Feilden+Mawson win planning for supported housing facility in Ealing

Feilden+Mawson win planning for supported housing facility in Ealing

Mar 24, 2014  | Architecture 

Feilden+Mawson win planning for supported housing facility in Ealing
(Photo by: Feilden+Mawson)

WLMHT working in partnership with Feilden+Mawson have been granted planning approval to refurbish the existing 'Lammas Centre' in the Ealing Green Conservation Area, to provide facilities for a local, community based mental health supported housing service.

The project, which received planning consent from Ealing Borough Council on 13th March, will offer safe, therapeutic, 24-hour supported accommodation to people suffering from mental health issues. The facility will be run by a charitable organisation, Rethink Mental Illness, on behalf of West London Mental Health NHS Trust.

The building is on the local listing of heritage assets of the London Borough of Ealing, so a key consideration in the development of the proposals has been the need to ensure the scheme is sympathetic to the scale of the surroundings in its form, massing and materials.

The primary materials that will be used for the proposed new structures include western red cedar, glue laminated timber and glass. Owing to the benefits that natural light can provide to support the recovery process for people, the proposal aims to ensure that access to natural light for existing habitable and corridor spaces is improved. The chosen materials will bring strength, durability and a high aesthetic quality, and will integrate well with the local context.

Providing a scheme that enhances well-being has been a key element of the design brief. The introduction of new green landscaping is essential to the proposal, offering a setting for recovery and wellbeing. The scheme not only improves the landscaped areas at ground level but it proposes a series of sedum green roofs over the one storey extension, walkway and main entrance canopy, which will be of significant environmental benefit.

Eric Munro, Director of Capital Estates & Facilities at West London Mental Health NHS Trust said, "We are delighted that this excellent scheme, designed by Feilden+Mawson was unanimously approved by Ealing Planning Committee. With our partner Rethink, we look forward to providing high quality respite and recovery facilities within the community".

Elsie Owusu, partner at Feilden+Mawson said "We are very pleased with the 'Lammas Centre' approval. This was an exciting and challenging brief. We believe our design has delivered a combination of simple and contemporary design with the sensitive conservation of an important locally listed building".

Via Feilden+Mawson
Image,video ©: Feilden+Mawson