Bluebird

by SKArchitects

Client HARP (Homeless Action Resource Project)

Awards RIBA East Award 2024, RIBA East Client of the Year 2024, and RIBA East Sustainability Award 2024 (sponsored by Autodesk), and shortlisted for the Stephen Lawrence Prize 2024.

Bluebird is a project which brought a sense of joy to all members of the jury. This was coupled with deep admiration for the ambition and perseverance of a client and architect delivering a project of real social value, to the highest levels of sustainability and within the constraints of a limited budget.

The scheme, for Southend-on-Sea charity HARP (Homeless Action Resource Project), provides 50 rooms for homeless people, together with communal facilities, as a step towards returning them to independent living. Its main new-build element is Passivhaus certified – a first for the client, architect, and contractor.

Embracing the design and construction implications of Passivhaus has paid dividends in terms of the evident quality of the internal environment and reduced running costs for the charity, enabling it to extend its services. For its residents it has created a place of quiet dignity, joyfulness, and charm.

Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal

Contractors AW Hardy & Co

Environmental / M&E Engineer Max Fordham

Structural Engineer HJ Structural Engineers

Passivhaus Designer WARM

Passivhaus Certifier Etude

Energy Assessor One Energy Consulting

Ceramicist and Community Artist Hanman-Murphy Studios

Civil Engineer HJ Structural Engineers

Project Management Gillies Consulting

Gross internal area in m² 988