Becontree Avenue and Citizens House, two of our affordable housing projects, have been shortlisted for RIBA Awards. These nominations reflect our ongoing commitment to creating thoughtfully designed environments that foster community connections.

Becontree Avenue sits within London's historic Becontree Estate, where we carefully added density while preserving the estate's distinctive character. The project delivers 19 affordable homes, each designed with triple aspects to maximise natural light. Our design approach responded sensitively to the estate's neo-Georgian heritage, creating what could be considered the 92nd house type in an estate that originally had 91 different types. The result is four times the density of the surrounding area, achieved through two villa buildings that complement rather than overshadow their historic context.

Citizens House emerged from a different but equally important journey. Working alongside Lewisham Citizens, we developed 11 homes through an intensive co-design process. The local community was integral to every stage, from our appointment as architects to shaping the shared spaces. The homes are now sold at prices 65% below market rate, linked to local wages. Features like staggered balconies and wide walkways create natural opportunities for neighbour interaction, demonstrating how design can nurture community life.

Our thanks go to the partners who helped make these projects possible, including Sarah Beth Riley, Jennie Coombs, the Be First team, London CLT, Oliver Bulleid, Lewisham Council, and the communities of Lewisham Citizens UK.

These RIBA shortlistings strengthen our resolve to keep pushing for better affordable housing - housing that is genuinely high quality in design and community connection. We look forward to continuing this work with our partners and communities across the country.