Assael’s designs for affordable housing and naturalisation of Wembley Brook receives green light at Stonebridge Park
In a significant win for both the local wildlife corridor and affordable housing provision, the London Borough of Brent has approved Assael Architecture and Assael Exteriors’ visionary designs for Argenta House – a 100% affordable residential development for Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group and Joint Venture partner, Cervidae.
Ecology and biodiversity are central to the vision, with a re-naturalised Wembley Brook, native planting and planted terraces, improved public realm green infrastructure, sensory planting, and pedestrian routes designed to enhance wellbeing and connect the development to its urban context.
Located next to Stonebridge Park Station, the project will transform a former brownfield site into a vibrant new community, delivering 180 much-needed homes – 88 for social rent and 92 for shared ownership – along with welcoming public spaces that promote sustainability, inclusion, and wellbeing. The scheme also supports Brent’s target of delivering 5,000 new affordable homes by 2028, reinforcing its social impact within the wider Wembley regeneration area.
Central to the design is a focus on family life and community connection. A distinctive and elevated multi-purpose external space will provide a safe, playful environment for children, complemented by a flexible indoor hub. At street level, new commercial space will activate a public route through the site directly to Stonebridge Park station, improving accessibility and wayfinding.
Visually, the elevated façade at street level opposite the station allows natural light for the brook to thrive. The materials draw inspiration from its surroundings, with two tones of brick, metal detailing, and perforated panels that create texture and visual interest. The form is carefully broken into three articulated elements framing views through to the Wembley Point Masterplan. The scale acts as a wayfinding marker for the station and harmoniously completes the wider Wembley Point masterplan urban block.
Richard Cook, Group Development Officer at Clarion Housing Group, said:
‘’We’re proud this 100% affordable housing scheme that supports Brent’s vision for inclusive growth and a thriving, sustainable community has received planning consent. Our collaboration with Assael demonstrates how a shared commitment to quality design and long-term affordability can create homes that genuinely make a difference to the local community.’’
Tom Banfield, Associate Director at Assael Architecture, said:
‘’This project has shown that with good collaboration with the local community and the Council thoughtfully designed affordable housing can be delivered on the most challenging of sites. It’s a huge boost to Stonebridge Park and its wider context and we look forward to delivering more affordable homes for Brent.’’
Russell Pedley, Director and Co-Founder at Assael said:
“Argenta House showcases our integrated design approach, where our architectural and landscape teams, Assael Architecture and Assael Exteriors, work in close partnership to deliver a cohesive and forward-thinking solution. The scheme responds imaginatively to a complex brief and rigorous viability challenges, resulting in a design that is both visionary and grounded in real-world constraints.’’
The project team included Avison Young, Heyne Tillett Steel, CPW, RSA Geotechnics, Greengage, Windtech, Scotch & Partners, SRL Technical Services, SJA Trees, The Townscape Consultancy, TTP Consultancy.