Becontree Avenue

by Archio

Client BeFirst (London Borough of Barking and Dagenham)

Award RIBA London Award 2025

The award winner tells us: "200 Becontree Avenue, completed by Archio for BeFirst in Barking, encompasses 19 affordable homes and a community space across two villa-style buildings. This design choice enhances local engagement by maintaining harmony with the surrounding low-rise housing, yet achieves five times the density of nearby residences.

Inspired by the Neo-Georgian architecture of the historic Becontree Estate, the project prioritises character while delivering triple-aspect, high-quality homes. The development integrates playstreets and pedestrian routes, transforming School Way into an active communal space. This innovative approach underscores a commitment to sustainable, contextually rich housing solutions."

The jury says: "The scheme draws on thorough research into the history and housing typologies of the Becontree Estate on which it sits. The estate is low-rise, embodying garden city principles, and dates from the 1920s–30s. It is considered to be the largest original social housing scheme in Europe. The team drew inspiration from the estate, resulting in a detailed understanding of and sensitivity to the local vernacular which they adeptly translated and updated."

Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal

Contractor United Living

Landscape architect Spacehub Design

Structural engineer Wilde

Gross internal area 1,735m²