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Residential Development - Lewisham

This backland development in Honor Oak, south-east London, delivers six new timber-framed dwellings arranged around a communal garden. PCC Consultants acted as structural engineers, addressing challenging ground conditions and extensive tree root protection areas to enable a low-impact, sustainable scheme.

Lewisham CGI Render
Lewisham Window View
Lewisham aerial view
Lewisham Plan View
Lewisham CGI Render

Photography by Silvercrow Trading LLP

Project Details

Construction Cost:
Client:
Architect:
Engineer:

£1.8m (c. £3,030/m²)
Silvercrow Trading LLP
Dowen Farmer Architects
PCC Consultants

Design Brief

This scheme aims to transform an area currently comprising two existing buildings and a driveway  into a vibrant residential community. This development will include the construction of six new residential units, maintaining the existing buildings which will be separated from the new development. The access to these buildings will be improved with cycle passing points. The overall project includes substantial landscaping to integrate the new and old structures seamlessly.

Technical Information

Each new home is a two-storey structure built using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for both strength and thermal performance. The superstructures are supported on lightweight foundations to protect tree root systems. The design incorporates suspended timber first floors, low-pitched green roofs, and photovoltaic panels. External walls are clad in timber slats to provide a lightweight, durable envelope.

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PCC’s scope of work included:

  • Structural survey of the existing dwellings

  • Feasibility studies for transfer structures and foundations

  • Full structural calculations and bar bending schedules

  • Drainage design drawings

  • Designer’s risk assessment in line with CDM regulations

Further Reading

Featured in the Architects’ Journal

This development was profiled for its innovative use of timber frame construction, low-carbon design measures, and sensitive response to a constrained backland site.

photography by Richard Fraser

Photography by Richard Fraser

Environmental Focus

The Lewisham development is a strong example of how engineering solutions can enable sustainable housing on constrained urban sites. The scheme balances housing delivery with protection of existing ecology, using lightweight construction methods to safeguard mature trees while incorporating low-carbon technologies.

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Key measures include:

  • Lightweight stilts to protect extensive tree root systems

  • On-site energy generation exceeding 90% via photovoltaic panels

  • Airtightness of 1.23 m³/h.m² at 50Pa, ensuring high efficiency

  • Integration of air source heat pumps, MVHR, triple glazing and SIPs to achieve EPC A ratings (95)

  • Green roofs, rain gardens, and a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) to manage surface water

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This approach minimised both embodied and operational carbon, creating a benchmark in sustainable backland housing. PCC is committed to delivering sustainable projects in partnership with clients, ensuring structural solutions contribute to wider environmental goals.

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