Eden Studios is seven new residential units on a previously vacant urban site in Chiswick, west London. Our client approached us with an existing planning permission to redevelop the site. However, after analysis, we produced a full redesign based on reservations over the efficiency of the previous design: it contained single aspect apartments, various small shared gardens, common stairwells and the excavation of part of the site. Ultimately, we provided seven freehold units, each with their own front door and external private garden. In doing so, we dramatically improved the net to gross floor area of the development and, for our client, a much enhanced GDV. Like many urban sites, because of the potential for overlooking, windows were not permitted on three edges of the site. The design, therefore, had to find creative solutions to bring natural light into the houses. To achieve this, we carefully positioned rooflights throughout the houses. At the rear of the site, which had the most restrictions, each house has a full-width lightwell along the back wall. Contrary to many developer housing projects, Studiodare also placed emphasis on maximizing the opportunities for storage throughout, avoiding any redundant space. Cupboards, shelves and bookcases are built into walls, also reducing the need for additional furniture.