological and financial benefits for residents but also how far removed conventional housing schemes today are from the community-driven building of the past.