Anchor, the UK’s largest provider of older peoples’ housing, appointed PTE to create 100 per cent affordable new homes on the site of an existing 1960s building which is no longer fit for purpose. The linear site is challenging, and sits within a rapidly changing area, adjacent to the Woodberry Down Masterplan.

A sense of place is created through the architectural character of the two buildings. Shared ownership homes are provided in the north and rented homes in the south building. Both have ground floor communal spaces, and open up on to the large shared garden. All the homes exceed NDSS requirements, have private balconies and are designed to allow residents to live independently, without having to move should they become less physically able. The predominantly brick buildings are inviting and outward looking, creating a visual connection with their neighbours, mediating between the smaller scale residential to the east and taller buildings to the west.

PTE collaborated closely with Anchor, evolving design options to address all the site constraints. The team’s experience of working with planning officers in Hackney led to positive dialogues, creating a scheme which optimises both the current and the evolving context.

The project achieved planning in 2022, starting on site in 2023, and completed in 2025.