Beyond Boundaries

Date: 2020

(Shortlisted)

Innovative, flexible and communal housing for an ageing population.

Concept (Images and Text): JA Projects and Studio Weave

Our relationship with our immediate surroundings has never been more influential. Whilst the circles in which we move, live and work have significantly shrunk, the importance of our health is paramount. Now, more than ever, our homes, blocks and streets are integral in building a sense of freedom, instilling a sense of place and improving our well-being.

Beyond Boundaries, a collaborative proposal for the London Borough of Enfield, looks beyond intergenerational housing towards intergenerational neighbourhoods that have the capacity to reshape both physical and social boundaries. In order to cultivate a neighbourhood built upon sustainable and supportive social relationships, our proposal sits across three scales: Intergenerational Homes, Intergenerational Blocks and Intergenerational Streets. The result is a holistic vision that offers flexibility and security throughout our everyday experiences - responding to the changing needs of all generations. Importantly our innovations sit within the housing design constraints of today providing solutions that are deployable tomorrow.

Intergenerational Homes

Our proposal recognises that immediate families are constantly evolving and that our homes need to reflect this dynamism. Current housing design does not offer the flexibility and freedom new generations are seeking from their homes. Historically, any significant change in circumstance – for instance, the addition of new family members – would require moving home all together, meaning a departure from a place of comfort and security. Within the London Design Guide, there is a failure to cater to family units to grow and/or shrink over time. By re-designing the existing Meridian Water masterplan with a sense of freedom in mind, we propose efficient and accessible homes that can adapt, grow and/or contract. Neighbouring units can be joined, combined or swapped to provide a range of deliverable configurations including shared living rooms, additional bedrooms, offices or spaces to care.

Intergenerational Blocks

Isolated housing offers often lead to to poor physical and mental health, exacerbating issues of loneliness, isolation or overcrowding. Our proposal organises domestic units into small, communal clusters that strengthen relationships with neighbours and families. Through the collaborative management of shared spaces, opportunities for social exchange and responsibility are increased. Generous outdoor decks are enlivened with play, rest and gossip.

Intergenerational Streets

Trustworthy, local and independent businesses play a significant part in successful neighbourhoods. In this respect, our proposal connects first floor residential units to ground floor business spaces, promoting local economies, and in-turn, creating resilient streets built upon neighbourliness. This vertical connection of units makes residents custodians of the public realm, producing secure and dynamic streets that are familiar and inclusive.

Beyond Boundaries puts forward a model of intergenerational housing that supports the domestic, work and cultural life of communities. Whether a grandmother, entrepreneur or avid gardener, aged six or eighty-six, Beyond Boundaries offers inclusive and flexible spaces for all.