Harmondsworth Immigration Detention Centre

The design requirement was to create a 550 bed facility which takes into account the ethnic, cultural and religious aspects of environments for men, women and family communities from the widest range of backgrounds and origins.

The facades are modern and non-threatening, with the use of varied materials and textures to minimise the potential for a monolithic and heavy traditional construction which is normally associated with historical detention centres.

The interior finishes offer a more domestic feel with the use of carpet fabric, curtain and non-threatening calming colour schemes with areas especially designed for family communities and children's play. The overall design and layout has proven its flexibility since its completion in 2001. As needs have changed HLM has been continuously involved with the site, with the addition of sprinklers during the construction phase, additional security measures in 2005, when its designation changed from a Detention Centre to a Removal Centre and the demolition and rebuild of two accommodation wings, and reconfiguration of Reception and Discharge in 2009, while the remainder of the facility stayed operational.

The project received a BREEAM Award.