“There is a clear and urgent need to address the housing shortage – and Boutique Modern’s ModernHome provides a quick, high-quality solution that is both viable and easily-deliverable”, say Penny Fitzpatrick and David Hughes of Fuse Architects, a RIBA Chartered architectural practice based in London Bridge.

Fuse Architects has been working with us to develop our ModernHome concept and together we have several exciting projects in the pipeline, across London and Eastbourne.

Established in 2016, Fuse Architects has dedicated its 16-person team to delivering social housing projects across London and the South East.

We caught up with Penny and Dave to discuss their thoughts on ModernHome, their design philosophy and the powerful advantages of modular housing.

They also shed light on how ModernHome accelerates project timelines and ensures exceptional quality.

Boutique Modern: Can you give us some background about your business – when was it set up and what do you do?

Fuse: “Fuse Architects was established in 2016 as a merger between MDR Associates (founded by Penny Fitzpatrick) and David Hughes Architects.

“We are 16-person team based in London Bridge, near Borough Market, with a primary focus on delivering social housing across London and the South East. To achieve this, we work alongside a large number of housing providers, as well as multiple modular and Category 2 MMC providers.

“As a RIBA Chartered practice, we undertake all RIBA Stages, with around half of our work concentrated in early design and planning and the other half in construction.

“We are actively involved with a variety of social value and not-for-profit groups, and consistently seek to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), pay equality, and workforce diversity throughout our practice and the wider industry.

“As a proudly a carbon neutral company, we take pride in our commitment to tackling the climate emergency – and have a strong track record of delivering homes that are energy efficient, net-zero compliant and tackle fuel poverty.”

Boutique Modern: You’ve worked closely with us on ModernHome – can you tell us more about your involvement?

Fuse: “We first met Dick and Lucas a few years back, when we began looking at Modular Housing Delivery and Category 1 MMC for the social housing sector. From here and during 2020, we pioneered a survey for housing providers and housing associations that evaluated the requirements of modular design.

“We looked at a few possible modular housing projects with Boutique Modern. When they developed the ModernHome product, we supported them through developing possible internal configurations as well as multiple feasibility studies for a variety of sites.”

Boutique Modern: What do you think of the ModernHome concept? 

Fuse: “There is a clear and urgent need to address the housing shortage – and ModernHome provides a quick, high-quality solution that is both viable and easily-deliverable.

“The speed with which ModernHome can be delivered and installed must not be understated. Given the temporary housing costs paid by councils are astronomical, the quicker we can begin to reduce that burden the better.

“Furthermore, the temporary and relocatable nature of ModernHome enables transitional housing to be provided across a huge number of empty meanwhile use sites, as well as infill sites and excess land that is owned by councils and registered providers in a practical manner.”

Boutique Modern: Can you talk us through how the ModernHome concept has been designed to blend in and enhance neighbourhoods?

Fuse: “ModernHome has been developed with the ability to have a wide variety of façade treatments. This enables designs to better reflect the local context of the neighbourhood and surrounding area.

“When combined with different brick, timber or cladding façades, ModernHome provides a high-quality and contemporary-feeling addition to the architectural style of an area.”

Boutique Modern: How do you think modular housing could help to address the housing shortage in the UK?

Fuse: “Modular housing provides us with two significant advantages over traditional building – speed and quality.

“Not only can modular homes be produced and delivered quicker than traditional brick-built houses; the factory-built environment enables higher quality workmanship with less wastage.

“These factors alone can significantly help address the housing shortage within the immediate term.”

Boutique Modern: What made you decide to partner with us? 

Fuse: “We’ve worked with several modular providers in the past, but Boutique Modern stands above the rest through their innovation and pragmatism.

“Boutique Modern’s energy and enthusiasm about design and delivering high-quality housing is inspiring and they are a real pleasure to work with.”

Boutique Modern: Are there any other projects in the pipeline with us that you would like to mention? 

Fuse: “We’re working alongside Boutique Modern on a number of schemes which address the temporary housing crisis. These include sites in Eastbourne, as well as some exciting areas in London.”

Boutique Modern: What are the core principles of a Fuse Architects design?

Fuse: “Our core principle is to always place people first – and we take every opportunity we can to embed this into our output and culture. We’re constantly thinking about how buildings, spaces and environments affect people, as well as our interactions with one another.

“Ultimately, our designs are grounded in wanting to deliver high quality homes for people.”

Boutique Modern: Where do you look to for inspiration in your designs?

Fuse: “The biggest inspirations for our designs are the people we design for. What do they need to make their lives better, easier or more joyful?

“We also recognise how important the context of an area is. We take great pride in understanding this and considering what we can do to enhance it.”

Boutique Modern: Are there any exciting projects coming up at Fuse Architects you can tell us about.

Fuse: “We’re currently working on a series of Net Zero Carbon schemes, including our first flatted fully-Net Zero Carbon social housing site in Barnfield Road, Greenwich.

“This site includes a community centre and is part of the Greenwich Builds portfolio. It’s a great example of our design approach and is due for completion early next year. We’re also working closely with Hyde Housing on two central London sites, which are both Net Zero Carbon and for social rent.”

Boutique Modern: How do you ensure that your projects are environmentally sustainable and socially sustainable?

Fuse: “We work incredibly hard to achieve this. As a carbon neutral practice, we have been at the forefront of sustainable and Net Zero Carbon delivery and we are proud to see families benefitting from our design and delivery, that genuinely tackles fuel poverty.”

Boutique Modern: What makes Fuse Architects special? 

Fuse: “I believe it’s our unrelenting focus on people that makes us special. From our own people through to the people we deliver our homes for, we fundamentally recognise them as a core value in everything we do.

“We add onto this a non-architect approach that avoids jargonistic terminology that is hard to understand. After all, most of our clients and end users are not architects.”

Boutique Modern: Can you tell us about some of your favourite projects you’ve worked on at Fuse Architects? 

Fuse: “Our favourite projects would include our social housing Net Zero Carbon schemes, such as The Underwood in Greenwich. Despite being completed back in 2019, this award-winning scheme still looks and feels good, and the tenants there still praise the Net Zero Carbon technology and design.

“Another project would be Flintmill Crescent in Greenwich. This was another Net Zero Carbon scheme in a small garage infill and provided some much-needed wheelchair-adapted social housing. We also love Barnfield in Greenwich, which is flatted social housing that is Net Zero Carbon and with community space.

“Looking ahead, we’re currently working on more Net Zero Carbon social housing projects with Hyde Housing in Kennington, including eight flats and a community centre next to The Oval Cricket Ground. We’ve worked really hard with local residents and stakeholders to deliver this project and are super proud of the design. This scheme is currently in planning, but work is due to start on the site in mid-2025.”

For more information please visit: www.boutiquemodern.co.uk/modernhome