High density residential development – Three Dragons study for GLA
Released On 7th May 2017
Three Dragons has recently completed a report for the GLA exploring the lessons from high density residential development. Three Dragons worked with David Lock Associates, Traderisks, ORS and Jackson Coles on this study. The team used data from the London Development Database, case study analysis, residents’ survey, site visits and viability modelling to understand the implications for housing delivery and affordable housing. The study considered the performance of completed schemes that have densities above the top of the guidance range for their location as well as those within the current PTAL recommended densities.
The study found that development at densities above the London Plan density matrix is achieved through a wide variety of built form and layouts, with buildings of different heights. No systemic problems with high density schemes were identified, provided schemes are well planned from the outset. The key to successful high density buildings as places to live is in the quality of the internal design and the external space in which they sit. What also matters is the way they are managed day to day. As density and height increases, these factors become more important and greater scrutiny is needed to maintain the quality of high density and high rise living.