Architecture

Originally built in the 1930s, Lea View House had, by the 1970s, become an unpopular and increasingly uninhabitable estate. Hunt Thompson Associates (now HTA) were commissioned by Hackney Council to lead its transformation, at a time when 90% of residents wanted to leave. Understanding that the issues were as much social as physical, we established a project office on site and worked closely with residents to shape the design. Extensive engagement, including surveys, workshops, and estate visits, highlighted a need for safer, more spacious, and accessible homes. In response, we proposed a bold reorganisation: converting lower-floor flats into maisonettes with private gardens and individual front doors to the street, while upper flats were redesigned around secure, carpeted landings. Residents were consulted on materials, layouts, and finishes, ensuring homes reflected personal needs and preferences.

The estate was redesigned to support multi-generational living, with dedicated sheltered housing, accessible homes, and solar thermal panels introduced to improve energy performance. The courtyards were reimagined as landscaped gardens and community spaces, enhancing safety and sociability. Decorative brickwork and distinctive roofs added a sense of identity and optimism to the architecture. Crucially, residents co-led the project throughout, working alongside HTA and contractors in a collaborative delivery process. The result was not only architectural transformation but a renewed sense of community. Where once most residents sought to leave, the vast majority chose to stay. Lea View became a benchmark for how inclusive design can restore dignity, comfort, and belonging in social housing.