Hackney Night Shelter

In 2022, Pilbrow & Partners partnered with Hackney Night Shelter (HNS) to transform the ground floor of a long-vacant office building into a safe, functional, and welcoming homeless shelter for up to 30 guests.

It was immediately clear that the space required significant renovation. Mark, a key figure at HNS, was quick to rally a team to coordinate and lead the transformation. With a tight timeline and high stakes - the first guests were due to arrive in mid-January 2023 - the project required both urgency and ingenuity. Fresh from a studio trip to Barcelona, our team had been inspired by ‘Zero Flat’, a pioneering initiative by Daniel Cid and Arrels Fundació. That project demonstrated how thoughtful design could positively impact those experiencing severe destitution and addiction. Energised by this experience, we returned to London determined to contribute to similar efforts closer to home.

Working alongside a small group of consultants, suppliers, and contractors - all of whom generously donated their time and resources - we collaborated with HNS and its incredible volunteer network to bring the space to life. Mace, our partner on the Edge London Bridge project, connected us with skilled subcontractors in electrical, MEP, and washroom installation, who played a crucial role in the renovation. We also teamed up with creative communications agency Zetteler, who helped secure donations of furniture and equipment from a network of ‘friendly’ suppliers. David Grandorge and his Unit 7 architectural students at London Metropolitan University contributed their skills in carpentry and construction, helping to create new openings that introduced natural light into bedrooms and connected the interiors with the central courtyard. The existing building came with its quirks. While cutting through the internal wall linings, we uncovered a metal mesh - part of a Faraday cage - a remnant from when the room had been used for police interviews, designed to block wireless communication. It was a fascinating reminder that working with existing structures is always full of surprises.

Thanks to the dedication of the entire team, the formerly bleak space has been transformed into an environment that is uplifting, calm, and secure. The shelter now meets all of HNS’s operational needs, offering not just refuge but also a pathway out of homelessness for its guests. Although initially granted only a six-month lease, the shelter is now fully open and operational, and we are incredibly proud to have played a role in its creation.

“It would be super if our project could be instrumental in encouraging other local authorities to follow suit. There is a huge need for short-term emergency accommodation for homeless people across London and there is a significant number of temporarily unused buildings, often owned by local authorities, which could be used in this way”.
Mark Palframan Director, Hackney Doorways