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
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.
A new CIOB TIS on discharging CDM 2015 duties
Practical steps that can be undertaken in the Management of Contractors to discharge the relevant CDM 2015 duties.
Planning for homes by transport hubs
Next steps for infrastructure following the updated NPPF.
Access, history and Ty unnos.
The world’s first publicly funded civic park.
Exploring permitted development rights for change of use
Discussing lesser known classes M, N, P, PA and L.
CIOB Art of Building 2024 judges choice winner
Once Upon a Pass by Liam Man.
CIOB Art of Building 2024 public choice winner
Fresco School by Roman Robroek.
HE expands finance alliance to boost SME house building
Project follows on from Habiko public-private place making pension partnership for affordable housing delivery.
Licensing construction; looking back to look forward
Voluntary to required contractors (licensing) schemes.
A contractor discusses the Building Safety Act
A brief to the point look at changes that have occurred.
How orchards can influence planning and development.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year award
Shortlist set to go head-to-head for prestigious industry title.
HSE simplified advice for installers of stone worktops
After company fined for repeatedly failing to protect workers.
Co-located with 10th year of UK Construction Week.
Time for knapping, no time for napping
Decorative split stone square patterns in facades.
A practical guide to the use of flint in design and architecture.