Project has a silver lining

Constant renewal is a hallmark of cities such as London, where urban regeneration projects bring vibrancy and create investment opportunities.

An example is the Silvermill development in Lewisham SE13. Taking its name from a former factory that once produced silver thread for military uniforms, these days it offers classic yet contemporary apartments, with all the amenities for modern city living.

Eight-storey Hester House is the third and final block to be completed. It includes city suite, one- and two-bedroom units, and lifts to all floors. Each apartment features a balcony, private terrace or juliet balcony, some of which enjoy views across the nearby treetops and open parkland.

'This is an exciting new development offering a fantastic lifestyle and well placed for everything going on in the capital,' says Peter Murray, London-based director of Jones Lang LaSalle. 'It is also a rare opportunity to purchase a property within Zone 2 at a very realistic entry-level price of just GBP159,995 [HK$1.95 million].'

The project's architects and interior designers made the need for sustainability and minimal environment impact a guiding principle. This grew from the chance to redevelop a disused area and integrate it as part of a regeneration programme. The commitment can be seen in the selection of design features and fittings which reduce the energy, water and waste from each of the new homes.

All kitchen appliances are 'A'-rated, making possible a reduction in energy consumption and emissions of up to 60 per cent. Dual-flush toilets are installed, with the potential to cut domestic water usage by 40 per cent. Flow restrictors will be fitted to taps for the same reason. And a central plant room will provide heating and hot water for each apartment, using gas-fired boilers and air-source heat pumps. In this way, around 20 per cent of energy needs will be supplied from a renewable source, situated on the roof of the nearby building. All the apartments will have recycling bins for waste separation, and low-energy cost-efficient light fittings will come as standard.

Above, an organic roof garden will nurture a small local eco-system and, with luck, attract rare birds such as the black redstart.