Holmes ROAD studios
Cottages for Homeless People
Holmes Road Studios is a beautiful new homeless facility providing high quality residential accommodation together with training and counselling facilities all laid out around a delightful new courtyard garden. Most of the accommodation is arranged in little studio houses forming terracesfronting the garden, in an alms house typology. These cottages have a double height brick vault with an en suite bathroom at the back of the plan, and a mezzanine bed space raised above the bathrooms. The rooms are lit via a partially glazed door, pretty looking circular windows and a roof light. The buildings are constructed in a rustic looking brick with a crinkle crankle parapet which gives the project a relaxed domestic scale. All of the rooms look out over the garden. We imagine a group of residents working with a gardener to create and maintain an intensely planted and beautiful garden. There would be an apple tree or two, potatoes, green veg, soft fruit, herbs, a greenhouse, a potting shed and a sunny spot to sit and rest. We think there ought to be a little room/shed in the garden for private chats (1:1) and counselling. The garden creates a homely, domestic atmosphere in the hostel. It will give participating residents an interest and outlet for their energy. It will help to foster a sense of belonging, self worth and empowerment amongst residents. It will provide people with an opportunity to develop gardening skills and encourage them to think about nutrition.