Development by Peter Barber Architects in Lewisham, London, UK
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SPRING GARDENS
2009
Peter Barber Architects
24 Jul 2009
Spring Gardens is a unique, state of the art homeless facility comprising 2 new buildings forming a quadrangle on 4 sides of a beautiful new landscaped garden in Lewisham.
photos : Morley Von Sternberg
The main hostel (phase 1) is predominantly a 1 and 2 storey building running along the western edge of the garden, rising to 4 storeys where a feature tower faces the entrance to the garden.
Spectacular double height glazed screen doors lead to a light and airy two storey high atrium/foyer space running the full length of the building. The foyer has uninterrupted views of the garden and provides flexible day spaces, training, reception and shared dining facilities for residents. The atrium also provides access to 40 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and south facing private garden.
On the opposite side of the garden a C shaped building (phase 2) runs along the east, north and south sides of the quadrangle. The building comprises 3 terraces of little studio houses which provide delightful semi independent, short term 'move on' accommodation for a further 21 residents preparing to progress from hostel living back into the community.
photos : Morley Von Sternberg
Phase 1 of the project is now complete and occupied. Phase 2 is expected to be completed in the next 18 months.
"The empty garden site and St Mungo's inspiring brief provided us with the opportunity to challenge and revolutionise how accommodation and training facilities could be provided for homeless and vulnerable people. We were asked to focus on how we could create the most wonderful, uplifting and engaging environment possible for the clients and staff who occupy the buildings." Peter Barber Architects
"We are extremely pleased with Spring Gardens. It really is fresh thinking in hostel design. Homeless and vulnerable people deserve decent homes and supportive environments. The success of the building's transformation we hope will be a catalyst for encouraging people to think about how they can also transform their own lives." Charles Fraser, Chief Executive of St Mungo's.
"I couldn't sleep the first 3 nights I was here cause I couldn't believe this was for me - I thought they were going to realise it was a mistake and send me away!" New Spring Gardens resident.
Spring Gardens images / information fromPeter Barber Architects 240709
Spring Gardens : Client / consultant team
Architect: Peter Barber Architects
Client: St Mungo's
Contractor: Kier Partnership Homes
Employer's Agent/ Project Manager: Philip Pank Partnership
Structural engineer: Brand Leonard Consulting Engineers
M&E (pre contract): Promode
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Spring Gardens Building : page - adrian welch / isabelle lomholt
Buildings by this architect:
Cedars Road Pavilion
Donnybrook Housing
Goldhawk Village
Key London Buildings:
Saatchi Gallery
Chelsea Barracks
Central St Giles
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