Alban Dobson House is a 100% social rent (affordable) scheme for the veteran community, with 29 residential units and a community facility on behalf of Haig Housing Trust in Morden, Mitcham.

Alban Dobson House is a community-focused residential development located in Haig Housing’s Morden Estate within the Upper Morden Conservation Area. The client, Haig Housing Trust, has been supporting the British veteran community and their families for over 100 years, providing housing assistance to veterans in need. The scheme delivers 29 high-quality, 100% social rent (affordable) homes for veterans and their families, alongside a new community facility serving the wider community.

The development comprises a 3.5-storey L-shaped apartment building and a 2.5-storey building, carefully arranged to respond to the scale and character of the surrounding neighbourhood. The building typology and detailing used and architectural details, such as symmetry, bay windows and roof forms, respond to buildings within the estate and Conservation Area, reflecting local character while delivering contemporary homes.

Existing mature trees, including a central oak, are retained to shape the layout and landscape strategy, reinforcing a strong connection to nature and boosting biodiversity and ecology within the scheme.

The ground-floor community facility offers a welcoming, flexible space for events and activities for the estate’s residents and provides direct access to the landscaped gardens. This strengthens the estate’s identity while creating a sustainable and inclusive place to live.

Homes are arranged to achieve 100% dual aspect, maximising daylight, ventilation and views, overlooking shared landscaped spaces to provide natural surveillance and a sense of safety. A mix of 1–4-bedroom homes support a diverse community, with 20% of units designed to be wheelchair accessible. Generous corridors (deck access) and shared gardens foster neighbourly interaction.

The design reflects a strong understanding of veteran’s needs, with a trauma-informed design approach used throughout the scheme. Prioritising calm, legible spaces and materials. The “prospect and refuge” principle are used to promote security and visual connection to residents’ surroundings. Warm, highquality finishes help avoid institutional character.