Poplar Baths — Ian Chalk Architects

Existing Process Models Drawings Images Credits

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The Poplar Baths building is a distinctive Art Deco landmark that had stood derelict in its East London neighbourhood for over 20 years.

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In 2010, London Borough of Tower Hamlets approached Orms to undertake feasibility work to explore the potential for bringing the building back into public use.

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Originally undertaken as part of the Orms team, the project progressed with Ian Chalk Architects in a consultancy role when the studio was set up in 2014.

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The listed 1930s bathhouse needed significant repairs and extensions to enable it to resume its status as an important community facility with added leisure uses.

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Our role involved developing and agreeing key strategic and planning principles with the council’s development team, associated departments and English Heritage.

Key moves included retaining the main pool structure and principle volume, as well as refurbishing the second structure's frontage and significant spatial elements including the bath and boiler houses.

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Photo of three balustrade elements from the existing building

Poplar Baths Leisure Centre re-opened its doors in 2016, providing local residents with a new swimming pool, gymnasium, sports hall and other recreational facilities.

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Delivered by Pringle Richards Sharratt, the design went on to win a Civic Trust Award, a Historic England Angel Award and an NLA Conservation & Retrofit Award.

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Axonometric drawing showing project's various structural elements coming together

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Client

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Location

London, Poplar

Services

Peter Deer Associates

Delivery Architect

Pringle Richard Sharratt

Structure

PEP Civil & Structures

Contractor

Guildmore

Photography

courtesy of PRS Architects

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