ARCHITECT IN PROFILE

This month, we dive into the creative mind of Saunders Boston Architects’ Vicky Hallam, who has always had a knack for design. Combining her love for science and art, Vicky first discovered her passion for architecture during her A-Level studies.

www.saundersboston.co.uk

Please tell us a bit about your career background.

I have been part of the Saunders Boston Architects team for over 10 years, which has given me the opportunity to work across numerous sectors, from residential to education and community buildings. I am currently working as part of the higher education and laboratories team. Two of my biggest projects at the moment are laboratories, which are so interesting to design from a technology point of view. I enjoy working on projects that I can relate to and find community projects extremely rewarding.

Have you always wanted to pursue a career in design?

I have always known I am a creative person at heart. I enjoy doing anything creative in my spare time – from knitting to drawing or DIY around the house. So, I always knew that I would have a career within the design space. I first considered architecture when studying my A-Levels as I realised I was able to combine my love for science and art. Initially, I was most drawn to the architectural process, including drawings and models.

What has been your greatest influence and source of inspiration?

I don’t think I can pinpoint it to one particular person or building. I am very interested in people in general and how they use facilities. Still, I like to look beyond architecture and consider influences within social change, or even trends, such as working from home or political differences. I also draw inspiration from other areas of design-related industries, such as fashion.

What has been your most notable project to date?

I am so lucky to have worked on multiple projects, some of which I have been able to see through, from a seed of an idea to a finished building. One that I enjoyed working on a few years ago was a new local primary school, Buxhall Farm Primary School. It was a fun project because it was on an underdeveloped site adjacent to the green belt and, because it is a space for children, we could be creative.

How do you approach your projects?

It depends on the project and the client, but I always aim to approach projects practically and rigorously. However, with design, we need to have an element of joy, playfulness and fun, no matter the project. As architects, we should never lose sight of the joy of design.

What do you think is the greatest challenge for designing in sustainability?

It may seem obvious, but budgets are usually the biggest hurdle to overcome when incorporating sustainability into design. We can, of course, design what has been asked by the client and what is needed for the project, but we always recommend that sustainability isn’t an afterthought in the development process.

What is your favourite building and why?

I love colour and patterns; they can be underrated and underused in the UK. Considering the architecture in cities like Barcelona, buildings like the Palau de la Musica are decorated with stunning ornate tiles. Islamic architecture is also inspirational; beautiful mathematical structures consisting of handmade tiles that connect to form domes and patterns are like going inside jewels and gems. These styles and spaces excite me and easily make up some of my favourite buildings.

What do you think is the greatest challenge for architects today?

Architects can be pushed and pulled in many different directions; whether by clients, suppliers or legislation, there is often a juxtaposition about who we need to be aligned with. For example, when budget fights against sustainability or when planning fights against development. It’s certainly not a new challenge, but it can be relentless.

What do you think is the greatest challenge for architecture students?

The challenges I faced as a student are still very much present today, although there is an increasing rise in student debt combined with a cost-of-living crisis, which adds another hurdle. The education process is long and takes commitment. My advice for students is to not lose the joy and the fun of architecture during their studies. Keeping your design principles and doing what you believe in is important.

What advice would you give to newly-qualified architects?

After years of working in the industry, many new and exciting ideas come from university students and newly-qualified architects. It’s essential to gain real technical experience in the workplace, but equally, putting forward your fresh ideas is ok.

What can we expect to see from you over the next year?

I’ve been working on two big projects, one finishing in March. The beauty of the job is that you never quite know what will come in six months or a year. Watch this space, I suppose!

From The Fast Lane To Luxurious Living

Known for their unwavering and uncompromising commitment towards excellence, Bugatti and Binghatti – two visionary brands – have unveiled their first collaboration, a ground-breaking real estate development in the heart of Dubai.

Bu gatti Residences by Binghatti – the first-ever Bugatti Residences in the world – is located in the prime area of the Business Bay in Dubai. The collaboration between the two revered brands aims to depict synergies that achieve unparalleled excellence. Drawing upon the rich and diverse creative heritage of both brands, the Bugatti and Binghatti collaboration project has at its nucleus a meticulously-designed structure featuring a distinctive facade complemented by intricately-designed interiors. With its serene undertones, the hyper-form will juxtapose the city’s bustling energy – a retreat in the heart of the metropolis.

T he design of Bugatti Residences reflects the iconic brand elements and luxury design innovations of Bugatti, merging these values cohesively with Binghatti’s expertise in creating a phenomenal architectural masterpiece. Bugatti Residences will feature a collection of 171 Riviera Mansions and 11 Sky Mansion www.bugatti.com

Penthouses, each of them being absolutely unique with bespoke curated layouts. The first Bugatti residence is also designed with peerless luxurious amenities, including a Riviera-inspired beach, private pool, jacuzzi spa, fitness club, chef’s table, private valet, private members’ club and two garage-to-penthouse car lifts. The residence also features a host of highend and tailored services dedicated to its residents, including bespoke chauffeur and concierge services.

U nmatched craftsmanship and exquisite finishes that set a new standard for opulence will be at the heart of the living spaces curated for Bugatti Residences, ensuring that the ‘art of living’ is reimagined for a contemporary defining era. Both penthouses and mansions offer spacious living areas adorned with the finest material selection the world has to offer. The Bugatti Residences carry a seamless blend of comfort, functionality and elegance that reflect Bugatti and Binghatti’s preeminence in design.

T he two brands have integrated the distinctive flair of the French Riviera into every aspect of the development. Starting from the very moment of setting foot within the residences, a sense of exuberance takes hold, transporting residents to the inspiring region that has long captured the hearts of connoisseurs of refined living. In the same way that Bugatti has translated the beauty and sophistication of French luxury into the design of its hyper sports cars, Bugatti Residences brings the breeze and feel of the French Riviera into this private oasis. In its organically-sculpted design, Bugatti Residences by Binghatti manifests the beauty of the Riviera’s spirit and flair.

A Pint Of Perfection

London-based architecture practice Gundry + Ducker has meticulously designed a spectacular concertina facade for one of the capital’s cherished brewing companies, Camden Town Brewery.

Situated in the northwest of the city, this innovative design serves as the frontage for the brewery’s new beer hall, perfectly mirroring its interior elements while embracing the area’s renowned industrial aesthetics.

C amden Town Brewery started its humble beginnings in a railway arch nestled in London’s vibrant Kentish Town. As time went on, its success led to expansion, gradually encompassing all the neighbouring arches along the charming mews. For the beer hall, the chosen location comprised two arches situated directly beneath Kentish Town West Station. The site exudes a captivating aura with its predominant Victorian brick and

GUNDRY + DUCKER

cobblestone, accentuated by later additions of steel gantries, columns and concrete elements. Throughout the years, the space has evolved into a bustling scene adorned with glistening stainless brewing equipment and vibrant stacks of packaging that catch the eye.

G undry + Ducker’s design thoughtfully encapsulated the essence of the brewery by harmoniously incorporating these materials. Its objective was to celebrate the arches as the home of Camden Town Brewery while seamlessly integrating visitors into the existing, live brewing atmosphere. The design encompassed several key elements outlined in the brief, including a vibrant tap room, a designated area to embark on captivating brewery tours, a well-curated shop offering an array of beers and merchandise and, finally, a versatile space to accommodate meetings. www.gundryducker.com

P reserving the essence of being immersed within a bustling working brewery was paramount. Gundry + Ducker ingeniously established a seamless connection between the two arches by constructing a captivating new glass facade positioned in front of the arches. At the rear, the team skilfully designed a doubleheight corridor that guides visitors towards a range of essential service areas tucked away behind the arches.

The front facade, carefully composed of galvanised steel and glass, serves as a testament to the industrial heritage of the site. Notably, the facade was creatively concertinaed, creating a stunning interplay of oblique views and fluid circulation, effortlessly inviting glimpses from the narrow mews into the enchanting interior.

I nside, the interior fit-out is simple and robust. In an effort to reveal and celebrate the intrinsic beauty of the space, old linings, paint and partitions were diligently stripped away, unveiling the beautiful inside face of the brick arches. The existing, heavilypatched concrete floor, with its unique character, was thoughtfully preserved, serving as a testament to the brewery’s history.

A striking feature within the interior is the long bar that gracefully extends the entire length of the arch, designed as an open front counter, inviting interaction and social engagement. Complementing this, the back bar takes the form of a visually-impactful supergraphic sign, featuring beer taps directly connected to the glassfronted cellar adjacent. Crafted in vitreous enamel, this bar sign not only pays homage to the simplicity of Camden’s graphic branding but also captures the visual language of the railway station above, seamlessly merging the graphic materiality of both environments.

Steve Avery

HAS MORE THAN 35 YEARS' EXPERIENCE OF WORKING IN THE HVAC INDUSTRY. HE JOINED CARRIER IN 1994 AND HAS A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE IN COOLING AND HEATING SOLUTIONS. HE HAS HELD A NUMBER OF POSITIONS AT CARRIER, INCLUDING QUALITY MANAGER AND PRODUCT MANAGER FOR ABSORPTION AND CENTRIFUGAL CHILLERS.

Building Tall For A More Sustainable London

La nd is a valuable commodity in London, with demand exceeding supply. Building horizontally is no longer an option. To meet the required densities in housing and make the most efficient use of land, it is necessary to build tall.

T he London Plan, the framework for the next 20 to 25 years to accommodate a population of 10.8 million, makes a compelling argument for tall buildings based on the idea of a compact city. According to the plan, we must create places of higher density in appropriate locations to get more out of limited land, encourage a mix of land uses and co-locate different uses to provide communities with a wide range of services and amenities.

Sustainable skylines

I n May 2023, New London Architecture (NLA) 1 published its 10th annual report, ‘London Tall Buildings Survey 2023: Sustainable Skylines’. This influential report provides the latest data and analysis on the contribution of tall buildings to a more compact and sustainable London. W hile previous surveys focused on the pipeline of tall buildings, the spotlight this year is on sustainability and how towers can deliver lower carbon emissions, be more sustainable and support high-quality environments for occupants. So, how can towers become sustainable?

A ccording to Ender Ozkan, Vice President Europe, Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin 2 , a broad-spectrum approach is needed. “It will require some really innovative approaches and innovative materials –building skins that adapt to the climate – with natural ventilation and energy capture from the sun. And also, long life and recyclable components, which makes embodied carbon no longer such an issue.”

Heating and cooling tall buildings

A longside improvements to the building fabric and the use of renewable energy systems, such as solar photovoltaic, high-efficiency HVAC solutions are key in reducing carbon emissions and supporting occupant wellbeing.

C arrier’s solution for the landmark building 22 Bishopsgate is an excellent example of how modern, highperformance systems can contribute to more sustainable high-rise buildings and help transform cities.

C arrier supplied four AquaEdge 19XRV centrifugal chillers for 22 Bishopsgate, each delivering 4MW of cooling with efficiency levels as high as 6.8 European Efficiency Rating (EER). Equipped with Greenspeed Intelligence variable speed drives, the chillers constantly match cooling output to the building’s heat load, optimising comfort, reducing energy consumption and minimising impact on the environment.

London has ambitious carbon reduction targets to achieve net zero by 2030. The route map includes a 40% reduction in total heat demand from buildings and the installation of 2.2 million heat pumps over the next seven years. It also requires that 460,000 buildings be connected to district heat networks by 2030.

To meet these aggressive targets, more district heating networks are needed where recycled heat is harnessed to warm homes and businesses. The Citigen district heating energy centre project is an example of Carrier’s proven HVAC solutions to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs. Citigen is groundbreaking in its use of ultralow global warming potential HFO refrigerant and parallel harnessing of energy from groundwater and waste heat from the power generation unit. Additionally, Carrier’s heat pump solution is recovering heat generated from data centres, which is used by more than 20 district heating grids across the Nordics and Europe, helping to reduce carbon emissions.

www.carrier.com/commercial/en/uk

FOOTNOTES:

1NLA London Tall Buildings Survey 2023: Sustainable Skylines https://nla.london/ insights/london-tall-buildings-survey-2023sustainable-skylines

2NLA London Tall Buildings Survey 2023: Sustainable Skylines, page 33 https://nla. london/insights/london-tall-buildingssurvey-2023-sustainable-skylines