Horley Supported Independent Living - From Vision to Reality

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Buildings & places
Location

Surrey, UK
Client

Surrey County Council
Collaborators

Vail Williams, Neilcott Construction
Completion date

October 2025

Barbara Clarenz

Associate Director, London, UK contact form

Surrey County Council’s Supported Independent Living Programme aimed to create homes that support adults with learning disabilities and autistic people to live independently while staying connected to their communities.

The Horley scheme, designed by AtkinsRéalis, is the first completed project under this programme. Located on a former library site in central Horley, the development comprises 16 homes:

Six self-contained apartments designed for autonomy and comfort
Two shared townhouses with five en-suite bedrooms each for residents needing more support

The scheme integrates private and communal spaces, landscaped sensory gardens and activity spaces such as allotments, pergolas and pathways, all designed to foster wellbeing, independence, and social connection.

Balancing Accessibility, Sustainability, and Community

Surrey County Council had a clear ambition: to provide homes that were safe, accessible, and adaptable for adults with learning difficulties and autistic people, while ensuring these homes were integrated into the local neighbourhood rather than isolated.

The vision demanded a sustainable, future-proof design aligned with net zero carbon goals, and a careful balance between privacy and independence on one hand, and opportunities for community and care on the other.

The real challenge lay in translating these aspirations into a built environment that felt genuinely like home, a sanctuary to thrive, while meeting strict standards for accessibility, sustainability, and cost efficiency.

A Human-Centred Design Approach

We took on the role of lead designer and multidisciplinary consultant, bringing together expertise in architecture, landscape design, engineering, cost consultancy, project management, and environmental impact assessment. From the very beginning, our approach was human-led. We wanted every space to feel warm, intuitive, and familiar.

The design focused on creating homes that could adapt to different needs. Six self-contained apartments were designed for those needing greater independence, while two shared townhouses offered a family-style environment for residents who require more support.

Each element was carefully considered: private balconies and terraces connect residents to nature, while communal gardens and sensory landscapes encourage social interaction and wellbeing.

Sustainability was embedded throughout. The scheme adopted a fabric-first, all-electric design, supported by photovoltaic panels, sustainable drainage systems, and biodiversity net gain measures. Materials were chosen for durability and comfort, aligning with LETI principles and Surrey County Council’s net zero aspirations.

Collaboration was key to success. We worked closely with Surrey’s Adult Social Care team, occupational therapists, planners, and contractors to ensure every decision supported independence, dignity, and community. Together, we turned a vision into a reality that feels like home.