The designs for Southmere, the first phase of the regeneration of South Thamesmead in London, have been named a winner at the Housing Design Awards. Organised by Design for Homes, the annual awards programme aims to recognise the talent and effort of the best housing design and developments in the UK.
At Southmere, Mecanoo and Proctor and Matthews Architects designed 525 homes for housing corporation Peabody, as well as commercial and community space, and a high-quality public realm. Ensembles, groupings of apartment buildings and terraced houses around raised shared courtyards, define the edges of a new square. The courtyards form the green heart of each building ensemble. The mix of uses, large variety of dwelling types, and public space enrich the community, bringing a distinct character to the area.
The Housing Design Awards were launched in 1948 to reward better municipal post-war rebuilding. They are managed, judged and promoted by local and central government organisations as well as all five major professional institutions – RICS, RIBA, RPTI, Landscape Institute and Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. Entries are judged by an international panel of planning and design experts.
Find out more at Housing Design Awards.