What did Kevin McCloud say about Poundbury?

Kevin McCloud described the mock Georgian homes in King Charles's model town of Poundbury as 'intolerable' and similar to poorly designed modern developer homes.

What problems occurred at Kevin McCloud's own development?

McCloud's HAB Housing development faced issues like unfinished pavements, no street lights, damaged ceilings, and broken sewage systems, leading residents to call its early days a 'war zone'.

Are Poundbury homes considered well-built?

While McCloud found the interiors 'intolerable,' some parts of the Poundbury development have received architectural awards. However, McCloud's critique suggests a perceived lack of authentic architectural spirit despite technically sound construction.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / McCloud's Poundbury critique sparks hypocrisy debate

McCloud's Poundbury critique sparks hypocrisy debate

7 Dec

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Summary

McCloud called Poundbury homes 'intolerable' and like modern developer homes.
His own HAB Housing development faced complaints of unfinished pavements and broken sewage.
Residents described the early days of his development as a 'war zone'.

McCloud's Poundbury critique sparks hypocrisy debate

Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud has sharply criticized King Charles's model town, Poundbury, describing its mock Georgian homes as 'intolerable' and reminiscent of poorly designed modern developer houses. His critique focused on the interior architecture, which he found unbearable.

Ironically, McCloud's own development company, HAB Housing, faced a similar backlash for its eco-friendly estate in Kings Worthy, Winchester. Upon opening in 2017, the development suffered from unfinished pavements, a lack of street lights, and serious construction defects such as damaged ceilings and broken sewage systems.

Eight years later, residents still express disillusionment, recalling the estate's early days as resembling a 'war zone.' Despite these criticisms, some parts of the development later received architectural awards, and new residents praise its environmental efficiency and community spirit, though past construction issues are acknowledged.