Architecture for London has just completed a Waltham Forest housing study. This feasibility study for a housing development in Wood Street is for a site has been identified on the Waltham Forest Council Area Action Plan as one where residential development is encouraged. This scheme provides 26 flats with commercial units at ground floor. An internal courtyard allows natural ventilation of the flats and provides a private green space for the residents.
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All flats are dual aspect and have either winter gardens or external terraces, providing good natural light and views. Elevations are in brick, creating robust facades that also respond to local context with a series of arches that mirror a local landmark film studio building. Buildings in the immediate vicinity are also predominantly faced in brick.
Circulation is designed to be external, creating ‘streets in the sky’. This also provides a good net to gross ratio and allows each resident to have a flat with a front door direct to the outside. Amenity spaces, including roof garden and playground are provided on the first floor roof, above the commercial units. Each flat is provided with planters next to the front door, which we liken to a ‘front garden’ allowing spaces outside of front doors to be personalised and to promote a sense of ownership.
Our Waltham Forest housing scheme will help to revitalise an important high street within this rapidly developing area of east London. High quality materials will enhance the character of the high street, improving what is currently an under-used and unloved site. Active frontages are created with a new subsidised street up office space at ground floor for community use. This provides commercial space for small companies, which is currently under provided and much needed in the borough.
Architecture for London’s housing projects can be viewed on our housing page.