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ARCHITECTURAL INTELLIGENCE Our Philosophy
Our Practice
At ADP, we believe that architecture has the power to transform. This ability to change our physical world means that architecture has an intrinsic effect upon quality of life. We ensure that people – their needs, both physical and emotional – are at the heart of our design process.
ADP was founded in 1965 and has grown to become one of the most respected and stable practices in the United Kingdom. The practice is currently ranked within the top 25 of the Architect’s Journal AJ100 Annual Survey of UK practices, and is accredited to both ISO14001 environmental, and ISO9001 quality, standards.
We have an established reputation and body of work that reflects our commitment and passion for working with our built heritage. We deliver critically-acclaimed, award-winning conservation projects that sensitively reinvigorate historic buildings and sites for future generations. Our general approach to the conservation of historic buildings is consistent with that defined by English Heritage, the Burra Charter (ICOMOS) 1999 and Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment (PPS 5).
From our original office in Henley, servicing clients in the Thames Valley area, ADP has grown first to a national, and most recently, an international outlook with studios in Birmingham, Delhi NCR, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford and Sherborne. Our combined resources of over 90 staff operating from 7 regional studios gives us an international perspective and a proven capacity to handle major commissions. This is combined with the flexibility to serve our clients from accessible, local studios under the careful attention of our studio partners.
Each project and site, each client and each community is unique, with individual aspirations and requirements. Many have a rich and distinct heritage. We examine and research a building’s history with fascination, relishing the process. We see any contribution we make to a historic site as another layer of its long history. The solutions we deliver are bespoke and honest, the product of close engagement with our clients and thorough site analysis. This understanding arises from a consistent, diligent process. We examine the site with rigour and sensitivity, unlocking its potential through creative, inspiring design concepts.
With the ability to offer architecture, interior design, landscape design and environmental assessments, we offer our clients a complete, integrated service. This means we comprehensively consider spaces both inside and out. We also have considerable and award-winning technical knowledge of masterplanning: combining this with our heritage architecture experience can help clients realise the full potential of even the most difficult, or sensitive, sites.
Consideration creates clarity in our designs: emerging from intelligent analysis, our architecture has an elegant simplicity, intimately connected to context and need. Our design solutions are not about fashion, or a predetermined style. They embody powerful, simple ideas delivered well; solutions that just feel right, fitting both their setting and their purpose. Our aspiration in heritage work is to deliver high quality work that integrates the best of today, with the best of the past. This philosophy creates architectural intelligence: a concept that embodies the analysis, science, design and engineering of intelligent structures. These should serve and celebrate people. This results in architecture that inspires: both appropriate and sustainable, contextual and contemporary.
LEFT: CENTRAL EXCHANGE BUILDINGS Located in the heart of historic Newcastle-upon-Tyne, close to the city’s iconic Grey’s Monument, ADP undertook the extensive refurbishment and conversion of the Grade II listed Central Exchange buildings into luxury apartments. For more information on this scheme, please see page 5. COVER IMAGE: DETAIL FROM FELLOWS’ LIBRARY, JESUS COLLEGE Built in 1676 and housing approximately 11,000 antiquarian volumes, the Fellows Library had fallen into a state of sad disrepair by 2007. ADP’s extensive refurbishment has returned the building to its former glory learn more about the scheme on page 13. © architects design partnership llp
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GRAINGER TOWN, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE ADP has undertaken a number of important projects within Newcastle’s central Conservation Area, in particular around the notable Classical streets of Grainger Town. Of Grainger Town’s 450 buildings, 244 are listed including 29 that are designated Grade I, and 49 that are Grade II*, making this area one of significant historic importance. Shown opposite are two key ADP projects - the refurbishment and conversion of the Central Exchange building (1), and the ‘Housing on Clayton Street initiative (2). The £4m refurbishment and conversion of the existing Grade II listed Central Exchange building created 14 luxury apartments in the historic heart of the city. By the mid-1990s, there was a plethora of redundant upper floors within Newcastle’s city centre. This privately funded scheme converted former offices into luxury apartments for sale. The design of contemporary flexible living spaces not only addressed the desires of those people looking to invest in property within Newcastle, but also led to internationally-renowned artist Jose Marcha choosing to exhibit his paintings within the apartments for his British show. A number of schemes for conversion of the upper floors had been found commercially unviable. ADP approached the conversion from a different angle: instead, we generated ‘duplex’ apartments that minimized the interventions into the listed building - a move which gained the consent of English Heritage. This project met growing market needs, and all apartments were sold within the first 6 months of completion. The £8m ‘Housing in Clayton Street’ initiative was developed by the Grainger Town Partnership with the support of Home Housing Association. This addressed the widespread dereliction and under-use of the upper floors of Grainger Town, and in particular the Clayton Street area. The programme sought to double the residential population in the area by the creation of over 500 flats within 250,000 square feet of vacant floor space. A key element of the programme was the ‘Living Over The Shops’ (LOTS) scheme - at the time, the largest of its kind in the UK. ADP worked closely with Home Housing Association development team to secure the upper floors from existing areas. Over a ten year period of phased conversion works, the complete length of Clayton Street western buildings were acquired and upgraded as new homes. The Grade II façades at Clayton Street were carefully restored and conserved. A phased ‘piecemeal’ approach allowed the projects to be funded in response to market demand, and enabled the ground floor commercial premises to remain open at all times. The area of the city retained its vitality and the new apartments introduced into the street (120 in total) reinvigorated a large area of the city. Two of the early phases of upper floor properties were awarded a commendation by the Department of Environments for ‘Good Design in Housing Awards’. © architects design partnership llp
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Image provided courtesy of David Hanks ©
DETERMINING SIGNIFICANCE HISTORIC APPRAISAL, CHELTENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL ADP carried out a detailed historic assessment of a row of 13 Grade II* listed regency terrace houses in the heart of the historic town of Cheltenham (shown in the historic photograph opposite). The buildings have formed the municipal offices for Cheltenham Borough Council since 1916. The council has established a regeneration programme for the town, based upon the more effective utilisation of their owned assets. The existing municipal offices are seen as a key enabler to the central regeneration process, and the historic appraisal document forms part of a development pack. The appraisal itself included a gazetteer, which is a room-by-room audit detailing what is remaining in the building that is of interest. The appraisal was written in conjunction with the conservation officer, who recommended ADP to do the work based on previous projects carried out at Cheltenham College (see page 21). The local inspector of historic buildings for English Heritage was fully consulted on the appraisal and the colour coded analysis plans (shown bottom left) were finalised with both English Heritage and the conservation officer’s agreement.
Fundamental to our approach, and to the success of heritage projects, is the need to thoroughly understand the nature of a historic building. The most fundamental part of how we develop this understanding is a comprehensive research exercise that aims to understand a building’s significance. This involves an investigation into the building, social history, past changes and development. In some cases, the detective work becomes extremely technical - including paint analysis or dendochronology. The resulting research often forms an extensive conservation plan. Conservation plans inform masterplans and future development proposals, helping to preserve and reinvigorate historic buildings.
Another key factor in this understanding is building technology, both traditional and modern. Most buildings prior to 1945 utilised ‘traditional’ construction techniques. These are characterised by a widespread use of ‘breathable’ materials that allow moisture to evaporate freely away. This is in contrast to modern building methods which rely upon airtight and water tight membranes to control moisture, dampness and thermal conditions. Due to the dynamic nature and variety in permeability of materials used, we seek to develop an understanding of traditional buildings as a holistic environmental system. Understanding a building in this way ensures that any alterations made or materials introduced do not disrupt this environmental system. Inappropriate repair that upsets this balance can often shorten the life of a historic building. © architects design partnership llp
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CREATIVITY AND INSIGHT SEVEN STORIES This £3.2m multi award-winning scheme provides an innovative centre to house a nationally important collection of children’s literature. Destined for dereliction due to its unsuitability for more conventional conversion, Seven Stories proved to be the saving of a Grade II listed mill, located with Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley. Within a very small available floor area, the accommodation consists of an entrance foyer, galleries, activity areas, offices, café, book den and Britain’s largest independent bookshop. The modern intervention established a strong presence on Lime Street, and addressed the view either side and from the bridges above. The structure curves out over the street, echoing a half-open book. The stair tower represents a piece of torn paper formed into a cylinder with the edges not quite meeting to allow changing glimpses from the tower as visitors climb the stairs. The new build element of the project was constructed using contemporary materials so that it is quite clearly architecture of its time. One of the legacies of the Valley’s industrial history is the wide range of scales, materials and ornamentation across the numerous buildings. The inner skin of in-situ reinforced concrete also helps stabilise and brace the existing mill and the new build element. In contrast, the first floor of the new intervention had to feel more engineered to enable the smooth curve to be lightweight and peel away from the mill, revealing its ‘pages’. White enamelled metal rain screen was chosen as a neutral background for the addition of graphics including illustrations by Quentin Blake and Shirley Hughes. Internally, the public areas were designed to be quirky and child-friendly. The staircase forms a major part of the Seven Stories experience, encouraging visitors to explore the building. When using it, both internal and external views are revealed and the level of natural light grows as one ascends to the attic. Existing brickwork is strategically revealed within the mill along with the ornate iron structure and the nest of roof trusses in the attic, demonstrating the layering of new and old.
Understanding a building is a key part of our approach, but understanding alone is not enough. Core to a successful heritage project is the creativity and insight needed to see the potential locked within a historic building, and the skill to bring it to life with respect and sensitivity. Attitudes to heritage projects have moved away from merely preserving a relic, and instead focus on a reinvigorated heritage approach that emphasises sympathetic regeneration, placemaking and the growth of sustainable communities.
Our talented in-house heritage team have worked on a wide variety of heritage projects of every scale. Their expertise is combined with a genuine passion for historic buildings that has led to the completion of many highly innovative, sensitive schemes that have received wide-spread critical acclaim. We know that a key component of any creative heritage proposal is the ability to work in partnership with other bodies - our built inheritance is a shared resource, after all - from local planning to English Heritage. We tailor and adapt our collaborative approach to the requirements of the project and the parties involved. Our inclusive, consultative ethos has frequently gained support and facilitated creative, contemporary responses on challenging historic sites and projects. © architects design partnership llp
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SPANISH CITY ADP has been appointed as the lead architect for the long-awaited £23m regeneration of the Spanish City in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside. The iconic Grade II listed dome remains an integral part of the town’s history, despite falling into disrepair, and the ambitious plans will give the site and the town a new lease of life. While ADP’s mixed-use scheme is respectful of the Spanish City’s heritage, the project successfully marries old and new to deliver a reinvigorated public facility able to meet the contemporary needs of Whitley’s residents, and provide flexibility for the future. A widerange of facilities is envisaged for the local community. These include a mixture of activity zones complemented by flexible performance, recording and exhibition spaces, and will be enhanced with a wide range of support facilities, including cafés and a health and wellbeing centre. The proposals also include a new independent 4* boutique hotel that will wrap around the blank elevations of the Empress Ballroom, with all the bedrooms arranged along a single side. This enables every visitor to experience the stunning coastal views, whilst disguising the unsightly exterior of the ballroom itself. An assisted living centre outlined in the proposals will have 60 bedrooms, dining and rest areas, with combined public access to a gymnasium, cinema, activity spaces and library.
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FELLOWS LIBRARY, JESUS COLLEGE ADP undertook the complex refurbishment of two libraries for Jesus College, Oxford: the Grade I Fellows Library (shown left) and the Main College Library. The Fellows Library was formed in 1584 and accommodates a priceless collection of books. With a project cost of £365k, ADP’s conservation work for this project involved specialist roof works, carpentry, plastering, and decorations, in close consultation with English Heritage and the local conservation officer. Through a number of presentations and workshops, we helped the College to gain support from the academics and study body, as well as help source private funding. Existing as an unwelcoming, cold space, with limited access to a select few, the Fellows Library has had very few visitors. To change this, the College wanted to improve the environmental conditions for visitors, improving lighting, heating, and security. At the same time, it was imperative that the historic fabric of the building be preserved. However, addressing the concerns regarding environmental conditions was no easy feat. The existing unheated space was perfect for preserving the books, but less than ideal for welcoming visitors and staff. Through discussions with the mechanical engineers, an optimum temperature of 16°C was set for the library, with controlled, localised heating set in alternate staff bays. An override sensor was also installed to ensure that once a bay becomes unoccupied, a cooler temperature is restored. Great care was taken to remove the priceless book collection to a safe, off-site location while the work was carried out. ADP engaged with a historic book consultant to ensure the books were handled and stored appropriately. Part of the collection included a ‘chained’ library - a simple Medieval security device to ensure books didn’t go missing. Once returned to the library, this method was re-introduced with a contemporary, discrete electronic tagging system, allowing for more flexible use of the historical literature. Repairs to the existing 16th Century leaking roof took place over the summer recess, ensuring the main conservation works to the library space could take place discretely during term time. Some of the original roof timbers were replaced, but many were kept to be refurbished and protected. As lighting in the library was also a cause for concern, a new lighting track system was incorporated into the main space. Designed to create a sensitive, modern atmosphere, the lighting scheme includes discrete floor lights that illuminate the book aisles, the ends of which carefully incorporate integrated ICT systems. Throughout the project, we looked to preserve original features of the library. An unoccupied balcony area, which was in a poor state of disrepair, was revitalised through the careful introduction of a new handrail. Another issue, sensitively negotiated, was the introduction of a sixty minute fire barrier between the floors to meet current safety legislation. The new interventions and conservation work have transformed the building. New ways of working have improved popularity and accessibility, enabling bookable appointments and weekly visitor tours. © architects design partnership llp
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ADAPTIVE REUSE ROYAL CONNAUGHT PARK, COMER HOMES Formerly occupied by the International University-Europe, and 70 years prior to that, the Royal Masonic School for Boys, Royal Connaught Park is an example of how a landmark building can be redefined and revitalised to secure its future. Working with Comer Homes, we developed a masterplan for the site which allowed for the refurbishment of existing buildings alongside the creation of new ones, arranged to complement the existing Grade II listed buildings set in 100 acres of parkland. Individually designed luxury 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments effectively combine the grandeur of historic surroundings with contemporary living space for the modern professional.
The historic environment is a finite resource. In order to preserve it for future generations, we believe the best way of securing the upkeep of our historic buildings is to keep them in active use, and this is ideally by ensuring that they can continue in their original use. However, we also know that in order to secure the future of much of our built heritage, we often need to find new and appropriate uses where the original use is no longer an option. We have a passion and desire to sensitively bring these buildings back into sustainable use. Even where the original use can be maintained, current requirements for comprehensive access, services and modern facilities will put pressure on the historic fabric, and careful design solutions will need to be found.
the elements that make up the ‘special’ character and interest of the building or group of buildings. This informs our principles for alteration. These are a set of project specific design parameters developed using our knowledge and experience to determine what is important, and how change can be made with least effect on the character of a building. From these principles, we utilise techniques for minimising intervention. This ensures compatibility of materials and conservative repair. We also ensure interventions are reversible, and that all new works to historic buildings should are of their own time. In design terms, this allows the best of today to be place placed alongside the best of the past, for enjoyment and use in the future.
At ADP, our processes are consistent with best practice and the principles established by English Heritage . We begin by identifying Š architects design partnership llp
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“The comprehensive restoration and redevelopment of the former Oxford prison has brought a large area of the city back to life...The restoration has been handled with sensitivity, with some light-hearted touches and wit...Access to all areas is excellent, with the public scheme in particular being inviting to the whole community. Given the historic nature of the buildings, this is a challenging scheme...The rejuvenation of one of Oxford’s most historic landmarks has been enthusiastically received by local people and visitors, and the castle has become the new social centre of Oxford.” - ‘Centre for Outstanding Vision’, Civic Trust Award statement (2007)
OXFORD CASTLE HERITAGE PROJECT ADP’s award-winning £23m Oxford Castle Heritage Project brings together exemplary conservation architecture and urban regeneration to deliver a scheme with a unique, revitalised identity that attracts visitors and businesses alike to a formerly neglected area of Oxford city centre. This highly successful scheme has won 14 awards to date, including RIBA, Civic Trust and MIPIM recognition. Layers of history unfold on the site, located in the heart of Oxford city centre. All historically and architecturally significant buildings have been retained and carefully restored. The main block has been converted from its original function as a prison to a hotel: a sympathetic use that draws custom to the new facilities that surround it, including bars, restaurants, cafés, a gallery and visitors’ centre. A key element has been the creation of new external spaces. In this case, not the collegiate quadrangles for which Oxford is famous. Instead, these new spaces are urban, dynamic and more Continental - encouraging people to come into the site, creating outdoor opportunities to sit, eat and relax. The history of the site, as a former prison, seat of government and royal castle, resulted in a thousand years of privacy. Reversing this introversion, and forming connections to the surrounding city, has not only unlocked the potential of the formerly forgotten castle and prison but contributed greatly to the regeneration of a whole quarter of the city, adding commercial and cultural value to Oxford life. © architects design partnership llp
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SENSITIVE CONTEXTS CONSERVATION PLAN, ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL Possessing a portfolio of good quality buildings with a rich and varied history, St. John’s School has a very attractive and dramatic grouping of Victorian Gothic architecture. The majority of the buildings were designed and constructed specifically for the school. The individual school buildings are not only significant buildings in their own right, but form part of a much wider grouping of regional importance which is reflected in their Grade II listing. ADP was appointed to produce a conservation plan for the school to cover the 9 major buildings at the core of the site. The plan enables the school to gain a full understanding of their heritage assets, and in understanding them, allow for appropriate plans for the future to be made. The research into the history and development of the site has shown that the character of the site today is quite different from what was envisioned in 1872 by the original Governors and their architects. The plan also looked at the masterplan proposals prepared for the school by ADP in 2007 and revised in 2010, and has demonstrated that the high level masterplan proposals are not only acceptable, but should indeed enhance the site. The full understanding of the site has allowed the detailed proposals to be refined and adjusted.
ADP has experience in developing site-wide options that are viable and deliverable within the confines of sensitive historic contexts. At the core of our strategic work is often a masterplan, or premises development plan, and increasingly, a conservation plan, too. These studies can become integral to a scheme. Collectively, they are invaluable to developing the long term potential of a historic site. Past studies have involved gathering historic, factual and qualitative data on existing sites from various sources, to fully understand their history, opportunities and constraints. At the same time, we have sought to understand and define our client’s long term plans and aspirations, so that immediate requirements support the broader vision and are seen in a wider context. Proposals have been tested against the current requirements, both regulatory and minimum standards and guidance, together with any recent inspection reports. From this research process emerge diagrams, drawings and other data that are then assessed against agreed objective selection criteria to allow priorities to be developed, which will cater for different future requirements. Our initial appraisals have then led to a delivery plan, which we have then been asked to implement, to provide the end result captured in the initial appraisal. © architects design partnership llp
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CONSERVATION PLAN, CHELTENHAM COLLEGE Founded in 1841, Cheltenham College is one of the leading private schools in the UK. The college’s magnificent campus benefits from a unique collection of Grade I, II and II* listed buildings. The individual buildings are not only significant in their own right, but form part of a much wider grouping of national importance that is reflected in their listings. ADP was commissioned to produce a conservation plan that would support the college’s strategic development plan. Our specialist heritage team conducted extensive research into the college’s rich history, and provided an in-depth analysis of existing development plans that had consistently failed to achieve listed building consent. From this, we created a conservation plan that would allow Cheltenham College to continue to adapt and grow, whilst preserving the important architectural integrity of the buildings. We successfully achieved planning consent for the critical first phase of the College’s strategic development plan. The relocation of the estates building is the enabling phase of an overarching site-wide strategy that will allow the college to continue to develop and meet the changing needs of its students. To achieve this, ADP developed close and positive relationships with all stakeholders, including English Heritage. © architects design partnership llp
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SHIP STREET CENTRE, JESUS COLLEGE OXFORD One of Oxford’s best known tourist attractions, The Oxford Story, has been transformed into the Ship Street Centre, a new £3.7m development for one of ADP’s oldest clients, Jesus College. The opportunity to redevelop the site was an unparalleled opportunity for the College to increase its student accommodation and conference facilities in a city centre location close to the College’s main quad. Our design approach for this project is based on a similar philosophy to ADP’s highly-successful Oxford Castle project. The scheme required the same balance between respect for the old, and innovative new elements to provide new student accommodation and conference facilities. The project is accessed through a listed building and extensive alteration and extension to an original warehouse was required to make this viable. The design also takes a responsible approach to sustainability, incorporating a low energy input and use. Part of the old city walls, including one of it’s bastions, has been carefully preserved. This is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and the public are allowed to gain access to it. Therefore, careful design was required to facilitate viewing and provide clear separation of public and private areas. New elements are contemporary and minimalist, clearly distinguishable from the Ancient Monument and the warehouse. In this way, three ‘layers’ of history are clearly legible: the ancient wall; the later warehouse, and the new alterations and additions. © architects design partnership llp
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CHRIST’S HOSPITAL Situated near Horsham in West Sussex, Christ’s Hospital is a boarding school and foundation with a remarkable history in education and a superb architectural heritage. Its original site in the City of London included work by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor, and one hundred years ago, Sir Aston Webb and Ingress Bell won the design competition to build a completely new campus for the school, away from the smog and congestion of London in the tranquil Sussex countryside. It now forms one of the most impressive and most unified groups of school buildings in the country. ADP was appointed to design the refurbishment of the boarding houses at Christ’s Hospital School. The project involved the refurbishment and extensive reorganisation of the school’s eight boarding houses, which have a combined floor area of 25,000m2. When the boarding accommodation was originally designed at the end of the 19th Century, six houses were attached to the boarding accommodation. Then, staff were likely to be single; today, houseparents are likely to be married and with children. ADP undertook a thorough analysis of space requirements and concluded that this could only be achieved by adding new accommodation. The new houses are designed to meet current standards, to be light and airy inside with open-plan living accommodation. They also house a study that links through to the boarding house. The exterior picks up on the detailing of the original buildings, replicating the use of stone and brick, and with steeply pitched roofs. ADP also undertook the masterplanning of the campus, undertaking a flexible programme of major works to restructure the school’s facilities. This would enable it to meet the modern demands of pastoral care, and increased parental expectations. The plan includes the redevelopment of teaching areas, steward’s accommodation, pupil and staff accommodation, kitchen and dining areas, along with improvements to the site’s landscape and infrastructure. © architects design partnership llp
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20TH CENTURY DESIGN THE UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX ADP is working with the University of Sussex on the £240 million long-term strategy for its Falmer campus to help the University to achieve its growth and academic targets. The site was first developed in the early 1960s to the vision of Sir Basil Spence, and his work has been recognised by being listed for its iconic twentieth century architecture. Our masterplan develops the best aspects of Spence’s early work, exploiting the stunning Downland landscape, and creating usable and attractive courtyards. The masterplan works in tandem with ADP’s conservation plan. This process has categorised some parts of the campus as being ‘of international importance’ and others as being of ‘national importance.’ The conservation plan develops understanding of the existing campus, assesses the significance of buildings and external spaces, and sets policies to guide in future maintenance, refurbishment and development. We have engaged in an extensive consultation process, within the University, with the local authorities and English Heritage. The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment described the proposals as ‘extremely encouraging’.
Buildings worth protecting and celebrating are not just confined to the Victorian or earlier periods. Much more recent history has created some of our most dynamic and iconic buildings, and includes many notable architects and designers. Modern architecture has gained strong recognition - in part due to the work of The Twentieth Century Society - over the past 30 years. At ADP, our work in the Higher Education sector has particularly dovetailed with our heritage work. Not only does this relate to our work with Oxbridge colleges and ‘red brick’ universities, but also those modern institutions born in the post-war period. Many of these universities, including Sussex and Brunel, are our clients, and we have worked with them to understand the original and often visionary concepts that underpinned their inception. This twentieth century vision gives these universities their unique sense of place and identity; we have worked hard to preserve this integrity, whilst
also enabling our clients to meet their strategic objectives and student expectations. In addition to masterplans and conservation plans on twentieth century sites, we have extensive experience of refurbishing modern buildings and a thorough understanding of the particular challenges these buildings commonly present. We believe such dramatic, structural buildings can be successfully upgraded by formulating a bold concept that addresses the scale of the building effectively. This includes resolving any inherent limitations imposed by the building plan, as well as planning for greater future flexibility and addressing concerns of energy efficiency. Often perceived as ‘cold’, with lateral thinking and creativity, these modern structures can become dynamic, functional and welcoming spaces for considerable time to come.
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“ADP’s unique approach and vision has successfully married contemporary design with the Brutal architecture of the original building to great effect. The bold colours and extensive use of glass offers a real ‘wow’ factor and provides Brunel University with a high-class facility for students and staff alike.” - Project Manager, Brunel University
CENTRAL LECTURE BUILDING, BRUNEL UNIVERSITY Brunel University appointed ADP to refurbish its Central Lecture Building, a large twentieth century structure in the imposing Brutalist style, in a series of phases. Previous phases have seen the lecture rooms refurbished and the latest addressed the main entrance sequence in order to meet current requirements. As with any historic project, the first step in our approach was to get to know the building – its shortcomings and its qualities. We also looked at unsympathetic additions to the building, and stripped them back to reveal the original building forms and textures. The University’s key aim was to improve access to the building and create a more ‘professional’ learning environment. Recent student surveys had indicated that access to PCs on the campus was low: something the University was keen to address. Located on the main pedestrian route at the heart of the campus, it was critical that the building engaged with this route (the original building presented a brick wall at its entrance). In addition to breathing life into an otherwise soulless route, student safety after dusk has been greatly increased by the improved visibility. The scheme included the installation of structural glazing to the entrance façade with a large revolving door, and the installation of two glass shafted lifts, enabling pedestrian lift access to all floors, where originally there was none. Mechanical and electrical services were upgraded and new finishes and furniture were installed. Colour and lighting was introduced to create atmosphere and dynamism, while reconfiguration of the plan at the main entrance greatly improved access and created additional multimedia teaching and meeting spaces for the University. © architects design partnership llp
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SUSTAINABLE HISTORY WOODFORD MILL, CALA HOMES Woodford Mill is located in the historic and rural heart of Oxfordshire, and has been a community landmark for over 180 years. Originally owned by blanket makers, the site is also mentioned in the Domesday Book. Unfortunately, the site had become derelict and dangerous prior to development. Like most textile mills, Woodford Mill is situated close to running water (the River Windrush) in a stunning natural setting. Improvement works to the adjacent meadows and banks were carried out, and the mill races were reopened, having remained covered for over a century. Cycle routes, otter holts and water habitat to encourage water voles were also introduced. Careful and sensitive new insertions into the site offer high quality four bedroom townhouses, while the charming riverside cottage and gatehouse was restored with respect and creativity. The Grade II listed mill building has been respectfully restored, and offers two/three bedroom apartments. On site, a heritage centre ensures continuing community opportunities and the existing chimney was renovated as a key landmark feature. Although predominantly residential, as shown, the site also include live/ work opportunities on site.
Sustainability is high on everyone’s agenda. In the UK, nearly half of CO2 emissions are caused by running buildings, 49% produced by domestic and commercial buildings; 40% of these were built before 1940, using traditional construction techniques.1 Reducing energy use in older buildings is a key design issue - not only is this about environmental responsibility, but improving efficiency helps to alleviate the financial running cost that is often associated with historic buildings. At ADP, we see no inherent conflict between retention, adaptation and alterations to older buildings and sustainability. We make recommendations underpinned by our awareness of a building as an environmental system. Clearly to do this, we need to establish the performance characteristics of the existing building. We utilise a series of non-destructive testing techniques where appropriate, as not all techniques suit all projects. We organise these for the client, selected from experienced suppliers, approved by funding bodies and recognised by the local authority conservation officer. We ensure any proposals for upgrading are as compatible as possible with the existing fabric. These are tested at various scales, including the performance of the whole building, how conditions vary from place to place within, and at small scale junctions.
1 English Heritage (2011) Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings Š architects design partnership llp
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