PUP architects erects 2017 antepavilion atop an east london warehouse

PUP architects has erected a temporary structure clad in reversible tetra-pak shingles atop a complex of artists’ studios on a canal in east london. the design of the ‘antepavilion’ exploits existing UK building legislation, which allows mechanical rooftop equipment to be installed without planning permission. titled ‘H-VAC’, the project suggests that if dwellings could be disguised as air conditioning infrastructure, thousands of pop-up micro dwellings could be built across the city.

all images by jim stephenson / video by tapio snellman

the scheme, which is the the first in an annual series of experimental structures to be built at hoxton docks, was selected from 128 proposals in a competition organized by the architecture foundation and sponsored by property development company, shiva. the competition brief called for proposals that explored alternative ways of urban living and engaged with issues such as sustainability and recycling. the winning project was designed and built by PUP architects with the assistance of carpenters, volunteers, and technical support from structural engineers, AKTii.

the ‘antepavilion’ exploits legislation that allows mechanical rooftop equipment to be installed

visitors can access the rooftop retreat via a hung stair without having to go outdoors. inside, the pavilion includes a small room with two benches designed to accommodate up to six people at a time. the structure is clad with re-purposed tetra-pak shingles, which have been folded in on themselves to protect the cut edges from delaminating when wet and exposing the waterproof foil. the ‘antepavilion’ will be open to the public on september 16-17, 2017, as part of london’s open house weekend.

the structure is clad in reversible tetra-pak shingles

‘while permitted development exists for large scale infrastructural roof installations, little challenge has been made for other viable and productive uses for rooftops,’ says PUP architects. ‘by subverting the form of the permitted and giving it a non-standard use, we hope to bring into question this order of priorities. we envisage this pavilion as a prototype for the guerilla habitation of london’s roofspace producing a landscape of rooftop structures akin to new york’s famous city water towers.’

the pavilion takes on a surprisingly sculptural form

‘supporting emerging practices has always been central to the architecture foundation’s mission so we were delighted that shiva invited us to help formulate the first antepavilion competition,’ adds ellis woodman, director of the architecture foundation. ‘we are looking forward to the annual commission developing into a significant event in the architectural calendar and an important stepping stone for a generation of emerging architects.’

the scheme sits atop a complex of artists’ studios on a canal in east london