Community

Folia Architects are experts in community buildings, village halls and local hubs. We are specialist architects who design beautiful spaces that are holistically low energy, healthy and seamlessly integrated with their local environment. We are deeply committed to building vibrant and inclusive communities through our specialised services in community developments and projects.

We collaborate with clients, community groups, and stakeholders to gather ideas and goals, believing everyone should have a say in improving their community. Whether starting a new project or improving an existing area,

Folia Architects will work with you to design spaces that focus on comfort and sustainability, strengthening the connections within the community.

At Folia Architects, we create beautiful, sustainable spaces that use low energy and fit well into their surroundings. We are dedicated to building lively and welcoming communities through our unique consultation process. Our design focuses on the needs of the people who will use the spaces.

Illustration depicting stages of community design process with balloons labeled 'Constant Input,' 'Viability,' 'Design Standards,' 'Consultations,' and 'Local Needs' connected by strings to a green path labeled 'Concept Design Stage.'
Illustration of a sloping site with two figures, a group of people labeled "socially conductive neighborhood," and text "Made in Bristol, Born from Context."
Hand-drawn map illustration showing buildings labeled with 'Homezone,' 'Square,' 'Stepdown Hill,' 'Bristol Mass,' and 'Public.' Parks are also marked, with a red dashed line indicating a pathway through the area.
Matt and Rachel of Folia collaboratively sketching a low energy house in devon. Two people examining architectural blueprints on a wooden table.

Consultation

We focus on environmentally friendly design that prioritizes the needs of building users. To make sure our projects are effective and benefit the community, we engage in discussions with residents and local groups. Ongoing consultations with stakeholders help shape the project's goals and outcomes. Community events and engagement are essential to this process.

What’s the process?

From the project's outset, we will review and develop an understanding of the key client objectives regarding quality, viability, sustainability, social value, etc… These requirements will be developed into a set of drivers and project outcomes, which can be used at key points in the process to check compliance with the brief.

  • We will illustrate these in a project programme highlighting client sign-off against project outcomes at key milestones in the design development process. This ensures that everyone on all sides of the table understands their responsibilities and is working to the same timescales.

  • At the outset of the project, we set up regular client and design team meetings to report on progress, discuss matters arising and plan for future milestones and any risks identified. We set clear agendas for these meetings and always circulate concise minutes with highlighted actions.

  • At Arbor Architects, we share an approach to environmentally aware design that puts building users right at the heart of the design process. We work closely with clients, community groups and stakeholders to understand, draw out and develop their ideas and aspirations. We believe everyone should be empowered to influence a better future for their community. Central to this process is our approachability, open-mindedness, skilful communication style and creative approach, which combine to ensure delivered projects are truly collaborative, not only delivering objectives but exceeding expectations.

  • We have long-standing relationships with trusted local consultants with significant experience working with us to achieve high service standards and value for money. Over a number of years, we have managed to streamline our processes and develop robust ways of working that mitigate risk and add both quality and value.

  • We use the latest Revit software to model our buildings in three dimensions and ensure all our drawn and written information is of a high standard, avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring everyone clearly understands the proposals.

  • We always hold a pre-start meeting to review the contract with all parties to ensure everyone understands their obligations and what they’re signing up for. We then have regular meetings throughout the duration of the contract to ensure everything is running to programme and any issues can be dealt with quickly and effectively, 

Community Projects

  • Illustration of a garden scene with people gardening in the foreground, greenhouse and brick building in the background, lush greenery around.

    Canon Frome Court Housing

    We are currently working with the Windflower Housing Association at Canon Frome Court to develop 3 new affordable housing units - two of which are conversions of existing outbuildings in the grounds of the Grade II listed manor house and one will be a new build on a disused part of the site. We are working closely with the community group, through a series of workshops and consultation events to shape our proposals for the dwellings. The community wants to develop a low energy scheme using bio-based materials that will benefit occupant health and have a lower embodied energy.

  • 3D rendering of a planned residential community with colorful townhouses, green spaces, and surrounding trees.

    Shaldon Road Community Housing

    This community-led housing development on the outskirts of Bristol provides 49 affordable new homes for members of the Bristol Community Land Trust and tenants of Brighter Places Housing Association. Common houses and shared gardens will provide communal facilities at the heart of this community focused development.

  • Modern building exterior with metal railings and staircases, person walking on upper walkway, bicycle rack below, and greenery in the foreground.

    Bicester Eco Business Centre

    The RIBA Award-winning building is the the UK’s first Passivhaus Plus non-residential building. The BREEAM Outstanding co-working office spaces make the most of natural materials and natural light through solar-controlled facades.

  • Modern architectural design of stone and wood buildings with large windows and corrugated metal roofs, set in a landscaped area with stone walls and greenery.

    Rural Creative Retreat

    This project is situated on a working uplands farm, set on the border between England and Wales in area rich in history and folk law. The farm comprises of a Grade II listed farmhouse and a number of curtilage listed barns and outbuildings to the west of the farmhouse.

  • Diagram of a landscape area labeled with features such as footpath, entrance, meadow, coppice willow woodland, SSI biodiversity importance, and various directional arrows indicating sunset and sunrise points. Includes features like car park, entrance, viewing area, archway, and pastoral farmland.

    Jubilee Campsite

    We are working with Cardiff and Vale Area Scouts to develop a masterplan for the redevelopment of the beautiful Jubilee camping fields. The site will be developed to make it more accessible to a wider group of users, while retaining its unique wilderness feel and the opportunity for children to safely explore the woodland setting.