Edward Woods Estate

A mixture of four 21 storey towers and lower maisonettes, Edward Woods Estate was built by Hammersmith Borough Architects Department in 1964 and was laid out with the housing units set within a fair amount of open space. To the north-west the land is undulating, but otherwise most of the area is flat although there is an embankment along the West Cross Route. The estate has seen continuing improvements in recent years, and one of the ageing tower blocks has been demolished and replaced with a new park in the centre of the estate. Prior to this, the landscaping consisted of a grassed area to the south with a few trees, including two old lime trees. There were some raised beds, with little planting on the pavement to the east, and also raised beds, trees and seats in front of a parade of shops to the east of the open space. To the north of the estate was another open area, mainly grass with a few trees including older willow but the rest of the trees of recent, in some cases very recent, date. Recreational provision included a family Fun Centre, play areas for both under and over 5s, basketball courts, and swings in a strip of grass between the estate and the West Cross Route.

By 2004, the Edward Woods Estate was due to be sound-proofed and the open space under the name of the Norland North Open Space was landscaped as part of the planning gains of the White City redevelopment. In 2008 planning permission was granted for a £16million project whereby the three tower blocks, Stebbing, Norland and Poynter Houses, would be clad in solar panels in a scheme designed to generate enough electricity to power the communal parts of the building including the lifts, lighting, door entry systems and CCTV. The colourful design of the solar cladding was also a means of brightening up the estate and preserving the buildings since the solar panels serve as insulation and protection from the elements. It is regarded by LB Hammersmith & Fulham as a flagship project that is set to become a model for environmental schemes across the UK. The project architects, Energy Conscious Design (ECD), have a proven track record in designing energy-efficient buildings with have low running costs. By 2010 the comprehensive low carbon refurbishment of three of the 24-storey towers was underway. Residents have been involved in the scheme from the start, with representatives from each block working with the design consultants, using their local knowledge to help steer the proposals for the benefit of all who live there.