Richard O'Hanlon Studio

Richard O’Hanlon Studio is an enthusiastic design led architecture practice, based in Bristol.

We create uplifting and delightful architecture that brings joy to the day-to-day.

We take the time to understand the unique character of a location, whether it’s an open space or an existing building, rural or urban.

We build relationships with the people we work with, to really understand what they need from a project.

Richard O’Hanlon Studio
Spike Island Workspace
133 Cumberland Road
Bristol, BS1 6UX

richard@rohstudio.co.uk
07728 380 733

Calais Kid’s Space
Calais, 2016

In the wake of 2015 European Migrant Crisis, there was a surge in the population of the informal migrant camp in Calais, France. The camp, commonly known as The Jungle, became dangerously overcrowded and living conditions became increasingly intolerable. After a period volunteering with local relief charities, it became clear that there was an urgent need for more spaces dedicated to supporting families and unaccompanied children.

The Calais Kids Space was a crowd-funded and volunteer driven project, co-led by Richard O’Hanlon. Designed as a low-cost high-impact building, the demountable structure could be easily packed up and relocated. Emphasis was put into ensuring the space provided a comfortable atmosphere and dignity, whilst using simple materials. A timber frame structure was clad with translucent polycarbonate and lightweight corrugated roof sheets. In order to minimise costs, off-cuts of insulation and recycled glazing units were obtained from local building sites.