Born from HTA’s research into London’s rooftop housing potential, Antony & Roderick House transforms underused space on the Abbeyfield Estate into 30 affordable homes. The scheme combines infill and vertical extension, retains all existing homes, and upgrades communal areas for residents. Delivered in collaboration with Apex Airspace, this project demonstrates how design-led planning can deliver meaningful housing solutions without displacement or demolition.
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Antony & Roderick
Developed a strategic planning brief, unlocking rooftop and infill housing opportunities
One Place, Many Stories
Architecture
HTA’s architectural approach at Antony & Roderick House extends the life and potential of two 1950s residential blocks through a carefully balanced intervention of rooftop, infill and bookend additions. The result is a renewed streetscape, 30 new affordable homes, and substantial upgrades to communal spaces – all delivered with minimal disruption and no loss of existing homes.
The design strategy was rooted in feasibility studies and direct engagement with residents. We worked closely with Lambeth & Southwark Housing Association to understand both housing need and lived experience. The proposals include new front entrances, an integrated lift for both new and existing homes, improved access, secure bin and bike stores, and a re-landscaped forecourt. These enhancements were informed by feedback from residents and delivered meaningful everyday improvements.
Architecturally, the new additions complement the existing fabric while bringing clarity and rhythm to the massing. A distinctive roofline is created through varied setbacks and volumes, and contemporary materials are carefully selected to tone with the original brickwork. The use of offsite-manufactured modules was a key innovation – reducing construction time and ensuring residents could remain in place throughout delivery.
This project shows how creative architecture can unlock capacity on constrained sites, turning overlooked rooftops and underused land into well-designed, affordable homes. It demonstrates that gentle intensification, when done with care, can revitalise existing estates and strengthen community resilience.
Planning
Antony & Roderick House began as research – a 2016 study by HTA and Apex Airspace into the potential of rooftop development to tackle London’s housing shortage. That research informed a proactive planning strategy, identifying sites with the right conditions for airspace development. Located in Bermondsey, the buildings sat within Southwark’s Abbeyfield Estate but were excluded from the wider estate renewal programme, making them an ideal pilot for an innovative approach.
HTA’s planning team led feasibility and capacity testing, assessing both infill and vertical extension opportunities. Although rooftop development aligned with national housing ambitions, planning policy was less familiar with this typology. In particular, proposals to utilise central infill were initially resisted. Our team built a compelling case rooted in context, housing need, and resident benefit.
After extensive design testing and dialogue with officers, we secured consent in 2020 for a scheme that delivers 30 affordable homes with no net loss of existing dwellings. The project directly supports Lambeth & Southwark Housing Association in addressing hidden homelessness by creating homes for people already connected to the estate.
Through strategic engagement and a strong narrative around design quality, the planning process became a vehicle for change. It enabled us to unlock homes, retrofit existing buildings and deliver public realm improvements – all without displacing residents. This project exemplifies planning as a research-led and community-positive discipline.