These houses were the first new homes to be built by Islington Council for over twenty years. The backland site was overlooked by large Victorian blocks, and maintaining privacy was a major challenge. The design response to the site constraints was to propose a terrace of courtyard houses with all principal windows facing into private courtyards. Large windows allow light to penetrate into double height open plan living spaces. Pitched roofs reduce the physical impact of the development, while also allowing light to enter deep into the buildings through a series of rooflights. Winner of a Housing Design Award 2010.