Unity Place: Hornbill House, Kiwi House, Turaco House

Brent, Greater London

Civic Trust Awards Citation

The three buildings of Kiwi, Turaco and Hornbill House together form the northern half of Unity Place, a multi-architect residential project within the South Kilburn Estate Regeneration.

The project offers a harmonious blend of residential spaces and communal facilities, contributing to the revitalisation of the neighbourhood. The six-storey mansard-roofed mansion block along Rudolph Road, the four-storey mansion facing the vibrant public play space, and the distinctive flatiron villa overlooking Cambridge Gardens collectively provide 84 dual-aspect, light-filled homes. Notably, the ground level houses a council-staffed community hub, emphasising the commitment to fostering a sense of community among residents. 

Unity Place is a visual delight, with its exuberant Rudolph Road frontage adorned with framed porticos and balconies, reminiscent of musical notations. The courtyard façade, in contrast, features mint green glazed brick balconies that capture and reflect sunlight, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Mansard roofs, clad with terracotta, pay homage to the nearby neo-Gothic spire of St Augustine’s Kilburn Church and neighbouring Maida Vale. The design incorporates human scale and vertical rhythm through two-story volumes, creating porticos and balconies that add character to the elevations. 

Kiwi House, positioned in the northwest corner as a flatiron villa, seamlessly integrates with the 19th-century corner pub and villas across the road, showcasing a calm composition of windows, cornices, and recessed string courses. All apartments are dual-aspect, featuring generous 2.6m ceilings, full-height French windows, and a minimum of two balconies per flat. This approach aligns with the overarching goal of community well-being, ensuring that residents experience spacious, comfortable living. 

Community impact is further exemplified by the collaborative approach taken throughout the project. The involvement of local authorities, developers, Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), and dedicated design teams in pre-application public exhibitions and workshops underscores a commitment to transparency and responsiveness to local needs. This inclusive process not only garnered community support but also ensured compliance with Conservation Area standards and strategic housing goals set by the Council and Greater London Authority (GLA).

Judges’ Comments: “Unity Place, from concept to planning stages, stands as a successful model of urban transformation and social integration on London’s housing estates, where enlightened stewardship, committed development, and thoughtful design converge for the greater good.”