Can a single building material define the character of an entire development?
At Woodmore Mews, clay brick takes centre stage. The 37-home scheme in Charlton uses Forterra's Ecostock range to create a rich and cohesive architectural identity, helping to unite a collection of houses, flats and a maisonette into a development that is both distinctive and enduring.
Designed by Peter Barber Architects, the development was built on the site of Fred Styles House, a former 42-bedsit sheltered housing block that had stood vacant since 2013. Comprising 29 houses, 7 flats and 1 maisonette for affordable council rent, Woodmore Mews forms a neighbourhood of terraced homes running along Charlton Church Lane, anchored by a series of perpendicular mews streets that connect naturally with the surrounding urban fabric.
Inside, natural light is prioritised throughout the homes. Glazed screens open into open-plan kitchen and dining spaces, while stairs lead to bedrooms and airy living rooms with direct access to private roof terraces. The result is a collection of homes that balance practicality with thoughtful design, reflecting Peter Barber Architects' distinctive approach to housing and placemaking.
Sensitive Design and Crafting the Streetscape
A defining feature of Woodmore Mews is its use of brick to establish a strong sense of place. Forterra's Ecostock range was selected to complement the architectural vision, providing consistency across the development while contributing texture, depth and character to the streetscape.
The soft, textured finish of the brick echoes the appearance of traditional handmade masonry, helping the development sit comfortably within its context while maintaining a contemporary architectural expression. Across the terraces and mews streets, the carefully detailed brickwork creates rhythm and cohesion, giving the scheme a distinctive visual identity.
Bringing this vision to life required close collaboration between the design and construction teams. Working from Peter Barber Architects' design, Neilcott Construction delivered the brickwork package, executing the precise detailing and craftsmanship that define the development's architectural character.
The Ecostock bricks used at Woodmore Mews are manufactured at Forterra's Measham soft mud factory, where clay is sourced from an adjacent quarry. The range is known for its reliable dimensional accuracy and consistent finish, qualities that support the exacting masonry detailing evident throughout the project.
Through considered design, skilled craftsmanship and the thoughtful use of clay brick, Woodmore Mews demonstrates how material choice can shape the character of an entire development. More than simply a building product, the brickwork forms an integral part of the architectural language, creating a neighbourhood with a strong and lasting identity.
Location: Charlton Church Lane, Royal Borough of Greenwich, London
Brick manufacturer: Forterra PLC
Clay Brick: Ecostock Belgravia Gault Blend
Architect: Peter Barber Architects
Brickwork contractor:Â Neilcott Construction
Brick Bulletin |Â Feature 310
