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Emmaus Leeds: The Hope Houses

Part 1 Project 2023
Ben Sharp
University of Leeds Leeds | UK
Emmaus Leeds – The Hope Houses responds to the brief by expanding on the Emmaus community in Leeds. The scheme provides 16 en-suite rooms for those in housing vulnerability, and options for places of work where they can learn new skills and provide to the local area.

By using the Emmaus charity as a client, their aims and objectives for the future helped to drive design decisions. Three main themes are explored:
- The dual function of the scheme (working – residential)
- Commentary on housing in the UK and homelessness
- Environmental impact of the scheme

The site arrangement responds to the first theme, providing vital private space for vulnerable people whilst engaging with the public.

The overturned gable concept displays the second theme, drawing attention to the disruption that those in housing vulnerability face.

Technical treatment responds to the third theme; Glulam timber frame on regular grids provide sensible and lightweight structure, reducing the embodied carbon of the construction material.

Ground Source Heat Pumps, sufficient insulation and Mechanically Ventilated Heat Recovery all reduce the energy consumption for heating and cooling, conscious of the environmental impact of the buildings in usage beyond construction.


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2023
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