A member of the Royal Institute of British Architects
BOW HOUSING
Mon, 11/05/2009 - 12:37 | by chill
BOW, LONDON
The challenge
To provide high quality affordable housing for key workers and families within an urban regeneration context.
The answer
Externally, a new public square leads up to a landscaped plateau that can be overlooked and enjoyed by the building’s residents. Internally, each apartment has full height glazing for the main living spaces as well as generous room sizes, a balcony and access to shared facilities. At ground level, creativity emerges in affordable studios and workshops which inhabit the perimeter of the building. Secure parking is located under the landscaped plateau.
The building has been designed to be environmental sustainable. Roof level photovoltaic cells and solar water heaters contribute to the building’s energy requirements, while state-of-the-art energy storage helps to power the centralised heating, water and lighting systems.
There is also provision for a major piece of public art that would be designed with community involvement, possibly in the form of a solar powered lighting installation.
