Developments: Habinteg Housing Association accessible housing developments for London Borough of Hounslow; South Street, Hampton Road East and Upper Butts
Status: Completed 2024 and 2025
Delivered by: Habinteg Housing Association, in partnership with London Borough of Hounslow
Design, build and Access Consultant: Levitt Bernstein Architects, Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE), Star Contractors
Meeting Hounslow’s unmet need for accessible housing
As part of a strategic commitment to address a shortage of accessible homes, Habinteg partnered with the London Borough of Hounslow to deliver three housing developments built to M4(2) (Accessible and adaptable dwellings) and M4(3) (Wheelchair user dwellings). Located on constrained sites, the schemes prioritise accessibility, energy efficiency, and efficient use of land:
- South Street, Isleworth: Ten M4(2) homes and two M4(3) wheelchair user homes
- Upper Butts, Brentside: Three M4(2) and three M4(3) accessible bungalows
- Hampton Road East, Feltham: seven flats including 2 M4(3) and five M4(2) homes
All homes meet or exceed Building Regulation standards for accessible and adaptable homes and demonstrate how smaller sites can deliver accessible homes.
Kitchen: grey units & white worktop, Upper Butts
Design approach
The developments were designed to provide homes capable of supporting independent living for disabled and older residents, while responding to the constraints of existing neighbourhood contexts.
The design process included collaboration between Habinteg’s technical team, the architectural team, contractors, and CAE as Access Consultant. CAE’s role was to provide technical review and advice relating specifically to compliance with M4(2) Accessible and Adaptable Dwelling and M4(3) Wheelchair User Dwelling requirements.
Key design considerations included:
- Delivering a mix of M4(2) and M4(3) compliant dwellings to respond to identified local housing need
- Reviewing layouts, circulation spaces, sanitary accommodation, and dwelling features against M4 requirements
- Supporting the integration of accessible design requirements within constrained development sites
- Ensuring homes incorporated the spatial and functional provisions required for future adaptability and wheelchair use where applicable.
South Street, Hounslow has parking & outdoor space
M4(2) homes feature:
- Reinforced bathroom walls for future grab rails
- Drainage pre-installed for future level-access showers
- Accessible light switch and socket placements.
Each M4(3) home features:
- Power-assisted doors, level-access showers and accessible bathrooms
- Height-adjustable kitchen worktops and low-level glazing
- Storage and charging points for mobility equipment.
Passivhaus principles
All homes were designed with a fabric-first, low-carbon approach aligned with Passivhaus principles:
- Triple-glazed windows
- Air-source heat pumps
- Highly insulated envelopes
Large balcony with level access, South St
These features reduce energy costs for residents and improve indoor air quality and thermal comfort—especially important for residents with limited mobility or fixed incomes.
Stakeholder and resident feedback
Cllr Tom Bruce, Hounslow Council’s Deputy Leader, and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, said: “This development is a great example of how we’re making the best use of small sites to meet the needs of our residents—including those with mobility challenges…We are pleased to be working with Habinteg to deliver high-quality, accessible homes for local families in Hounslow.”
“This project not only transforms underused land into valuable housing but also reinforces our commitment to inclusivity and environmental responsibility, making significant strides towards meeting the housing needs of our residents,” Cllr Bruce added.
Matthew Kelly, Head of Development at Habinteg said: “It’s great to see the completion of this scheme, which provides much-needed affordable, accessible housing for people in the area. It was a tricky infill site… we’re proud to have achieved this balance.”
The South Street development was built by Star Contractors, a locally owned building firm. Managing Director Paul Ruth said: “We’re incredibly proud to have worked with our community to bring this development to life, supporting local jobs and boosting the Isleworth economy.
“By transforming a brownfield site from garages into a thriving new community with accessible and affordable housing, the area has been revitalised.”
Three storey red-brick Hampton Road development
The developments have had a tangible impact on quality of life for residents. One South Street tenant, Adan Yusuf (image at top of story) a wheelchair user, described how moving from an inaccessible tower block to his new ground-floor M4(3) flat restored his independence.
He said: “The advantages of living in an accessible home for a wheelchair user are countless. I don’t need help getting in my front door. There’s no comparison to my old flat. I can cook, move freely, and do everything myself.”
Habinteg tenant, Desmond, relocated from Bromley in south east London to a one-bedroom flat in the Feltham development in June. He had been on a council housing waiting list for almost two years and said he’s elated with his new home: “I love it… it’s spacious, modern and bright with windows everywhere, and a balcony…it’s really smart.”
Lessons for London’s future housing
Hounslow Council members, Habinteg tenant Adan (middle) and staff, South Street
This project exemplifies how collaborative delivery, inclusive design, and sustainable construction can work together to address both current housing pressures and future accessibility needs. The developments:
- Respond directly to unmet local need for accessible homes
- Deliver long-term value for residents and the public purse
- Set a benchmark for inclusive public housing on small urban sites
- Model best practice for cross-sector collaboration and innovation.
These schemes offer replicable lessons for local authorities, housing associations, and developers across London and beyond.
About Habinteg Housing Association
Habinteg Housing Association is a registered social housing provider with 50 years’ experience building and promoting accessible homes and communities. We own and manage more than 3300 homes and we operate in more than 80 local authorities across England. Our mission is to champion inclusion by providing and promoting accessible homes and neighbourhoods that welcome and include everyone.
About CAE
CAE is part of Habinteg Housing Association with a shared mission is to drive greater accessibility and inclusion of homes, buildings and environments for everyone to be part of an inclusive society. For over 50 years, CAE has lead thinking on inclusive design in the UK and pioneered the idea of technical accessibility guidance based on research conducted collaboratively with disabled people. To explore how CAE or Habinteg can support your organisation in delivering inclusive, accessible housing, email info@cae.org.uk.