Melfield Gardens, Lewisham - an intergenerational housing scheme for older people and students, designed to a Passivhaus standard

This Housing LIN case study (no 163), written by Irene Craik, Director at Levitt Bernstein, explores Melfield Gardens in Lewisham. Winner of a 2021 Housing Design Awards, these 100% affordable homes for Phoenix Community Housing combine intergenerational living with HAPPI principles whilst targeting a highly sustainable Passivhaus standard.

Levitt Bernstein and Phoenix Community Housing are committed to community engagement and communication to support the transformation of Melfield Gardens, and the co-design was especially important due to the proximity of Phoenix’s Millcroft House and the Melfield Gardens houses. The consultation process was a success, with an initial event held for adjacent residents in March 2019, followed by a wider event in July 2019, and a final public event in January 2021.

This development also prides itself on its intergenerational and age friendly design. Jim Ripley, Chief Executive at Phoenix Community Design, said:

“It’s vitally important that we don’t just build new homes but homes that contribute to the battle against climate change and well-designed schemes that create places where people are proud to live. There’s a huge demand for affordable housing both for older people and for students. The new development at Melfield Gardens will help to meet the need for both and offer a place where different generations can mingle and support each other. I can’t wait to see them being built.”

This Housing LIN case study also details the lesson learned and next steps. It has subsequently featured on BBC News (opens new window) and Phoenix Community Housing have also given evidence to the APPG on Housing and Care for Older People inquiry on Creating Intergenerational Communities.