# Assemble transforms former dairy warehouses into community hub Historic warehouses in London repurposed into a modern community center. - **Source:** [Architecture news and projects | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/50c21201-9cc6-48e0-8a7c-6ea605af10c3) - **Published:** 2026-07-21 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/855d9343-8677-4943-ae13-45ab7f092ea8 ## Project purpose Assemble converted former dairy warehouses in Dagenham, London, into a multi-purpose community center for LifeLine Church and a local charity. The project aimed to consolidate scattered community activities under one roof. ## Preservation of historic warehouses The warehouses, built under the 1919 Addison Housing Act, were renovated while preserving their historic character. Assemble chose to retain the existing structure to reduce the carbon footprint. ## Architectural details The original steel trusses and brick arches of the warehouses were preserved and restored. Handmade bricks were used to repair damaged sections, emphasizing the industrial heritage. ## Flexible design The community center hosts various activities during the week and serves as a 300-seat church on Sundays. The main hall includes flexible elements like a baptistery concealed beneath removable lids. ## Energy efficiency Assemble improved the thermal and acoustic performance of the warehouses by installing breathable internal insulation, underfloor heating, and natural ventilation chimneys. ## Community impact The project consolidated community activities in Dagenham into a single, accessible hub for residents. Preserving historic structures also contributed to the urban heritage. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/07/21/lifeline-community-centre-assemble/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._