UNCLE Colindale
Technical delivery for a flagship build-to-rent community.
Client
Redrow Homes
Location
Colindale, London
RIBA Work Stages
4-6
Services
Architecture, Principal Designer
Overview
Located within the wider Colindale Gardens masterplan, UNCLE Colindale forms part of the transformation of the former Peel Centre site in North London, a major regeneration programme that will ultimately deliver around 4,000 homes alongside a new neighbourhood centre.
BoonBrown was appointed as Project Architect and Principal Designer for RIBA Stages 4-6, taking responsibility for the technical design and delivery of Block A, a build-to-rent development comprising 347 apartments across 11 storeys. The scheme includes a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroom homes supported by a range of resident amenities including a gym, co-working spaces, meeting rooms and on-site parking.
Delivering design intent at scale
Large residential developments present a unique challenge. As projects increase in scale and complexity, maintaining design quality while ensuring buildability becomes increasingly critical.
At UNCLE Colindale, our role centred on developing robust technical information that could be efficiently coordinated across multiple disciplines while preserving the architectural vision for the building. Working closely with the wider consultant team and contractor, we helped ensure every element of the development could move seamlessly from design to construction.
Coordinating a complex residential building
The scheme combines hundreds of apartments with a diverse range of shared resident facilities, including co-working areas, fitness spaces and communal amenities.
Integrating these requirements within a highly serviced building demanded rigorous coordination throughout the technical design process. Careful attention to apartment layouts, building systems, façade interfaces and construction detailing helped minimise risk during delivery while supporting programme and quality objectives.
Delivering homes for modern living
Build-to-rent developments place significant emphasis on resident experience, requiring homes and shared spaces to perform efficiently both operationally and commercially.
Through detailed technical coordination and design development, the project team delivered a collection of apartments designed for longevity, flexibility and everyday convenience. The result is a residential environment that balances the demands of high-density urban living with the expectations of modern renters.
At a glance
Scale
347 build-to-rent apartments delivered across an 11-storey residential building within the wider 20.35-hectare Colindale Gardens masterplan.
Design
A contemporary residential building designed to support modern rental living, combining a varied apartment mix with integrated resident amenity spaces.
Sustainability
Delivered as part of the regeneration of the former Peel Centre site, contributing to the sustainable redevelopment of previously developed urban land.
Wellbeing
Residents benefit from access to a 24/7 gym, co-working lounge and meeting spaces that support health, flexibility and community interaction.
Community
Forms part of a wider masterplan creating 4,000 new homes and a neighbourhood centre, helping establish a new residential community in North London.
Impact
Successfully progressed from technical design through construction, helping deliver high-quality homes within one of London's most significant regeneration projects.
Summary
UNCLE Colindale demonstrates how strong technical leadership can unlock the successful delivery of complex residential developments. Through detailed coordination, collaborative working and a focus on buildability, BoonBrown helped transform an ambitious design vision into a high-quality build-to-rent community that supports the ongoing regeneration of Colindale.
