Coach Yard Wins Housing Design Award 2026

Tucked behind a terrace in Leyton and once deemed un-developable, our team saw opportunity, transforming the industrial remnants into the framework for a new kind of urban living.
Working within the existing fabric, the scheme evolved as a precise puzzle of massing and light. Each of the six new dwellings; five new builds and one refurbishment, balances privacy and openness through carefully placed windows, small courtyards and private balconies. The retained brick walls and concrete slab became the foundation for a lightweight timber structure, proving that creativity and sustainability can coexist even on the tightest of sites.
Sustainability at its core
Coach Yard achieves a 62.8% reduction in carbon emissions, integrating air‑source heat pumps, south‑facing solar panels, and high‑performance fabric efficiency. The re‑use of existing materials and the site’s urban location (PTAL 5) further reinforce its low‑carbon credentials.
From a forgotten factory plot to a model of sustainable design, Coach Yard demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can unlock potential in overlooked spaces, creating infill homes that are both efficient and uplifting.
“It was a really tricky site, a former coach yard with huge retained walls and tight access, but that’s what made it exciting. We wanted to prove that with the right design thinking, even the most constrained plots can become beautiful, functional homes. We’re proud that Coach Yard shows what’s possible when sustainability and creativity go hand in hand. It’s not just about meeting targets, it’s about designing homes that feel good to live in and tread lightly on the planet. Ricky Glover, Associate Director






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