Waind Gohil + Potter Architects has neatly reworked a 1960s housing development in south-east London

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Anthony Coleman

Waind Gohil + Potter Architects has redeveloped a 1960’s housing scheme in south east London, providing 34 apartments and two terraced houses aimed at first time buyers.  The brief was to extend and modernise the existing block, increase the amount of green amenity space, and incorporate on-site parking. The development also required a contemporary identity that would complement the surrounding area.

The existing building has been divided into two ‘L’ shaped blocks that semi enclose south-facing amenity spaces. The void between blocks is extensively glazed and forms the principal entrance. This maximises daylighting in the communal areas and breaks down the front elevation massing on Lingfield Crescent.

Two new mansard levels have also been added to the existing structure. The materials used on the lower levels are conceived as a play on the ubiquitous suburban palette of brick and render, while the recessed penthouses are wrapped in cool grey cementitious cladding panels.

“By utilising timber frame construction on the mansard levels we were able to meet the clients brief and deliver a cost-effective housing scheme at £1,400 per square metre”, says WG+P director Phil Waind. “In terms of current rates, this figure is low and an approach that developers could aspire towards in developing fast, efficient, practical housing models in dense areas on top of existing buildings.”

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