Newground Architects has completed a build-for-rent scheme as part of the redevelopment of The Old Vinyl Factory site in Hayes, west London

Buildings.

Photos
Jack Hobhouse

Designed by Newground Architects, Material Store is a 189-dwelling, build-for-rent scheme that forms part of the redevelopment of The Old Vinyl Factory site in Hayes, west London – once home of the EMI record pressing plant.

Buildings.

The project specifically addresses a shortage in family rental accommodation with a series of three-storey, three-bedroom town houses. Conceived as a modern interpretation of the vernacular terrace, they feature sunken front areas and steps up from the street to individual front doors. Car parking is concealed in the centre of the plan centre, encouraging active street frontages. Brick facades and large balconies are intended to provide a distinctive identity and familiar London street feel.

Upper ground, podium and typical upper floor plans; section

At the rear of the houses is an undulating lawn planted with beech trees and framed by the four warehouse-style residential blocks. “Since Material Store occupies 100 per cent of its site area, it was important to landscape all the roof areas and to design the roof gardens and terraces in such a way that residents would come across them as part of their daily journeys through the building”, explains the architect. “Any small roof areas inaccessible to residents, such as lift overruns, are planted for bird and insect habitats to increase biodiversity.”

Buildings.

Different types of brick facade screen not only provide relief, visual interest and a distinctive identity to the strong massing, but also prevent overlooking of the neighbouring Boiler House building. This ensures privacy for the windows on the internal elevations between blocks. It also protects against overheating by diffusing the daylight and allowing natural light and fresh air to permeate the rooms.

Additional Images

Credits

Architect
Newground Architects
Structural engineer
Ramboll (Stages 1-3), Manhire Associates
(Stages 4-5)
Services engineer
Max Fordham (client), Gloster MEP (contractor)
Quantity surveyor
Faithful + Gould

Bricks
Michelmersh Brick Holdings
GRC masonry trims
Pura Facades
Architectural metalwork
Datum Group
Main conractor
Interserve