The London Society has been looking into the housing crisis and exploring the multitude of different ways that we can reduce the burden on the capital. We were invited by our friends at the Building Centre to visit the installation of a module in their crescent as part of the New Homes in New Ways exhibition. Designed by RCKa and developed and built by Rollalong and Wates in just over 70 days, the module aims to demonstrate the art of the possible in creating alternative solutions to the temporary accommodation crisis by delivering homes when they’re needed, where they’re needed. Walking from Shelter’s cramped hotel room, step inside a home for the meantime and experience the benefits of a safe, warm, self-contained home that could support families in their local areas.

London is at the centre of a national housing emergency. Every day, councils across the city spend over £4 million on temporary accommodation for families in need. Over 117,000 households are living in precarious conditions, with children growing up in uncertainty. Wates and Rollalong asked themselves if they could design, build, and install a fully compliant, high-quality home in just 70 days? Not in theory, not in a factory, but in a real-world setting, ready for people to move in.

The result is a fully fitted two-bedroom home, complete with a modern kitchen, comfortable living space, and a well-thought-out layout designed for real families. High ceilings, smart storage solutions, and energy-efficient features make this home a dignified and sustainable solution for those in need. This isn’t just a one-off demonstration. Modular housing has the potential to transform how we tackle homelessness and the temporary housing crisis. These homes can be deployed on available land, then relocated and reused elsewhere. They are fast, cost-effective, and built to the highest standards.

You can find out more here.