Designed to provide much-needed affordable rent housing, Birchanger Road is one of BPTW’s first developments for the Croydon Churches Housing Association.

To maximise the separation from an existing flat block on the site, the homes are cleverly arranged along the rear boundary, giving residents a secure lookout onto Brickfields Meadow. This also provides improved security for existing residents and park users by providing passive surveillance from the new homes. The ground floor of each house is arranged in an ‘L’ shape with bedrooms looking into private front gardens whilst first floor pavilions containing the living areas are separated by terraces. The ‘upside down’ layout allows views across the park bounding the back of the site, affording light and aspect to the rear of the existing flats.

A distinctive design is created through the façade treatment and the feature glass balconies on each dwelling as well as the use of contrasting bricks between the ground floor and the first storey. The resulting development has a modern and urban look which enhances the local character.