At planning, an earlier scheme for the same client had been dismissed on appeal prior to Belsize Architects’ involvement. We sought a fresh solution to the planners’ concerns with a proposal that, while on a similar scale, would deliver a design that fitted in with the surrounding residential buildings, at the same time improving the quality of the flats, now double aspect, and ensuring they had plenty of natural light and good ventilation. Great attention was given to the height of the building, with the top floor set well back, while still achieving the number of flats required for the scheme to be viable. We worked closely with Merton Council, and the scheme was highly praised in the design review panel. It received a ‘green score’, and was unopposed at the committee meeting. The completed scheme appears to have been appreciated by its neighbours as providing real improvement to the local area. In terms of the design, the aim was to achieve a high-quality residential development well-knitted into the existing fabric, employing innovative solutions to densify a small infill site and offering amenity space while minimising impact to neighbours. It provides light and airy dual-aspect properties of a variety of sizes, each with private amenity space, The design seeks to respond through its massing, articulation and detailing to the two very different adjacent streets and to the nearby conservation area. Two distinctive blocks seemed the right solution; a taller block, not dissimilar to the grain of the neighbouring buildings, faces Mitcham Common; while a lower block closely follows the rhythm of the adjacent existing two-storey bay window terraced houses. However, the architectural language used unifies the scheme. The gap between the blocks, with a staircase core set back but noticeable from the side street, marks the change of scale between the two blocks. The core acts as the pivot point for the two blocks and the corner design seeks to marry their different characteristics. The massing is reduced, particularly on the upper levels and as experienced from the street. The top floor is seen as a roof element; it has been set back and a pitch added to reduce its impact. To the rear, deck access walkways extend across the elevations. These are covered and partially enclosed. The access decks are separated from the rear of the building by 1m, with bridges allowing access to front doors while preserving privacy. The deck access strategy allows 100 per cent dual-aspect units. A fabric-first approach contributes to sustainability. A communal heating system, but with all circulation areas unheated, reduces the overall carbon footprint. The materiality, predominantly brick with fluted ceramic tiles, is a response to the context and, together with the simple palette, works to create a light feel to the scheme.