This development is a hidden gem in suburban London; a backland transformation that uses thoughtful design to complement the existing neighbourhood while reimagining modern family living.
Client: Mr Wormleighton
Location: Eltham, London SE9
Local Authority: Greenwich
Plot Type: Urban
Project Type: Residential – Multi-Unit
Internal Area (GIA): 158 sqm per unit
Proposed for a backland site in New Eltham, southeast London, is an innovative residential development that reimagines suburban living while respecting local character.
Located behind existing homes on Avery Hill Road, the scheme proposes three new dwellings nestled within a verdant landscape. The development thoughtfully responds to its context, with two semi-detached houses and one detached home echoing the predominant housing typologies of the area. The 2.5-storey structures blend seamlessly with neighboring properties while offering a fresh interpretation of suburban architecture.
Carefully considered materials include reclaimed bricks, white render, and clay roof tiles, creating a visual harmony with the surrounding built environment. Distinctive features include front dormers that mirror the gabled rooflines of Avery Hill Road, spacious rear gardens ranging from 55 to 77 square meters, and a communal front garden that enhances the site's green character.
The development prioritizes sustainability, targeting Passivhaus principles with super-insulated envelopes, airtight construction, and whole-house mechanical ventilation. Additional eco-friendly elements include air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, and permeable paving to manage surface water.
Alongside the honest and contextual material palette, the scheme incorporates biodiversity enhancements such as bat and bird boxes, log piles, hedgehog houses, and bee bricks. This approach not only provides high-quality family homes but also enriches the local ecosystem, transforming an underutilized plot into a vibrant, sustainable community asset.
