Wendle Court, Vauxhall
Wendle Court, Vauxhall
Overview
Set close to Vauxhall’s tube and railway station, Wendle Court provides hostel and communal facilities for up to 50 members of the local homeless community, alongside a separate unit of 124 affordable homes. This is part of a wider mixed-use regeneration scheme undertaken by developer CLS Holdings and approved by Lambeth Council, with the aim of bringing opportunities, employment and additional housing to the local area.
Vobster Architectural collaborated with Henley Stone to provide the masonry elements to the Wendle Court aspect of the scheme, working closely with architect Mountford Pigott LLP and main contractor Neilcott Construction to achieve a functional design, with a touch of elegance. Spandrel units and band courses were incorporated into the buildings, using wet cast stone in a traditional Portland colourway for a classic touch.
Concept to Completion
The new hostel was incorporated into the regeneration scheme - known as Vauxhall Square - to replace Graham House, a former flagship hostel for homeless charity Thames Reach. The building features significantly improved facilities, including an IT suite, a dedicated area for communal activities and access to employment training programmes, to help residents become self-reliant.
In terms of design, the facade materials were chosen with the local vernacular in mind. A red multi brick typical of contemporary and traditional London architecture was used, separated by cast stone band courses to break up the brickwork and add contrast in colour. The additional affordable housing units follow a similar aesthetic, constructed within an adjacent 26-storey tower.
The project has been developed to a high specification and as such, quality materials were required. Wet cast stone was selected for the spandrel units and the band course as a nod to some of the more historic and traditional architecture in nearby Pimlico, elevating the overall aesthetic. Wet cast stone is known for its durability and aptitude to weather well which will help the building to stand the test of time, becoming a perennial pillar of support within the community for years to come.
To learn more about wet cast stone here.
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