Outpost’s proposal solves the problem showing a row of gabled buildings surrounding a circular well, which would be left behind after the latticed steel frame of a gasholder had been demolished. The blocks, which appear single height from the exterior, descend down into the pit to provide up to four storeys of affordable housing and studios.
Outpost saw off five shortlisted teams to win the contest: CF Architects, 318 Studio, Max Architects, Wilson Owens Owens Architects, and Jan Verhagen and Priscille Rodriguez of Unit Architects.
"The UK has a well-publicised shortage of affordable housing and somewhat less publicised, but of equal note, shortage of affordable flexible workshops, studios and workspaces in our towns and cities. We saw the opportunity to develop a proposal that addressed these national issues in a simple and economical way," said Outpost.
While there are no immediate plans to realise this particular scheme, Robin Sjoholm told Dezeen the studio would be pursuing the opportunity to adapt decommissioned gasholders.
The contest, organised by RIBA Competitions for British gas and electricity network National Grid, asked architects to develop proposals to regenerate over 100 gasholder sites in the UK. The structures are gradually being taken out of use as technology has improved, allowing gas to be stored in the underground mains network rather than above ground.
The RIBA judging panel selected Outpost's "beautifully simple" mixed-use scheme for its sustainable, modular and cost-effective approach to the shortage of affordable housing and workspaces in the UK.
