Core and cluster accommodation
The term ‘cluster accommodation’ refers to shared accommodation, in which people have their own private bedroom, or other single person accommodation units, but they share communal facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms and so on.
Cluster accommodation has typically been associated with the provision of student accommodation, but may also be provided for groups such as nurses and other key workers.
Cluster accommodation may also be provided for vulnerable people or people with special needs, such as; people with disabilities, women’s shelters, people with drug or alcohol dependence, young offenders and so on. In this case the cluster accommodation may be transitional or ‘move on’ accommodation, and may include low-level support services that help occupants prepare for transition to independent living.
Cluster accommodation may be associated with ‘core accommodation’. In this case, for example, there may be a core hostel that provides high-dependency accommodation, around which there is cluster accommodation that is lower dependency. This can allow occupants to move from supported, to semi-supported, and finally to independent living. This sort of accommodation is typically provided by the NHS, social services or by charitable organisations.
NB Planning Gateway One - Glossary, published on the Planning Portal, defines cluster accommodation, or a cluster flat as: ‘A group of habitable rooms with shared facilities such as a kitchen and communal lounge, commonly found in student accommodation.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.