The Rise, Southwell

A High-Quality Residential Development in a Sensitive Historic Town

Allan Joyce Architects were appointed by Stagfield Group to design The Rise, a residential development of 38 homes on the edge of the historic market town of Southwell. The brief was to deliver a commercially successful housing scheme that responded positively to its surroundings while providing a high-quality, sustainable neighbourhood that would complement the character of the town.

Responding to Place

Designing new housing in Southwell required a careful balance between contemporary living standards and the town's established architectural character. Working closely with the client and the local planning authority, we developed a scheme that respects the local context while making efficient use of the site.

The architecture draws inspiration from traditional Nottinghamshire forms and materials, creating a development that sits comfortably within its setting whilst providing modern, energy-efficient homes designed for long-term performance.

A Balanced Housing Mix

The Rise delivers 38 homes across six carefully considered house types, ranging from one to four bedrooms. The varied mix supports local housing demand while creating a balanced and attractive neighbourhood with broad market appeal.

The site layout has been planned to maximise development potential without compromising the quality of the public realm. Homes benefit from private gardens, dedicated parking and adaptable internal layouts, while solar-ready roofs and electric vehicle charging infrastructure ensure the development is prepared for the transition to lower-carbon living.

Designing for Community

Creating a strong sense of place was central to the masterplan. A landscaped green forms the heart of the development, providing an attractive focal point that enhances the character of the scheme and encourages interaction between residents.

Many of the homes overlook this shared space, providing natural surveillance and creating a safe, well-connected environment. The result is a neighbourhood that balances efficient land use with high-quality placemaking, delivering lasting value for both residents and the developer.

Our Role

Allan Joyce Architects worked closely with Stagfield Group throughout the design process, developing a residential scheme that successfully balances planning policy, commercial objectives and architectural quality. From the initial concept through to planning, our focus was on creating a development that responds to its context, maximises the site's potential and delivers homes that will remain attractive and sustainable for years to come.