Reardon Court is the redevelopment of an infill site within an existing Tower Hamlet’s housing estate, identified as part of its drive to provide affordable housing within the borough. The proposal seeks to maximise the housing provision on the site by offering a mix of 14 new affordable homes comprising 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms.

A bold design approach was required to achieve the desired number and mix of homes on such a restricted site of only 210m². With family homes provided over three lower storeys, the building footprint increases, stepping out – a contemporary interpretation of jettying – as the lateral apartments shift from 1 bedroom to 2 bedrooms higher up the building. This approach also aids the improvement of public realm and visual amenity at ground floor, where the building footprint has been minimised to offer more back to the street scene.

Energy efficiency is a key design driver. From utilising building mass for maximum thermal performance; all homes designed as dual aspect for excellent daylight and natural ventilation; performance of renewable energy sources; low carbon building materials – the building works hard to maximise its performance, thus reducing its impact on the environment and the user.