History of terraced housing
The housing landscape in the United Kingdom is a testament to our nation's rich history and evolving societal needs. Terraced houses comprise a significant portion of the UK housing stock, known for their historic charm and close-knit communities. However, terraced houses lack driveways, which presents a unique challenge in the face of the growing need for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. In this blog, we will explore the history of terraced housing in the UK, tracing its evolution and the pressing issue of integrating electric vehicle charging points into these historic homes.
The Origins of Terraced Housing
Terraced housing has been a staple of British architecture since the 17th century. The concept emerged as a response to rapid urbanisation and population growth in industrial cities. The demand for housing quickly outpaced supply, leading builders to embrace a new housing style that maximised limited space: terraced housing. Builders efficiently utilised the available land by constructing rows of uniform houses with shared walls.
The Georgian era
The Georgian era marked a significant period in terraced housing development from the early 18th to the early 19th century. Symmetry and classical elegance became the hallmarks of these homes. Builders crafted uniform facades, often with ornate mouldings, sash windows and wrought-iron railings.
The Victorian era
The Victorian era marked a pivotal point in the development of terraced housing. This period saw a greater diversity of styles. Rows of housing were no longer rigidly uniform; instead, Victorian terraces displayed a mix of designs, colours and architectural features.
The Edwardian era
From the late 19th to the early 20th century, the Edwardian era witnessed terraced housing expansion into the suburbs. As transportation networks improved, people moved away from crowded city centres. Edwardian terraces had larger windows, spacious rooms and decorative detailing. With back gardens and bigger living spaces, these homes were elegant suburban paradises.
The 20th Century: Changing Lifestyles
The 20th century saw lifestyle changes and urban planning challenges that impacted terraced housing. Primarily, the rise of automobile ownership brought forth a new parking challenge. With no incorporated driveways in traditional terraced communities, parking became a pressing issue for owners of terraced homes. The result was strained on-street parking availability, a persisting concern even today.
21st Century Challenge: Electric Vehicle Charging
The 21st century has introduced a new dimension to the challenge of terraced housing: the rise of electric vehicles. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure has become essential as the world increasingly embraces sustainable transportation. However, unlike standalone homes with private driveways, installing electric vehicle charging points in terraced communities requires innovative solutions.
Innovative Solutions: Navigating Electric Vehicle Charging in Terraced Housing
Integrating electric vehicle charging points in terraced housing demands a delicate balance between preserving historical architectural integrity and accommodating modern requirements. The Charge Gully cable channel is one of the most innovative, practical, and discrete solutions. It forms part of the infrastructure which facilitates electric vehicle (EV) charging in urban or residential environments with limited driveways or dedicated parking spaces.
To find out more about Charge Gully, visit our website.
