One of the crucial elements for success as architects in London is to always embrace collaboration. We use this term in a broad and multi-layered way, as it is a concept which can extend far beyond just the dictionary definition of the term. The different understandings of the term are illustrated in our work for a project underway in Horsell Moor.

If there’s one aspect of modern life we are all aware of it would be fair to suggest that it’s the housing shortage our society faces. A significant number of projects are underway to address this, and few exemplify both the need for and benefit of collaboration in delivering this as is the case with the Horsell Moor development. The project will see some 3,400m2 of vacant industrial land transformed into a retirement housing development.

We, with credit to our position as one of the leading residential architects in London, were appointed for this project. Our brief was to ensure that what was delivered effectively saw the total exceed the sum of its parts. In this sense, what was required was the delivery of architecture which both made maximum use of the space allocated to create comfortable living areas, but also focused on delivering a strong sense of community.

Achieving this was only possible through collaboration. This we did – and continue to do – with both the other companies appointed to the project and with the local planning authorities. This has allowed us to embrace vital local knowledge and deliver on a project which perfectly meets, if not exceeds, the client expectations. We have also collaborated with the existing community; we allowed our design work to be informed by the local area and existing structures.

Our entire team is very proud to be part of the Horsell Moor housing project. We take pride in knowing that our abilities and skills will be made use of in a way that shall be of remarkable benefit to the community which will be served by the development. As the above points highlight, it would not have been possible to achieve this without embracing all forms of collaboration.