ArchitecturePLB were appointed by repeat client Winchester City Council to design a new housing development on a garage infill site. The site represents the coming together of several public rights of way which needed to be retained. The design team were able to maximise the capacity of the site whilst being sensitive to the surrounding area and significantly improving the public realm.

The project includes four 1 bedroom flats and three 2 bed homes for local people. The flats were grouped around a single core and each have either a private garden or balcony. The houses were terraced and provide residents with a private garden. Beyond this simple provision of housing which helps WCC satisfy some of their affordable housing needs, the scheme is a significant contributor to the local urban environment. Previously, the public footpaths crossed the backlands garage court which was well lit, but not overlooked. The various routes have been retained, but now school children and residents can move through a shared surface space that has strong passive surveillance from the new dwellings, making a much safer, more pleasant contribution to their daily lives.