Canal House – Sustainable New Build Homes in Hackney, London (2024)
Reimagining Urban Housing: Community-Led New Builds in Hackney
Polysmiths partnered with a local Community Land Trust to transform a disused brownfield site in Hackney, East London into a high-density, sustainable residential development. Started in 2024, Canal House embodies our commitment to social architecture, supporting multi-generational living, communal life, and urban regeneration.
The project integrates the refurbishment of existing structures with new build construction, creating a vibrant housing scheme centred around shared gardens, communal kitchens, and flexible living spaces. These features fostered strong social bonds, encouraging collaboration and mutual support between residents.
Designed as a replicable model for sustainable urban housing, Canal House demonstrates how architecture can activate underutilised land to serve community needs. This wasn’t just about designing new homes. It was about cultivating a long-lasting, resilient neighbourhood.
(All images by Polysmiths)
Check out our case study article about a terraced house refurbishment and extension in Wanstead, East London, Combining structural arches, interior architecture and designs.
