An eighty-two unit residential scheme alongside the River Lea, our design sets out to presents a unified and coherent solution for a range of tenants. We have designed four residential blocks, two private and two affordable housing, and a flower-clad warehouse building. The two affordable blocks provide thirty-two socially rented apartments for Metropolitan Housing Trust, with half of the units designed specifically for the Independent Dwelling Society, a Housing Association providing low cost housing for the local orthodox Jewish community.

The blocks are organised along five central gardens placed perpendicular to the river. The orientation of the gardens defines the form of each of the new buildings, opening links between the river and the town that have not existed for over 150 years. Both the new residents and those already living in the area can now enjoy open views and access to the River Lea and the Hackney marshes beyond. We have worked closely with the orthodox Jewish community to understand and learn about their particular needs. The communal gardens running between the buildings down to the river will allow this close community to gather outside their homes in a truly shared space.

Reaching out to the river and the open parkland beyond, the four buildings form an open edge to London. A gateway to the city, the Leaside Road scheme will be the first buildings to be seen on the approach into London from Stansted.