Core Values

Here are the Core Values that drive our mission:

1. Sustainability

What it means: 

We are dedicated to minimising the environmental impact of our housing solutions. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, from design and construction to long-term use. We believe that housing should not only meet the needs of today’s residents but also be prepared to support future generations. This includes using environmentally friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and renewable technologies that reduce carbon footprints and ensure long-term resilience.

Why it’s important: 

Sustainable housing is essential in addressing climate change, preserving natural resources, and creating environments that support healthy living. At ADA, we aim to build homes and communities that are energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and adaptable to changing environmental conditions.

2. Biodiversity

What it means: 

We are committed to preserving and enhancing local biodiversity in the communities where we work. This means integrating natural elements into housing designs, protecting existing wildlife habitats, and using landscaping strategies that promote ecological health. By focusing on the natural environment, we aim to create homes that work in harmony with nature and encourage wildlife preservation.

Why it’s important: 

Biodiversity is critical for maintaining healthy ecosystems, which in turn support human wellbeing. By integrating biodiversity into our housing solutions, we help create environments that not only provide homes for people but also sustain local wildlife and plant life. This approach contributes to the resilience of both natural and built environments, creating greener, healthier places to live.

3. Community

What it means: 

Community is the foundation of all our work. We believe in creating housing that fosters strong, inclusive communities where everyone feels valued and has a stake in shaping the future. By actively involving residents in the decision-making process, we empower them to create the kind of neighbourhoods they want to live in. We also strive to ensure that our housing solutions support a wide range of community needs, from young families to older generations, and promote social connections across all demographics.

Why it’s important: 

Strong, inclusive communities provide the social fabric that supports wellbeing and resilience. By fostering a sense of belonging and connection, we can create places where people thrive, social isolation is reduced, and everyone has the opportunity to participate in the life of their neighbourhood.

4. Innovation

What it means: 

We are committed to embracing new technologies and approaches to housing. From using cutting-edge building techniques and sustainable materials to integrating smart home technologies, ADA strives to stay ahead of the curve in housing design and delivery. We also champion the development of new housing models that are adaptable to different community needs, ensuring that our solutions are not only effective but also forward-thinking.

Why it’s important: 

Innovation in housing design and delivery allows us to solve complex problems, improve the quality of life for residents, and respond to evolving challenges such as climate change and demographic shifts. By integrating creative and technological solutions, we can build homes that are more sustainable, efficient, and comfortable for the future.

5. Affordability

What it means: 

We believe that everyone, regardless of income, should have access to a high-quality home. Our approach to affordability goes beyond just keeping costs low; it’s about ensuring that homes are affordable to maintain, with energy-efficient designs that reduce long-term utility bills and financial strain on residents. We work closely with communities to design and deliver housing that is accessible, realistic, and sustainable, ensuring that people don’t have to choose between a decent home and financial stability.

Why it’s important: 

Affordable housing is the cornerstone of thriving communities. Without access to affordable homes, people are forced to move away from their families, schools, and jobs, contributing to community fragmentation. By prioritising affordability, we ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation, can find a place to live that allows them to put down roots and build a future.

6. Carbon Saving & Energy Efficiency

What it means: 

We are committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy efficiency through the design and construction of homes that minimise energy use. This involves using high-performance insulation, energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy sources, and sustainable building materials. Our homes are built to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of their occupants by ensuring they use less energy for heating, cooling, and electricity, contributing to a reduction in overall carbon emissions.

Why it’s important: 

Energy efficiency and carbon saving are essential in combating climate change. Housing is one of the largest sources of energy consumption and carbon emissions, and we believe that by creating energy-efficient homes, we can make a meaningful contribution to the fight against global warming. By reducing the energy demands of our buildings and supporting the use of renewable energy, we help ensure a sustainable, low-carbon future for all.

7. Collaboration

What it means: 

At ADA, we believe that collaboration is key to solving the complex housing challenges facing rural communities. We work closely with local authorities, community groups, residents, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure that our housing solutions reflect the specific needs and aspirations of each community. This collaborative approach ensures that all voices are heard and that our projects are shaped by the people who will live in them.

Why it’s important: 

Housing solutions that are designed in isolation often fail to address the real needs of the community. By involving all stakeholders from the outset, we create solutions that are truly effective, relevant, and sustainable. Collaboration fosters ownership, builds trust, and strengthens communities, ensuring that housing projects are supported and embraced by the people they serve.

8. Inclusivity

What it means: 

We are committed to creating communities that are open and welcoming to everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability. Our housing designs are inclusive by nature, ensuring that they cater to people with diverse needs, including those with disabilities, the elderly, young families, and marginalised groups. Inclusivity is about creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, with homes that are accessible, adaptable, and flexible enough to meet a range of needs.

Why it’s important: 

Inclusive communities foster social equality and reduce divisions. When people of all backgrounds, abilities, and generations can live together, they bring unique perspectives and strengths to the table. Inclusivity ensures that no one is left behind and that everyone has access to the resources they need to succeed and feel valued.

9. Resilience

What it means: 

We believe in building homes and communities that are resilient to both environmental and social challenges. This includes designing buildings that can withstand the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather, and creating communities that are adaptable to shifting demographics, economic changes, and evolving social needs. Resilience is about creating spaces that can evolve with time, ensuring that they continue to serve their purpose long into the future.

Why it’s important: 

In an unpredictable world, resilience is essential. Communities that are built to endure, adapt, and recover from challenges are more likely to thrive in the long term. Whether it’s a storm, an economic downturn, or a demographic shift, resilient communities are better equipped to weather change and maintain their strength.

10. Empowerment

What it means: 

What it means: Empowering local communities to take ownership of their housing solutions is central to our mission. Through community-led housing models like Community Land Trusts (CLTs), we give people the tools and resources to control their own future. By engaging local residents in decision-making processes, we help them feel invested in the development and success of their communities.

Why it’s important: 

Empowerment leads to stronger communities and more effective solutions. When people are given the agency to shape their environment, they take greater pride in their communities and contribute to their ongoing success. Empowerment fosters confidence, reduces dependency, and builds a sense of collective responsibility.