Archio Secures Approval for 19 Council Homes in Hackney

Key Points

• Archio, an architectural practice, has secured planning approval for 19 affordable homes on an infill site in east London, specifically one of 15 plots identified by Hackney Council to deliver hundreds of new homes.​
• The site, currently occupied by a disused housing office on the Morris Blitz Court estate, will host a five-storey building providing homes for social rent adjacent to an existing housing block.
• The design adheres to Passivhaus standards, aiming to set a benchmark for sustainable, energy-efficient council housing in London, while completing the U-shaped courtyard of the estate and repairing the street edge along Farleigh Road.
• Enhancements include upgraded bin stores, carefully designed play space, and new rain gardens to improve the estate.
• Hackney Council’s planning subcommittee granted consent for the scheme, which is developed for the council itself.
• Planning officers praised the project for its high architectural quality and strong integration within its context.
• Archio director Kyle Buchanan highlighted the project’s ambitious sustainability and community focus.
• Hackney deputy mayor Guy Nicholson expressed pride in the council’s efforts to build over 900 social rent homes, noting co-design with the architect and local community.
• This approval follows Archio’s recent commissions, including a retrofit strategy for Westminster City Council on the Queens Park Estate and plans for 16 Community Land Trust homes in Kidbrooke.

Inverted Pyramid Structure

Hackney Council has approved Archio’s plans for 19 affordable council homes on a former housing office site in east London, marking a key step in the local authority’s ambition to construct hundreds of new residences across 15 infill plots. The five-storey development on Morris Blitz Court estate, designed to Passivhaus standards, will deliver social rent homes, enhance communal spaces, and promote sustainability. This project underscores ongoing efforts to address housing needs through high-quality, community-integrated architecture.

What is the Morris Blitz Court Project?

The scheme replaces a disused housing office with a building that integrates seamlessly next to an existing block on the Morris Blitz Court estate. Archio stated the design would “complete the courtyard” of the U-shaped estate while also “repairing the street edge” of Farleigh Road. Additional features encompass upgraded bin stores, carefully designed play space, and new rain gardens to bolster the area’s functionality and appeal.

Planning officers commended the initiative, describing it as being of “high architectural quality” and “well integrated within its context”. The homes meet Passivhaus standards, positioning the project to “set a benchmark for sustainable, energy-efficient council housing in London”, according to Archio.

Who Approved the Scheme and Why?

Hackney Council’s planning subcommittee granted consent for the project, which the local authority is developing for itself. This approval aligns with the council’s drive to build hundreds of new homes on 15 earmarked infill plots across the borough.

As reported by architectsjournal.co.uk, Hackney deputy mayor Guy Nicholson said the council was “proud” to be building more than 900 social rent homes. He added:

“The 19 new council homes to be built at Morris Blitz have been co-designed to the highest design and sustainability standards by the architect and local community working together. It’s now time to commence with delivery. The council’s project team, the community and Archio are all focused on starting the build on site.”

What Did Archio’s Director Say?

Archio director Kyle Buchanan emphasised the dual focus on sustainability and community. He said: “By designing to Passivhaus standards and reimagining the shared spaces around Morris Blitz Court, we’re helping to create a more connected and resilient neighbourhood.” Buchanan further noted that the project demonstrated council housing could be

“both ambitiously sustainable and deeply community-focused”.

Archio highlighted how the development would enhance the estate through thoughtful landscaping and facilities, ensuring long-term resident benefits.

How Does This Fit Hackney’s Housing Strategy?

Hackney Council identified 15 infill plots like this one to accelerate homebuilding, targeting social rent units amid London’s housing crisis. The Morris Blitz project contributes directly to this, with its emphasis on affordability and green standards.

Deputy mayor Guy Nicholson reiterated the council’s commitment, stating pride in surpassing 900 social rent homes borough-wide. The co-design process involved local residents, ensuring the scheme meets community needs while advancing sustainability goals.

What Are Passivhaus Standards?

Passivhaus certification demands ultra-low energy use through superior insulation, airtight construction, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. Archio’s application here aims to pioneer such standards in council housing, reducing bills and carbon emissions for residents.

The practice described the homes as setting a “benchmark” for London, with features like rain gardens aiding biodiversity and flood resilience.

Why Focus on Infill Sites?

Infill development maximises underused land within existing estates, minimising urban sprawl and preserving green spaces. At Morris Blitz Court, the disused office plot proves ideal, allowing the five-storey block to nestle without dominating the skyline.

This approach “repairs the street edge” along Farleigh Road, as Archio noted, while completing the courtyard layout for better cohesion.

What Community Enhancements Are Planned?

Beyond housing, the project upgrades bin stores for efficiency, introduces play space tailored to young families, and adds rain gardens for environmental gains. These elements foster a “more connected and resilient neighbourhood”, per director Kyle Buchanan.

Planning officers endorsed this holistic integration, affirming its architectural merits.

How Does Archio’s Track Record Support This?

Earlier in 2025, Westminster City Council commissioned Archio to lead a retrofit strategy for hundreds of homes on the Queens Park Estate in north-west London, as covered by architectsjournal.co.uk. Last year, the practice submitted plans for 16 “genuinely affordable” Community Land Trust (CLT) homes in Kidbrooke, south-east London, also reported by the same outlet.

These projects showcase Archio’s expertise in affordable, sustainable housing for public clients.

What Next Steps Follow Approval?

Hackney deputy mayor Guy Nicholson urged immediate action: “It’s now time to commence with delivery.” The council’s project team, alongside Archio and the community, prioritises on-site construction commencement.

No specific timeline was detailed, but momentum builds from subcommittee approval.

Why Is This Significant for East London Housing?

Amidst London’s affordability challenges, initiatives like this deliver social rent homes via innovative design on small sites. Hackney’s 900+ homes target underscore proactive local leadership.

Archio’s involvement elevates standards, blending Passivhaus efficiency with community enhancements for enduring impact.