Dalston in East London is home to a diverse mix of people, from students to young professionals to families. We designed a building where all these people could thrive together, creating a blueprint for sustainable housing in tough urban environments.

The proposed development was a residential-led mixed-use regeneration scheme comprising residential units, commercial floorspace, a library, community space and significant areas of public open space. Of the proposed residential units, 50 % were designated as affordable housing. The integrated design also incorporated environmental measures such as green roofs to promote biodiversity opportunities and to also reduce surface runoff.

Consultation was undertaken with relevant bodies such as the local planning authority, English Nature, English Heritage and the Environment Agency. Consideration was also given to development schemes nearby that had planning permission or where planning permission may have been granted.