In 2016, Deacon + Richardson Architects were appointed as delivery architects for the development of five former garage sites across Lewes, East Sussex. Commissioned by Thakeham Group to deliver the affordable housing provision for Lewes District Council, the project resulted in the construction of 22 high-quality affordable homes, including 14 flats and 8 houses.

Brownfield redevelopment plays a vital role in helping local authorities meet affordable housing targets in a sustainable manner. For this project, Lewes District Council identified five underutilized garage sites, located on Balcombe Road, Grasmere Avenue, Headland Way, Hythe Crescent, and Rectory Close, as suitable for regeneration.

The project showcased how small infill sites can contribute meaningfully to housing supply, while revitalizing existing neighbourhoods and improving land use efficiency.

Working under a design and build procurement method, Deacon + Richardson collaborated closely with the contractor to deliver all five sites simultaneously. The team successfully navigated stringent planning constraints, while meeting local authority housing quality indicators and national standards for affordable homes.

To reduce both construction timelines and embodied carbon, each home was built using timber frame construction—a highly efficient, sustainable building method. The homes were clad in a combination of brickwork and fibre cement panels, providing a robust, low-maintenance, and non-combustible external finish.

This approach aligned with sustainable housing design principles while ensuring long-term durability and compliance with safety standards.

The project’s thoughtful execution and community impact were recognised with a Highly Commended award at the 2018 LABC Building Excellence Awards, reflecting the team’s commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable, and affordable housing solutions.