Social housing, low-cost developments, projects, council estates – all have the ring of deprivation, even decay, about them, conjuring images of chain-link fences, cramped rooms and concrete blocks.

But there is a small band of architects and forward-thinking government bodies determined to make sure that these types of properties shake off those negative associations. Think open-plan rooms, double-height ceilings, high-quality fixtures and real wood detailing – in short, good design.