The Fairings
The Fairings, Hersham, Surrey: remodelling sheltered housing
for Rosemary Simmons MHA
Key Facts:
16 s/c flats 43 sq m
Floor area 940 sq m
Site area 0.24 Ha
Site cover 17%
Density 54 hra
JCT IFC 84 contract
The project involved remodelling a 1960′s scheme of 20 bedsits which had become difficult to let due to rising standards of other accommodation available locally.
The design is a sensitive response to local planning issues allowing the building to be enlarged with minimum impact on the surrounding large residential properties. By repitching the roof, forming an extra floor and constructing extensions at the rear of the building, the scheme was redesigned as 16 one bedroom flats.
Archadia’s carefully thought out design solution enabled the front elevations to remain largely unchanged.
This retained the existing streetscape, minimising planning difficulties while sensitive design at the rear allowed the previously inadequate bedsits to be replaced by the same number of attractive one bedroomed flats. A manager’s office has been provided for the first time, situated next to the front entrance.
A popular improvement has been the relocation of the common room to the ground floor. It now looks onto the garden while removal of some internal walls has allowed clear views from it to the main entrance. Its new position and aspect has been successful in encouraging greater use.