Good architecture brought to social housing
Ash Sakula Architects for Radian Group
Contract value: £600,000
GIA: 282m2
Exhibition Mews is a prototype terrace of three homes for social rent. It is the outcome of Ash Sakula's winning entry in an open competition to design affordable and highly sustainable homes capable of replication. The project is the first phase of a wider regeneration of the area involving 3350 new homes. A highly insulated core of flexibly arranged accommodation is supplemented by an uninsulated entrance opening on to an enclosed front garden. The competition called for sustainable lifestyle suggestions to be embedded into the design.
It is encouraging to see good architecture brought to social housing on a tight budget. The communal spaces are thoughtful and balance between the individual and collective. The design and build contract led to details being changed, but the result is friendly and approachable, yet not simplistic. It achieves Code for Sustainable Homes level 5, which is impressive for such a budget.
See other winners of the RIBA Regional Awards 2016 – South