Heron Mews Development
Transformative Living in Ilford
Architecture has the power to transform—over time, place, function, and people. It evolves with its users, adapts to new needs, and shapes its surroundings. The Heron Mews Development embrace this transformative potential, redefining an unsecured, narrow street into a secure and habitable future for its residents.
Seamlessly integrating with its surroundings, the building carefully connects to the locally listed heritage building on Cranbrook Road. As an enabling structure, it supports the preservation of historical character while introducing a contemporary yet modest architectural form that enhances the urban fabric of Heron Mews.
The design is shaped by its orientation, responding to environmental and contextual considerations. The principal façades of the units are positioned at a 35-degree angle, minimizing overlooking into adjacent properties while optimizing daylight. In contrast, the northern façade remains simple, housing the main circulation core.
The building is scaled thoughtfully to accommodate nine new residential units, with a carefully modulated height that respects the host building. The third floor is set back, using a variation in materials to visually reduce its mass when viewed from Heron Mews. This strategic approach ensures a balanced relationship with the street while maintaining a human-scale presence.
Location:
Heron Mews/Cranbrook Rd, Ilford, IG1
Project Type:
Residential, Development, New Build
Year:
2021
Client:
Private
Collaborators:
-
Status:
RIBA Stage 2 Completed
Services:
RIBA Stage 0-2
Planning Permission:
London Borough of Redbridge- Preapp Advice
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Terraced communal gardens enhance the living experience, fostering a sense of community while establishing a visual and spatial dialogue with the locally listed building. The main pedestrian entrance is articulated through an angled void, creating a welcoming and secure approach that is easily identifiable and inviting for residents.
While embodying contemporary architecture, the development remains modest in scale and proportionate to its context. It harmonizes with the existing streetscape, contributing to the evolving urban pattern of Heron Mews. The design prioritizes visual amenity, habitability, and security, using architecture’s transformative power to create a high-quality, future-ready living environment.
