Towards More Liveable and Sustainable Communities: A Co-Design Strategy for Off-Grid Housing

Presented at the AMPS Livable Cities Conference in Manchester, this research explores how co-design approaches can improve the planning, performance, and long-term success of off-grid housing. The presentation examines the intersection of community participation, architectural design, energy systems, and user behaviour, arguing that successful autonomous housing requires more than technical optimisation alone. By drawing on contemporary co-design theory and emerging off-grid housing research, the study proposes a collaborative framework that brings homeowners, designers, and stakeholders together throughout the design process. The research highlights the potential for participatory design to create more resilient, sustainable, and liveable communities while ensuring that off-grid housing solutions are better aligned with user needs, local contexts, and long-term operational outcomes.