Palestinian housing project
In January 2017, the award-winning architecture and urban design practice Weston Williamson + Partners (WW+P) released designs for an innovative incremental apartment model in response to the growing need for affordable housing in the West Bank and Gaza.
An estimated 70% of households cannot afford the average house price and neither do they require the size of property that is generally on offer.
Using data collected from surveys commissioned by The Office of the Quartet and the World Bank, WW+P developed a conceptual design to provide people with long-term homes.
The Palestinian housing marketing is currently characterised by over supply at the high end and under supply at the lower end; large-scale affordable housing schemes are needed to satisfy demand.
The WW+P apartments are designed to grow with their inhabitants. The basic units are placed around a central circulation core and include generous outdoor spaces. Floor slabs are constructed to allow for expansion into these outdoor spaces as the family and its income gets bigger. Pre-fabricated panels allow different configurations to create exciting forms and massing, and deep overhangs provide necessary shade.
Units have been designed around the needs of family structures - from one to three bedrooms, with space that is flexible but segregated. Living spaces have generous daylight and views of the terraces.
The ground floor of the units could contain communal facilities and areas for larger gatherings, creating a real sense of community.
Images and content courtesy of Weston Williamson + Partners.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.