Housing Development News - Building Better Homes Together with Sutton Housing Society
- kirstiekalonji
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Last week, we were proud to join Sutton Housing Society at their Housing Development, 'Aiming Higher' event - a day that showed how social housing, care, and smart inclusive design can come together to build better, safer, and more accessible homes for everyone.
We’ve worked in housing and home adaptations for over 20 years, but what Sutton is doing with its airspace developments really hits the mark. Instead of starting from scratch, they’re building upwards - adding new floors to existing blocks to create future-proof housing solutions for older people and those with accessibility needs.
Their first project on Abbey Road in Camden proved the concept worked, and they’ve been flying ever since. By removing old roofs and adding new floors, Sutton has delivered wheelchair accessible homes and retirement housing that blend seamlessly into existing communities. It’s retrofit thinking at its best - optimising space, increasing housing stock, and reducing disruption to residents.
Invisible Creations built in from the start
We’re especially proud that Sutton Housing has chosen to include Invisible Creations products across its airspace developments, to support independent living without compromising on style.
By integrating our dual purpose stylish grab rails from day one, Sutton is avoiding the common problem of retrofitting or ripping out undesirable adaptations later on. It’s smarter, more cost-effective, and gives residents homes that truly feel like theirs, not like a clinic.
Laura Wood, Head of Invisible Creations at PROCare, summed it up:
“What’s so significant about Sutton’s approach is that they’re thinking ahead — they’re building accessibility and independence in from the very start. Too often we see homes adapted as an afterthought, with grab rails bolted on years later.
By installing beautifully designed products that blend with the home, residents get safety, dignity, and personal style all in one. It’s not about clinical adaptations — it’s about creating homes people actually love living in.”
Raising the roof
Sutton’s work is a masterclass in accessible home renovation and retrofitting for accessibility. Take Ronald House, for instance - a development that increased density by 68% while improving the existing stock underneath. It’s clever, sustainable, and exactly the kind of barrier-free housing we need more of across the UK.
Airspace development specialist, Val Bagnall said:
“Airspace developments won’t solve the housing crisis overnight, but they’ll make a huge difference — helping us create more homes, faster, and improve what’s already there.”
Facing challenges head-on
Of course, building new homes on top of old ones isn’t without its challenges. From planning and legislation to tenant engagement and construction logistics, every rooftop project takes teamwork, patience, and resilience.
That’s why collaboration is at the heart of it. Sutton’s success has come from working closely with architects, planners, and partners like PROCare, proving that the best solutions happen when everyone pulls together.
At PROCare, we’re proud to bring our experience in accessible home improvements, to projects like this. We know that independent living bathrooms and inclusive housing design make all the difference — not just in safety, but in how people feel at home.
Looking ahead
A huge thank you to Sutton Housing Society, Alertacall and everyone who joined us at Aiming Higher.
If you’re interested in future-proof housing, accessible home adaptations, or want to see inclusive design examples in action, explore our Invisible Creations range. From grab rails that double as shelves to accessible bathrooms that don’t compromise on style, we’re redefining what inclusive housing looks like.
You can also check out our Fit For Our Future campaign - our ongoing mission to deliver smart housing adaptations, sustainable housing for all, and affordable home modifications for every