Creating a sustainable and inclusive community
Creating a sustainable and inclusive community
At Pelham Architects, we’re proud to have contributed to the transformation of Beckhampton Road in Bestwood, Nottingham. Working alongside Nottingham City Council and Lovell Partnerships, we have delivered a vibrant new neighbourhood of 129 affordable, energy-efficient homes as part of the Building a Better Nottingham programme.
A thoughtful approach to regeneration
The site, formerly a school playing field, presented a unique opportunity to create a well-connected, sustainable community within an established residential area. The challenge was to balance housing needs with environmental and social considerations, ensuring a high-quality living environment for new and existing residents alike.
Placemaking and community integration
A core focus of our design was to create a people-centred neighbourhood that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Approximately 50% of the five-hectare site has been preserved as publicly accessible green space, offering recreational areas and enhancing biodiversity. A community garden with fruit trees encourages residents to interact and enjoy outdoor spaces together.
To foster a sense of place, our design prioritises pedestrian-friendly streets with safe walking and cycling routes linking homes to local amenities. Cars are well-integrated into the streetscape without dominating, ensuring a pleasant, neighbourly environment where people can chat, walk, and play.
High-quality, sustainable homes
Our design follows a fabric-first approach, ensuring all homes achieve high levels of insulation and airtightness. This results in an ‘A’ SAP rating, reducing energy consumption and lowering residents’ bills. Selected properties also feature solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, promoting sustainable lifestyles.
The development includes:
- 32 one-bedroom flats
- 65 two-bedroom houses
- 13 three-bedroom houses
- 5 wheelchair-accessible three-bedroom bungalows
- 3 one-bedroom bungalows
- 1 two-bedroom bungalow
The bungalows are designed to M4(3) standards, offering generous space, fully level-access shower rooms, and family-friendly layouts to accommodate diverse needs.
Architectural character and design
Inspired by Nottingham’s traditional architecture, the homes feature a mix of red and buff bricks, pitched tile roofs, and detailed brickwork such as headers, arches, and sills. Thoughtfully designed corner units with side-facing doors and windows enhance natural surveillance, improving safety and visual interest.
Front gardens, enclosed with railings, clearly define public and private spaces, while street trees and green landscaping soften the urban environment. The integration of edible plant species and wildflower planting further enhances biodiversity and community well-being.
A lasting legacy
The Beckhampton Road development is more than just a housing scheme, it’s a carefully crafted neighbourhood that prioritises affordability, sustainability, and quality of life. By preserving green spaces, enhancing connectivity, and creating well-designed homes, we have helped establish a thriving, inclusive community that will benefit residents for generations to come.
At Pelham Architects, we believe in designing places that bring people together. If you’re interested in our approach to placemaking and sustainable housing, get in touch with us today.
