Core and cluster accommodation
The term ‘cluster accommodation’ refers to shared accommodation, in which people have their own private bedroom, or other single person accommodation units, but they share communal facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms and so on.
Cluster accommodation has typically been associated with the provision of student accommodation, but may also be provided for groups such as nurses and other key workers.
Cluster accommodation may also be provided for vulnerable people or people with special needs, such as; people with disabilities, women’s shelters, people with drug or alcohol dependence, young offenders and so on. In this case the cluster accommodation may be transitional or ‘move on’ accommodation, and may include low-level support services that help occupants prepare for transition to independent living.
Cluster accommodation may be associated with ‘core accommodation’. In this case, for example, there may be a core hostel that provides high-dependency accommodation, around which there is cluster accommodation that is lower dependency. This can allow occupants to move from supported, to semi-supported, and finally to independent living. This sort of accommodation is typically provided by the NHS, social services or by charitable organisations.
NB Planning Gateway One - Glossary, published on the Planning Portal, defines cluster accommodation, or a cluster flat as: ‘A group of habitable rooms with shared facilities such as a kitchen and communal lounge, commonly found in student accommodation.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA has launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.