丨英国伦敦丨Henley Halebrown

architects Henley Halebrown

Pocket Rotunda London 2014–

This research project was made in response to a call for new thinking in the design of small inner city apartments for low-income families. It is guided by two principles: firstly, that an apartment should not be compromised by function and could, like Palladio’s Villa Rotunda, be “ideal”; and secondly, that homes should form part of an “intentional” community.

The design creates an enfilade of spaces, the intention being that residents enjoy the simple generosity and flexibility of their home

The plan shares the biaxial symmetry of the Villa Rotunda and offers a layout well suited to a range of different households be they a couple, a young family, a single-parent household or two people sharing

The apartment is symmetrical with a central living space and two identically sized, proportioned and related flanking (bed)rooms. There is no circulation and the kitchen, bathroom and storage are planned to be discreet

This shows the flexibility of the design to accommodate a range of activities; a shower room or bathroom; and different types of outside space

Apartments form part of a “Co-Tower” with shared facilities - rooftop clubhouse and garden, common workspace and spare bedrooms - for the residents cross-subsidised by the efficient planning of each home

Technical

Appointment: 2014

Client: Pocket Living