Like the natural world that surrounds it, the built environment is undergoing constant renewal. Quality housing is fundamental to the regeneration of our urban landscape, helping to bring new vitality to run-down areas and improve local economic, social and environmental conditions.

From town and city centre locations to waterfront developments, Buro Happold has completed many residential mixed-use projects across the UK and internationally. Often covering the whole spectrum from luxury to affordable housing, from high-risers to refurbished listed buildings, these developments are the shape of things to come for progressive and sustainable inner city living.

Mixed-use developments present complex structural and building services challenges that affect both the building’s viability and the ‘quality of life’ of its occupants. For example, the structural form has to be flexible enough to incorporate a large basement car park while maximising the amount of usable area for apartments and retail units.

To achieve sustainable performance with lower costs and maintenance, Buro Happold’s designs utilise advanced façade engineering, natural shading and low energy heating and ventilation systems. To counter noise pollution – a major concern for residents who live above busy shopping precincts – we study the acoustics both inside the building and at street level to ensure the right ambience is achieved.

Infrastructure plays a key role in supporting and energising a successful residential development. Buro Happold’s engineers work closely with clients and planning authorities to connect the site to essential utility services such as water, power and telecoms. Our expertise in regeneration gives us an in-depth understanding of issues such as flood risk and remediation.

Combining residential and recreational functions offers the opportunity to reduce the need for daily commuting – although quality transport links are vital to ensure the efficient movement of people and goods to and from the complex. By integrating car parks, roads, bus and rail transit systems, our transport solutions enhance accessibility and create more community ‘wholeness’.