The Foyer, Wolverhampton

Year: 2003
Client: Heantun Housing Association / Wolverhampton City Council

The Foyer is a mixed use residential and educational development that combines contemporary design with the re-use of existing buildings. The project provides affordable housing accommodation for young people between the ages of 16 and 25 together with education and training facilities that are also available for wider adult educational use.

A dramatic glazed atrium connects the new accommodation with two existing buildings, which have been converted to provide teaching facilities and a café.

Internal bridges within the atrium link the two areas to a glazed lift.

The residential accommodation is provided in two linked blocks, a curved block that follows the street line and a two storey block located above a ground floor IT suite. Together these elements define two courtyards, one for public use and the other for the private use of the residents.

The curved elevation of the street facade features a two storey high foil of pre-patinated copper. The residential units are grouped in pairs either side of naturally lit staircases to help create areas of defined ownership.

Overall the scheme has been designed to promote an attractive, safe and secure environment for studying and working.

The scheme won a commendation in the Wolverhampton Environmental Awards 2004