With the existing housing running east to west and all roads running north to south, the starting point for our masterplan was introduce a new grid of streets. We designed the housing as a series of smaller buildings, with taller elements running north to south and lower buildings running east to west to create courtyards and maximise sunlight into all homes. The existing street market was moved into a square on the north eastern corner to draw activity to the proposed new day centre, and new east-west routes were introduced to create better links to neighbouring areas.

Our main challenge was to simultaneously increase the density of the site whilst reducing building heights. We achieved this by creating smaller building footprints with central courtyards, an approach which meant a range of homes could be provided, all with access to private amenity. Being pre-London Housing Design Guide (LHDG) standards, we tested internal planning extensively with residents to ensure the new homes would comfortably accommodate their needs. In fact, we all but predicted the LHDG standards, as all homes in our masterplan met or exceeded its recommendations.

A number of innovative details were introduced within the buildings themselves to create a better environment for local people. One features a large communal atrium space, where residents are more able to meet their neighbours and spend time than they would in a normal corridor. A new day centre has become a landmark for the estate, despite being only a few storeys high. By using a dramatic black zinc cladding with a warm exposed timber structure, it looks markedly different to the residential buildings. Similarly, a pocket park introduced in front of a Victorian Board school gives it the visual prominence it deserves and provides informal play space for the surrounding family homes.