White City Living is presented as a major high-density residential scheme that makes strong use of an urban site through a varied mix of apartment types, generous layouts and a broad tenure offer. The submission emphasises a large-scale masterplan with integrated landscape, a clear phasing approach and a combination of homes alongside community-focused uses and resident amenity.
The most compelling aspects of the proposal are its placemaking and environmental response. Judges noted the integration of gardens, parks, water features and mature planting, alongside bridges, decks and other connections that improve movement and strengthen links to the surrounding area. The architectural mix was viewed as ambitious, while the internal layouts were praised for practical planning, good storage and well-considered room relationships.
White City Living was also recognised for demonstrating how a residential development can support community life through shared spaces, resident groups and a wide amenity offer. Judges highlighted the scheme's apparent contribution to regeneration and its ability to create a distinctive living environment with strong connectivity to nearby destinations and local activity.
Judges described White City Living as a standout submission with strong overall ambition, excellent landscaping and impressive mixed-tenure placemaking. The scheme was praised for combining quality architecture, community provision and connectivity in a way that set it apart in the category, with one judge identifying it as the category winner. One judge remarked: “The scheme was praised for combining quality architecture, community provision and connectivity in a way that set it apart in the category.”
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID:
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Botanical Place is an exemplary piece of placemaking that intelligently addresses multiple societal challenges through design. Rather than isolating later-living accommodation, the scheme successfully integrates older residents into the heart of an active town centre, creating meaningful relationships between housing, civic uses, public realm and biodiversity.
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This delightful and inspirational development transforms a former car park and redundant office building into the UK’s first whole-life net zero carbon retirement community.
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Excellent presentation clearly demonstrating the design. Great to see a the reinvigoration of a sad plot with the creation of community for later-living in a town centre location. This scheme successfully addresses potential isolation and disconnection within this community. Well considered and executed.
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