Fraser Brown MacKenna Architects are delighted to have been recognized by the Leading European Architecture Forum (LEAF) for their development at Pembury Circus, which has been awarded the title “Best Mixed Use Development” at the LEAF Awards 2016, alongside other high profile finalists.

The project, a development for Peabody and Bellway Homes provides 268 high quality new homes (50% affordable, 50% for private sale) as well as shops, offices, a gym, nursery and a large community center. Pembury Circus is Hackney’s largest car-free development and offers a new play area for children in a private courtyard as well as dedicated housing for older residents, who have access to a roof garden with stunning views across the City.

Simon Fraser, Director of Fraser Brown MacKenna Architects, commented:

“It has been fantastic to be part of a mixed-use project that has created such a significant community benefit, both through the large proportion of affordable housing and the fantastic new community center, as well as by making a positive contribution to the townscape. Intelligent design has maximized the benefits of the mixed-tenure scheme for all residents. We convinced decision-makers that a car-free development was appropriate; improving pedestrian links through the site and away from the busy road intersection was an important part of our design concept. We have turned a redundant part of the Pembury Estate into what has become a vibrant and exciting place to be.”

The LEAF Award is the latest in a string of high profile awards for the project. The LEAF (Leading European Architecture Forum) Awards is an annual ceremony founded in 2001, which brings together leading architects, designers, developers and suppliers. The award recognizes innovative architectural design projects and celebrates excellence in building design around the world. 

Other recent awards for Pembury Circus include;

• National Housing Design Awards – Highly Commended
• RESI Conference “Development of the Decade” – Finalist
• Inside Housing Top 60 Developments of the Year – Finalist
• First Time Buyer Awards Best Urban Development – Finalist
• New London Awards – Finalist
• Hackney Design Awards – Finalist

About Fraser Brown MacKenna Architects

Formed in 1991, Fraser Brown MacKenna Architects is an award-winning practice that enjoys success across a range of sectors. With a track record within the knowledge economy, FBM has delivered flexible high performance workspaces for IBM and state of the art places to learn for the Slade School of Fine Art  and other prominent universities. Completed projects range from bespoke one-off homes in the Hertfordshire green belt to the “Museum of the Mind” for Bethlem Royal Hospital. Specialists in delivering sustainable buildings with low energy demand and minimal environmental impact, the practice recently delivered a Passivhaus retrofit on the Thamesmead Estate, named by the Guardian one of the top ten ‘eco homes’ in the UK.