The Dales are more than just beautiful views. Tens of thousands of people call them home. Sadly, high house prices, low wages and high levels of second home ownership have led to an exodus of young people. Their departure threatens the future of the Dales as a viable and vibrant place to live and work. Encouraging younger generations to make the Dales their long-term home requires a radical new approach to rural housing. Simply increasing housing supply is not enough.

Commissioned by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the pattern book explores ‘local distinctiveness’ and its importance when boosting housing supply. Through combining a palette of local forms, colours, crafts, materials and textures with modern design, techniques and innovations we can create high-quality, affordable and sustainable homes to support a growing, diverse and resilient local economy. They have the potential to transform life across the Yorkshire Dales National Park, creating the dynamic rural communities of the future.