PRP modular apartment design

PRP Architects, has unveiled a revolutionary new design concept behind a 35 m2 single aspect narrow frontage flat, created specifically for Notting Hill Housing (NH). The design concept was unveiled at Notting Hill Housing's 'Love Where You Live' launch and is one of five new products the housing association is offering as part of its new campaign to make home ownership affordable to many more people in London. The compact flats illustrate how a range of stylish apartments can be built for first time buyers, including graduates, key workers or individuals, who might otherwise be unable to afford to buy a property in central city locations.

These compact apartments, with frontages and areas of less than 70% of average one bedroom flats, will be built using modern methods of construction and be highly flexible in terms of space.

Ingrid Reynolds, Director of Development and New Business for the Notting Hill Housing, says: 'Location, space and cost are the key issues for people looking to live and work in inner cities'.

'We wanted to find new ways to provide more housing which is attractive and suitable for urban life'.

'We took our inspiration from the Isokon, which was designed as a 'machine for living' in the 1930s and has since become a Modernist classic'.

Ziba Adrangi, Associate Director and project architect at PRP, says: 'We believe our compact flat design is unique'.

'Despite a single aspect and narrow frontage, it provides separate living and sleeping rooms which both have generous windows for natural light and ventilation'.

'Previous designs were unable to offer this'.

'We took some of our ideas from the design of cars like the SMART car, which takes a basic chassis but offers a myriad of variations in terms of appearance and accessories'.

The PRP flats are designed around basic principles that include:.

* narrow frontage to maximise use of limited land to increase affordability.

* deep plan to maximise space availability per given frontage.

* integral balcony for every flat.

* flexible internal layout to create feeling of space.

* simple, attractive, integrated storage and furniture to maximise use of space.

* stylish and robust finishes.

The plan depth of the one-bedroom flat is the common 'chassis' for the PRP range, which includes a studio, a two-bedroom flat and a two-bedroom duplex, amongst others.

It also explores a number of options for block layouts to suit different contexts and create opportunities for different massing and treatments for elevation.

Specification and colour for external materials and internal fittings and finishes provide scope for verity and choice.

Modern methods of construction and options for prefabrication are being considered, including a proprietary structural steel frame system for buildings up to about six storeys high.

Concrete or a mix of concrete and steel frames will be used for taller buildings.

External frames will be clad in prefabricated panels finished in materials ranging from metric brick slips to timber, metal and mosaics.

Modular bathrooms pods, kitchens and built-in furniture, specially developed for the projects, will create more space saving standards.

Throughout the design process PRP has been working closely with Willmott Dixon to research and identify innovative and affordable design solutions.

This has provided NH with cost certainty and confidence that the project can be delivered to the required budget and timetable.

Energy reducing features include triple glazed windows, ground heat pumps and roof mounted solar thermal panels.

Communal heating helps create more space by eliminating boilers and radiators and wind turbines are also being considered for electricity generation.

Ingrid Reynolds adds: 'We see PRP's design as an extremely feasible and attractive option for providing affordable homes in London'.

'We are really excited by the possibilities and have already identified several London sites to put the designs into practice.' Ziba Adrangi, concludes: 'We believe our compact flat design will get people to think differently about how to use space more effectively'.

'Planning how small spaces can and should be used is critical to creating a successful compact flat'.