200 Becontree Avenue

Built

French + Tye

Two large suburban villas containing 19 affordable homes and community facilities in the Becontree Estate. Commissioned by Be First, on behalf of London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

Shortlisted in the HOUSING category

Commissioned by Be First, on behalf of London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, the design of these affordable homes is the product of deep research into the characteristics of the Becontree Estate, delivering a ‘gentle density’ of 19 flats across two buildings.

Started in the 1920s under the ‘Homes Fit for Heroes’ pledge, the historic Becontree Estate remains the largest public housing scheme in the world, and a great source of local pride. Archio discovered that there were 91 house types developed for the estate and 200 Becontree represents the 92nd iteration. The garden city principles that were applied to the area are also a key part of its character.

The project was therefore created as two villas rather than one monolithic block to reduce the impact on the surrounding low-rise housing, while still offering five times the density of its neighbours. The design references the Neo-Georgian architecture of the estate, with exaggerated dormers, semi-circular arches and round windows.

Vote for this project in the ‘People’s Choice Award’. The voting deadline is 1 November 2022.

Project information

Status

Built

Borough

Barking

Size

650 sq m

Completion

April 2022

Location

200 Becontree Ave, Dagenham RM8 2TR, UK

Team Credits