West Kent YMCA,

Tunbridge Wells.

The extension and internal refurbishment of Ryder House:

a supported housing facility in the centre of tunbridge wells. 34 flats DESIGN+BUILD.

The proposals are to provide additional accommodation to the two/three storey building, the new works bringing a new lease of life to a tired facility.

Commissioned by YMCAengland a registered social landlord. the building was accredited a BREEAM rating of VERY GOOD.

The existing 1990‘s building is located over a railway tunnel + redevelopment is restricted by any additional loading.

The proposals utilise a lightweight composite timber construction + recycling as many building materials as possible.

The design was developed with close liaison with the tenants + staff of ryder house, with public presentations + community involvement.

Ryder house is sited in an inner city site which required a sensitive response to the needs + rights of adjoining neighbours.

A complex partywall agreement was drawn up including a prolonged negotiation with railtrack.

Rights to light are a particular design constraint in inner city developments, BiM modelling enabled us to develop + demonstrate the most efficient scheme within the complicated restraints of the site.

The building was fully occupied during the eight month construction period, the entire building was encapsulated in a temporary structure whilst the roof was removed and an additional storey was added.

The building work was completed in october 2011 and opened by His Royal Highness,The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO.

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