Levitt Bernstein Associates - Mixed Use

Expertise

Welford Centre, Chalkhill, Brent

Details

This competition-winning project brings together a community centre, health centre, offices and housing into one densely planned mixed-use building.

The project is the final element and flagship for the redevelopment of the adjacent Chalkhill Estate undertaken by New Horizons, a consortium led by Metropolitan Housing Trust, London Borough of Brent and George Wimpey Construction Ltd. Levitt Bernstein won a design competition in February 2002.

Levitt Bernstein has carefully woven the 4 different building functions together around a large and airy, shared entrance foyer, which leads to a double height community cafe/exhibition space. This cafe forms a 'heart' for the building and the wider Chalkhill community. The entrance to the building is beneath a large, retained mature horse chestnut tree. The entrance is further animated by circulation ramps at first floor level linking the two halves of the Community Centre exhibition space below and gains day light from three large rooflights running the length of the east wing.

Every residential flat has a balcony with full-height glazed doors allowing residents to use the balcony as an extension of the living room. The flats to the south are orientated to gain natural shading provided by the existing trees and spectacular views towards the new Wembley Stadium.

At a glance

Client: Metropolitan Housing Trust

Construction Value £12m

Completion: 2008

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