Adam Knibb Architects The Dolphin 33 St. Thomas Street Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9HJ www.adamknibbarchitects.com E: mail@adamknibbarchitects.com Tel: +44 (0) 1962 680221
P O R T F O L I O
Who We Are
Adam Knibb Architects is a young, vibrant firm, recently recognised at national scale after being shortlisted for several prestigious awards over the past 5 years. Adam Knibb Architects has been established out of a desire to produce, design, rationalise and deliver architecture that would enhance the ideas and aspirations of each client.
Adam has always aspired to create a practice of his own to design contemporary sustainable architecture. Having gained wide experience in the field, the practice has been developed to produce architecture that can respond to individual requirements and sites, whilst focusing on contemporary sculptured form backed up with sustainable technology. Developed from various backgrounds the practice uses simple materials to craft buildings from its tectonic origins into grand elements.
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Approach
The work of the practice is underpinned by a strong conviction in the creative design process. Our strength lies in our ability to apply a systematic design process. Our approach is inclusive with all parties creating a distinct dialogue with clients, consultants, contractors and councils. As a team here at Adam Knibb Architects we like to find a narrative between design & site as we believe this enhances the project as a whole.
Process
Our team has been crafted and chosen carefully, ensuring we have the right combination of skills to deliver exciting projects tailored for each individual client. Every project brings its own set of challenges, which in turn helps to inform and enhance the design process. Materiality, form and the surrounding context all play an important role in shaping the practice’s work. From the initial concept through to technical design, Adam Knibb Architects strive to create high quality architecture that is tailored to each client’s unique requirements.
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Outcome
Adam Knibb Architects are passionate about creating unique and captivating architecture at all scales, from extending existing properties to designing schemes for new buildings. As an award winning practice, our portfolio displays a wide range of work covering many different scales and contexts. An example of these can be seen on the following pages, where we have assembled a collection of projects that are both completed and currently going through the design process.
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HURDLE HOUSE, ALRESFORD Hurdle House had much history within the village, having been part of the original sheep fairs back in 1792. We approached the scheme with the aim to set the works into the surrounding nature, provide natural light, harness the fantastic views and provide a social heart to the house for the family. Working with the Winchester Conservation department, it was agree that the rear bay window could be removed and provide the linking element to the next extension. A frameless glass link has been utilised so to touch the existing building light and lead from the old to the new. The extension is proposed to house a large open plan kitchen, dining area,
james morris
casual seating with utility / WC and study attached. A major aim of the project was to increase the excitement when entering the property. A new main entrance will bring you directly into the new works, whilst giving off views directly down the garden. With large glass apertures, the natural surroundings of the property are brought into the house. Vertical timber cladding has been used to mimic the surrounding trees and provide a contemporary contrast to the existing building which clearly shows that this work is ‘of this time’.
Status:
Completed in 2016
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CROWSPORT, HAMBLE-LE-RICE
The existing building is Bauhaus in style, typical of the neighbourhood and sits on the position of the original “Master House” of the Crowsport estate. The building sits on an east west axis and directly overlooks the River Hamble. Due to its orientation, the garden receives sunlight throughout the morning to early afternoon. The rear garden is landscaped and provides views across the river. The proposal is to utilise the existing materials of white render and glazing but modernise the external aesthetics while using the extensions to create a beautiful contemporary building with increased natural daylight. The addition of accents of grey slate will be used to define aspects of the elevations while allowing the property to be
read in conjunction with neighbouring properties by matching their material palette. The work itself will include ground floor and first floor extensions as well as a comprehensive internal remodel allowing the clients to create a home for themselves which meets their requirements and promotes a modern lifestyle with open plan areas for the kitchen and living spaces and creation of additional bedrooms and bathrooms. The master bedroom with a study and casual seating area will be located on the first floor as this will allow perfect views across the river and create a quiet and relaxed space. Status:
Currently on Site
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nu ma
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EVERTON ROAD, HURDLE
Having reviewed the existing site, history and surrounding buildings there is a strong farming past to the area. The proximity of a large neighbouring barn lead us to design a building which took a contemporary stance on a traditional form. The materials proposed make reference to the existing agricultural buildings. Timber slats are orientated to represent traditional barns and along with a more poetic contemporary idea that they mimic the surrounding trees. Dormers, clad in grey fibre cement panels, extrude from the dwelling’s timber clad roof. Keeping a long low simple structure allowed us to place the new dwelling close to the neighbouring building.
Mirroring this element we have ensured that the plan is smaller and less imposing than its neighbour. Minimising the height of the proposal also ensured that overlooking and impact to the surrounding neighbours was negated. Being a contemporary new dwelling the clients are keen to use the latest sustainable and ecological technologies. Solar panels (on the garage roof) and a ground source heat pump will help keep the energy usage to a minimum. A sedum roof has been designed to minimise the impact of the garage roof - acting as an extension to the garden when viewed from first floor level. Status:
Currently in Planning
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MEWS HOUSE, KENSINGTON
The architectural and structural design process involved a complete dismantling of the interior, stripping out all floors and walls to accommodate the new internal layouts. Bespoke Crittall windows and doors break up interior spaces. They also frame an internal courtyard in the basement extension, which is centred around an old olive tree that has been planted at the base of a double-height light well. Views onto the courtyard can be seen from the cinema room and spa. The spa includes two-way glass for privacy. When clear, the view looks out to the courtyard. Floor-to-ceiling glazing maximizes on light. A key feature of the interior design is a bespoke kitchen with brass detailing, lighting and handmade, quilted upholstery.
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NO. 40, CHELSEA
The elegant, functional kitchen complement the refined industrial aesthetic. Positioned on a polished concrete floor, the units are a textured veneer with marble work surfaces. The space features a steel and glass Crittall surround. The renovation of the dining area involved a full rethink of the internal and external use of the home. Large expanses of the building were demolished to make way for new interior ideas.
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minale + mann
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Project Architect: Jennifer Jaemmers Text and Images credit: MINALE + MANN
BECKETT HOUSE, CRAWLEY
It was proposed that the existing farm workers cottage would be completely gutted and turned into a very contemporary modern house. Slender frame glass gives panoramic views to the rear . At first floor level a new master suite was added. This benefited from dual aspect views – from woodlands to fields.
solid monolithic base, presented as render. The first floor timber box can then appear to sit lightly on top. The design did not want to be overbearing to the road to achieve a subtle modern approach from the front but a completely transformed house from the rear.
The exterior concept was to have a
Status:
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Completed 2015
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BLUEBELL POOL HOUSE, CRAWLEY
Tucked behind the existing garage the modern contemporary building sits along-side an external swimming pool. Linked via a raised timber path from the existing house, the path leads up to the pool and turns to take you into the single storey oak clad box.
cladding over a highly insulated building provides a soft facade to the building whilst reducing the requirement for heavy heating. The design made use of prefabricated cross-laminated timber panels to provide a quick and efficient build process.
A sedum/green roof across the building gives habitat back to the wildlife. Timber
Status:
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Completed 2012
ben savage
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CEDAR LODGES, WINCHESTER
The design takes its form from local urban houses, whilst reflecting surrounding elements in a contemporary and simplistic manner. It was important to provide natural light without large amounts of glazing to the south (to stop over heating and for privacy). The design shows a single window to the lounge area and a glazed apex to the first floor.
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The vertical timber cladding has been used to provide a soft and sympathetic visual element to the building. Over time the cedar will weather to a silver colour, disappearing into the vegetation and fence lines. The zinc roof profile mirrors those on the St. Giles hill directly above the site whilst the mid grey colour provides an unobtrusive element. Status:
Completed 2014
LLOYD HOUSE, MALVERN
The client’s aim is to develop a single contemporary, family dwelling, harnessing the views available. The design is conceived as an ‘upside down house’ to maximise the amazing views from the Hills. The proposal has evolved to be a series of simple forms that can tuck into the hill side to minimise impact on the neighbouring houses but also maximise the steep nature of the plot. The design looks to make a relationship back to the local site. The ground floor level is clad in the local Malvern stone. This arrangement of dry stone walls ties into stone currently on site and from the local quarries. The first floor element is conceived as a concrete wrap. This provides the structure for the building & encases the lightweight timber walls. Balconies and overhangs can then be exploited from the concrete form. This design also needs to boost the latest ecological and sustainable features. We have proposed a solar panel array to feed the house. It will also utilise grey water recycling and rainwater harvesting. There is the possibility for an air source heat pump or biomass boiler to be incorporated.
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BUCHANNAN HOUSE, OXFORD
Adam Knibb Architects have been commissioned to design a new-build dwelling in Oxford. The clients were eager to see a radical, contemporary design, which inspired us to deliver this eye-catching proposal. The new dwelling spreads over three levels, including the basement, and offers a striking addition to its immediate surroundings. The key to finalising the final concept was a comprehensive analysis of the proposal’s materiality, concluding with a solid slate mass which acts as an anchor to the Cor-ten steel clad box cantilevering on top of it. This arrangement offers a flexible living space while providing views and a high penetration of natural light, both of which can be enjoyed from all areas of the dwelling. Internally, the proposal has a more traditional living arrangement, with the kitchen and open plan living/dining area located on the ground floor and the bedrooms and bathrooms above. The internal staircase in the main hall space downstairs allows access to both the first floor and the basement below, while also acting a centralised visual feature within the floor plan. The basement space incorporates a boot room, carport and additional storage area, which can be accessed externally via a slope which leads to Kelly’s Road.
Status:
On site
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AUSTEN HOUSE, WINCHESTER
Set in the town centre conservation area the addition to the house had to stand out from the main building with materiality as well as design. The floating timber box touches the building and lightly cantilevers out over the access way to give both a dramatic internal and external space.
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The tight nature of the site determined its off site construction possibilities. Vertical timber cladding and large sections of glass have been designed to give a greater feeling of verticality and sense of place. Status:
Completed 2015
Testimonials “My wife and I are huge fans of modern and midcentury modern architecture and have been planning the ultimate home in our minds and conversations for many years, assuming that we would have to build or restore a property ourselves in order to achieve our “dream home”. …. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to be able to have bought one of Adam Knibb’s creations to make as our family home. He seems to have struck exactly the right balance of natural light, living space and views of green space all within a very private and well considered layout. The way Adam has designed the windows in all the bedrooms is incredible, it feels like we live immersed in the trees, stars, sunrise and sunsets, it’s a truly beautiful experience. The home is an absolute delight to live in and own.” - Ruth & Jesse Spink “Adam negotiated the difficult design/cost conundrum with considerable skill allowing us to achieve a stunningly designed scheme on time and to budget” - Hickory Securities (Developer) “Adam; Theresa and I wanted to say a huge thank you for your fantastic help in transforming our home. We wanted contemporary, clean spaces that maximised the light and we were delighted that you were able to bring this to fruition whilst also being a supportive guide from start to finish. At the outset, I’m not sure we really understood the true value that a talented architect would bring to the project, we certainly understand that now, thanks again.” - David & Theresa Beckett
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“Adam created the bluebell poolhouse for us which has transformed our family life way beyond our hopes and expectations. From the first meeting Adams professionalism gave us reassurance to embark on this life changing project. We felt well advised, supported and had total confidence in Adams plans and he remained accessible and involved throughout (and continues to be so). Adam has given us so much more than a building. He made the whole process from concept to completion an absolute pleasure and a life highlight. I hold him in high regard for his immense skill and we (my wife and 3 boys) continue to be profoundly grateful for his life changing input to our lives.” - Tom & Susannah Willsher “Keep the faith! The brief was to provide a modern ‘general purpose’ room, with natural light for all year round use, grafted onto the first floor of our relatively old house in the middle of Winchester. We had our doubts, but the result has amazed us and it is in constant use all day long. Well done Adam..” - John & Judith Cooper
Awards & Publications 2017 -
Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Rennovation Awards (Winner) The Sunday Times British Homes Awards (Shortlist) AJ Retrofit Awards (Shortlist)
2016 -
Architecture Build Awards (Winner) The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards (Shortlist) RIBA Awards (Regional Shortlist) BD Young Architect of the Year (YAYA) - Finalist
2013 -
Young Architect of the Year (LEAF Award Winner)
Adam Knibb Architects have received numerous awards over our 5+ year history, as well as being regularly shortlisted for prestigious honours on a national scale. We have also been regularly published in multiple publications such as Grand Designs, Dezeen, House Beautiful, Good Homes and also local, national and international journals. Channel 4 productions have also been in contact to enquire about the practice being featured in some of their shows.
Adam Knibb Architects The Dolphin 33 St, Thomas Street Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9HJ T: +44 (0)1962 680221 mail@adamknibbarchitects.com www.adamknibbarchitects.com @AdamKnibb_AKA