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Since we completed our first hidden homes in 2003 there has been a steady stream of visitors to the town hall eager to find out how the programme works. We think there could be around 10,000 hidden homes on estates across the capital. By sharing a few of our secrets on this site we hope to encourage other councils to start looking at their own stock. We have now built and let more than 130 hidden homes with a potential programme of around 300 new dwellings. This shows that creating high quality accommodation from existing disused premises can be a swift, cost effective and substantial response to the demand for new affordable homes
Housing staff are constantly on the look-out for redundant spaces and buildings that can be turned into good quality accommodation.
You can view our map showing the locations of hidden homes that have been developed or identified for development. The map opens in a new window. Close it down to return here.
In most cases the properties are on the ground and basement level of blocks. This requires us to work within the parameters of the buildings' load bearing walls, utility and drainage systems. A typical example of the type of works involved is the Balham Hill estate. The blocks here were constructed in 1954 of load bearing brickwork with reinforced concrete floors and pitched tiled roofs. The structure of the building, such as existing walls and position of windows were major design factors that had to be taken into account. The three blocks, Faraday, Hales and Frankland House, are located on sloping ground with non-residential semi basement areas to the south. Both sides of the estate contain grassed spaces within the curtilage and good circulation estate roads for access. The areas under Hales House and Frankland House were redundant but were originally used as a boiler/laundry area and tenants store sheds. The area under Faraday House had once provided store sheds, with a redundant room and WC. Before work could start we had to remove general debris and rubbish from the disused spaces. This immediately improved their appearance. We know that void areas often attract vandalism or flytipping. We then took out store-shed partitions, doors, ancillary fixtures and fittings. Utilities - There were existing basic services to all three locations. These have been extended and improved for residential use. New pipes serving the new boiler for heating, hot water, and WC have been installed and connected to both new and existing drainage. Electrical wiring has been fixed between the existing walls and the drylining boards - leaving no unsightly surface wiring. Walls - The major hurdle was the existing load-bearing brickwork and reinforced concrete floors. These determined the layout of the rooms. New 100mm block work partitions and brick piers for new doorways have been erected. The external and internal walls and floors are applied with a guaranteed render tanking coat system. The walls and ceiling are dry lined using 50mm thick Gypsum Gyproc board, and 9.5mm Gypsum plasterboard to increase the thermal insulation, which meets with current building regulations. Finally, the walls and ceilings are plastered and painted throughout. Floors - These are covered with insulated flooring, which incorporates chipboard and foam to increase the thermal insulation of the floors, again these meet with current building regulations. Windows - Existing windows have been opened up and new openings formed to provide good natural light. New catnic lintels were installed above the openings to provide extra reinforcement for the structural balconies above. All windows are UPVC double-glazed to meet with current building regulations. Fittings - The flats are decorated and have tiled flooring throughout. There are white bathroom suites and new fully-fitted kitchens with contrasting worktops. Externally, the ramps and grounds were improved with new railings and gates. The spaces immediately outside the dwellings have been landscaped to provide a grassed area. Parking places are provided next to the flat entrances. J Murphy and Sons Ltd won the contract in a competitive tender. Murray Birrell Associates were appointed as the consultants following negotiations.
J.Murphy and Sons RR Richardsons Plc Crispin and Borst Ltd Higgins Construction Plc
Lennox Estate hidden homes - from demolition to completion
On 7 March 2006, residents and councillors celebrated the completion of a £9m regeneration programme of St Work started in early 2003 on the multi-million pound refurbishment programme of Battersea's 20-storey Castlemaine Tower and the surrounding properties. St James' Grove Improving homes - improving lives (720k)
If you want to find out more about the construction of the Hidden Homes please contact Bob Nunn on 020 8871 6795 or at bnunn@wandsworth.gov.uk You can find more information about how to rent a Hidden Home in Finding a Home or you can contact the Housing Registration Section on 020 8871 6812 or at housingapplications@wandsworth.gov.uk |
Building the new homes - a technical challenge
