Creating efficient, appealing places for people to live, work and Defencetrain&MOD
Creating efficient, appealing places for people to live, work and Defencetrain&MOD
PLUMMER HOUSE MADE ME FEEL SO WELCOME AND ‘PART OF THE FAMILY’ STRAIGHT AWAY Defence architecture isn’t just about delivering infrastructure to meet minimum military requirements or JSP compliance. It’s about creating spaces – to support defence capability and deliver a fit-for-purpose estate that service men and women can comfortably live, work and train in. This brochure gives you an overview of our defence expertise, with showcase projects highlighting elements crucial to success. To learn more and discuss our additional work in this sector, simply get in touch: T: 01926 658 444 E: defence@cw-architects.co.uk
When you work with Corstorphine & Wright, you have an established team with a proven track record across front-end work and delivery. We’re CyberEssentials Plus accredited, and all personnel are SC Cleared with the Defence Vetting Agency. We have a national presence, with the ability to mobilise teams quickly from Scotland to South West England. Plus, we bring rich cross-sector expertise in civilian bluelight, residential, education, office, industrial, mixed use and more. That way, you get the best of defence knowledge combined with innovation and best practice from other industries.
For more than 20 years, Corstorphine & Wright has delivered a balance of vision, functionality and value for money on defence projects. In fact, 60% of the UK’s barracks locations have benefited from our expertise. Not only do we have a deep understanding of design principles and policies, but our experience allows us to ask the right questions at the right time – de-risking projects by helping stakeholders solve problems quickly. As a result, our clients benefit from a fit-for-purpose estate that is often leaner, greener and more cost-effective to manage – and better supports operational output. We have experience across a wide range of asset types. This includes single living accommodation, messes, offices, kennels, gatehouses and guardrooms. It also includes highly complex technical facilities, whole site masterplans and strategic programmes of work like the Regular Army Basing Plan and estate optimisation strategies.
About Us
& Wright
+ Market insight Clients tell us we’re unique in our ability to stay current and innovate by integrating learnings from other sectors. You therefore benefit from market knowledge and the latest design techniques – which help you maximise value over the long term. We look beyond architecture to identify opportunities that help make each project a success. We’ve been a key partner for the DIO and their collaborators for more than 20 years. Our experience includes helping with assessment studies (whole site and individual facilities) and masterplanning opportunities. And it extends to delivering new and refurbished facilities for strategic programmes of work associated with estate optimisation and relocating major units.
Whyedge.Corstorphine
+ Client Centricity With Corstorphine & Wright, you get a partner that truly understands organisational, lifestyle and operational requirements – and the reality of the ultimate task a unit is trained to do. Our collaborative approach, developed over years of working with end users and client representatives, enables us to engage in meaningful dialogue from the outset. That way, we help build a sound foundation for each project, ultimately creating schemes that achieve your goals and deliver value for Yourmoney.primary contact is a director, who spearheads ongoing coordination with all stakeholders. Throughout the project, we take a critical, informed approach so we can proactively meet changing needs.
With Corstorphine & Wright, you get better places and spaces – which means more benefits for clients and users. Using our straightforward methodology and drawing on cross-sector experience, we deliver a design-driven service with a commercial
People are the unifying factor in everything we do. Our clients tell us we’re unique in our ability to create places with magnetism – that pull people in with a ‘must-have quality’ while adhering to minimum military Therequirements.ever-changing demands of the armed forces and supporting infrastructure mean we’re continually learning and developing new skills. The ability to listen, appraise and accommodate are vital qualities for delivering facilities required to meet specific needs. Importantly, we combine this with a proven track record of designing flexible schemes that maximise efficiencies. This helps you optimise space while delivering the best possible environment for people to live, work and train.
+ Results focus With Corstorphine & Wright, you get the expertise and resource you need at every stage. This starts with determining requirements and conducting assessment studies. And it extends to taking a creative approach to design, using BIM modelling and facilitating the use of innovative construction methods. We’re known for our attention to detail, creating places that are more than the sum of their parts. Delivering the best possible experience for people to live, work and train...
+ Intelligent Design
Our design approach is rooted in our holistic understanding of the way places influence behaviour. Not only do you benefit from our extensive defence experience, but you also benefit from our expertise across bluelight, education, offices, industrial, mixed use and Thismore.means we bring cross-sector market knowledge and the latest techniques to your project – helping you maximise value over the long Fromterm.modern methods of construction to sustainable design, we help you leverage innovation to achieve your goals.Aspotlight Innovationon
Basing
Optimisation Programme
The Basing Optimisation Programme originated from the October 2010 Strategic Defence and Strategy Review, which concluded that all 20,000 troops in Germany would return to the UK by 2020. The DIO launched the Programme to determine the best way to accommodate those troops. We were part of the PSP core team supporting the DIO, developing the methodology to assess the regular and volunteer MoD estate. The Architectural Guidance we produced became a key framework for the PSP design teams. This role continued through the Army Basing Programme, where we once again supported the DIO. We developed the Architectural Rule Book establishing guidance on JSP 315 Accommodation Codes, pairing and sharing, design principles and acceptable standards to support a national programme of assessment studies. In both cases, we played a crucial coherence role for the DIO, regularly reviewing the work undertaken by individual PSP project management and design teams. Thanks to our innovative approach to the Basing Optimisation Programme, we were asked to support the DIO’s footprint strategy, the predecessor of the Defence Estate Optimisation Programme. We conducted a gap analysis across the whole estate – from South West England to Scotland – and our work provided evidence required to support ministerial announcements on the site disposal strategy.
Modern methods of construction
Red10 Modlar example images Reds10 is a modular construction specialist. They appointed us to review JSP compliance of the accommodation they’d developed for the defence training estate. We peer reviewed the modules and evaluated a pilot site, advising on where the design met scale and didn’t, as well as recommending where efficiencies could be gained. When Reds10 was contracted to renew single living accommodation, our commission was extended. We rationalised their designs and created template models showing how modules could be grouped in different ways while maintaining JSP compliance and meeting minimum military requirements. The templates covered different accommodation sizes, layouts and accessibility requirements.
This considered approach provided Reds10 with a unique catalogue for creating defencespecific spaces using modern methods of construction.
Beacon
Minimum military requirements doesn’t have to mean dull facilities. We work within constraints to create spaces that people want to use – and the Beacon Barracks junior ranks hub is a perfect Corstorphineexample.&Wright was the multidiscipline design leader and lead consultant for the £150 million redevelopment of Beacon Barracks. As part of this project, we were tasked with increasing site capacity to accommodate three signal regiments. This included creating a junior ranks hub, a key social space. The hub had to cater for different uses, meeting the increased capacity needs and adhering to minimum military requirements –while being an appealing space people wanted to use. Our intelligent design generated a series of high-quality spaces, which work together to create volume. Using JSP scales as the foundation, we created a top-lit passage through the centre of the building. The roof accommodated daylighting from above in a way that avoided solar glare. This allowed us to increase light without overcomplicating the building form or taking costs above minimum military Mainrequirements.diningrooms, coffee rooms and meeting spaces flowed off the wide passage. In this way, the passage became a key internal design feature acting as a strong wayfinding device, allowing users to be constantly aware of where they are in the building. Since the coronavirus pandemic, it has also helped facilitate an effective one-way system and social distancing. 9 years after construction, the hub remains a well-used, wellmaintained facility. Feedback has been that people didn’t realise barracks buildings could be like this. Rather than being purely utilitarian, it’s a place people enjoy using and has contributed to morale and retention among junior ranks. Barracks Junior Ranks Hub
A spotlight OperationalonEfficiency
One reason our projects are so successful is our in depth understanding of how people use facilities to live, work and train. We use our extensive knowledge base with great care, recognising that each end user group has different requirements and constraints that must be addressed on a project-by-project basis. We never offer advice or a solution based on a previous project until we’ve defined, analysed and understood stakeholder needs and aspirations – and ascertained major project constraints. This means we have a unique perspective on how to optimise space and boost efficiency (such as through the pairing and sharing principles we developed as part of the Architectural Guidance and Rule Book we developed for the DIO). Importantly, we also have a proven track record of working efficiently in live environments.
As we’ve already seen, Corstorphine & Wright brought an innovative approach to the junior ranks hub at Stafford Beacon Barracks. Another project in the £150 million redevelopment was the combined mess, which showcased how intelligent design delivered a high-quality, value-formoney facility. The barracks had separate officer and SNCO messes in the north-east corner of the site. Both required more capacity –and we needed to provide that capacity in the most efficient, cost-effective way, in line with JSP scales. We started by conducting a series of stakeholder workshops to fully assess requirements. Combining this with our past experience and knowledge of pairing and sharing practices, we designed a combined officer/ SNCO facility for 2 regiments.
Beacon CombinedBarracksMess
We also designed the combined mess for delivery in a live environment, working around the original messes and phasing the process to maximise operational efficiency throughout. Feedback has been positive from all stakeholders – for day-to-day requirements and large functions.
The major advantage has come from catering efficiencies. One kitchen and one catering team can now serve all ranks and units, which saves time and costs. Another critical requirement involved maintaining and celebrating different regimental identities – and providing separate facilities for different ranks. We designed a curved floorplan so that the officer and sergeant messes look away from each other.
The regimental rooms and sitting areas are on the outer edges of the curve, with décor reflecting their unique heritages. They all look out over the landscape, providing attractive views and greater Importantly,privacy.the building has presence when approached from the barracks entrance, making a striking impression for VIP events. A large dining room can accommodate the full number of people for functions, but has sliding screens to create separate spaces as needed.
We were architectural lead for an assessment study at Marne Barracks in Catterick. A third unit was moving to the site, and the DIO needed to optimise capacity while ensuring each unit maintained its operational integrity.
Marne Barracks Quartermaster’sCombinedFacility
Across the units currently on site, quartermaster’s departments occupied ten buildings. We recommended rationalising this by creating a combined facility with stores for all. The new building has separate technical stores for each unit, but uses pairing and sharing principles to drive efficiencies. The accommodation can now be controlled in a single area, streamlining operational output while preserving individual unit integrity.
With our input, RAF Lossiemouth successfully secured funding. Our contribution then led to a further project peer reviewing designs for hangars and building maintenance facilities on Lossiemouth.
RAF Lossiemouth
With our input, RAF Lossiemouth successfully secured funding. Our contribution then led to a further project peer reviewing designs for hangars and aircraft maintenance facilities on Lossiemouth. As part of this, we looked operational and compliance requirements, as well as value for money. From aircraft circulation routes and apron optimisation to washdown needs, we conducted a comprehensive site review on behalf of the DIO. This included advising on minimum routes to avoid conflicts with existing typhoon squadrons, as well as recommending ways to wash and de-ice the aircraft.
As part of the Lossiemouth Development Programme, we were tasked with infrastructure requirements for a new fleet of P-8A aircraft. The DIO brought us in because of our expertise in stakeholder engagement. The project had a complex stakeholder group spanning Boeing, Defence Equipment & Supplies, RAF Lossiemouth teams and US Air Force personnel who would be providing training. We were working with a fixed schedule for aircraft delivery. It was a heavily constrained site with a live airfield. Our definition study analysed the surrounding support activities to determine if existing facilities would be able to accept the new demands – or whether extensions/ new facilities were required.
You need a understandingdeepof how the defence estate works to create designs that meet requirements and deliver value for money.Aspotlight MoneyValueonfor
For more than 20 years, we’ve helped create robust facilities that deliver on exacting requirements, within budget constraints. Whether it’s finding creative ways to increase efficiencies or innovative ways to meet bespoke requirements – we take an intelligent, strategic approach to ensuring value.
And the ability to listen, appraise and accommodate are critical for delivering facilities that meets specific needs. And that’s what we are known for.
Bourlon ProjectwonTheimpactingBlock’sbuildingloss.performancetohiddenincludedtoWehistoricaloffice3Therecontrolsthroughentrance,efficiencies.complexitiesoperationalOurunusednewsavemuch-neededreconfigureapproach,creativebrigadeitspace.envelopeimposingTheoutstandingtheconsideringhowthecarryintoaccommodationII-listedTheSandhurstBarracksBlockSandhurstBlockisaGradebuildingonceusedasliving–butithadfallendisrepair.Wewereengagedtooutanassessmentstudyforblock.Thegoalwastodeterminetoachievemaximumvalue,thecostofmaintaininghistoricbuildingandmeetingneedsinthebarracks.SandhurstBlockisagrand,buildingwitharobustandahighvolumeofWerecommendedconvertingintoacombinedgarrisonandheadquarters.WithaandconsidereddesigntheDIOcouldthentheblocktocreateofficecapacity–andmoneycomparedwithbuildingofficesandmaintaininganfacility.designcarefullymanagedandsecuritywhilemaximisingUnitshavetheirownwithdistinctiveroutesthebuildingandaccessthatsupportunitintegrity.aremorethan500roomsoverfloors,andpersonnelenjoymodernspacesthatintegratewiththesetting.alsodesignedforsustainabilityreducerunningcosts.Thissensitivelyincorporatingdraught-proofingstripsimprovewindows’thermalandminimiseheatSolarpanelsonanadjacentprovide15%ofSandhurstenergyrequirementswithoutitsexternalappearance.SandhurstBlockredevelopmenttheSanctuary2019HeritageAward.
"Inside, the building conveys a pleasing aura of historical significance, preserving a legacy appealing to the user, the Army – itself imbued with history and tradition – and the visitor. For the 4 discrete user groups that now enjoy their own modern office spaces, thanks to discrete internal demolition works and clever modifications, the building has been successfully adapted to make it compatible with its new use. It’s difficult to believe it was once used as living accommodation. By providing an efficient project solution, the potential of the building has clearly been realised, and once again it stands proud on the edge of the parade square."
Lt Col Richard Hill RE
RAF Valley Medical & Dental Facility RAF Valley in Anglesey is a base for fast jet training. Its medical and dental facilities were prioritised for upgrade to bring them in line with current standards and requirements. We were involved in the front-end and tender package development. We started with an assessment study to determine the best-value approach and location for the facility, leveraging our expertise in bluelight and healthcare.
Our design then focused on meeting minimum military requirements – but delivering the performance and counterterrorism measures needed for the location. Since it’s near an active airfield, the building needed to be acoustically sealed to prevent jet noise from interfering with the clinical and patient experience. Because of the exposed coastal location, we specified durable materials that would last in a demanding marine environment. This included using timber shelters to stop wind blowing the facility doors open and orienting the entrance to be sheltered. Thanks to this intelligent design, performance, access and security requirements were met within budget. The facility has become a bestpractice template for military medical and dental facilities. It’s been used as a showcase for achieving an optimal layout and flow while maximising value.
Using the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) process, it was determined that the best option was to build a new facility outside the wire but close to the airfield. This would allow access for an ambulance station if required. It would also be convenient for families coming from living accommodation and allow for appropriate car parking.
Joint Services Mountain Training Wing
Due to the closure of Claro and Deverell Barracks, the Joint Services Mountain Training Wing (JSMTW) needed a new training base. The Army looked at 100 sites and narrowed it down to 4. We were appointed to define the requirements and assess the shortlist, to determine the most appropriate and best value-formoney approach.
Assessment Study
We engaged with stakeholders throughout the process. Based on our analysis, the preferred site was Holton Camp near Lancaster. We were able to refurbish an existing activity centre for JSMTW use. And we determined it would be best value to build a combined stores and office block, with new living accommodation developed nearby. We’re now carrying out a compliance and review role for the contractor as the project progresses.
For each site, we reviewed buildings available for immediate use and refurbishment, as well as what new build facilities would be Ourrequired.evaluation also considered distance from White Scar Cave in North Yorkshire, which was a critical JSMTW training location. The closer the site, the more cave training time troops would have. Further sites would require longer journey times and the potential need for overnight accommodation – which would have real and opportunity costs.
› Reviewed Boeing’s design proposals for compliance and to ensure value for money.
Beacon Barracks Junior Ranks Hub for: Defence Infrastructure Organisation location: NoteworthyStaffordElements:
› Our findings helped RAF Lossiemouth securing essential funding.
› Reviewed compliance of modular training accommodation for the defence estate.
Base Optimisation Programme for: Defence Infrastructure Organisation location: NoteworthyNationwideElements:
› Brought on board due to our stakeholder engagement expertise. We worked closely with Boeing, Defence Equipment & Supplies, Lossiemouth personnel and the US Air Force to ensure operational efficiency.
more
› Provided Reds10 with a unique catalogue for creating defence-specific spaces using modern methods of construction.
Further Project Information
location:Reds10NationwideNoteworthyElements:
› Developed the Architectural Guidance and Rule Book, key frameworks for the PSP design teams.
› Carried out capacity studies nationwide.
› Needed to meet minimum military requirements while creating a space people wanted to use.
Modular accommodation review for:
› Led to further support with the DIO’s footprint strategy, with work later providing evidence for ministerial announcements on the site disposal strategy.
RAF DevelopmentLossiemouthProgramme for: Defence Infrastructure Organisation location: NoteworthyLossiemouthElements:
› Undertook regular review of work conducted by the individual PSP project management and design teams.
This brochure gives you a taste of our past defence work. Here, we give further information about our experience. Contact us for details about these and other projects.
› Defined and developed the infrastructure requirements needed to introduce a fleet of P-8A aircraft to RAF Lossiemouth.
› Tasked with increasing the capacity of the existing site.
› Rationalised designs and developed template models for blocks of different sizes and with different accessibility requirements.
› Intelligent design allowed spaces to work cohesively, with creative features like use of lighting enhancing the user experience.
› Implemented pairing and sharing principles to drive operational efficiencies within catering.
› Design for the chosen site maximised value by balancing refurbishment and new build to meet operational requirements.
› Carried out an assessment study to direct the urgent upgrade of medical and dental facilities.
RAF Valley Medical & Dental Facility for: Defence Infrastructure Organisation location: NoteworthyAngleseyElements:
for: Defence Infrastructure Organisation location: NoteworthyNationwideElements:
› Involved phasing issues to maintain operational capability during construction.
› Provided the full authority design of a highly complex secure administration facility.
High-security Environs
› Prepared designs for a partial refurbishment and new-build facility through to planning and tender stages.
› Acted as architect and multidisciplinary team lead responsible for stakeholder engagement.
› Assessment study led to a new build quartermaster’s facility for 3 units.
Sandhurst Block at Bourlon Barracks for: Defence Infrastructure Organisation location: NoteworthyCatterickElements:
Marne Barracks combined quartermaster’s facility for: Defence Infrastructure Organisation location: NoteworthyCatterickElements:
› Converted a derelict Grade II-listed building into modern headquarters with office space for 4 units – while preserving historic features.
› Incorporated sustainable features to reduce running costs.
› Building won the Sanctuary 2019 Heritage Project Award.
› Accommodation previously occupied ten buildings. Our recommendations rationalised the estate and boosted operational efficiency while allowing units to meet their distinct requirements.
Joint Service Mountain Training Wing (Jsmtw) Training Facility for: Defence Infrastructure Organisation location: NoteworthyNationwideElements:
› Design for the chosen site maximised value by balancing refurbishment and new build to meet operational requirements.
› New combined messes accommodate all officers and SNCOs while maintaining desired separation and celebrating individual regiment identities.
› Leveraged cross-sector expertise to meet clinical needs while adhering to minimum military requirements.
› Facility has become a best-practice template for military medical and dental facilities.
Beacon Barracks Combined Messes for: Defence Infrastructure Organisation location: NoteworthyStaffordElements:
› Features such as the curved footprint opening onto a patio – as well as sliding screens – allow spaces to be used for small meals through to large VIP events.
› Defined requirements and conducted assessment studies of shortlisted sites for a new JSMTW training facility.
› Defined requirements and conducted assessment studies of shortlisted sites for a new JSMTW training facility.
› Gained valuable experience meeting not only USAF requirements, but also addressing key issues arising from applied standards and approving bodies.
› Provided architectural and coordination support during the construction period.
› Worked with the ISA to develop concept design proposals through planning, tender and on-site delivery as part of ongoing decommissioning works.
› Worked with Woods Group PLC’s Nuclear Team in Glasgow to develop the full detailed construction status drawing package for a new build, multistorey facility.
Interim Storage Facility for: Infrastructure Strategic Alliance ISA location: NoteworthySellafieldElements:
› Project involved other infrastructure improvements, including to the steam pipe network, roads and car parking.
› Designed the facility with a unique form and robust construction to minimise ongoing maintenance. Fitted with systems that allow the building and its materials to be remotely monitored.
› The new facility formed a key part of the operational activities on site and was to interface with an existing waste treatment facility.
› Adopted the latest industry standards and procurement methods, helping deliver the facilities years ahead of original timescales.
Support & Integration Facility for: BAE Systems location: NoteworthyCumbriaElements:
› Developed the tender stage design of a new build facility.
› Design introduced new storage methods to the site, so as to meet client-specific requirements and ensure on-time delivery.
Steam Generation Plant for: Infrastructure Strategic Alliance ISA location: NoteworthySellafieldElements:
› Project was awarded a number of prestigious Sellafield and Nuclear Industry Awards.
› New industrial steam generation plant was replacing an existing on-site power station.
Usaf Facilities for: Defence Infrastructure Organisation location: NoteworthyNationwideElements:
› Completed a series of studies for a headquarters facility at RAF Mildenhall, with past experience delivering new high school facilities for the USAF at RAF Menwith Hill.
› The power station was a site-critical asset that had to remain operational during the phased construction.
› Adopted full BIM Level 2 requirements including detailed clash detection exercises, minimising potential issues on site.
Intermediate-level waste storage facility location: NoteworthyDounreayElements:
SCOTLAND RAF Lossiemouth RAF Kinloss RAF Leuchars Fort DounreayDMHMNBGarelochheadGeorgeClydeGlenDouglas NORTH EAST (AlbemarleNewcastle Bks) RAF Gateshead,OtterburnBoulmerNorthumbria GREATER LONDON / SOUTH EAST Hyde Park DoverMaidstoneBeaconsfieldBarracks SOUTH COAST Tidworth LongmoorNetheravonMiddleBlandfordWeymouth(SPTA)Wallop YORKSHIRE Catterick Garrison RAF Dishforth RAF Leeming RAF Fylingdales RAF Linton-on-Ouse RAF Finningley RAF YorkLeconfieldHarrogateConingsby MIDLANDS/EAST ANGLIA Stafford (Beacon Barracks) AbingdonRAFRAFRAFWattishamTernRAFRAFRAFRAFBramcoteRAFKinetonShawburyBramptonBrizeNortonCosfordHaltonHillMildenhallMarhamWyton(Dalton Bks) Bicester (St. Davids Bks) North Luffenham RAF Cottesmore (Kendrew Bks) Shrivenham (Defence Academy) SOUTH WEST/WALES Anglesey (RAF Valley) MODBreconSt. DTEYeoviltonBeachleyCawdorLlangennechPortisheadBathSennybridgeAthanBarracksBarracksSouthWest NORTH WEST PrestonWhitehavenBarrow-in-FurnessSellafield(Fulwood Bks) HaltonEastriggsLongtownEskmealsTraining Camp Our experience For more than 20 years, we've supported defence projects across the country. 60% of the UK's barracks locations and training estate have benefited from our expertise.
85% of projects have been for repeat clients over the past 3 60%years of UK barracks locations and training estate have benefited from our expertise 20 years’ + of experiencedefence 135 leading UK property PLCs and developers have worked with us 11 theacrossstudiosUK230+ strong team of experienced professionals who share learnings from across the practice Corstorphine & Wright in numbers 31 personnel SC cleared with the Defence Vetting Agency
We'reCollaborationsknownforourexpertise in stakeholder engagement, and have worked with dozens of partners to deliver successful defence projects.
Our ContactWarwickTamworthStourbridgeNewcastleManchesterLondonLeedsGlasgowDarlingtonCanterburyBirminghamStudiosusto discuss your project corstorphinewright@corstorphine-wrightdefence@cw-architects.co.ukwww.corstorphine-wright.comcwrightarch
