The arrival of the Elizabeth line (formerly Crossrail), together with the redevelopment of the Thamesmead estate, are paving the way for a vibrant new district in Abbey Wood, south east London, comprising two residential blocks, commercial spaces and a public realm. Through the proposed mix of uses, the development will act as a catalyst for wider regeneration in the area, creating employment and new services and facilities for the local community. 

Environmental engineers Skelly & Couch are working with shedkm Architects and London property developers HUB on a proposed development comprising: 

• 245 residential units (including, 1 bed, 2 bed and 3 bed family housing)

• 8,428 sqft of flexible communal, retail and commercial use

• 19,849 sqft of public amenity.

The development is both energy-efficient and passive in nature to minimise its environmental impact. The residential element maximises quality of living through sustainably designed apartment layouts. Particularly innovative is the fact that the heating and hot water infrastructure will be connected to an existing district heating scheme, which will be upgraded with additional boilers and a CHP for the new design. Other environmental features include:

• Use of exposed structure to utilise the thermal mass to aid cooling

• Assessment of the building envelope and orientation to avoid artificial cooling

• Use of PV cells on rooftops to provide sustainable electricity supply

• Use of natural ventilation in communal areas and apartments.