Melfield Gardens provides 30 affordable homes for residents aged 55 and above, as well as two four-bedroom homes for eight postgraduate students from Goldsmiths, University of London. In return for being good neighbours, the students pay a reduced rent. Each student will spend a number of hours supporting older residents by offering company or taking part in the cultural and recreational activities held in the communal spaces. This is an innovative social pilot from which we will learn, and the buildings are certified Passivhaus as a first step towards a zero‑carbon future.
The Category 2 and 3 homes have adopted a dual aspect and flexible ‘one-bedroom-plus’ model that incorporates an additional ‘study/hobby room’ with a pocket door to allow it to become part of the main living space or remain separate. This provides residents with greater flexibility to tailor their homes to their own requirements as they age in place, in line with HAPPI principles.
The two subtly cranked buildings partially enclose a pedestrian-prioritised central green space which retains public routes through the site to Beckenham Hill Station. A south-facing ‘garden room’ wraps around into the protected garden for residents and visitors.
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A fully affordable intergenerational housing development mixing older people and students, designed to a Passivhaus standard.