This development of 27 new flats and maisonettes on the site of existing garages on Weston Street, SE1 represents an entirely new ground-up approach to affordable housing delivery. Residents on the Kipling Estate, frustrated by overcrowding within existing homes and the lack of new affordable housing in the local area, identified an underutilised garage site, established a community benefit society (Leathermarket CBS), obtained funding and formulated a brief. The brief itself was borne out of a housing needs study undertaken across the estate that would see under-occupying older residents moving into the new building, thereby establishing a ‘chain of benefit’ as larger dwellings become released for families.

The design was shaped through extensive local consultation, undertaken over more than a year. Every aspect of the design, from the overall massing, through to flat layouts, materials, finishes and window sizes have been developed through close discussion with the local community. Particular consideration has been placed on developing a strong sense of community with a roof terrace, communal garden and generous communal entrances designed to encourage social interaction between residents.