From Assemble: “Yardhouse is an affordable workspace building based in Sugarhouse Yard, funded by the LLDC as a pilot for the provision of new creative workspace in the Olympic Park.

The layout of the building reflects an aspiration to create a sociable and collaborative work environment. The building is arranged as a simple 2 storey, 3 aisled structure. The side aisles are used as individual studio spaces, and open onto a generous double height communal area. Studios are provided without partitions, but tenants are free to adapt their space to suit their practice, combining adjacent units or enclosing their space for greater privacy.

The main structure is formed from a barn-like timber frame and enclosed by insulated panels. The front facade facing onto the Sugarhouse Yard is made from concrete tiles handmade on site. The unlikely scale, intricacy and beauty of this frontage creates an active backdrop for the public yard onto which it faces.

Through utilizing off the shelf materials and taking an extremely economic approach to construction, the project provides the generous scale, light quality and ceiling heights appropriate for creative uses at a fraction of the cost of a conventional new build. Constructed for only £291/m2, the project presents extraordinary value for money and guarantees the spaces provided can be affordably let to its end users. The building was fully let prior to completion, oversubscribed with 10 applicants for every space.”