“There is only one way for us to build – and that is in a highly sustainable way,” says Nicolas Treguer. As co-founder of the architecture practice Roberts and Treguer, he runs “projects that bring positive change and create opportunities”. The Culpeper – a self-sustaining Shoreditch pub with a farm on its rooftop – is a case in point. But we’re all the more intrigued by his latest undertaking: a collection of brand-new homes in Deptford, south-east London, with great green credentials and an aim to foster community. And, we’re pleased to say, they’re all on the market.

In 2020, Nicolas and his business partner, Gareth Roberts, came across an old Victorian house in a “poor state” that offered them the perfect renovation project. Having worked on a number of hospitality ventures since 2012 (including hotel The Buxton and pub The Duke of Cambridge), the duo were ready for more residential work – and this ticked their boxes: measuring 3,000sq ft, they saw the potential to refurbish the interiors and divide the building into two new homes (both of which are also for sale). Equally enticing, however, was the location: not only did the house sit opposite the lovely Deptford Park, but it was on an appealing corner plot surrounded by lots of land. Snapping up the site, Nicolas and Gareth set themselves another brief: to build a series of contemporary homes to Passivhaus standards with modern family life in mind.

“We’re really happy with how the homes have turned out,” says Nicolas, who, after spending a year securing planning permission, has been busy building these five two- and three-beds (as well as the two period homes) over the past 20 months. We’re hardly surprised: each one has beautifully crafted living spaces that feel worlds apart from those in a typical new build. “I love the study at the back of the house that overlooks the garden,” he continues, referring to the room found in the two larger new homes (these measure around 1,730sq ft). “I also think the way the kitchen connects to the courtyard is rather special.” We agree – and we also have a soft spot for the tactile material palette: think chevron-laid oak parquet flooring and exposed breezeblocks that provide texture and warmth.

Having been meticulously designed to Passivhaus standard, the project gets a top green score too. “People associate Passivhaus standards with insulation but it’s also about how much natural light there is,” says Nicolas. “The size and orientation of the windows really matter – we made sure that these houses make the most of sun when it’s available in order to create bright and airy environments.” Once they capture the sun’s energy, Nicolas continues, the well-insulated homes, which have triple-glazed windows, don’t lose it. They also have underfloor heating and MVHRs, which promise comfort and lower energy bills too.

As a practice, “we’re very keen on agriculture,” says Nicolas – something that has been integral to this project. The seven homes overlook a community garden, allotment and Dutch-style greenhouse, which the pair have created in collaboration with Urban Organic. The produce grown here will be delivered to the chefs working in Nicolas and Gareth’s three pubs. The residents of the seven homes will have access to the garden on particular days and the opportunity to get involved with cultivation. “We hope they’re excited about what we’re doing – and want to be a part of it too,” Nicolas, who also plans to get local schools involved in the project, continues. “It’s all about creating a community.”