Leeds - Quarry Hill Flats Terrain

Last crawled date: 1 year ago

Early 20th c Leeds had more slums than most This paved way for controversal / highly innovative Quarry Hill Flats (QHF) then largest social housing complex in europe QHF drew on best european ideas Karl Marx Hof, housing scheme in Vienna + high rise estate Drancy / France built using steel frame / concrete 'Mopin system' concept by Eugene Mopin, provided inspiration Final QHF scheme by chief architect R.A.H Livett consisted of 968 2 to 5 bedrrom flats accomodating some 3K people Construction began - 1935 by Tarran Industries of Hull Booths of Manchester - frame Latter designed by Mopin himself First flats ready - 1938 Early on QHF world famous for innovative design Sheer size dominated Leeds sky line and became source of civic pride to locals After war QHF didnt function as hoped socially Council gave up Early 60's detailed structure inspection gave alarming results - Steel frame corroded Repairs included replacing concrete wall units with cement render coated mesh giving more unified appearance Early 70's, need update + move for traditional housing led to demolition Huge task took 3 years starting in 75. By 78 entire complex swept away just 40 years after completion QHF had fans / critics Some felt never got development / chance deserved But for 40 years it provided warm dry accomodation to thousands at a time when these things couldnt always be taken for granted Model depicts flats in early 70's with later rendered walls #Flats #Hill #Hof #Karl #Leeds #Livett #Marx #Mopin #Quarry #UK #Yorkshire