Church Walk, Stoke Newington

This scheme of four units, two houses, a flat and a triplex, deals with a tight awkward site in inventive and creative ways.

Site and context

Built on an awkward brownfield site, it’s close to a four-storey block of flats. This meant overlooking issues and potential for loss of daylight to ground floor neighbours.

Development process

The site was bought at auction, with planning permission for two flats and a bungalow. The developers were the architects who designed this scheme and got planning permission for an extra unit. They are now living in one of the four units.

Layout and massing

The stepped shape of the design was based on BRE daylight guidelines to establish acceptable build volumes. The design minimises impact on surrounding properties and protects the privacy of the new dwellings.

The four homes benefit from several outdoor spaces, including courtyard gardens at the rear, south-facing roof terraces and stepped roofs planted with wildflowers.

The main living spaces get good levels of natural light and views from north windows and large triangular roof lights. Living rooms address the street, helping natural surveillance. The rear ‘concertina’ elevation allows oblique long views to the north while avoiding overlooking.

Construction and sustainability

The scheme uses a limited palette of robust materials like the London stock brickwork of the area. A brick wall directly lines the street, with a white oiled larch board on board cladding to the rear. Wildflower roofs provide a sustainable finish to the top.

Scheme information