March 2023
Biodiversity Boost for Affordable Homes
Hunters has designed 266 new homes with Peabody and Mount Anvil in collaboration with scientists from the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. This innovative project, Watermeadow Court, will be 50% affordable and have a strong botanical theme through both the architecture and the landscaping. The new design significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the building and removes parking, except for accessible. The scheme has received Resolution to Grant through planning and will be starting imminently.
The 1.3 acre site originally had planning in 2019 and the previous buildings were demolished soon after. Then, following an open market tender by London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, the 50:50 joint venture between Mount Anvil and Peabody were selected to acquire and deliver the development, with an uplift of affordable housing.
Hunters major redesign of the scheme created a significant increase in the affordable housing element from 36 to 133 homes to help meet local housing demands in the area. Hunters concentrated on designing to improve the health and wellbeing of residents through the use of increased natural daylight and improved layout of flats, cycle access & storage and attractive elevational facades (including nature inspired balustrades). Details touch on a contemporary take on the William Morris arts and crafts era nudges to the historical refence of the site.
The planting schemes curated in collaboration with Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew were crucial in creating a nature inspired environment with biodiverse planting. This collaboration shows what can be achieved to make places and spaces have a positive impact on the environment as well as health and wellbeing of residents.
The homes are a mix of private, shared ownership and affordable rent, many are dual aspect and range from 1-3 bed in size, all have balconies and access to the gardens. It is adjacent to a public park and moments from the River Thames. Solar panels will be fitted to the green roofs.
A number of elements were included in the landscape & design:
- Play Strategy: to provide a safe, traffic-free playable environment principally aimed at young children of 0-5 years old but also suitable for use by older children. 275sqm (original scheme 150msq).
- Biodiversity in the landscape: Elements include sensory play garden, social terrace, private terrace, wellness garden, herb gardens, woodland pod garden and green roofs with bee boxes and invertebrate loggers.
- Being lean and clean: The new design embraces a greener approach to the construction and the future of the buildings (removing all parking except for accessible)
Over 50 trees will be planted and a green wall created, adding to the biodiversity of the scheme. Exterior Architecture acted as landscape architects.
Mark Baines, Director at Hunters commented
‘Watermeadow Court will provide more affordable homes for residents in London without compromising on access to nature and outdoor space. The new design provides a fairer mix of tenures and improves the spaces and homes for all. We believe partnerships like these are vital to the success of successful community housing developments now and in the future and were delighted to be part of this innovative project.”
Dick Mortimer, Director of Development and Sales at Peabody added
“Our affordable homes at Watermeadow Court will continue a legacy of inclusive places designed for all to use, promoting equality, diversity and social cohesion through mixed and balanced communities and tenure blind design.”
Marcus Bate, Partnerships & Communities Director for Mount Anvil said “Our shared vision with Peabody to create not just new, high-quality housing, but inclusive communities, where residents needs and wellbeing are at the forefront of everything we do, means I’m very excited to be working with them again.”