Offering over a hectare of historically brownfield land, overlooked by central planning strategy, the redevelopment of this site, just north of London City Airport, will deliver 116 new-build 100% affordable PassivHaus Plus, carbon neutral homes and a BREAAM Excellent SEN School. 

This complex proposal was delivered within a very tight timeframe, requiring a highly capable and committed design team with an expeditious interactive workflow. Full planning permission for the residential units and outline for the SEN School was achieved and construction of the housing commenced within just 9 months. 

Following consultation with the local community, interactive workshops with the local academy and allotment association, the form of the buildings were developed around two reflected plans separated by a landscaped courtyard, which step up from 4-8 storeys. 

Whilst being of significantly greater density and height than the prevailing vernacular these buildings sit comfortably with their neighbours, extending and connecting the existing community. The design is aesthetically composed through a restrained palette of high quality, robust materials which enhance the proportions and unify the massing and provide local interest through eye level details at a human scale. 

The final development will offer a strong identity and sense of place that will influence and energise the future evolution of this quarter of Newham. The focus on sustainable excellence worked twofold in seeking to mitigate environmental impact whilst acting to address fuel poverty. Achieved through a highly insulated envelope, air-source heat pumps and an extensive PV array these complimentary factors are predicted to keep energy bills below £180 per unit per year.