Luxborough Street

Westminster

New build affordable homes and community space on a brownfield site in the heart of Marylebone.

Location: Marylebone

Client: Westminster City Council / Wates Residential

Project Value: £9,000,000

Status: Complete

Specialisation: New build affordable homes

Located in the heart of Marylebone, Luxborough Street is a new build development that helps address Westminster’s need for affordable housing. The new development provides 14 affordable homes arranged over six-stories, alongside a ground-floor community space. Designed with sensitivity to its context, the new building’s stepped form minimises its impact on neighbouring properties while incorporating green roofs that visually connect it to Paddington Street Gardens North and Luxborough Tower Gardens. The one- to two-bedroom flats all benefit from dual aspects, MVHR units, and a high-performing fabric with low U-values and excellent airtightness, significantly reducing energy consumption. Generous balconies offer views of nearby parks, enhancing residents’ connection to nature.

The material palette reflects the character of the area, with a red brick façade featuring subtle detailing to harmonise with the streetscape. Linear brickwork banding emphasises the ground floor and transitions upward to frame the windows, while zinc standing seam cladding on the top floor adds a modern touch and softens the building’s height. The new building’s historical context adds depth to the development. Previously home to a parish workhouse, a burial ground, council flats, and most recently a recreational area, the location has been transformed into a vibrant community asset. The ground-floor D1 space has been designed as a nursery, with rooms for different age groups and an outdoor play area, ensuring the development serves local needs beyond housing.

Sustainability is integral to the new build development’s design. The building incorporates features such as rainwater harvesting, green roofs, photovoltaic panels, and efficient lighting, supporting Westminster’s environmental goals. Guided by principles of achieving near-zero carbon emissions, fostering health and well-being, and nurturing a strong, inclusive community, Luxborough Street exemplifies sustainable, community-focused urban development. The result is a carefully crafted building that balances Westminster’s housing needs with its architectural heritage.

“Flexibility, approachability and “can do” attitude is what makes any architect a good consultant, ECD has all 3”
– Aga Storer, Senior Design Manager, Wates Residential

Team:

Photography by Timothy Soar.

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