Patalab’s sustainable architectural design for Victoria’s new charitable Social Supermarket transforms a commercial unit into an inclusive community hub. Prioritizing reclaimed materials and accessible layouts, this highly resourceful refurbishment delivers a functional, cost-effective space dedicated to tackling local food poverty.
Sector
Cultural & Community
Location
Victoria, London
Date
2024
Client
Shop & Donate
Area
130m2
Status
Completed
Overview axonometric
Shop & Donate: A New Social Supermarket for Victoria
Shop & Donate is a charitable organisation that has been supporting key workers and people in need since the height of the pandemic in March 2020. Led by chief executive Danny Barnes, the charity recently secured a five-year lease for a commercial unit in Victoria. This new space serves as a vibrant community hub, garden cafe, and shop. Through its robust network of partners, the organisation conducts eight collections a week, directly helping 500 people in the local community each week.
Patalab was proud to partner with the charity, volunteering our architectural services to help bring this vital project to life. The project utilises a “Social Supermarket” model, creating a welcoming community space where people can purchase affordable essentials up to 70 per cent cheaper than standard retailers. This approach allows individuals to shop with dignity and remain connected to their community, actively removing the stigma that often surrounds receiving traditional food bank donations.
Entrance Concept
Overview concept axonometric
“I’m incredibly grateful to Patalab for so generously contributing their time and expertise to support our cause. Raquel and Uwe brought not only creativity but genuine care, developing a design that is both clever and joyful, while guiding us with confidence through complex compliance requirements.
Thanks to their support, a long-held dream has become a reality, allowing us to expand what we can offer and make an even greater difference to our community.”
Danny Barnes, CEO of Shop & Donate
Conceptual entrance view
Conceptual seating view
Completed entrance and till area; stocking up the shop in progress
Resourceful Design and Regulatory Compliance
Delivering a high-quality, functional space within an extremely tight timeframe and a stringent budget required highly resourceful design solutions. The 138 square meter refurbishment was completed at an impressively low rate of £360 per square meter, bringing the total project expenditure to just £44,600, supported by a successful Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding application through Westminster City Council.
To achieve this, our design heavily prioritised the use of reclaimed and donated materials. By strategically sourcing reused office furniture, shelving, seating, and appliances, we successfully minimised fit-out costs. Where new installations were necessary, we opted for high-impact, low-cost solutions for the counter space and accessible storage, tied together with exposed electrical channels that give the interior a modern, utilitarian feel.
Navigating the legal framework was a critical component of this rapid turnaround. We worked closely with Building Control to meet stringent fire safety requirements, ensuring the new public space was fully compliant and safe for the community without delaying the strict project schedule.
Completed entrance with low-cost OSB furniture
Completed shelving; stocking up the shop utilising reused containers within low cost OSB framework
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Sustainable and Inclusive Spaces
Beyond addressing food poverty and the massive amounts of food waste currently seen in the UK, the physical design of the hub reflects Shop & Donate’s deep commitment to holistic sustainability. Initiatives like the Social Supermarket are highly beneficial for the local community and great for the environment.
The layout incorporates a community garden and carefully considered co-working areas. Furthermore, the entire space has been designed to be fully wheelchair accessible and child-friendly, ensuring that this community asset is welcoming and inclusive for everyone who walks through its doors.
City of Westminster
Shop & Donate is one several projects Patalab Architects have successfully delivered for private and commercial clients within the City of Westminster over the years. Recently completed projects include Marylebone Mews House, Knightsbridge House, German Embassy Staircase, Princess Square Apartments, 55 Grosvenor Street, and Marconi House.
Completed shop from seating area; stocking up the shop in progress