黑洞社区

Earlier this year 黑洞社区 announced all the firms who made it on to the shortlists for our prestigious annual .

Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.

Today鈥檚 shortlist is for Housing Project of the Year, in partnership with The Housing Forum.

Autor, Preston Road

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Cullinan Studio with ECE Westworks, Maitland Park Estate

This is a sustainable development in Camden, London, providing 119 new homes (51% social rent, 49% private sale) and a community centre. Completed in 2023, it features brick buildings framing a central park. The project achieved Home Quality Mark accreditation and incorporates sustainable elements like solar panels and air-source heat pumps. It aims to enhance occupant wellbeing through generous living spaces, connection with nature and community facilities. The development sets new benchmarks for healthy living environments in urban settings. 

Fraser Brown Mackenna (FBM) Architects, Regent Place

This is a development for Gateway Housing Association in east London, providing 32 high-quality shared-ownership homes. Completed in September 2023, the scheme features a contemporary design responding to the area鈥檚 rich history. It includes a central courtyard, car-free design (except for blue badge spaces) and sustainable features such as photovoltaic cells and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. The project achieved a 39% CO2 reduction above 2013 黑洞社区 Regulations. All apartments are double aspect, ensuring natural ventilation and optimal living conditions. 

Kier Construction, Marylebone Square

Kier has delivered a 拢125m mixed-use development in London鈥檚 W1 postcode, completed in November 2023. The nine-storey building includes 54 super-prime private homes, 25 affordable homes, and commercial spaces. Features include a five-storey landscaped atrium, prefabricated internal link bridges and a complex terracotta facade. The project achieved BREEAM Excellent rating and incorporated sustainable solutions such as flywheel energy storage for construction cranes. It represents the first new mixed-use city block in W1 in 50 years.  

McAleer & Rushe, Canada Water Plot K1, London

This was the first completed building of the Canada Water masterplan in London, providing 79 affordable homes for Southwark council. Completed in December 2023, the 拢28m project features a C-shaped, six-storey building with a central courtyard. It achieved Home Quality Mark level 3 and net zero embodied carbon at completion. The project overcame significant site constraints and focused on community engagement and local job creation, delivering 70 local jobs and engaging over 250 young people. 

McAleer & Rushe, Exchange Square Phase 2, Birmingham

The Silver Yard at Exchange Square Phase 2 in Birmingham, completed in February 2024, is a 37-storey residential tower with 375 build-to-rent apartments. Developed by McAleer & Rushe for Grainger, it features innovative construction methods, including precast concrete facades and modular bathroom pods. The project achieved high sustainability standards, with over 90% of apartments rated EPC B. Its L-shaped design and contemporary facade contribute significantly to Birmingham鈥檚 skyline. The development incorporates retail units and a public square, forming part of a larger masterplan near the future HS2 station. 

PLATFORM_, PLATFORM_ in Glasgow

PLATFORM_ in Glasgow is Scotland鈥檚 largest build-to-rent development, introducing 498 homes to central Glasgow. Completed in November 2023, it features a 19-storey central tower with panoramic city views. The project offers tech-enabled, design-conscious living with amenities including a gym, cinema, co-working spaces and rooftop terraces. It aligns with Glasgow鈥檚 city centre living strategy and aims to rejuvenate the Clyde waterfront. The development incorporates sustainable features, achieving EPC B ratings and fosters community through partnerships with local businesses and diverse resident engagement programmes.

Solus Homes Limited, HSSP Architects Limited and BARK Design Studios, Waterside Village

Waterside Village is a 195-unit luxury apartment development in Loughborough, transforming a former industrial area. It features the restored mill building and two new complexes, The Gate and The Wharf. The project focuses on sustainable living, offering amenities like gyms, a swimming pool and communal areas. It preserves historical elements while incorporating modern design, achieving high energy-efficiency standards. The development has rejuvenated the local community, creating jobs and setting a benchmark for urban regeneration. It offers a range of apartment sizes with impressive sales and rental yields. 

Vivly Living, formerly Yorkshire Country Properties, Knowle Grange, Abbey Road, Shepley

Knowle Grange in Shepley, near Huddersfield, is a development by Vivly Living (formerly Yorkshire Country Properties). Phase 1 comprises 31 stone-built houses ranging from one to five bedrooms, with 26 already sold. The development combines starter homes with larger properties, priced from 拢150,000 to 拢700,000. It features traditional Yorkshire stone exteriors and contemporary interiors, blending seamlessly with the village surroundings. The project overcame planning challenges through careful design and inclusion of starter homes, gaining support from local officials and residents for its character and quality. 

Willmott Dixon, Westminster City Council & Child Graddon Lewis, 300 Harrow Road

300 Harrow Road is a residential-led, mixed-use estate regeneration project in Westminster, completed in December 2023. It comprises 112 affordable homes across three new blocks, along with a nursery, community centre, canal-side cafe and start-up office space.

The development prioritises sustainability, featuring an air-source heat pump and photovoltaic panels. It transformed a former car park, improving pedestrian access and creating a green heart. The project engaged extensively with stakeholders and the community, shaping its design to meet local needs and broader area improvements.