Brentford Lock West is a large regeneration project on a former industrial site alongside the Grand Union Canal for Waterside Places. This second phase by Mæ adds a further 157 homes to the distinctive mixed-use masterplan, setting a new standard in quality housing within Brentford in west London.

Continuing the architectural language of phase one, the second phase builds upon scale and massing, alongside the benchmark it set in terms of quality and sense of place. Holding the corners of each plot, six pavilion buildings are linked through rows of private townhouses and bridge structures that form entrance portals and house further accommodation above.

Reflecting the site’s industrial past, distinctive saw-tooth roofs mark the corners of the site while bringing light into upper floor homes. An earthy material palette of blond brick, in-situ concrete and reconstituted stone has been selected to complement the historic setting, harmonise with the materiality of phase one, and to age gracefully.

On the main approach to the development, the urban feel of Commerce Road is emphasised by two six-storey corner buildings which provide 99 new high-quality homes, and establish a strong edge to the site. Two commercial units address the street, between which the entrance to a basement car park is located. This allows residential entrances to be located along quieter side streets and provides a continuous active frontage to Commerce Road at ground level.

Rows of four-storey townhouses define the eastern and western edges of the block, with each set back to create space for private front gardens and to allow sunlight to flood the street. Quintessentially English garden walls and wild planting contribute to a rich experience with varying scales, light and texture when walking down the street towards the canal. 

Positioned along the water’s edge, the final block accommodates a further 42 one, two and three bed apartments arranged around two cores within two five-storey pavilions. A double height foyer space defines the arrival point, providing residents with a light and spacious communal entrance while maintaining an important visual link between Durham Wharf Drive and the canal. This space, with contemporary lighting set against an exposed brick interior, opens out onto the waterfront, providing the flexibility to host community focused events.

Large loggia balconies define the waterfront facades, giving depth and textural variety to this important elevation and extending the flow of the open-plan living rooms within. The secondary elevation is clad in a lighter material, reflecting light onto balconies and helping to lighten the overall waterfront elevation. Penthouses embrace the distinctive roof profile, creating a rich living environment for top-floor residents with the profile providing light and lofty internal spaces. 

Through efficient use of space, the scheme provides a mixture of lateral apartments, duplexes, penthouses and townhouses, of which 40% are sold as shared ownership tenures. The homes are dual aspect, each benefitting from generous balconies carefully orientated to maximise privacy, and to provide views either of the canal to the north, or of the city to the south. All homes have step free access and are designed in accordance with Lifetime Homes, with 10% specifically for wheelchair users. Integral MVHR, exceptional airtightness and high levels of thermal insulation ensures the new homes are comfortable and affordable to run. 

The development defines a new ‘neighbourhood street’; a shared pedestrian-orientated space, carefully designed to promote local interaction, walking and cycling, with herringbone brick paving and wild planting helping to stitch the two phases together. Generous cantilevered balconies pick up the rhythm of the earlier adjacent Phase one, bringing life and security to the street below. Placed at the heart of the scheme, a beautifully landscaped communal garden provides a high quality amenity space for residents and passers by alike.