Walthamstow Housing
This innovative Build to Rent (BTR) housing scheme in Walthamstow, East London (E17), provides 26 high-quality new homes. The proposal is designed to regenerate a neglected urban site, creating a new active frontage that includes affordable, creative start-up workspaces on the ground floor.
In contrast to the insecurity often associated with traditional private rental accommodation, the Build to Rent model has the potential to revolutionise the UK property market. By focusing on long-term tenancies, this development creates truly desirable, community-focused homes for rent.
In contrast to the insecurity often associated with traditional private rental accommodation, the Build to Rent model has the potential to revolutionise the UK property market. By focusing on long-term tenancies, this development creates truly desirable, community-focused homes for rent.
Circulation Spaces for Socialising
The architectural plan prioritises resident well-being and community interaction. Access decks to a central courtyard allow every apartment to have an external front door. Planters situated next to each entrance give residents the unique opportunity to personalise the exterior of their home—a rarity in high-density housing. Furthermore, all flats feature large, private balconies designed to accommodate outdoor dining and relaxation.Zero Carbon Initiatives
This new building is engineered to meet the stringent GLA target of a 35% on-site carbon reduction. To achieve this, the scheme employs high-performance thermal insulation, rigorous airtightness, thermal mass, and photovoltaic (PV) panels.moreThe building’s climate control and energy efficiency are driven by Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), flue gas heat recovery, and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR).
Because of its excellent proximity to public transport and local amenities, the development is entirely car-free. Active travel is encouraged through the provision of secure, on-site bicycle parking for all residents. Additional off-site contributions will also be made to push the project toward zero carbon.
Facade Design
The street facade draws direct inspiration from the aspirational character of a nearby (now demolished) film studio’s arched facade. It is conceived as a classically inspired folly that nods to the 19th and early 20th-century industrial context of Walthamstow.The tight grain of the brick columns introduces a dynamic architectural effect: the elevation changes depending on the viewer’s position. From oblique angles, the close spacing and relative depth of the columns dominate, obscuring views of the glazing behind to provide privacy.
When viewed straight-on, the elevation becomes highly permeable and transparent, revealing the life and activity of the building within. This effect comes alive due to the active nature of the high street location: the facade’s permeability shifts as it is read in motion by people walking along the high street.
Project Information
Project Architect:Ben Ridley, Tom Dawson, Becky Wootton
Planning Consultant:
Plainview
Location:
Wood Street, Waltham Forest E17
Budget:
£4.5m
Featured:
BDOnline
London’s Towns, New London Architecture
Archinect
London Construction Awards
