Lewisham Ladywell Temporary Housing
In January 2015, Lewisham Council unveiled plans for an innovative and flexible housing development devised in collaboration with Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP). The development is a response to the ongoing demand for housing in the Borough, exploring a short-term use for the site of the former Ladywell Leisure Centre building, which was demolished in 2014.
The project creates a deployable, 2,000 m2 development using a volumetric construction method that provides high-quality, energy-efficient accommodation. The system can be built faster and cheaper than traditional methods, and the finished structure is fully-demountable, meaning it can be used over a number of years in different locations.
Residential units provide homes for local people in housing need, whilst ground-floor non-residential units are available for community and business use. All units exceed the current space standard requirements by 10%, helping the Council meet an existing shortfall in high-quality temporary and two-bed accommodation.
Ivan Harbour, Partner at RSHP, said the project: “ ..offers a blueprint to meet a wide range of urban housing needs. By delivering well-designed, flexible and sustainable accommodation using a quick and cost-effective volumetric technology, we hope to change the way we think about house building in the future.”
Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “This scheme may offer a solution to an all too common problem that plagues many development sites, which often sit unused while complex regeneration plans are put together. When we have thousands of people on our housing waiting list and are paying out for expensive bed and breakfast stays - that is a terrible waste. We are also showing with this partnership with Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners that we can achieve real quality and value for money.”
On 7 July 2016, the project won the Mayor's Prize and the Temporary building category at the New London Architecture awards.
The scheme was formally launched on 14 July 2016, when Bullock described it as a “...great example of how we can use innovation to respond to this very real and growing challenge.”
Ivan Harbour added, “This type of development can go up to 13 storeys and our only real constraint is the volume you can get on the back of a truck and get round the country. By using offsite construction you can can ship all the material and assemble it locally. It's all about the flexibility of people.”
In February 2017, PLACE/Ladywell was Highly Commended in the 2017 London Planning Awards in the category 'Best new place to live'. The prize was collected by Lewisham Cabinet Member for Housing, Damien Egan.
--RSHP
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Concept architectural design.
- RSHP.
- 8 Chifley.
- Nuovo Centro Civico - Scandicci.
- Y:Cube.
- RSHP move to Leadenhall Building.
- Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).