mae

The London Housing Design Guide was launched in July 2009 at the London Housing Strategy Conference. mæ was commissioned by the London Development Agency (LDA) to work with them to develop the Guide, which simplifies the range of other housing design guidance, such as Lifetime Homes and Housing Quality Indicators. It aims to set a new benchmark for the design and quality of London’s housing, by clarifying what is expected from the outset of a new development.

mæ reviewed over 300 existing housing design requirements, identifying conflicts between standards and undertaking design testing where needed to determine what would be appropriate for London. The resulting Guide has distilled the plethora of existing guidance into a more manageable set of key requirements, focusing on the factors that will make the most difference to the quality of housing within the unique context of London.

The guide is based around 6 themes, taking in issues of delivering housing at appropriate densities, providing family housing, the importance of well proportioned streets, access to local transport, services and amenities, and how the size and flexibility of space, daylighting, and access to adequate private open space all contribute to creating sustainable and tranquil homes. It sets minimum standards in a number of key areas including: internal space standards, balcony sizes, dual aspect, floor to ceiling heights, quantity of storage space, and the number of units off a corridor.  

The GLA and HCA (Homes and Communities Agency) will use the Guide and its requirements as the basis for funding allocations in London. It is also intended to become a London Plan Supplementary Planning Document.

You can download a full PDF copy of the Guide, or download mæ's summary version. For assistance in meeting the requirements set out by the Mayor of London, or to enquire how mæ can help you meet design compliance or offer a training seminar on the content, contact mæ.

Related news

Related publicity
Design sidelined
FT Weekend, House & Home supplement, 19 September 2009

New homes: size really does matter
Evening Standard, Homes & Property, 1 September 2009

Setting Standards
Michael Howe writing in the Architects' Journal on the research behind the London Housing Design Guide, 30 July 2009

No room to cook dinner or seat guests? Welcome to 'rabbit hutch Britain'
Robert Booth, The Guardian, 11 August 2009

Mayor sets minimum housing space limits
Building Design, 9 July 2009 

London mayor pledges end to "hobbit homes"
Building magazine, 8 July 2009

Does London really need more housing restrictions?
Rowan Moore, Evening Standard, 8 July 2009