Wootton Residential Demonstrator, Bedfordshire
Client: The Crown Estate
Developer / Partner: GS8
Architect & Design Lead: boehm lynas
Project Overview:
boehm lynas has been commissioned by The Crown Estate and GS8 to deliver a significant demonstration housing scheme in Wootton, Bedfordshire. This forms one of three national pilot projects aimed at unlocking new approaches to sustainable housing across the UK.
The Wootton scheme will deliver approximately 50 net zero carbon homes, embarked upon with a regenerative development ethos. These homes will pioneer deconstructable construction, highly advanced sustainable performance targets, and a strong community‑first design approach.
The broader programme intends to deliver some 200 homes across the three sites (Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cheshire), with each pilot testing new methods to enhance build quality, energy security and sustainable housing delivery at scale.
Key Features
Sustainability Targets:
Upfront carbon emissions target of less than 300 kg CO₂/m².
Operational energy use intensity target of 35 kWh/m²/year.
Minimum biodiversity net gain of 15%, on‑site renewables, and alignment with the Passivhaus standard.
Net Zero & Regenerative Design:
At Wootton, the design approach pivots on net zero carbon operation, deconstructability of homes (future reuse of components), and holistic lifecycle thinking, reflecting our dedication to regenerative architecture.
Community & a Look to the Future
The scheme is configured not just as a collection of homes, but as a neighbourhood built with engagement and local identity at its core. Beyond delivering the 50 homes, this pilot is designed to generate insights for The Crown Estate’s wider portfolio and the housing sector at large. The ambition is to create a replicable, future‑proof model of sustainable, inclusive housing.
Design Approach
The boehm lynas design team has drawn upon prior experience, including the award‑winning The Arbour scheme (with GS8) which achieved carbon‑negative, zero‑waste and energy‑positive outcomes.
For Wootton the masterplan takes a landscape‑led, community‑oriented approach, working with the topography, biodiversity strategy and future adaptability of the homes in mind. Working with partners such as Match Landscape Architects the project also emphasises woodland extension, high biodiversity uplift and strong connectivity to the natural environment.
Conclusion
This Wootton demonstrator exemplifies our leadership in sustainable architecture, delivering homes that are environmentally responsible, socially inclusive and future‑ready. In partnership with GS8 and The Crown Estate, this project sets a new benchmark for how housing can be built at scale to deliver high performance, regenerative design and genuine neighbourhood value..