Project: Wansey Street Housing
Wansey Street Housing from DRMM interviewed by Tomoko Sakamoto from Actar
How did this project originate, and where does the idea of mixing public and private housing come from? Are these two types of apartments designed and built with the same characteristics?
This project is part of the early phases for the Elephant & Castle Regeneration project, a massive urban renewal scheme to replace a failed 1970's housing estate in South London. dRMM were invited to participate in an architectural competition to generate proposals for one of the first decant sites on the perimeter of the main housing estate. Unlike most of the masterplan, the competition site had to fit within an existing context, adjacent to a Victorian conservation area and an Edwardian Town Hall. At the same time the proposal had to anticipate the future regeneration, including future neighbours of higher density housing and a reconfigured streetscape that prioritises pedestrians. This first project of the regeneration was also intended to set a high standard in quality social housing for future phases.
The various unit types were aimed at different types and sizes of families. Does this mixture exist? If yes, is this diversity producing any conflicts, or rather perceived as a positive aspect in the life of the residents? For example, is the communal garden used for some shared activities?
The brief called for a mixture of tenures: open market sale, shared ownership and rental. Key to dRMM's proposal was to 'pepper-pot' the different units so as to be tenure blind. To this end both 1-, 2- and 3-bed units are distributed within the 4 blocks, as are the types of tenure. Since completion of the building there has been very little turnover of units, suggesting a high level of contentment among the tenants and owners. Occupants take pride in their personal as well as shared spaces, as evidenced by carefully tended private terraces and rear gardens, which co-exist next to a carefully looked-after communal garden.
To what extent has sustainability guided the design process? Which specific measures were applied?
The ambition for the scheme was to deliver a project within rigid time and cost constraints, whilst achieving a BREEAM environmental rating of 'Excellent'. The building fabric is notable for its thermal mass, high acoustic and thermal insulation, and air tightness. Through an iterative design process between architect and environmental consultant, the south-facing elevation was developed to maximise daylight and views into the living spaces, whilst minimising summer overheating. From the outset the site was designated as a car-free development, with cycling and use of excellent local public transport actively encouraged.