Albion Street provides 26 new affordable homes with flexible ground floor space and a public square for the area's popular markets. Located between two Grade II listed Scandinavian churches.

The building’s location is challenging thanks to its proximity to the Rotherhithe Tunnel, and extensive wartime bomb damage which left little of heritage value other than the 1920s Grade II listed St Olav’s Norwegian Church. This, alongside the 1950s Finnish Seaman’s Mission – also Grade II listed – bookends the site which is otherwise surrounded by mid- to late- 20th century housing.

The design responds to its physical context, seeking a common language between the visually characterful churches on either side. A two-storey red brick plinth responds to the horizontal banding of the Norwegian Church, and a grid of square punched windows within the five-storey building echoes the Modernist regimented grid of the Finnish Church. White brickwork is used to tie together with the tone of the Finnish Church, and together the two buildings frame an upgraded public square.

Apartments are designed to provide excellent thermal comfort, ventilation and natural light. All room sizes exceed London Housing Design Guide standards, and most homes are dual aspect. Living rooms are positioned to maximise daylighting and minimise traffic noise from the adjacent road. All apartments have private balcony space, with balconies overlooking the public square inset within a scalloped facade to combine privacy with visual interest. A large roof terrace is also provided for residents.

The scheme plays a key role in the regeneration of Rotherhithe High Street, introducing a new public square and flexible ground floor space to support community uses and local businesses. By making intelligent use of a compact site, Albion Street shows how council-led infill housing can deliver both affordable homes and meaningful placemaking benefits.