royal road

Location: Kennington, London
Client: Affinity Sutton
Status: Completed 2013
Budget: £12.5 million

Won in competitive tender
Royal Road, formed part of the Elephant & Castle regeneration early housing sites in the London Borough of Southwark.

Retention of mature trees was key to scheme
these surround the site, positively contributing to the streetscape. A cruciform plan was therefore developed, which stepped around these trees and created a central communal garden.

"Creative solutions in urban design, site planning and the human qualities of dwellings"
MIPIM AR Future Projects Award - Commendation

Varied massing of buildings informed by context
with heights ranging from four to nine storeys across the site. The buildings alternate in height, give the project a sculptural quality, while unique elevations to each home foster a sense of identity and ownership, both of which are lacking in the stereotypical apartment block.

All homes are dual or triple aspect
providing cross ventilation and good daylighting for all rooms. Residents have gardens, balconies, or rooftop terraces to encourage outdoor living. The scheme provides 80% affordable rented units, all of which exceed minimum space standards.

Royal Road is a car free development with ample secure cycle parking, designed to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4.

"The Royal Road development demonstrates how the highest standards can be achieved in terms of both design and architecture as well as size, function and quality of living space. It is an exemplar of high density development."
Bridin O'Connor, Group Manager, DM Strategics Team London Borough of Southwark Planning Department

Short film rough cut
By Enrique Verdugo

Photography
Morley von Sternberg & Enrique Verdugo

Publications
2015
RIBA Journal - RIBA Symposium featuring Simon Hudspith And after that...
AJ Online - Strange Days...Owen Hatherley considers the future of urban housing provision
2014
Architecture Today 251 - Building Study
2011
Building Design Magazine - Technical: Housing. Royal Road, Southwark 2016 RIBA Award National
2016 RIBA Award London
2014 British Homes Award: Affordable Housing Development - Winner
2014 Housing Design Award: Completed Scheme - Winner
2014 RICS Award: Residential - Highly Commended
2013 Building Award: Housing Project of the Year - Commendation
2013 Brick Award: Best Large Housing Development - Winner
2012 The Sunday Times British Homes Awards - Commendation
2012 MIPIM AR Future Projects Awards - Commendation
2011 Housing Design Awards - Shortlisted