York Way Estate, Islington
The existing York Way Estate provides 275 occupied residences across 4 blocks and was identified by the City of London as having the potential to deliver more social housing for local people. Grant funding from the Greater London Authority was secured to support 91 additional affordable homes on the estate. The development involves the demolition of an existing community centre and multi-use games area to provide 17 studios, 25 one bedroom apartments, 21 two bedroom, 25 three bedroom and three four bedroom homes in London Borough of Islington.
The site is located adjacent to Caledonian Park and occupies the site of the former Metropolitan Cattle Market designed by the City Corporation’s architect, James Bunning. The new buildings have been positioned to respect the existing resident’s access to daylight and long views, providing 100% dual aspect and 100% affordable homes.
The architects on this significant redevelopment project are Maccreanor Lavington, the new buildings have been designed to compliment the existing York Way Estate, bringing in a new contemporary feel. The buildings are designed to mediate between the scale and language of the existing estate and the wider historic context.
Three faceted villas along York Way are designed as small apartment buildings, planned with central cores to maximise dual aspect, and avoid north facing flats. A fourth building encloses a central courtyard along the eastern edge of the site, creating a vibrant social heart for the estate, with doorstep play under excellent passive surveillance. This building is primarily composed of two storey, three bedroom maisonettes, which are accessed from ground floor facing the play area and at third floor from an external gallery access, overlooking Caledonian Park.
Other aspects of this development include a new community centre and estate management office benefitting new and existing residents.
This development will be built to achieve Four Stars under the Home Quality Mark, in line with LETI design guidance, demonstrating high quality of the homes which are climate resilient with low running costs. The low running cost will be delivered in part by the Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system. The homes boast low u-values and will be made from low embodied carbon construction materials. They will utilise photovoltaics, feature triple glazed windows, provide electric vehicle charging points and feature blue roofs. All of these features support the City Corporation’s target of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2027.
The project was Shortlisted in the HOUSING category for the NEW LONDON AWARDS 2022.
