Bryden Wood has completed a £14 million 71-unit housing scheme in Forest Hill, South London. Formed of nine cedar-clad buildings on an 8270sqm site, Churchwood Gardens is a rental-only development focused on sustainable, modern living integrated within a refurbished landscaped garden.

Previously a backlands site, Bryden Wood developed a design inspired by the plot?s unusual sloped gradient and potential for green spaces. The scheme sits neatly within the stepped infill site and in close proximity to the new garden by Davis Landscape Architecture.

Given that the site sits within a typical Victorian terrace, local residents were concerned about a new development?s effect on its traditional character. Bryden Wood purposefully built units to the proportions of neighboring homes, meaning preservation of original sightlines and privacy for both new and old occupants alike. The design also means that Churchwood Gardens, despite its size, is virtually hidden from sightlines of the streets. Block 3 _ 4 Section
All units at Churchwood Gardens are designed to the principles of the National Housing Federation?s good practice guide, the London Plan requirements. This results in generously spaced interiors of apartments, treated to rich amounts of light from full-height windows in living space and bedrooms, and decking and balconies that open out onto the landscape of the site. These spaces promote further integration with the external spaces to occupants, without sacrificing priva...