The Richmond MakerLabs forms part of the overall regeneration of Ham Close in Richmond. Working collaboratively alongside the client team which includes Hill Group UK, RHP Group and Richmond Council and our partners at BPTW Architects, LUC Landscape Architects and Sphere 25, the overall project seeks to provide the delivery of 452 new homes (49% of which will be affordable), new community facilities and public realm improvements.
WR-AP’s contribution to the scheme includes a new facility for the existing Ham community group, the Richmond MakerLabs. The Richmond MakerLabs is a member-run community workshop within the Ham United Group (HUG) who meet bi-weekly to ‘tinker, make, hack and be friendly’. The organisation currently operates their group in the former caretaker’s cottage on the existing site, but this is not fit for purpose. The design, as part of the overall regeneration of the site, provides a purpose-built facility which will enable the Richmond MakerLabs to improve upon their existing service with scope to expand further. New facilities will include: 2 workshops (for laser cutting, computer work, woodwork and metalwork), a kitchenette, a dedicated IT room and an area of outdoor space for external workbenches.
Architecturally, the design of the building responds to the rural heritage of Ham Close, which used to house Manor House Farm. The scheme employs a barn-inspired pitched form, simple punched windows and traditional materiality such as silvered timber, to tap into this agricultural heritage. The scheme is also designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent, through the integration of sustainable technologies such as an optimised external fabric, careful orientation with due regard of daylight/sunlight, photovoltaic panels, natural ventilation and sustainable materials.
In order to submit a planning application alongside our collaborators, the wr-ap team undertook over twenty consultation/engagement events with various stakeholders and community members to ensure that we have given our best endeavors to ensure the proposals become an integral part of the overall masterplan and local community. The project has recently been submitted to planning, with construction expected to commence in QTR 1 2023 (planning approval dependent).
Date of completion: TBC
Total Cost: Confidential
Gross internal Floor Area: 200 sqm
Client: Hill - Richmond Housing Partnership - Richmond Council - Hill Group
Planning Consultant: Sphere 25
Structural Engineer: Jubb
MEP: AWA
EIA: Greengage
PR:Cratus
Energy and sustainability: Energist
Fire Consultant: Affinity
Visualisations: Arqui9
