Architecture

HTA was commissioned in 1986 by the Industrial Dwellings Society to lead the transformation of Navarino Mansions, a locally listed Edwardian estate in Hackney. Originally built in 1904 for Jewish artisans, the estate is a landmark in social housing history. Its distinctive Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts-inspired architecture set a new standard for dignified and beautiful homes for working families. Our challenge was to address the needs of a settled, ageing population living in buildings that had fallen into disrepair. Working from a base on site and supported by detailed resident engagement and social research, we developed a holistic approach. We prioritised safety, accessibility, and community resilience. A new sheltered housing block was introduced to support vulnerable residents, followed by comprehensive refurbishment of the estate’s fabric, including windows, kitchens, bathrooms, and improved security.

Crucially, we reconfigured the flats to create family-sized maisonettes with individual front doors and added lifts to improve accessibility. Active frontages and landscaped courtyards revitalised the estate’s shared spaces, restoring pride and enhancing social connection. The work at Navarino Mansions exemplifies our approach to estate regeneration, combining conservation, careful community engagement, and bold design to provide lasting, high-quality homes. Decades later, the estate continues to thrive as a multi-generational community, demonstrating the long-term value of investing in well-loved social housing.