Why the judges picked the London Borough of Camden as Homebuilder of the Year
"A commendable example of social and sustainable regeneration. It is clear that Camden Council as client have led a strong design team to deliver a development with high aspirations in design quality and environmental performance."
Eeko is a residential development within Camden Council's regeneration of the Agar Grove Estate, delivered through the Community Investment Programme. It replaces outdated housing with contemporary, low-energy homes and integrates sustainability, innovation and social impact from the outset. Positioned as a major certified Passivhaus-led regeneration, Eeko demonstrates how public-sector leadership can deliver enduring environmental performance alongside high-quality urban living.
Designed to rigorous fabric-first standards, Eeko combines high-performance insulation, airtight construction and triple glazing with mechanical ventilation and heat recovery. Communal air source heat pumps, rooftop solar generation and living roofs further cut operational demand while strengthening climate resilience. A car-free policy and secure cycle storage promote low-carbon travel, and material choices emphasise durability, reduced embodied impact and efficient construction aligned to sustainable land-use principles.
Landscape and placemaking are central to the scheme. Every home has private outdoor space, complemented by communal gardens, play spaces and green buffers that foster social
interaction and urban cooling. Tree cover across the estate has been significantly increased to boost biodiversity and wellbeing. Extensive engagement shaped the proposals, with residents rehoused on site to maintain community networks and minimise disruption.
Interiors are light, calm and generous, with efficient layouts, excellent acoustic comfort and energy-saving appliances that lower running costs. The approach ensures consistent quality across tenures, combining privacy with connection to shared green spaces. The result is a dignified, future-ready living environment that prioritises comfort, affordability and long-term performance for residents.
Judges praised Eeko as a strong, area-improving scheme led by an ambitious client willing to pioneer new approaches. They highlighted exemplary local authority commissioning, refined architectural language, clarity of proportion and a carefully resolved material palette. The design quality in a demanding urban, high-density context was widely commended, positioning the project as a benchmark for sustainable, socially attuned housing. One judge remarked: “Thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient scheme that successfully applies Passivhaus principles within an attractive architectural language.”
