Across the UK, much of the existing social housing stock faces ongoing challenges related to damp, mould and poor indoor air quality. Limited access to daylight, inadequate ventilation and rising energy costs can negatively affect residents’ health, comfort and long-term well-being. In fact, people in damp or poorly lit homes are 66% more likely to report poor health and 40% more likely to develop asthma or COPD, according to VELUX’s Healthy Buildings Barometer 2024. Addressing these issues requires solutions that improve indoor conditions without increasing build complexity or running costs.
Mungo Park Way in Wallasey on the Wirral demonstrates how these challenges can be addressed through thoughtful design, partnership working and proven solutions.
The development was delivered by Starship, Onward and VELUX, with support from Homes England and the Liverpool City Region Brownfield Land Fund. It showcases 13 rent-to-buy homes that are both affordable and efficient. The scheme proves how low-carbon homes can reduce running costs while ensuring long-term well-being.
More than a pilot or promise, Mungo Park Way is now a built example of partnership that brings a shared vision through to fruition – aligning innovation, sustainability and affordability in a way that’s tangible for the families who call it home.
More daylight for healthier indoor living
Indoor environment quality was a central design priority. The VELUX dormer solution was chosen not only for its daylight performance, but also for its ease of integration into Starship’s panelised construction system. VELUX Dormer roof windows can be installed quickly, typically within one day, helping to maintain programme efficiency while delivering consistent quality across multiple homes. This makes the solution well suited to repeatable, scalable housing models.
The dormer design also increases head height and usable floor space. This provides comfortable proportions and ensures the upper level feels like a full extension of the home rather than a converted loft.
The openable VELUX Dormer roof windows allow effective purge ventilation, so air can circulate freely, moisture can be expelled, and the risk of damp and mould is reduced. The combination of natural light, ventilation and thermal performance contributes to a healthier internal environment all year round.
Energy efficiency and low running cost
Each property features solar panels, air source heat pumps and double glazing to reduce energy demand. Together, these technologies lower carbon emissions and provide stable, efficient heating throughout the year.
For residents, this lowers their day-to-day running costs and gives them greater control over household energy use. Affordability is therefore managed through tenure as well as long-term operational performance.
Modern methods of construction
The homes were manufactured using Starship’s precision panelised system, built in a controlled factory environment to ensure consistent quality, reduced material waste and improved programme certainty. Components arrived on-site ready to be assembled quickly, which significantly sped up build times and reduced disruption to the surrounding community.
This approach upheld durability and performance from day one, and provided a repeatable model for delivering sustainable housing at scale.
Adaptable homes of the future
The room-in-the-roof concept supports flexibility in line with Lifetime Homes (LH) principles, a design framework that ensures homes remain accessible and practical as residents’ needs change over time.
The LH principles encourage thoughtful layouts and a built-in capacity for future adaptions, so homes can accommodate growing families, working from home as well as reduced mobility without costly structural alteration.
The additional upper floor space can function as a bedroom, workspace or quiet living area depending on the needs of the household, with the layout able to respond as circumstances evolve.
Through precise construction, integrated sustainable technology and focus on health and adaptability, Mungo Park Way sets a practical example of how affordable housing can meet present and future needs.
Chris Dodd, director of Starship Group, said: “As a modular manufacturer, repeatability is key to us and working with VELUX, it’s very simple to create that extra space in the roof repeatedly. We can get more effective with costs and more efficiency and time and with less maintenance in the future.”
Elaine Smith, sales specialist at Onward, commented: “A lot of the feedback from our customers has been around the excitement to just be able to utilise this space, to relax, to have a glass of wine, also to work and sit and watch the view. It offers the opportunity to utilise the space in many ways.”
Richard O’Neil, project manager at Onward, said: “Working with trusted partners such as Starship and VELUX allows Onward Homes to achieve one of our key goals, which is not only providing affordable homes, but providing homes that people truly want to live in.”
About Starship
Starship is a place-led developer, passionate about urban regeneration and low-carbon living. The company champions innovation in all projects and uses the widest range of design, engineering and construction methods possible.
About Onward
Onward is one of the largest providers of social housing in the North West of England, managing 35,000 homes across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire. As a not-for-profit organisation overseen by the Regulator of Social Housing, it’s committed to enabling customers to thrive by delivering homes they love, support they value and vibrant communities they’re proud to be part of.
About VELUX
Add value to investments and create bright, energy-efficient and healthy homes. Visit the VELUX website to find out more.
