Using a whole systems approach to transform transitional homes

This blog is our summary and key takeaways from  Session 6 from the New Homes in New Ways Summit, hosted by Wates. Watch the Summit on our YouTube channel.

How can better quality temporary accommodation provide a quality alternative to hotels and hostels?

This panel was chaired by regeneration expert Rumi Bose, and included Darren Alexander, Assistant Director of Housing Demand at the London Borough of Havering, Hugh Jeffrey, Regional Development Director for Wates Group, Mike De’Ath, Partner at HTA Design LLP and Paul Jones, Director at Rollalong.

The discussion was framed within the context of a collaboration between development and building company Wates, modular supplier Rollalong, and the London Borough of Havering, who have recently submitted a planning application for 18 ‘meanwhile’ temporary use modular homes, planned for land that will eventually form the final phase of a wider regeneration scheme. This is a live pathfinder project with will not only provide homes for 18 families but create confidence in the model that can then be replicated and scaled.

Lesson learnt so far

The project hasn’t reached completion, but a common theme was the need for a whole-systems approach, where success is measured by advocacy for the occupant. Panellists agreed that placemaking matters – even for transitional homes, the goal is to create a place where people can thrive.

Hugh explained that he and Darren spent a lot of time consulting with residents, not only those that might be impacted by the external building, but the people that are in Temporary Accommodation, to find out what they need from the scheme. Hugh noted that key to success are manufacturers that understood the temporary use and can ensure quality in the long term, and a local authority that can help them ensure that their need for housing is being met in an environmentally and economically sustainable way.

What’s still needed

Darren emphasised that Havering, like all London boroughs, is in a housing emergency, and as such, strong leadership is needed to address it.

Paul said the MMC market is ready, but the consistent demand is missing. Mike added that we need a productivity ecosystem that MMC can sit in, because there are still multiple hurdles in the process.

Panellists emphasised the importance of relationships, trust, and collaboration among stakeholders, including local authorities, developers, and community members. It was evident from this panel conversation, and the demonstrator home installed specifically for this Summit (watch the timelapse), that this ecosystem already exists and could support a rapid response.

This conversation was a great reminder we not only have to act now, but that we are ready to!

Understanding ‘temporality’

Central to the conversation about thoughtful solutions for transitional housing in the current emergency, was a strategic and realistic understanding of ‘temporality’. Specifically, the panellists emphasised the need to:  

• Avoid the unsettling use of the term ‘temporary’, particularly regarding an individual/family’s home. 

• The provision of quality homes and places that realistically children may grow up in. 

• Proportionate planning requirements suited to the urgency of the response and anticipated length of the proposed use, with provision for this to be extended. 

• Installing modular homes built to last, robust for living and relocation, and reusable as permanent homes at the end of their temporary-tenure.  

• Taking ‘meanwhile’ opportunities in a mindful and timely manner, with a focus on community engagement and realising win-win benefits within a time-bounded period.  

• Optimising necessary interventions e.g. groundworks and site infrastructure, to either tread lightly, or suit the long-term redevelopment.  

• Deploying homes as part of strategic multi-site programmes, which create options for future relocation (including to meet alternative future housing needs).  

• Careful consideration of scale when creating new communities, with mind to preserving continuity for emergent supportive social networks. 

And crucially, that we must not let the focus on transitional housing as a necessary and good short-term solution, mean we neglect the widespread delivery of permanent social rent homes as the long-term solution to the housing crisis.  

Do check out Wates’ new digital playbook ‘A way back home: Rapid response housing for communities in need’ for more information.