ProjectClaude Road
LocationLeyton, London
ClientForest CLT
StatusFeasability
By the community, for the community: A multi-unit community led housing project on an infill site in Leyton
Forest CLT is a community land trust based in Waltham Forest, that exists to tackle the housing crisis by building genuinely affordable, sustainable, and community minded places for local people.
The membership group approached Studio Bark to develop a site in Waltham Forest that would greatly improve the area for residents; transforming an informal car park into affordable housing and green space.
The Proposal
The proposal is for seven homes on an infill site on a residential Victorian terrace street in Leyton. Five of the homes are will be ‘sustainable shared ownership’, with two homes being London Affordable Rent.
The proposal is not only designed to be affordable, but also aspires to having a low carbon impact, with its prominence of natural and re-used materials. There will also be a community cafe and green space.
A place to nurture community
Working closely with Forest CLT, the proposal features both community and private spaces that nestle sensitively into the existing neighbourhood. There is also generous community space for the residents at the rear, with a community garden and amenities. This shared garden space has views from the proposed units, without being overlooked by neighbours.
Visually, the proposal takes cues from the surrounding Victorian terraces, with a pitched roof to the side to minimise impact on the adjacent public pathway. Roof terraces at the rear maximise sunlight, while bedrooms are situated at the rear to ensure privacy and noise reduction away from the street. Solar panels at the highest point generate energy for the homes.
Material and design decisions
So that the proposal blends seamlessly with the rest of the street, the form and size is appropriate to the other houses on the street, while the frontage and landscaping is in line with the neighbours on either side. The appearance has been improved further with a stepped frontage and planting, which softens the exterior and adds interest, enhancing the overall greenery of the street for all to enjoy.
All front doors are situated on Claude Road, giving the homes an active frontage that feels inclusive and welcoming to the rest of the street. Locally relevant and low embodied carbon materials have been selected, such as reclaimed London bricks, to fit with the circular and low carbon strategy.
