Whittet’s Ait stands at the confluence of three rivers on the Thames in Surrey. Taking the watery surroundings as inspiration, the 21 contemporary units have been abstracted from a boathouse form. The design is pared down simplicity: zinc roofs, untreated cedar and extensive glazing. When the local authority gave permission for this former industrial site to be redeveloped for residential use, it made it clear that a high quality, contemporary approach would be welcome.