Double finalists!

The Blockhouse bucks the trend, a boutique Build to Rent (BtR) development of 135 bright and spacious new homes, nestled in Brighton’s North Laine, a sustainable, city-centre community surrounded by over 400 independent shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Designed to foster a vibrant and inclusive community, The Blockhouse addresses local housing needs, taps into the vibrancy of the local area, and enhances the environment and sensitive street scene. Its boutique approach, diverse range of accommodation, and strong sustainability focus distinguish it from other developments. Residents praise the high-quality feel of the development, daylight-filled spaces, well-designed apartment layouts, connection with the city and secure living environment.

Wellbeing is a key focus at The Blockhouse, with residents participating in on-site yoga and circuit classes, and enjoying access to a bookable event space for gatherings. A private co-working space adds to the convenience of living and working in this development.

The Blockhouse also tackles societal challenges such as climate change and biodiversity decline. Bio-Solar roofs support biodiversity and generate solar power, while bird ‘brick houses’ provide homes for various species. Innovative 'Blue Roof' technology helps manage rainwater to prevent urban flooding. The development features an all-electric approach to heating and power, with no fossil fuels used on site, improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions. Hyper-efficient MVHR systems ensure comfort with minimal carbon footprint. Spacious, naturally-lit apartments reduce reliance on artificial lighting, promoting higher quality-of-life and wellbeing. The Blockhouse is pedestrian and cycle-centric, with excellent connections to key areas in Brighton.

A significant housing project for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) as part of their New Homes Programme. The project provides 32 new homes, including 20 social rent homes, alongside market rent homes and community facilities at ground floor.

The eight-storey building sits adjacent to the elevated Westway A40 dual carriageway into West London, which stands some 8 metres above ground, and presented a unique set of challenges that were successfully navigated during the project’s development. The building achieves exacting fire and other technical requirements, as well as creating desirable homes where people will choose to live.

HNW Architects delivery role on the project necessitated extensive collaboration with key stakeholders, including RBKC and NHBC, as well as the separate Planning, Fire and Building Control departments. Particular attention has been required around thermal, acoustic and fire performance, sourcing and communicating compliance with exacting requirements of the technical design were paramount to enable its effective and successful completion on site.

The intricate brickwork, features a pattern that acknowledges the unique texture on the neighbouring Al-Manaar buildings lower façade. This bold reimagination of the surrounding context not only grounds the building within its locality but also ensures its distinctiveness in the surrounding neighbourhood.

In order to provide a usable and appealing amenity space for residents within the confines of the constrained site, the new building also imaginatively incorporates a third-floor podium garden. The elevated garden space includes seating, soft landscaping, and incidental play elements catering for younger children.