Tower Court is the product of an architectural team made up of Adam Khan Architects, Muf Architecture/Art and Child Graddon Lewis Architects, commissioned by Hackney Borough Council as part of its commitment to create greater density on 18 housing estates within the borough. CGL were lead designer for the delivery through construction. The site faces Clapton Common, with many magnificent mature trees immediately to the south. There were previously 1950s housing blocks on the site, which were not considered suitable for upgrading, and which this scheme replaces. Having homes that looked out over trees was an aspect of the original estate that the residents valued highly. The new homes , plus an ambulance depot, tailored to meet the needs of the local Haredi community are divided into four blocks. They are typically six storeys high, with one rising to form a tower of 12 storeys. The units are mixed tenure, with some for social rent being provided in each block. There are also five-bedroom flats to cater for the larger families who were residents of the demolished blocks.
MuF spent much time fully understanding how the outdoor spaces could meet the need for gathering, socialising and children’s play and that the buildings and landscape were conceived as one. The landscape between them is pedestrianised and incorporates gently undulating levels, bridges, potted plants and benches. Generous attention to surface, pattern and colour has been given around the communal entrances, making each feel specific and celebrated. Residents speak of children mixing and playing together, with older children supervising the younger ones.
The scheme demonstrates the benefits of community engagement and collaboration. The development includes a number of larger family homes for social rent and other tenures. Through extensive consultation, the Council and the architects worked hard to find common ground between Haredi households and other large households – whether they are adults sharing or large families from all cultures. This common ground translated into a set of principles for designing generously sized and well-planned family homes in a dense neighbourhood. But it’s not just about housing, the plans also include improved public spaces, shared courtyards for planting and a commercial unit.
“With Hackney facing a severe housing crisis and over 13,000 people waiting for a Council home, the delivery of Tower Court is further proof that we’re doing everything we can to provide the genuinely affordable housing we need to help families who need it most. Just as importantly, by working hard to understand the needs of local people here in Stamford Hill, our plans for Tower Court show that the homes we build are firmly rooted in their communities and available and accessible to everyone who might need them.”
— Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney
