Zodiac House, part of a 1960s mixed-use complex in West Croydon, which was once home to the characters Mark and Jez in Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show, has been repurposed as affordable housing after lying empty for more than 30 years. Instead of demolition, shedkm retrofitted the four-storey former office block to create 73 apartments and a communal residents’ lounge. The once-derelict forecourt is now a community garden and café. The flats have now been acquired by Croydon Council to provide temporary accommodation for local families and individuals facing homelessness. Architect's voice Zodiac House transforms a disused office block into a dynamic space that fosters a sense of community. We focused on maximising natural light, creating well-proportioned apartments and crafting inviting shared spaces that encourage social engagement. A key challenge was working within the constraints of the existing structure. Through meticulous planning and creative insertions we were able to maximise the building’s potential, while ensuring a seamless blend of new and old. We transformed the unwelcoming undercroft space into a new residents’ communal lounge with views out to the landscaped courtyards. Retaining and repurposing the existing fabric significantly reduced embodied carbon. Thoughtful material choices and efficient layouts further contributed to the project’s environmental responsibility. Zodiac House nurtures connection, wellbeing and a new way of urban living. Ella Flint, architectural lead, shedkm   Project data Location Chatfield Road, Croydon Type Retrofit Context Urban Planning permission date November 2022 Completion November 2024 Construction cost Undisclosed Construction cost per m² Undisclosed Construction cost per home Undisclosed Number of homes 73 Housing type Flats Mix of homes Percentage of 1B2P: 64%, Percentage of 2B4P: 32%, Percentage of 3B6P: 4% Site area 0.439ha Density 166 homes per hectare Development area 5,740m² Height 4 storeys Tenure mix 100% emergency accommodation Percentage of affordable housing 100% Client Common Projects (funded by Mitheridge) Client type Developer Architectural appointment Direct Procurement Design and build Design or Quality Review Panel review No Design team novation No Design guardian role retained Yes Lead contractor ARJ Construction, Awesome Construction Main structural system Concrete frameAdvertisement Environmental data Annual carbon emissions Unknown Operational energy use Unknown Onsite energy generation Nil Average energy bill per home Unknown All-electric Yes Post-occupancy evaluation undertaken No (planned following occupancy) U-values Walls: 0.18 W/m²K, Floors: 0.18-0.30 W/m²K Airtightness at 50Pa <5 m³/h.m² Client's voice Many office buildings across the UK, underused yet strategically located, are ripe for repurposing into housing. Zodiac Court in Croydon exemplifies how we can deliver a new type of sustainable housing in areas facing acute housing pressure.When Common Projects acquired the multifunctional 1960s block, it had long been in a state of disrepair. We sought to transform it into a renewed asset for the local community, while sensitively retaining its heritage, art and carbon-intensive concrete bones. This involved using permitted development rights to convert the offices into space standard-compliant homes – 73 in total – surrounding a communal courtyard featuring original artwork. Sold this year to Croydon Council for temporary accommodation, these homes are modern, bright and clean – a stark contrast with the poor-quality housing typically provided via costly private sector rental. Steve Sanham, founding director, Common Projects