Designing Homes for the social benefit of all

APEC applies its end user-led design approach to its housing projects, and we have particular experience in designing special purpose and community-led schemes.

As with all of our projects, APEC begins by placing considerable importance on the feasibility study stage, exploring options strategically and collaboratively with key stakeholders. This includes careful co-design of the engagement process with client groups to ensure it is inclusive and accessible, yet with an extra degree of sensitivity to reflect the reality that potential end-users consultees are unlikely to be guaranteed a house. It is therefore often more appropriate to engage with types of users, rather than specific people.

 

Our skills are particularly well-suited to schemes where a high degree of empathy is required to gain a deep understanding of residents’ needs. For example, APEC has designed emergency accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse, supported accommodation for women with multiple and complex needs, for refugees and care leavers. Many of these schemes need to delicately balance the need for safety and security with the potential for residents to feel part of a community and connect with one another; many schemes have been designed with on-site support services and shared facilities, as well as access to employment and training.

 

Our approach is community-led too. Most housing schemes we work on are within established residential neighbourhoods and it’s critical for schemes to respond to the local area through outward looking design that has the ability to contribute to, or provide facilities for the wider community.

 

Some examples of our special purpose and social housing schemes…

St Paul’s Community-Led Housing

Bringing much-needed community-led family housing to Balsall Heath

Client
St Paul’s Community Development Trust
Location
Balsall Heath, Birmingham
RIBA Work Stage
0-2
Role
  • Architect

Dawn House

Uplifting new accommodation for pioneering women’s centre
Client
Anawim
Location
Birmingham
Year Completed
2016
RIBA Work Stage
0-6
Role
  • Project Lead
  • Architect
  • Principal Designer
  • Contract Administrator
Awards & Mentions
  • MacEwen Award 2018 | Special Mention & Shortlisted
  • RIBA Journal | ‘Flexible Haven‘ February 2018

Hestia House

Ex-offenders renovate a vacant office block into studios for care leavers

Client
Midlands Together CIC
Location
Hamstead, Birmingham
Year Completed
2015 – upper floors and ground floor shell

2017 – ground floor client-led fit out

RIBA Work Stage
0-6
Role
  • Project Lead
  • Architect
  • Contract Administrator

Stepping Stones

New Listening Hub and ‘Move-on’ Accommodation
Client
Undisclosed
Location
Birmingham
Year Completed
2019 – planning approval granted

2019 – first phase completed

RIBA Work Stage
0-6
Role
  • Project Lead
  • Architect
Brief Description

Redevelopment of an existing building to create a ‘live, work and heal hub’ providing accommodation, employment opportunities and support for some of the most vulnerable people in the local community.