The Family Welcome Centre, Harold Hill

The Family Welcome Centre will provide high-quality, emergency accommodation for vulnerable families in the London Borough of Havering. It will include 74 dwellings in a variety of sizes, with the largest accommodating up to eight family members, as well as a health centre. Forming the first phase of the Harold Hill Town Centre Regeneration Masterplan, it will replace existing hostel accommodation in the area.

Considering the full set of MMC Categories, we explored the methods available which would enable us to deliver a flexible building with potential for future reconfiguration (and minimal structural walls) as well as minimise disruption to local residents and businesses.

Recommendations included the use of volumetric structural and non-structural units manufactured offsite – a steel structural system, cladding systems, bathroom pods and service cupboards etc. – which will provide the best balance of social, economic and environmental benefits.