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The Housing Design Awards are the longest established and most comprehensive awards scheme for new housing in the UK, and have consistently reflected new thinking in the housing field. The schemes short listed for this years award all underline the importance of high quality design to successful development and show how forward thinking housebuilders are embracing the Governments design and quality agenda. 'Home: A place to live 2004' is the official guide to the winning schemes. In addition to the traditional awards for projects and completed schemes, this years guide includes details of three new awards: for the best scheme by a major house builder; the best by a small to medium house builder; and the best affordable scheme. Also, and for the first time, an overall winner has been announced. The short listed developments include:1. Parcel 1B, Abode, New Hall, Harlow. Designed by Proctor & Matthews and developed by Copthorn Homes, this scheme shows how an enlightened land owner has taken a bold, new approach to greenfield development.2. Raines Court, Stoke Newington, London. Designed by Alford Hall, Monaghan Morris and developed by the Peabody Trust, this scheme is a highly innovative shared ownership housing scheme that uses factory finished units.3. Stockbridge Lane, Donaghadee, Northern Ireland. Designed by Twentytwo Over Seven and developed by Geddis Developments this scheme shows how a small developer, who was inspired by local architectural practice, has brought a fresh, new approach to housing design in Northern Ireland. All of the schemes listed in the book demonstrate that investment in good design brings dividends for consumers, house builders and the wider community alike, and generates valuable models for the sustainable use of finite resources.