Levitt Bernstein’s intergenerational development in Hackney, east London, brings together three different communities under one roof. Buccleuch House provides 41 independent homes for older people (for Hanover) along with 38 private sale apartments (for Hill) and 28 affordable rent and shared ownership apartments for the local Orthodox Jewish population (for AIHA – Agudas Israel Housing Association). The design of each tenure is tailored to its particular needs, delineated subtly on the outside by different balcony configurations, while contributing to a calm, cohesive whole. Architect's voice Our design provides three tenure types for the distinct users within one elegant building. To enhance older people’s housing quality, we developed flexible living spaces with open plan one-bed and two-bed typologies featuring quiet outdoor space. These units are positioned at the site’s southern end to maximise natural light. The Agudas Israel flats presented unique challenges, as they required larger family units. Orthodox Jewish homes feature staggered balconies providing clear sky views for the Sukkot festival. Private apartments are open plan, with one or two bedrooms to suit first-time buyers. Buccleuch House embodies simplicity without compromising design quality. The outcome is a cross-generational housing model for integrating the elderly within mainstream residential development. Irene Craik, director, Levitt Bernstein   Project data Location Clapton, London Type New build Context Urban Planning permission date December 2012 Completion June 2015 Construction cost £15 million Construction cost per m² £1,394 Construction cost per home £140,187 Number of homes 107 Housing type Flats Mix of homes Percentage of 1B2P: 46%, Percentage of 2B3P: 12%, Percentage of 2B4P: 22%, Percentage of 3B4P: 2%, Percentage of 3B5P: 8%, Percentage of 3B6P: 1%, Percentage of 4B6P: 9% Site area 0.59ha Density 181 homes per hectare Development area 7,832m² Height 5 storeys Tenure mix 38% social rent, 14% affordable rent, 12% shared ownership, 36% private sale Percentage of affordable housing 52% Aspect 100% dual-aspect homes Client Hill, Hanover Housing Association, Agudas Israel Housing Association (AIHA) Client type Developer and housing association Architectural appointment Competition Procurement Design and build Design or Quality Review Panel review Yes Design team novation Yes Lead contractor Hill Main structural system Concrete frameAdvertisement Environmental data Annual carbon emissions 12.34 kgCO2/m² Operational energy use Unknown Onsite energy generation 12% (via communal gas boilers and PVs) Average energy bill per home Unknown All-electric No Post-occupancy evaluation undertaken No U-values Walls: 0.18 W/m²K, Roofs: 0.11 W/m²K, Floors: 0.15 W/m²K, Windows: 1.3 W/m²K Airtightness at 50Pa 5 m³/h.m² Source:Levitt BernsteinRose, Hanover resident in older people’s housing, in her winter garden Residents' voices We really like the design of the building, from the brickwork to the beautiful balconies – you can see all over the Walthamstow marshes. One thing we really like about the building as a whole is that it has these three diverse neighbourhoods. It feels like a community that involves everyone. That was what we bought the place for. Annabelle I’ve got a nice view, I’ve got a balcony where I can go and sit out. I’m surrounded by some nice people. We’ve got some activities. It’s like an old town, really. My son is very happy because he knows that I’m in a safe place. He said: ‘I’ll have to put my name down for one of these!’ Rose, Hanover resident in older people’s housing Clients' voices The key to the success of obtaining planning – which was unanimous – was the close working relationship we enjoyed with the local community, the support and guidance from the planning and housing departments, as well as the partnership between Hill, Hanover and AIHA. Jamie Hunter, development director, Hill We were extremely excited about getting that site to meet the needs of the Orthodox Jewish community. We required the creation of sukkah, a balcony where orthodox Jews reside for a week in September to celebrate Sukkot. We all do appreciate the very sensitive design, which has incorporated our needs and created a really beautiful structure. Ita Symons, chief executive, Agudas Israel Housing AssociationAdvertisement It really has enhanced the environment. It’s provided 28 properties for the Jewish community and brought fresh, young people in and provided for lots of older people as well. Bruce Moore, chief executive, Hanover Housing Association