Orchard Lane

The Sons of Divine Providence acquired the land in 1968 to provide accommodation and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Over time, its use evolved and the needs of those staying there have changed, leading to its closure in 2020. In partnership with Lifestyle Residences, the charity engaged Assael Architecture to transform the Molesey Venture on Orchard Lane into a later-living residential community, based on the already operational scheme ran by the same partnership in Hampton Wick (Mulberry Court). Alongside this affordable apartments would provide the opportunity for those still on site to remain.

The proposed development consists of three buildings with 70 apartments – including 20 affordable homes – and four townhouses,
all set within carefully designed landscaping. The buildings are designed with sustainability in mind including communal air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, sustainable urban drainage features, solarshading canopies to south facing windows and excellent fabric performance.

Two buildings offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes tailored for downsizers seeking
low-maintenance living with on-site amenities and support services, including a regular mini-bus service into local centre and transport nodes.. The third building provides 20 affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments, which are intended to be offered to those currently accommodated on site in the first instance.

A basement accommodates the majority of parking, which is provided at a 1 to 1 ratio, avoiding large areas of hard scaping at ground level, and optimising the use of this brownfield and allocated site.

By diversifying the local housing mix, the project hopes to free up larger under-occupied homes for growing families while giving older residents the opportunity to remain in the community. 

Architecturally, Assael’s design balances a suburban, domestic aesthetic with contemporary elements. The three buildings share a cohesive language, featuring mansard roofs, tone banding, and dormer windows. The entrance building, designed with rendered finishes, gable features, and a lower scale, blends with the surrounding streetscape, while the others are clad in buff brick with earthy clay tones, complementing the natural environment.

The landscaping draws inspiration from the nearby river, with meandering pathways, open spaces, and planting ‘islands’ for rest and relaxation. Biodiversity net gain is a priority, with green roofs, habitat creation, and native planting enhancing the site’s ecological value.