Architect and TV presenter George Clarke and his education charity MOBIE (Ministry of Building Innovation and Education) is working with Suffolk County Council and housebuilder Lovell to invite young people from across Suffolk to design green homes and green spaces for a site in Newmarket.  

The Think Circular challenge asks young people to design the homes of the future, focused on saving energy, resources and the planet as a whole. 

George Clarke said: “We need younger generations to define how they want to live now and in the future. Young people are vital to the future of housing, and it is important that their ideas influence home design and shape their communities. That is why I am delighted to be launching this home challenge in Suffolk with Lovell.

“This Think Circular challenge is a great way to engage young people in the crucial conversation about what Suffolk’s future homes should be like. I cannot wait to see how they respond – based on previous challenges I know we will be amazed by their imagination and creativity!”

The Think Circular challenge is open to schools and colleges across Suffolk. With growing skills gaps within the housing and construction sectors, it will hopefully inspire the county’s brightest young talent to consider a career in designing and building homes.  

Students can compete in three distinct categories: ages 5-11 (primary), 11-15 (secondary), and 16-18 (further education). They can participate individually or as part of a group, offering a platform for collaboration and teamwork. 

Students can bring their ideas to life by hand, by using computer software, or even through gaming platforms such as Minecraft and Roblox.

The winner of the design challenge will be announced at a presentation event in the spring. There is a prize for the winning team and their school or college from each category.

Suffolk County Council has selected Lovell Partnerships as its partner for a new joint venture, Edmundham Developments, to develop new high-quality homes on a number of its sites over the coming years.  

Cllr Richard Smith MVO, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for economic development, transport strategy and waste, said: “The county council knows that Suffolk faces major housing challenges over the coming years, which is why our joint venture with Lovell is so important.

“It is good to be launching our partnership by asking our young people to not only think about the type of homes we need to meet these challenges, but how we can build them more sustainably. I am really looking forward to considering their ideas.”

Matthew Goakes, area director for Lovell, added: “We are delighted to introduce MOBIE to our joint venture partners. We hope many local schools and colleges will take part in this challenge, which will not only help develop understanding of housing and sustainability but also hopefully allow us to attract the brightest talent from the next generations to come and work with us.”

Entries will close on April 12, 2024. For those wishing to register an interest in this challenge or to find out more about the terms and conditions and submission requirements, please contact home@mobie.org.uk