Oxford Study Trip

Individuality: Graven Hill

The first stop was Graven Hill where we enjoyed a brunch within part of the development. Graven Hill is primarily made up of custom and self-build homes. As we toured the site, we had the opportunity to speak with Sarah from the Marketing Suite, who shared fascinating insights into the types of people drawn to the development. The community is diverse, ranging from two young brothers embarking on their first home build to an elderly woman crafting her dream house. Despite the wide range of individuals involved, it became clear that those who choose self-build homes share a common desire for individuality. The decision to undertake such a project requires not only creativity but also a significant amount of bravery, building your own home is certainly no small feat.

As we walked through the development, this desire for individuality was best exemplified by a striking bright blue house positioned on a corner plot. Its boldness made me wonder what the neighbours thought, especially those with more minimalist, sleek designs like the smooth rendered grey house across the way. The design guidelines provided to self-builders clearly offer substantial flexibility, allowing for a wide range of aesthetic expression.

Cohesion: Barton Park

Next, we visited Barton Park, a development set to dedicate 40% of its homes to social rent. In contrast to Graven Hill, Barton Park has been designed with a strong sense of cohesion in mind. The buildings, though uniform in their material palette and typology, fit harmoniously together, contributing to a well-defined sense of place. What truly stood out, however, were the communal green spaces and playgrounds that are intertwined into the design of the development. As well as providing areas for play, these spaces also provide both visual interest and effective water management, which was certainly needed on this rainy day.

While the architectural style across Barton Park may seem homogeneous at first glance, the thoughtful street layouts and well-embedded green areas create a sense of balance and interest.

The test of time

Reflecting on the two developments, it was clear how vastly different Graven Hill and Barton Park are—not only in design but also in the kinds of people they would attract. Graven Hill, with its focus on individuality and freedom, appeals to those seeking to create something deeply personal. Barton Park, with its emphasis on cohesion and community, seems ideal for those who value a sense of belonging in a well-planned neighbourhood.

More intriguing still is the thought of how these places will evolve over time. As the years pass, how will the character of each development mature? Will the individuality of Graven Hill remain vibrant, and will the carefully curated cohesion of Barton Park stand the test of time? Only time will tell, but both developments offer exciting glimpses into the future of housing in Oxfordshire.