Hyde Housing Association worked with residents, architects, English Heritage and the local council to redevelop the Pepys Estate in Deptford, south east London.

The new flats cluster around naturally lit, boldly coloured stair and lift areas. Each has  dual aspect windows to make the most of natural light and the river views and a private south-facing balcony.

The public spaces have been landscaped and paved, and are overlooked by balconies to provide safe areas for people to walk and areas to meet.

Entrances are well-lit and clearly defined with canopies and glass panels. Level thresholds allow for ease of wheelchair and pushchair access. Untreated hardwood cladding will allow the buildings to age and fit in with their surroundings, and the streets have been paved in granite-effect setts to complement the historic cobbled thoroughfares.

The development meets Lifetime Homes standards, incorporates Secured By Design principles and has an EcoHomes rating of ‘very good’. It was funded by the Housing Corporation and won the 2005 Best Public Housing Development category at the Brick Awards and has received a Building For Life Silver Standard from the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).

Residents love their new homes. “The flat is beautiful,” says Jacqui Small. “The kitchen is lovely, with an amazing amount of cupboard space. I cannot fault the property. I’m happy – really happy – here.”

Johnson Ajewole feels the same. “The flat is very nice – I love it,” he says. “And my quality of life is improving.”