Brick: Melford Yellow
Award winning estate with Hanson
Photography by Robert Greshoff Photography, courtesy of bptw partnership.
The refined detailing and aesthetic use of bricks on the Pepys Estate in Deptford London, were recognised by the judges at the 2005 Brick Development Awards. The development, designed by architects bptw partnership for their client, Hyde Housing Association, was awarded Best Public Housing Development for 2005 and the use of Hanson bricks played a major role defining the structure that won the award.
Melford Yellow bricks were supplied by Hanson for the transformation of the Pepys Estate. Previously notorious as an area that had attracted anti-social behaviour and posed security issues, the estate is currently in its third phase of construction since the project began in 2001.
When complete, Pepys will provide more than 270 new homes, including houses and flats, for shared ownership and affordable rent. It was imperative that the designs and building materials used work in harmony with the existing Grade II heritage-listed buildings of the original Royal Naval Dockyards, which are adjacent to the estate.
The housing scheme has been designed using the Home Zone principles, developed initially for social housing in Holland. This has generated a series of buildings arranged around public areas that favour pedestrian rather than motorised traffic - providing a safe and accessible environment for families and disabled residents. The new homes at Pepys are efficient in embodied energy and running costs, which makes the development sustainable in the long-term and cost efficient to maintain for residents.
The palette of materials was carefully selected with the Hanson Melford Yellow bricks offering a subtle contrast to the London Stock of the surrounding Grade II listed buildings. The bricks blend aesthetically with the other materials used, including galvanised steel framed canopies, glass blocks and timber cladding. The judges of the Brick Awards particularly noted this element and praised "the carefully handled juxtaposition of materials that produces a harmonious and very elegant development. "
Phase one and two of the site are complete and occupied with demolition and construction for phase three currently underway. Timber frame construction - used in phase one of the development - will also be used for the third phase of Pepys, a building consisting of a series of flat blocks up to seven storeys, taking this modern method of construction to impressive heights.