Residents move into BDP's new affordable housing in Brentford

Image: courtesy of BDP

Residents have moved into their new affordable homes at the Brentford Project, a significant mixed-use development within the Brentford Waterside masterplan. Commissioned by Hounslow Council, Tintern, Hamlet and Sonnet Houses provide 96 affordable homes, comprising 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units to meet the Council's housing needs, alongside 1,025 sqm of retail space that revitalises Brentford High Street.

A tenure-blind development, the new homes in Tintern, Hamlet and Sonnet Houses integrate three residential buildings around landscaped podium gardens. Designed by architects and structural engineers from BDP, it delivers high-quality, space-efficient homes that reflect the requirements of the diverse local community. BDP's attention to detail ensured maximum occupancy flexibility, and innovative, space-enhancing homes with outdoor balconies, terraces and podium gardens.

Together, BDP and the London Borough of Hounslow surpassed the initial masterplan targets, creating space for additional family homes. The apartments are designed to provide housing for larger families and innovative spatial designs meant that duplex units with roof gardens were added to the top of the building by adding an additional storey, without extending the main circulation cores.

It was important to the council that Tintern, Hamlet and Sonnet Houses maximised the number of homes available but that it was designed to the same high quality as the rest of Brentford Waterside development. Great emphasis was placed on the High Street elevation and Bradbury Yard with recessed and bolt-on balconies creating a range of individual characters to each elevation seamlessly connecting the High Street to the rediscovered waterside.

The development creates a vibrant riverside community with retail, leisure, and green spaces. The new residents and the wider Brentford community will benefit from a new destination where established brands and emerging local enterprises thrive alongside open spaces for exercise, relaxation, and social interaction.

The BDP design achieves a BREEAM very good rating by minimising energy consumption and by maximising opportunities for passive design, exploiting the heat of the sun from the north-east to south-west orientation of the site. All new homes have provision for good daylight levels and ventilation and have access to private garden space designed to suit the needs of larger families.

Simon Brodrick, Architect at BDP, explains: "As the new government looks for ways to increase the provision of new homes, Tintern, Hamlet and Sonnet Houses at Brentford Waterside represent a significant step forward in the development of affordable, socially cohesive new housing.

Our approach focused on creating affordable, sustainable homes that not only meet the housing needs of the community but also respect and enhance the character of Brentford. By seamlessly integrating modern design with landscaped communal spaces, we’ve helped transform this area into a lively, connected neighbourhood. It’s exciting to see how our work redefines the relationship between the town centre and the waterfront, offering new opportunities for residents and businesses alike."

Cllr Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, Hounslow Council, said:

“The opening of these 96 new affordable homes at Brentford Waterside marks a significant step forward for our borough. This development showcases Hounslow Council’s commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable homes that meet the needs of local families while contributing to the overall vibrancy of Brentford. With retail spaces, green areas, and leisure opportunities integrated into the design, we’re creating a thriving community where both new and existing residents can flourish.

“By incorporating passive design techniques and optimising daylight and ventilation, these homes are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective for our residents. This project exemplifies the high standards we are setting across Hounslow’s regeneration efforts, and I’m excited to see Brentford Waterside continue to grow as a place where people want to live, work, and enjoy life.”

Image below: courtesy of BDP