Sheltered housing is a sector that is often
overlooked when it comes to design, but living
spaces are particularly important to tenants' lives. The
judges praised the sensitive design of this sheltered
housing scheme and declared it a clear winner.
Designed by Duggan Morris Architects, the scheme
comprises 12 self-contained residential units with
semi-communal internal spaces and landscaped
external spaces and lawns.
The development was delivered as part of Hillingdon
council's rehousing scheme, won in competitive
tender by Look Ahead Housing + Care and
managed on a day to day basis by Ability Housing
Association. The scheme was designed to exacting requirements
and has been detailed to allow for future flexibility to
respond to tenant needs. Additional units can be
installed into open plan internal spaces if required, and
hollow panels above door openings can be removed
to allow for the future installation of pulley and winch
systems.
The development adopts a long low profile of two
asymmetric wings joined at right angles. At the
junction of the wings, there is a clearly identified,
recessed main entrance with full height, full width
frameless glass panelling which opens onto a double
height void finished in mustard yellow.
Externally, the scheme is finished in brick with
terracotta roof tiles, both in rust coloured brown. The
exterior draws its reference from a nearby grade 2
listed Arts and Crafts building by Edward Prior. But the
contemporary idiom makes its mark in the form of
large panels of glass, some incorporated as
cantilevered box bays, located in a loose rhythm to
break up the building mass. The junction between wall
face and roof is expressed with a continuous
recessed gutter, acting as an oversized shadow gap
that extends up over the gable ends.
Internal spaces have a very contemporary feel. Each
unit is simply furnished with open plan living/kitchen
space, a large disabled bathroom and double
bedroom. Living rooms and bedrooms have full
height windows and upper floors are fitted with
projecting bays, creating a niche where the tenant can
sit and enjoy the landscape. |
