13.05.2021

A new community hub for Southmere

A new community hub for Southmere

Durkan Limited are pleased to announce that we successfully handed over Southmere Library to Peabody and Bexley Council, following a close partnership between our project team, architects Bisset Adams, Robinson M&E Engineers, and structural engineers OCSC. 

The library, which forms part of the wider Southmere Village development, is situated on the South Bank of Southmere Lake. The RIBA competition winning design took its inspiration from a resident swan’s nest and involves perforated aluminium back lit panels, dressed over a cantilevered upper level.

The Durkan team, including Project Manager Darren Gwilliams, Site Manager Hemant Patel, Senior Technical Manager Usha Perumal, Technical Coordinator Graeme Carr and commercial lead Amit Tannk were instrumental in making Bisset Adam’s ambitious design possible, using glulam and CLT timber frame to create the design impact and aesthetics required.

This was a first for Durkan and threw up a number of technical and structural challenges relating to fire regulations, M&E services and the cantilevered upper box. Regardless, the project was delivered with finishing and detailing of the highest standard. It is testament to the continued commitment of the team who worked tirelessly to find solutions to any challenges that presented themselves and – needless to say, the client is delighted with the result.

The building is set to play an important part in the regeneration of South Thamesmead, acting as a focal point for community activity. The Bexley Council library is on the ground floor, with the mezzanine and first floor, which are managed by Peabody, providing a flexible community space.

Delivery of the library forms part of a wider contract between Durkan and Peabody for 130 homes, as part of phase 1A of Southmere Village, and a further 404 units in phase 1B due to be handed over in 2022.