Brightwell Road, Watford

The project aims to replace an outdated block of small studio flats with modern, spacious two-bedroom apartments that meet contemporary living standards. Situated at the junction of Brightwell Road and Hagden Lane in the Vicarage Road area, the development responds thoughtfully to its surroundings.

The original 1960s building was out of sync with the predominantly Victorian terraces nearby, featuring an incongruous setback from neighboring building lines. Our design approach seeks to integrate the new development harmoniously with the streetscape, aligning more closely with adjacent properties and completing the corner with a brick façade that reflects the character of the surrounding terraces.

The site's prime location—close to the train station and town centre—enables a low-car approach, allowing for enhanced communal spaces and ample cycle storage to promote sustainable living.

Furthermore, Watford Community Housing is using this project as a pilot to explore gas-free heating solutions and low-energy initiatives in preparation for upcoming regulatory changes. Key features include improved building fabric efficiency to reduce energy consumption and lower residents' running costs.

After a challenging journey through the planning process and with the materials palette reduced to a single brick and access strategy imposed upon the design by the urban design officer the project was approved in 2020, built during Covid and completed in spring/summer of 2023.