A celebrated 2006 housing development designed by Peter Barber Architects is facing what critics are calling "devastating" alterations, as the UK's largest housing association proposes to replace the building's distinctive timber windows with uPVC alternatives. The Donnybrook Quarter development, which won a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) National Award and made the Stirling Prize longlist upon completion, has become the center of a heated preservation battle in Tower Hamlets, London.
Clarion Housing has submitted plans to Tower Hamlets Council to replace the development's stained timber double-glazed windows with uPVC versions, sparking fierce opposition from the original architect and heritage organizations. Peter Barber Architects expressed serious concerns about the proposal, stating they were "really worried" about the window replacement plan. The firm is particularly alarmed by proposals to overclad the dozens of timber projecting oriel windows, which they describe as "the most pronounced feature on every principal façade," warning that such changes "would ruin the project."
Peter Barber himself took to social media platform X to voice his dismay, writing: "Oh noooooooo plans to replace timber stained double glazed with nasty UPVC faked up ones. Pray Tower Hamlets refuse the application." Speaking to the Architects' Journal this week, Barber emphasized the historical significance of the original approval process, noting that "originally the clients and Tower Hamlets planners went out on a real limb to make [Donnybrook] happen." He expressed disappointment that the current Tower Hamlets administration might not share the same ambitious vision as their predecessors.
The Twentieth Century Society has joined the opposition, with its director Catherine Croft calling for the council to refuse consent for the uPVC windows and urging Clarion to reconsider its approach. Writing in the Architects' Journal, Croft argued that "not only is uPVC hugely damaging in environmental terms, this change would have a devastating effect on the appearance of the estate." She warned that installing uPVC windows would fundamentally alter the development's status, stating that "Donnybrook with uPVC windows would cease to be an exemplar of good housing practice. Instead, it would become an indictment of poor social housing management and a demonstration of just how fundamentally damaging and depressing ill-considered changes to estates can be."
Local community leaders have also mobilized against the proposed changes. Jane Hay, chair of the Roman Road Bow Neighbourhood Forum, described Donnybrook Quarter as "a very important example of urban affordable housing developments, in its own way famous and influential, and one which Tower Hamlets should be very proud of." Hay argued that replacing the timber frames with uPVC would "alter the whole character of the build to the estate's detriment, as well as compromising the breathability of these units to the disadvantage of the residents." The neighborhood group is calling on the council to urgently consider implementing a building preservation notice and submitting a listed building application to Historic England, which would provide a six-month stay of execution for the controversial plans.
The community response reflects broader concerns about preserving architectural heritage in social housing. Hay emphasized that "Bow East residents deserve high-quality housing, and that which is already in place to be protected for future generations." The residents' group is urging "all officers and councillors to resist this application," framing the issue as both an architectural preservation matter and a question of housing quality standards.
However, the controversy has revealed a divide among the development's actual residents. While some residents have expressed gratitude to Barber for his support and opposition to the changes, others have highlighted practical concerns with the existing timber windows. One resident responded to Barber on social media, acknowledging his architectural work but explaining the reality of living in the development: "Honestly love your work on this. But it was poorly built, the insulation and soundproofing is quite bad, especially in winter. We've condensation and some of us have got mould on their walls. It's a necessity for those who live there like me."
This resident feedback highlights the tension between architectural preservation and practical housing needs, suggesting that the timber windows may be contributing to condensation and mold problems that affect residents' daily lives. The comments reveal ongoing maintenance and performance issues that Clarion Housing may be attempting to address through the proposed retrofitting work.
In response to the mounting criticism, Clarion Housing issued a detailed statement attempting to balance preservation concerns with practical housing management responsibilities. A spokesperson acknowledged the concerns raised, stating: "We understand and appreciate the concerns that have been raised. We place a high value on the architectural legacy of our estates and the contribution that architects and planners have made over many years to creating high-quality homes and neighbourhoods." The organization emphasized that "preserving the overall look and feel of the neighbourhood is important to us, and we always seek replacement elements that reflect and respect the original design intent."
Clarion defended their decision-making process by outlining their priorities and standards. The housing association explained that "when making decisions about the maintenance and replacement of building components in our homes, our priority is always to secure the best outcomes for residents and ensure the long-term sustainability of the property." They assured that "any materials we install are selected for their suitability for both residents and the building, and all works comply fully with current regulations and industry standards."
The organization also addressed design concerns, claiming that "the replacement design maintains the established proportions and character of the buildings, with materials and finishes chosen to complement the existing appearance and support the wider architectural identity of the development." Clarion committed to continued engagement with stakeholders, stating they "will continue to engage with all stakeholders as the planning process progresses with the local council."
The controversy over Donnybrook Quarter reflects broader challenges in social housing management, where housing associations must balance architectural heritage preservation with practical maintenance needs and resident welfare. As the planning process moves forward with Tower Hamlets Council, the outcome will likely set important precedents for how award-winning social housing developments are maintained and modified in the future. The case highlights the ongoing tension between preserving architectural integrity and addressing the practical needs of residents living in these celebrated but aging developments.
