As part of the preparation for the development work at Filwood Community Centre it’s time to say goodbye to the TAM.
Now you may well ask “what on earth is the TAM?!” but you’ll almost certainly know it – it’s the cute wooden structure on the Marwood Road side of the Centre, next to the gates to our car park.
The TAM, or Transportable Accommodation Module, was designed and built in 2017 by White Design as a show home to demonstrate sustainable building and ability to use small sites.
Initially the structure was used to test out different potential functions, including:
An example of community-led affordable housing;
A prototype home that community members could test out over-night and provide feedback for the development of the project;
Over-night stays for non-locals to showcase Filwood and new approaches to community-led housing.
Airbnb stays for non-locals.
A potential example for shorter-term rent to local person in housing need.
Throughout the project, White Design was committed to involving the community and local people on all aspects of the design, from the structure to the decorative tiles inside. A rental was also paid to Community in Partnership Knowle West, the Charity responsible for running the Filwood Community Centre.
White Design was succeeded by Agile Homes in 2019 and Agile have been managing and running the TAM since then, bringing many people working in Housing to Filwood/Knowle West to see this exciting approach.
Works to the Community Centre, including demolition of the former skittle alley, mean it’s no longer possible for the TAM to be on site and Agile will be moving it soon.
Thank you to everyone who was involved in the design, manufacture and running of the TAM and to Agile's commitment and passion for bringing something innovative to Filwood.