Brickfields House

Location
Ashton-under-Lyne
Client
Southway Housing Trust
Contract Value
£3.5m
People

The Brief

Brickfields House is a £3.5m development of 42 affordable one-bedroom apartments for people aged 55 and over in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside. Delivered for Southway Housing Trust, it replaces Emmanuel Court, a 1970s sheltered housing block containing 30 outdated bedsits.

The scheme gives older residents the opportunity to ‘rightsize’ into comfortable, manageable homes that support independent living. Its location on Henrietta Street puts local amenities and public transport within easy reach.

Building Massing
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The building height and form has been carefully considered to relate to the surrounding properties.
Active Frontage
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The active frontage connects residents to the streetscape, fostering safety and community engagement.
Built to last
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Low maintenance materials provide long-term durability and good weathering performance.

Our Role

BTP provided architectural and sustainability services, working closely with Southway, contractor Watson Homes and the wider design team from design through to completion.

Consultation with existing tenants helped shape the apartment layouts, accessibility features and communal facilities. Our approach focused on creating homes that meet residents’ needs today, with scope for adaptations as those needs change.

Fabric-first design

Delivering energy-efficient homes by prioritising high-performing building fabric and thermal efficiency.

Design Development

Replacing the existing building allowed us to address its poor energy performance and outdated communal heating, while providing more homes and better space standards within a relatively small site.

The design takes its cues from neighbouring housing. Bay projections, street-facing gables and ground-floor entrances break up the building’s mass, while comparable ridge and eaves heights help it sit comfortably within the streetscape. A restrained materials palette and recessed aluminium-framed windows add depth without making the elevations overly busy. Retained boundary trees and hedgerows soften the building’s setting.

Inside, level access, wider circulation areas, walk-in showers and low-level windows support residents with differing mobility needs. A lift serves every floor, with discreet adaptations and provision for future changes helping residents remain in their homes for longer.

Individual front doors give apartments a sense of ownership, while communal gardens provide space to meet neighbours. Mobility scooter storage and charging facilities, alongside on-site parking, support everyday independence.

A fabric-first approach improves energy efficiency, supported by a gas-free, all-electric heating system. Natural surveillance, clearly defined boundaries, secure access and CCTV follow Secured by Design principles to help residents feel safe.

Thoughtfully designed external spaces

Safety and accessibility are central to the design, incorporating secure private gardens, conveniently located parking, thoughtful landscaping and external lighting.

Outcomes

Brickfields House provides high-quality, affordable homes designed around the changing needs of older residents. The completed scheme supports independent living, improves the quality and sustainability of Southway’s housing stock and makes a positive contribution to the wider neighbourhood.

Southway Housing Trust

Ryan Shenton

"We worked closely with BTP to deliver 42 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for older residents. They were proactive, collaborative and easy to work with throughout the project, helping us create a welcoming and accessible development that supports independent living. Despite the constraints of a relatively small site, their design-led approach played a key role in delivering an award-winning scheme that provides real benefits for residents and the wider community.”

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Director
Elliot Denby

BA(Hons), M.Arch, RIBA, ARB

Director
Elliot Denby

BA(Hons), M.Arch, RIBA, ARB

I qualified as an Architect in 2017 joining BTP the same year, was promoted to Associate in 2019 and became a Director in 2023.

Since joining BTP, I’ve led projects from concept through to completion, ranging from large-scale housing developments to refurbishment and high-rise fire remediation. These include an award-winning 34-home affordable housing scheme in Wythenshawe and successful Gateway 2 applications for Hatton Gardens in Liverpool and The Blake in Southampton. I’ve also built a strong relationship with a major national contractor, delivering high-rise remediation and refurbishment projects across England and Scotland.

As an accredited Building Regulations Principal Designer, I have a particular interest in building safety and compliance. My strengths lie in job running, detailed design and project management, helping projects progress smoothly and meet the required standards.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling where possible to explore different cultures and running recently completing the Great North Run 2025 and London Marathon in 2026.
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Architectural Assistant
Amy Greenwood

BA(Hons), M.Arch
Architectural Assistant
Amy Greenwood

BA(Hons), M.Arch

Enjoying the work / life balance of a supporting role, I have chosen to remain an architectural assistant and job runner. Having been at BTP since 2008 I have worked with most of the architects over the years. In doing so I have gained experience, knowledge and skills in each of our main sectors, including residential, ecclesiastical, conservation, remediation, judicial and custodial projects.

Outside of work, my teenage sons keep me busy, I enjoy encouraging their passions whether that be cheering at a football match or listening to them about game design. When I get a moment to myself, you'll find me listening to an audio book, tending the garden.
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Architectural Assistant
Iram Rihab

BSc(Hons), M.Arch
Architectural Assistant
Iram Rihab

BSc(Hons), M.Arch

I have recently joined BTP as a Part II Architectural Assistant. I graduated with a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Salford in 2023 and have since gained two years of professional experience in practice.

My experience spans RIBA Stages 2–5, working across a range of sectors including PBSA, residential, cladding remediation, self-storage, and refurbishment projects. I have contributed to Gateway Two submissions and developed a strong understanding of the Building Safety Act framework, particularly in relation to cladding remediation schemes.

I have an interest in heritage conservation and regeneration projects and look forward to expanding my experience in these areas at BTP. I look forward to being a part of the BTP team and intend to begin my Part 3 qualifications this year as I work towards becoming a registered architect.

Outside of architecture, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, painting, hiking, and travelling - exploring different cultures and cuisines.