About DB3
Founded in 1883, DB3 Group is an award-winning, dynamic practice consisting of DB3 Architecture & Design, DB3 Building Services Engineering, DB3 Net Zero and DB3 Professional Services.
DB3 Group has seven studios across the UK in Leeds, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Aberystwyth, so we are never too far away from your project. Renowned for our quality design and technical delivery, we have long standing relationships with some of the biggest global brands across private and public market sectors.
From architectural vision to the completed build, we provide multi-disciplinary expertise aimed at meeting the diverse needs of our client base. We embrace the latest technology, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), to assist in our process and operations for design, visualisation, design team co-ordination and more.
We maintain a focus on delivering the project on time, with exceptional quality and within cost, ensuring long term value is designed into facilities to ensure they are easy and safe to operate, sustainable, minimise energy use and are cost effective to maintain.
Our dedicated team of experienced Architects, Project Managers, Building Services Engineers, Principal Designers and Surveyors provide a quality service regardless of project value, size or complexity, to deliver the best for our clients. Working collaboratively, we aspire to make this an enjoyable process and build relationships which result in us returning to work for the same clients on future projects.
SECTORS
Commercial
Conservation & Heritage
Data Centres
Education
Energy & Waste
Industrial & Manufacturing
Retail
Residential
Science & Labs
Sports & Leisure
EXPERTISE
Architecture
Building Services Engineering
Building Physics Engineering
Passivhaus Design
Principal Designer
Urban Design
Visualisation
NEC Supervisor
Technical Advisor
Long Term Societal Impacts
At the heart of our work is a commitment to transforming communities through meaningful regeneration & masterplanning. With extensive experience completing large and small scale regeneration projects across the UK, we have a significant portfolio of success stories that reflect our dedication to quality.
We adopt a personal approach, collaborating closely with clients to engage in discussions on key topics such as project requirements, stakeholder engagement and bespoke sustainability standards. This ensures that our
projects are not only functional but also tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of the communities they serve.
Our goal is to create structures that actively enhance surrounding ecosystems and enrich the lives of the people who call these communities home.
By blending innovative design, sustainable practices and a deep understanding of community needs, we create spaces that are more than just buildings - they are the foundation for thriving, resilient and vibrant communities.
NATIONAL MUSEUM WALES
Estate Strategy Plan
Location: Cardiff, Glamorgan
Expertise Area: Architecture
National Museum Wales comprise a group of seven museums, including the National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans National Museum of History and Big Pit National Coal Museum. Their mission is to preserve, interpret and promote the cultural heritage, history and natural environment of Wales for present and future generations.
DB3 is collaborating with National Museum Wales to develop a comprehensive estate management plan for the Grade I listed National Museum of Cardiff. This ten year strategic plan outlines the long term development, conservation and operational management of the museum. Key areas of focus include ongoing maintenance, and restoration to accommodate the museum’s evolving needs while ensuring optimal space utilisation, financial sustainability and compliance with heritage and regulatory standards.
Gifted to the people of Wales in 1907, the National Museum Cardiff holds cultural and historical significance. With this legacy in mind, the project’s objective is to enhance accessibility, sustainability, and inclusivity, ensuring the museum remains a welcoming and functional space for everyone in Wales for generations to come.
Located in the heart of Cardiff’s civic centre, the museum houses Wales’ national collections of art, geology and natural history, alongside major touring exhibitions and temporary displays. The building encompasses over 700 rooms, including grand halls, gallery spaces, research facilities, conservation laboratories and administrative offices. Additionally, the museum hosts a diverse programme of events, conferences, weddings, private viewings and film productions, making it a dynamic cultural hub. Due to the museum’s intensive operational schedule, DB3 is closely collaborating with the trust to establish a phased programme of works that minimises disruption to daily activities.
A thorough understanding of the museum’s vision, financial constraints and timeline has been fundamental to shaping the estate management plan. Initial project phases focus on the east and south wings, prioritising a full service replacement ahead of the museum’s centenary celebrations in 2027.
Beyond essential upgrades, a comprehensive reconfiguration and refurbishment strategy is being developed to optimise the museum’s functionality. Budget considerations are central to this process, particularly as the safe removal, transportation, and storage of specialist collections alone exceed £250,000. DB3 is actively working with the trust to develop a sustainable funding strategy, implementing a staggered approach to project delivery to ease financial pressures.
To ensure financial sustainability, DB3 is partnering with specialist consultants to identify and enhance revenue-generating opportunities. This includes the refurbishment and strategic enhancement of visitor facilities, such as the museum’s restaurant, café and retail spaces.
The museum’s Grade I listed status requires close collaboration with key heritage organisations, including Cadw, to ensure that all interventions respect and preserve the building’s architectural integrity while improving visitor accessibility and engagement. Over time, various wings and theatres within the museum have been gifted by private benefactors. In such cases, DB3 works directly with stakeholders to align modernisation efforts with their legacy and intent.
Beyond essential upgrades, a comprehensive reconfiguration and refurbishment strategy is being developed to optimise the museums’ functionality. Budget considerations are central
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
South Quay Redevelopment
Location: South Quay, Pembrokeshire
Expertise Area: Architecture, Conservation Architect & Visualisation
Pembroke has some major advantages as a tourist destination, however, South Quay town centre has suffered from economic decline over the last 25 years, leading to the decay of several historic buildings close to Pembroke Castle and the quayside, which once served it.
We are transforming a historic area adjacent to Pembroke Castle with modern insertions while conserving several Listed buildings and retaining the medieval burgage plots, in order to create a new visitor centre and community facility
Following a positive reception for the masterplan, we were then instructed to develop the design for the first phase of buildings adjacent to the castle. This phase includes the creation of a Henry Tudor
Visitor Centre, café and library facilities.
The £6 million scheme consists of a combination of refurbishment, extensions and newbuild structures. It has been sensitively designed to retain the most historic structures and medieval burgage plots while providing usable gallery space and maximising estuary views for the café.
Additionally, we assisted Pembroke Council with a bid for Levelling Up funding for Phase 2, which involves the creation of a community hub through a mix of newbuild and refurbishment. Our support included developing a brief with stakeholders and preparing a concept design, including 3D visuals of the proposals. The bid was successful, securing £4.1 million for the project.
RHONDDA CYNON TAF COUNTY COUNCIL
Pontypridd Public Realm
Location: Pontypridd, Glamorgan
Expertise Areas: Architecture, Visualisation, Landscape Design
In the heart of Pontypridd, a key site between the High Street and the River Taff is set for transformation. Once home to Marks & Spencer and Dorothy Perkins, the site has stood empty for years. Recognising its potential, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has approved plans to replace the vacant buildings with a new public realm space, creating a stronger link between the town centre and Ynysangharad Park.
This project will introduce a tiered public space with three levels, connected by sloping pathways and steps to improve pedestrian movement. The area will be landscaped with trees and greenery, offering a more welcoming environment. Two small pop-up units will provide space for cafés or takeaways, adding to the vibrancy of the space, with seating areas encouraging people to gather and spend time in the town. Crucially, this development also enhances the key pedestrian route between the railway station and the Lido, making the town more accessible for residents and visitors alike.
Delivering this vision comes with challenges. The site sits on a 19th-century bridge now overlaid with concrete, requiring careful structural planning. Flood risk is another key consideration, as the lower part of the site lies in a flood zone. Measures are in place to ensure compliance with Natural Resources Wales guidelines, preventing any impact on the river or increasing flood risks elsewhere.
Collaboration with local businesses, accessibility groups, and neighbouring property owners has played a key role in shaping the project. Party Wall Agreements and discussions with stakeholders continue to ensure the development integrates smoothly into the surrounding area.
By replacing long-vacant buildings with an open, well connected space, this project will help reconnect Pontypridd’s town centre with its natural surroundings. It marks a shift towards a more accessible and welcoming urban environment, encouraging people to move through and engage with the town in new ways.
CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON COLLEGE
Wolverhampton Central Learning Quarter
Location: Wolverhampton, West Midlands
Expertise Area: Architecture, Lead Designer, Client Advisor & NEC Supervisor
Wolverhampton’s £61m Central Learning Quarter project is a transformative regeneration initiative which aims to bring together the City of Wolverhampton College, a new Sixth Form Centre, Wolverhampton Adult Education Services and the Central Library onto a single city centre campus. The project encompasses the design, remodelling and repurposing of both new and existing buildings, including Listed structures, to create state of the art teaching and training facilities. A reordered public realm will unify the campus, enhancing its role as a central hub for learning and community engagement.
DB3 were appointed as architects and lead designer in 2017. We led the concept design options, collaborating with multiple stakeholders, including Wolverhampton Council and the College. The primary objective for the investment is to regenerate the city centre and provide a focal point for the community to become more involved in the pathways to economic growth.
Planning for the scheme was achieved in August 2019 and the project started with the demolition of the former Faces Nightclub. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and funding requirements, the project was paused for a number of years. The project is being funded through a combination of Government grants (including Levelling Up Fund Round 1, Towns Fund, Department for Education) and Council contributions. In September 2023, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet approved a revised budget and funding strategy to ensure the new City Learning Quarter main site is completed for the start of the 2025/26 academic year.
The new city centre campus represents a bold step in transforming the student experience, positioning the college as a leading education provider for Wolverhampton and the wider region. The campus will serve over 2,000 students and nearly 200 staff, offering cutting-edge facilities
designed to empower learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Thousands of students and apprentices will benefit from this modern learning environment. The project also aligns with the city’s broader goals of revitalising the community and fostering economic growth.
The purpose-built, four storey campus will house a variety of subject areas. This ambitious project has been made possible through collaborative funding. An initial investment of £6.2 million from the City of Wolverhampton Council and Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership supported key preparatory work, such as design development, site surveys, ground investigations, site acquisition and clearance.
By consolidating outdated facilities and creating a modern campus, the City Learning Quarter will play a vital role in Wolverhampton’s educational and economic future. It aims to empower students with the skills they need for successful careers while supporting the city’s broader goals of regeneration and growth.
In addition to the new facilities providing educational benefits for the city, the City Learning Quarter will generate and safeguard 750 jobs in the local economy. City of Wolverhampton College forecasts that over a 10-year period approximately 45,000 people will benefit from learning at the City Learning Quarter and around 7,500 apprenticeships will be started. It is calculated that through energy efficient buildings and traffic reduction, more than 600 tonnes of CO2 emissions will be prevented from being released into the atmosphere each year. It is also estimated that the Wolverhampton air will be cleaner due to 310kg of Nitrous Oxide (NOx) particles not being discharged into the city.
DB3 have been retained by the client during construction of the project and now act as the Client Advisor and NEC Supervisor.
CONFIDENTIAL CLIENT
Sports City
Location: UAE
Expertise Area: Architecture
We’re collaborating with an impact developer whose focus lies in stadium led regeneration. Working globally, they aim to improve health and wealth inequalities through provision of high quality development, public realm and world class sporting facilities. The Sports City project is based in the UAE and aims to enhance the overall health and fitness levels of the local community while establishing a globally recognised sports destination.
The scheme will see a comprehensive array of facilities catering to both competitive and recreational sporting activities. Among the expected deliverables are a football stadium, cricket stadium, tennis stadium, water park featuring attractions like a climbing wall and waterslide, and a sporting excellence facility equipped for professional athletes and sports science. Additionally, provisions for general use courts, basketball facilities and a training running track encircling the buildings will be included. The development will also incorporate mixeduse spaces encompassing residential, retail and leisure areas.
The site, currently vacant and undeveloped, will be transformed into a hub of activity with amenities such as shaded garden areas, benches, and pedestrian friendly pathways. Accessibility is prioritised with plans for vehicle and pedestrian access, including an underground transport hub.
Sustainability features prominently, with considerations for renewable energy sources and low energy infrastructure. Furthermore, cultural inclusivity is acknowledged with the inclusion of a mosque orientated towards Mecca.
BRADFORD COUNCIL
Bradford Sport & Wellbeing Infrastructure
Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire
Expertise Area: Architecture
DB3 has been a key partner in supporting Bradford Council’s efforts to regenerate and expand sports and leisure facilities across the region. As part of this ongoing commitment, we collaborated closely with the council on the development of three new Leisure Centres at Low Moor, Nelson Street and Squire Lane, and a new community sports village at Wyke.
Of the four schemes, two have completed and provide significant benefit to the residents of south Bradford : Sedbergh Leisure Centre at Low Moor, and Wyke Community Sports Village. The Nelson Street proposal was shelved due to this strategic site being sold to the DfE. A new facility at Squire Lane is due to incorporate Primary Care NHS services as well as the leisure centre. Multiple consultation exercises have been undertaken throughout RIBA Stages 0-2 with concepts and ideas being showcased to the myriad stakeholders.
Sedbergh Leisure Centre is a brand new facility designed to enhance community wellbeing and encourage participation in sport and physical activity across the district. This high quality wet and dry sport and leisure facility serves Bradford’s diverse population, providing accessible, modern spaces for people of all ages and abilities. The centre features a six lane, 25 metre swimming pool with a wheelchair access lift, alongside a 12.5 by 8 metre learner pool with a movable floor. To support both casual swimmers and competitive training, a wet change village and group changing facilities were incorporated. The leisure centre also includes an eight court sports hall with accompanying dry changing facilities, a large 80 station gym, two flexible dance studios, and a dedicated spinning studio. Additional amenities include a meeting room, a spacious reception and entrance foyer, outdoor changing facilities with direct access to external pitches, as well as staff
offices and administrative spaces.
Since opening in 2019, Sedbergh Leisure Centre has had a significant positive impact on the local community. Within its first few months, the centre attracted approximately 3,700 gym members - double the figures of previous facilitiesdemonstrating the demand for sports and leisure spaces in the area.
Building on the success of Sedbergh, DB3 worked with Bradford Council to deliver Wyke Community Sports Village, a project providing a much needed community sports facility. Designed to replace the closed circuit cycle track, this development ensures that sporting opportunities remain available for local residents. The project includes a lit circuit cycle track and additional cycling facilities, outdoor sports pitches, a floodlit artificial grass pitch and amenity grassed areas for recreation and community use. A new pavilion building was constructed to house changing rooms and community spaces, alongside associated parking, external lighting and general maintenance and emergency access routes.
The delivery of Wyke Community Sports Village marks another milestone in DB3’s ongoing collaboration with Bradford Council, reinforcing a shared commitment to regeneration, community engagement and accessible sports provision. By creating high quality, inclusive leisure environments, these projects are not only improving health and wellbeing but also fostering a stronger, more active community for future generations.
Beyond essential upgrades, a comprehensive reconfiguration and refurbishment strategy is
RHONDDA CYNON TAF COUNTY COUNCIL
Llys Cadwyn
Location: Pontypridd, Glamorgan
Expertise Area: Multidisciplinary Design Team Lead & Architecture
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council appointed DB3 as the lead multidisciplinary design team for the £38 million Llys Cadwyn redevelopment. DB3 acted as both the architect and lead consultant for all RIBA Stages.
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council acquired the site in 2011 with a view to creating a public sector focused scheme. The solution for the site is based on a mix of uses with the preferred option for an employment based development with three new buildings that allowed the opportunity for new public spaces, and new views of the wonderful Ynysangharad Park.
The redevelopment includes: two new office blocks, 21st-century library, council customer contact point, café, community facilities and leisure and fitness centre.
The project has revitalised the area by creating an attractive riverside promenade and providing 14,693 sqm of office space for over 1,000 people, resulting in substantial economic benefits that position Pontypridd as a strategically important town in the region.
The scheme comprises three buildings. The first one serves as the headquarters for Transport for Wales (TfW). The second building has office space that accommodates 400 staff alongside an accompanying café. The third building is ovular in shape and houses the library, council customer contact point and leisure and fitness centre. In addition, the areas in and around the premises have been improved and are open to the public, including a new Taff Vale walkway that runs alongside the river. A pedestrian bridge has been constructed over the River Taff, connecting Llys Cadwyn with the Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
The successful completion of the project involved overcoming several technical hurdles that demanded a highly cooperative and interdisciplinary approach across all three buildings. These challenges included navigating
Covid-19 restrictions and mitigating the flood damage caused by Storm Dennis. Additionally, while the Llys Cadwyn site was not situated within a conservation area, it was bordered by such areas and listed buildings, which required meticulous consideration.
To achieve the unique appearance of the ovular building, it was crucial to employ an accurate engineering approach. The construction involved utilising a steel skeletal frame, which was carefully designed to accommodate the curved walls. To cover the frame, precision-engineered timber panels made of laminated veneer lumber were overclad. The curved steel frame originates from the reinforced concrete core, and it provides the necessary support for prefabricated timber cassettes that are bolted back to the steel. In total, the project incorporated 6,345 zinc shingles, each roughly the size of a ceiling panel. The internal structure of the building presented its own set of challenges. As the gym and activity studio were located above the library, managing vibration and acoustic control in long-span steel beams (up to 15m) was a significant issue that required careful design solutions from our team.
The project generated more than 3,987 weeks of training opportunities, which included 834 weeks of training for individuals who were long-term unemployed, 957 apprentice weeks and 201 weeks of work experience. Additionally, the project prioritised local employment, with 67% of the workers residing within a 40 mile radius of the site. Over 60% of the project’s expenditure was also within a 20 mile radius. Overall, the project produced a social return on investment of £12.6m.
The development has been highly commended in the British Construction Industry Awards. It has won awards for Transformation, Winner of the Winners, Creating Economic Growth, and Development of the Year. Furthermore, the development has exceeded expectations by achieving a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’.
RHONDDA CYNON TAFF
Robertstown Development
Location: Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf
Expertise Area: Architecture
As part of a wider regeneration initiative in Aberdare, we were appointed as architect for a 2,000 sqm development of business starter units on former railway land at Robertstown. This regeneration effort aims to transform underutilised sites into thriving hubs of economic and community activity, enhancing the local area’s vitality and opportunities.
The Robertstown development comprises 20 light industrial units designed for small and start-up businesses. The site, a flat, overgrown, elongated area of allocated employment land, presented several challenging site conditions during the design stage, including the presence of Japanese knotweed, mare’s tail, nesting birds, reptiles and potential issues with site contamination and flooding.
Our design approach aligns with the regeneration goals by prioritising tenant attraction and community cohesion. Moving beyond the standard design for light industrial units, the layout arranges the units on either side of landscaped pedestrian streets, fostering a sense of community and accessibility. The buildings’ asymmetrical shapes allow for future expansion with mezzanine floors, while the use of brightly coloured accent details against black cladding adds visual interest and identity to the development.
The project also embraces sustainability, being highly energy efficient and achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. This reflects the broader regeneration ethos of promoting environmentally conscious growth while creating spaces that cater to diverse business needs.
CONFIDENTIAL CLIENT
Stadium Led Regeneration
Location: Scotland
Expertise Area: Architecture
DB3 was appointed by a Scottish Premiership club to explore options for either refurbishing their current stadium or relocating to a new site. The club’s existing facilities are limiting their operations and potential for revenue generation, while the site itself is constrained in terms of further development. Any redevelopment would also require the club to temporarily relocate.
Our primary focus was identifying new locations for a stadium that could also drive long term economic and social benefits for the surrounding area. The goal was to create a development that not only supports the club’s ambitions but also contributes to broader community growth.
We assessed five potential sites, developing diagrammatic solutions that allowed the club to explore all options with greater flexibility in negotiations with landowners. This helped ensure that the club could secure a location that would facilitate both immediate and future growth.
Leveraging our extensive experience in diversifying football facilities, we engaged representatives from a wide range of sectors, including the NHS, housing associations, and hotels, to assist in developing a business case. This collaborative approach helped to accurately estimate the potential income of the proposed facility.
In addition to ensuring a sustainable cost plan, we expanded the initial diagrammatic floor plan into 3D visualisations and detailed floor plans.
The presentation of these provides the club and its members with a glimpse of what the new stadium might look like, a radical departure from the traditional architecture seen in the Scottish Premiership.
In undertaking this project, DB3 committed to fostering positive community relations and ensuring that the new stadium serves as a catalyst for local economic growth and social cohesion. Plans are in place to engage local stakeholders through public consultations, ensuring that the community’s needs and insights are integral to the development process. Additionally, the project is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities during and after construction, substantially benefiting local employment rates.
DB3 is dedicated to sustainable development, with a keen focus on incorporating eco-friendly materials and technologies into the new stadium’s design. Preliminary environmental impact assessments have been conducted and strategies for energy efficiency, waste reduction, and minimal environmental disruption are being rigorously developed.
The design of the new stadium incorporates cutting edge technology to enhance fan experience and operational efficiency. Innovations such as high efficiency lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, and smart building management systems are being considered.
THURROCK
COUNCIL
Culver Centre and Culver Field Regeneration
Location: South Ockendon, Essex
Expertise Area: Architecture, Masterplanning, Landscape Design
Urban regeneration is key to revitalising communities, addressing housing shortages and creating sustainable, inclusive environments. In South Ockendon, Essex, additional housing was needed to increase provision while maintaining and improving existing housing stock.
DB3 were appointed as architects and masterplanners for RIBA Stages 1 to 4, including landscape design, to secure planning permission for the regeneration of the Culver site with a new residential development. The site consists of 173 dwellings (65% private sale and 35% affordable housing, including wheelchair accessible units), with public open space, play areas, car and cycle parking. New access roads, routes and footpaths also form part of the proposals.
Maximising site use while safeguarding and improving the environment and ensuring a safe, healthy development were key objectives. Achieving this balance required addressing conflicting factors, including high car parking requirements, policy standards on overlooking distances and garden sizes and specific space standards in the client’s brief. The biggest challenge was that nearly half the site was public open space. Reducing this while improving the overall quality of the public realm and landscaping was carefully considered.
Understanding the local character informed the scheme’s appearance, ensuring it complemented and enhanced the area. Following several site visits, actions included a constraints and opportunities review, urban analysis of the site and surroundings and assessment of key movements, links and connections. A thorough site understanding was fundamental.
Access was a key constraint. Existing pedestrian routes, including those leading to school gates along the northern boundary, had to be maintained. Vehicle access was limited to a single entry point as required by the Highways Department.
Neighbouring properties’ amenity was considered early in the design. A sunlight and daylight specialist was consulted to prevent negative impacts, an approach highlighted in public consultations with local residents.
Several category ‘A’ and ‘B’ trees were present on-site. Although a constraint, they informed the strategic landscaping. Two category ‘A’ oak trees in the centre provided a focal point and structured wider tree planting.
The site’s irregular shape, including mixed boundaries and approximately 1,000m of blank edges (rear garden fences and school playground fencing), required careful masterplanning. The layout integrated these into active street frontages and landscaped areas, avoiding dead space.
Stakeholder engagement was key to achieving high quality design. Early discussions with the Council’s Planning Department focused on reducing public open space while improving overall provision. Meetings with the Highways, Urban Design and Landscape teams ensured alignment with policy. Two public consultations gathered feedback from residents and local councillors, helping shape the final design.
Extensive research, site analysis, and stakeholder engagement informed the final scheme, ensuring it responded to local needs while delivering a well-designed, sustainable community.
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
Haverfordwest Regeneration
Location: Haverfordwest, Pembrokshire
Expertise Area: Architecture
Our work in Haverfordwest is a transformative regeneration project aimed at breathing new life into this historic site. By carefully restoring the castle bailey and repurposing the former jail building, the project ensures that Haverfordwest becomes a vibrant cultural hub while preserving its rich heritage.
Haverfordwest Castle
The project aims to transform the castle bailey into a functional events space, suitable for hosting concerts and other gatherings. Key works include repairs to the historic castle walls and ensuring the space is appropriately adapted for its new purpose.
Conversion of the Former Jail Building into a Visitor Centre
The former jail building, a Grade II listed structure, dates back to the 19th century. Originally constructed as a jail, it was later converted into a police station and then an archive centre in the 1970s. The building has been unused for the past decade and is now being repurposed into a visitor and science centre.
The conversion involves substantial refurbishment within the constraints of the existing Grade II listing. Key elements of the project include:
Roof and Floor Replacement: Upgrading structural components while respecting the historical integrity of the building
Archaeological Considerations: Collaboration with archaeologists to ensure historical elements are preserved
Removal of Unsympathetic Modifications: Eliminating modern alterations that detract from the building’s historic character
Environmental Performance Improvements: Enhancing the building’s energy efficiency while maintaining its breathable masonry construction
Structural and Ecological Repairs: Addressing significant structural issues and accommodating ecological constraints, including the retention and enhancement of two separate bat roosts
Radon Protection: Implementing measures to protect the site against radon
ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL
Helensburgh Waterfront Development
Location: Helensburgh
Expertise Area: Multidisciplinary Design Team Lead, Architecture and MEP
Argyll and Bute Council set an outline business case to revitalise and regenerate Helensburgh’s waterfront. Subsequent masterplans were commissioned by Argyll and Bute Council to redevelop the picturesque waterfront of this coastal town.
To anchor the regeneration project the Council recognised that a new landmark community building would help increase footfall and enhance the town’s public spaces. The need for a modern, larger sports & leisure facility to replace the ageing swimming pool on the pierhead presented an opportunity to create a new leisure centre as a respectful piece of civic architecture that invites in the community, intrinsic to the future success of Helensburgh’s historic waterfront
The new facility is designed to be a central point for both locals and visitors, encouraging participation in various physical activities, from swimming to fitness classes. The building aims to be accessible for people of all abilities, with features like wheelchair access to all pools and a user-friendly gym. It’s part of a wider initiative to improve public spaces, with nearby developments like Colquhoun Square and the promenade linking directly to this new landmark.
With its emphasis on creating a building that feels open and connected to its surroundings, the design incorporates large windows for sea views and a layout that is easy to navigate. The materials chosen reflect the local environment, ensuring the building fits within the town’s historic context while offering a modern, functional space for the community.
St Fagans Castle & National
Museum of History
Location: Cardiff, Glamorgan
Expertise Area: Architecture, Conservation
Architect & Passivhaus Design
We are working on the regeneration of St Fagans Castle and its estate, working to restore and preserve this historical site for future generations. Our approach has been centred on a balance between conservation and the integration of sustainable practices, ensuring the castle remains a vital part of the cultural landscape. Through essential repairs and modern upgrades, we are breathing new life into this significant landmark.
St Fagans Castle
St Fagans Castle is a Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house, situated on the site of an old Norman motte and bailey castle. The current mansion house was built around 1580. In 1946, the castle, along with eighteen acres of land, was donated to the National Museum of Wales as the site for a national open air museum.
The castle has been statutorily recognised and protected in the highest category since 1977. Its courtyard features a Grade II* listed lead water cistern, while many garden structures hold Grade II status.
We are currently collaborating with National Museum Wales and the St Fagans estates team to carry out necessary maintenance and repairs to the listed building. The castle has suffered significant disrepair, with water damage and mould threatening both the integrity of the structure and its collections. As a result, the first floor has been temporarily closed to the public, with all collections removed, limiting visitor access to the ground floor. This situation has negatively impacted the visitor experience and restricted the building’s use for other revenue streams, such as filming and weddings, which previously took place at the castle.
Working closely with the conservation officer and Cadw, we have obtained approvals for a full reroofing of the castle. Additionally, we are undertaking extensive fabric repairs to restore the building to its former glory. We are working closely with specialists and surveyors to address issues such as condensation, dampness and mould.
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open to the public since 1 July 1948, the Grade II listed museum stands in the grounds of the castle and gardens.
DB3 were appointed by National Museum Wales as Architects and Passivhaus consultants, up to RIBA stage 3, on the refurbishment of the administration building at St. Fagans National Museum of History.
Surveys were carried out that identified that the administration block required essential maintenance work. Prior to implementing any remedial work, the opportunity was taken by National Museum Wales to look at how different interventions could reduce carbon emissions.
Following on from this National Museum Wales received funding to explore Passivhaus retrofit (Enerphit) for this project. A fabric first approach has been taken during stage 3 to look at how Enerphit can best be achieved.
In the gardens, we are currently working on two Victorian glasshouses used for potting and propagation by the gardening team. The glasshouses feature their original Victorian glass, which requires careful restoration.
Additionally, the grounds include the House of the Future, constructed in 2000 as a showcase for cutting-edge green building technologies. It was later repurposed as an education centre but required adaptions. We recently completed a reroofing project for this building.
Masterplan
In the museum grounds, there are over 50 historic buildings from across Wales which have been rebuilt at the Museum including; a Victorian school, a medieval church and a Workmen’s Institute, chronicling the historical lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the Welsh people. As part of our work, we are looking at a masterplan to connect all elements of the facility together, creating a seamless visitor experience.
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF WALES
Estate Decarbonisation
Location: Aberystwyth, Ceredigion
Expertise Area: Architecture, Building Services Engineering
DB3 Group were appointed as Lead Consultant, Architects and MEP Engineers for a Welsh Government backed decarbonisation project at the National Library of Wales.
The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth is a Grade II* Listed Building which lies within a Grade II* Registered Historic Park and Garden.
The brief provided by the National Library of Wales required DB3 Group to investigate and design ways in which the National Library could significantly decrease its carbon footprint and also eliminate the use of fossil fuels on site by 2028.
The decarbonisation project designed by DB3 involves a multi-faceted approach which sees sustainable technologies, as well as renewable technologies, being introduced on the National Library’s site as well an extensive programme of fabric improvements.
The principal way in which it is proposed to bring about the elimination of fossil fuels on site is by the replacement of all the National Library’s 6 no. existing gas fired boilers by reversible air source and ground source heat pumps.
Two new external compounds are being provided for the air source heat pumps and the ground source heat pumps are being located in a field adjacent to Library’s site using 52nr 100m deep boreholes. A thermal response was undertaken during the design phase of our works.
The reversible heat pumps will cater for the heating as well as the cooling loads at the Library,
thus enabling all the existing chiller units as well as the 5MW of gas boilers to be removed from site. The four plant rooms associated are being reengineered to facilitate the change over from gas whilst the general building heating systems will remain.
Given the historical significance of the building, our architecture team worked to secure various consents, including planning permission for air source and ground source heat pumps, roof mounted solar panels and ground mounted solar panels in adjacent fields. Fabric improvements were key elements of the project. In Book Stack 2, the existing timber windows were repaired, and secondary glazing was installed, while in Book Stack 3, the original 40 year old aluminium windows were replaced with double-glazed units. Reroofing and insulation upgrades were undertaken to prepare for solar panel installations. This work required careful sequencing to minimise disruption, with localised closures and tented structures used to protect the live site.
The project’s complexity was compounded by several factors. Storm Darragh caused unforeseen damage to the temporary tent structures, necessitating adaptive solutions. Managing multiple contractors while addressing spending pressures has required meticulous coordination, as fabric repairs, M&E upgrades, and other interventions have been carried out simultaneously.
CARDIFF COUNCIL
Cathays Schools
Location: Cardiff, Glamorgan
Expertise Area: Architecture
With more demand for Welsh language education and less for Church of England schools, the Council is restructuring its stock to make better use of resources while creating modern, well equipped learning environments.
Two schools are being combined into a single site, to form a new English language Church of England school. Another school is undergoing extensive fabric repairs, while a brand new Welsh language primary school will support the growing number of pupils wanting Welsh-medium education.
With several of the buildings being Grade II listed, all work follows heritage guidelines. This means carrying out detailed heritage impact assessments, securing listed building consent and working
closely with conservation officers. Repairs to historic structures, including the old boathouse at one site, will ensure these buildings are no longer left unused and deteriorating. By restoring the boathouse - previously derelict for 30 years - it can become a valuable space for the school and wider community, potentially being used for after school clubs and learning activities.
The work schedule is carefully planned to minimise disruption, with construction happening mainly during school holidays. A long term programme of repairs will ensure that the buildings are not only functional but also preserved for future generations.
Ty Du Business Units
Location: Nelson, Caerphilly
Expertise Area: Multidisciplinary Lead & Architecture
DB3 were appointed via the NPS Framework by Caerphilly Council to lead and manage a multi–disciplinary team to develop designs for flexible use B1 employment units on the Ty Du site in Nelson.
Bringing modern, flexible workspaces to Nelson, encourages investment in the area, revitalising the local economy and providing employment opportunities.
The newly created floor areas were approximately 20,000sqft in size. The Ty Du site already had existing outline planning permission and the aim was to design modern highly efficient business starter units for the employment parcel of the land and submit to planning for approval of reserved matters within the required time scales. The team worked with Caerphilly Council and their commercial property advisers to review site layout options and then to develop designs for high
quality flexible units that satisfy the requirements of the Council and the local market. The prominent scheme was partly Welsh Government and European Union funded and was developed to BIM Level 2, to achieve BREEAM 2018 Excellent. The project was designed to include five buildings, each of which can be subdivided into two or three units. The external envelope of the buildings has been designed to be highly thermally efficient whilst remaining attractive and flexible enough to provide an internal environment that can be used for B1 industrial or B1 office uses. IES thermal modelling was used to inform the thermal properties of the fabric, including U and G values ensuring that the buildings achieve their energy targets.
As this site was part of a wider masterplan, we discussed the Ty Du scheme in detail with the Local Planning Authority and the typology and materials chosen were carefully considered along
NATIONAL MUSEUM WALES
AMGUEDDFA CYMRU
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Location: Blaenavon, Torfaen
Expertise Area: Architecture, Conservation Architect
As a vital regeneration project within the unique Blaenafon Industrial Landscape, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, our work at Big Pit plays a crucial role in preserving and enhancing Wales’ rich coal mining heritage. Once employing up to 1,300 workers, Big Pit has now transformed into an interactive museum dedicated to the operational preservation of this industrial legacy. Through careful restoration and modernisation, we are ensuring that this historic site continues to educate and inspire future generations.
A number of buildings have a protected status. The Powder House, Saw mill, office and the Electrical Workshop, have Grade II listed building status. The Pit Head Building, Headframe & Tram Circuit and the Miners’ Bathhouse have Grade II* listed building status.
In our role as architects, we have several ongoing projects at the museum focusing on repair and enhancement to the existing buildings.
A Grade II Listed building, The Pithead Baths houses four exhibition spaces and uses objects and images to tell the story of coal mining in Wales. There is also a multifunctional space serving as an education room, canteen and lecture theatre, housing both temporary and permanent exhibitions. However, the building is currently in a state of deterioration.
As architects, we are leading a sensitive retrofit project, focusing on fabric repairs and essential upgrades to preserve its historical integrity while ensuring it meets modern functional needs. Aligned with National Museum Wales’ decarbonisation efforts, a ground source heat pump has been installed to improve energy efficiency, along with double glazing and roof insulation.
The Fan House, located at the rear of the site, is one of the most important buildings in any coal mine. Its ventilation system plays a crucial role in bringing oxygen into the mine, removing or diluting unwanted gases, dust, and fumes and maintaining a cooler, drier environment.
As an underground experience is available to all visitors, the Fan House remains fully operational today. However, we are currently reviewing the replacement of the existing fan systems, as they are outdated and require frequent cleaning due to black mould buildup. Cleaning the fans often results in temporary mine closures, which negatively impact the visitor experience.
The Tram Shed, once vital for transporting coal to and from the mine, is at risk of collapse. To preserve its legacy, we have been working closely with structural engineers to stabilise the structure. As part of this effort, we are implementing temporary support works.
NATIONAL MUSEUM WALES
AMGUEDDFA CYMRU
The National Slate Museum
Location: Llanberis, Gwynedd
Expertise Area: Client Advisor
The National Slate Museum, previously known as the Welsh Slate Museum and the North Wales Quarrying Museum, is located at Gilfach Ddu, within Padarn Country Park in Llanberis, Gwynedd. The museum sits in the 19th century workshops of the once operational Dinorwic Quarry and is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Wales’ slate industry.
As an anchor point on the European Route of Industrial Heritage (ERIH) and part of National Museum Wales, the museum plays a key role in telling the story of the region’s industrial past. The workshops were built in 1870 on land created from spoil from the nearby Vivian Quarry.
After the quarry closed in 1969, the site was transformed into a museum. Today, a £21 million redevelopment project is underway to secure the future of the museum and its collections. With support from Cyngor Gwynedd, the Welsh and UK governments, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the museum will become a key site for interpreting the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This redevelopment is a prime example of regenerative development. It preserves the site’s heritage while making it more accessible and relevant for the future. The restoration of the Grade I Listed building, the reconfiguration of existing structures, and the addition of new facilities, like a learning centre, shop and café, will ensure the museum’s long term success. The project also focuses on sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement, bringing new opportunities to the local area while highlighting the cultural importance of Wales’s slate industry.
The redevelopment involves essential repairs to the Grade I building, partial demolition of later additions, reworking a Listed office block, improving disability access, and creating new visitor spaces.
As Client Advisor, we have worked closely with the client throughout the process, supporting tasks like the temporary relocation of 8,000 artefacts to a secure site. Our experience in regeneration and conservation has been vital to ensuring the project’s success, guiding the client every step of the way.
LEEDS CITY COLLEGE
Printworks Campus
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Expertise Area: Architecture
As part of the wider regeneration of South Leeds - including Temple, Aire Park, and the Climate Innovation District - DB3 collaborated with Leeds City College to design a new three storey building for the Printworks Campus. This project formed a key part of the area’s transformation, addressing the challenge of integrating modern educational facilities within a historic site while contributing to the broader renewal of the district.
DB3’s expertise spanned RIBA Stages 1 to 6, ensuring a fully coordinated approach that brought together the design team, client and modular system fabricator. The result was a bespoke building that not only meets the needs of its users but also aligns with the regeneration efforts shaping the area.
The DB3 team conducted extensive end user engagement workshops to ensure that the design met the needs of the college and the teaching delivery team. This process was coordinated with the planning, transport and environmental consultant teams, as well as the manufacturing client team, to ensure that the final design met all relevant requirements. Throughout the build process, the college engaged the students and took them on visits to see the modules being installed as well as the detailed fit-out works.
The design features partially perforated corten steel cladding and a double height glazed entrance. This bold and distinctive architectural intervention aims to provide a unified space for the technology students who will be utilising the building.
The completed building is highly sustainable, achieving a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ certification’. The design began with a built off-site prefabricated
system that promotes net zero waste to landfill, fabricated by Premier Modular. With a total GIA of more than 1,120m², the building was on site for just six months due to its off-site construction system. The creation of the new building posed a number of challenges, particularly with regard to protecting the neighbouring Grade II listed building. In addition, the prefabricated construction system utilised in the project required strong technical coordination throughout all design stages. DB3 successfully addressed this challenge by engaging the client early on in the process, ensuring that all aspects of the project were fully coordinated and executed with precision.
The final result is a fully bespoke building, which not only meets the brief but also responds to its locale and the teaching it is meant to house.
DB3 has since been commissioned to carry out a secondary MMC project for the college after the successful delivery of the Printworks Campus.
“The new building will play a vital role in giving students the best possible learning experiences and opportunities. It’s a beautiful building and it’s wonderful that it’s been built with sustainability in mind.”
The Right Honourable Hilary Benn, Leeds Central MP
Architecture and much more
As a multi-disciplinary consultancy, our expertise extends beyond architecture, meaning our clients can pick and choose key areas or combine a number of our service skill sets and project management skills when selecting our single point service offer. DB3 Group offers the following four individual business units.
DB3 Architecture & Design
Providing RIBA Chartered sustainable architecture, urban design, landscape design and masterplanning, with supporting services including BIM, visualisation and interior design. DB3’s architectural team comprises 35+ architects, supported by a strong team of 40+ technologists and architectural assistants with the capacity to resource projects across all sectors.
DB3 Building Services Engineering
Offering CIBSE Chartered Mechanical and Electrical Engineering to all sectors. The team have particular experience in the leisure sector, having delivered numerous wet and dry leisure facilities across the UK. The team incorporates Building Physics Engineering, are CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors and offer Thermal Modelling (DSM).
DB3 Net Zero
Drawing on the experience of our in-house mechanical & electrical engineers, architects, energy assessors, Passivhaus designers and sustainability experts. Our suite of Net Zero consultancy services is broken down into six categories which cover topics around whole life cycle. These categories include; Carbon, Efficiency, Passivhaus, Wellbeing, Performance & Compliance.
DB3 Professional Services
The team deliver building surveying, retail project management, principal designer, contract administration and NEC supervisor roles, across the UK. Working alongside DB3’s architectural and M&E teams, these roles can be incorporated into a multi-disciplinary offering or procured as an independent service.
Accreditations
AJ100 Company
RIBA Chartered Practice
Passivhaus Trust Member
Certified Passivhaus Designers
CIAT Registered Practice
CIBSE Directory of Practices & Firms
CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System
ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management System
Altius Approved Elite Vendor
H&S SSIP Accredited, through Eurosafe and Alcumus
Constructionline Gold Member
Achilles RISQS Accredited
Cyber Essentials Plus
Awards
DB3 Group: Shortlisted - Retail Week 2025 ‘The Best New Store - Large’, HUGO BOSS; WinnerUKActive Awards 2024 ‘Regional Club of the Year – London’, Flitwick Leisure Centre; Shortlisted - COBBA 2024 ‘Architect of the Year; Shortlisted - Yorkshire Insider Awards 2024 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; Winner - UK Enterprise Client Service Excellence Award 2024 ‘Best Sustainable Architecture Practice’; ShortlistedThe Grafters Awards 2024 ‘Best RIBA Architectural Practice’; Winner – Build Architecture Awards ‘Best Sustainable Architecture & Design Firm 2023’; Shortlisted - West Midlands Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; Winner - Yorkshire Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; Shortlisted - UKREiiF Awards 2023 ‘Consultant of the Year’; Shortlisted - COMBA 2023 ‘Architecture Practice’; Shortlisted - Grafters Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice’; Winner –COMBA & COBBA 2022 ‘Architect of the Year’; 2021 Digital Enterprise Top 100; Winner – Insider Property Awards 2018 ‘Architectural Practice of the Year’ & ‘Design Excellence’; Shortlisted – BD Awards 2017 ‘Sports & Leisure Architect of the Year’; RICS Design Through Innovation Award 2017; Insider Property Industry Awards 2015 ‘Highly Commended Architectural Firm of the Year’
DB3 Team: Shortlisted - Women in Business Awards 2025 “Professional of the Year”, Charlotte Scaife; Shortlisted - Insider Yorkshire Young Professionals Awards 2025 ‘Young Business Development Professional’, Jen Spencer & ‘Young Property Professional of the Year’, Mohammed Mahdi; Shortlisted - MMC Awards 2024 ‘Women in Modern Methods of Construction’, Nainita Howard; Shortlisted - COBBA 2023 ‘Business Development Professional’, Charlotte Scaife; ShortlistedUKREiiF Awards 2023 ‘People & Skills Torchbearer’ Lee Holmes; Shortlisted - COMBA 2023 ‘Business Development Professional’, Charlotte Scaife
Castle Farm Leisure Centre: ‘Best Public or Community Building’ - LABC Regional Awards
Printworks Campus: ‘Project of the Year Education (Secondary & Higher)’ - MMC Awards 2024
Helensburgh Waterfront Development: Highly Commended - Argyll & Bute Awards 2023
‘Aesthetic Design’; Finalist - Planning Awards 2023 ‘Outstanding Contribution to Placemaking: Best Use of Arts, Culture or Sport’; Highly CommendedIStructE Awards 2022 ‘Leisure Project’
Llys Cadwyn Regeneration: Winner – Cardiff Property Awards 2021 and Ystadau Cymru 2021 Award for ‘Creating Economic Growth’; Highly
Commended – British Construction Industry Awards 2021; CLAW Project of the Year Awards 2021; Winner –Constructing Excellence Awards Wales 2021 ’Integration and Collaborative Working’ & ‘Building of the Year’
Adidas Oxford Street: Gold Winner – London Design Awards 2020
Leeds College of Music: Winner – RIBA Regional Award 2015 ‘Small Project Award’; Shortlisted –Insider Property Industry Awards Yorkshire 2018 ‘Regeneration Project of the Year’, Education Estates Awards 2018 ‘Refurbishment Project’, AJ Retrofit Awards 2018 ‘Further & Higher Education’; Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber Awards 2018 ‘Building Project of the Year’
Chancery Lane Residential: Shortlisted –London Construction Awards 2018 ‘London Build Excellence’ & ‘Regeneration Project’
Airedale Air Conditioning: Winner – RICS 2017 Regional Award ‘Design through innovation’
Ysgol Craig Y Deryn School: RTPI Wales Planning Award 2014
Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre: Commended – SCALA Awards 2014 ‘Civic Building of the Year’
MOMA Machynlleth Tannery Gallery: CPRW Awards 2014 ‘Special Award’
Michael Woods Leisure Centre: Highly Commended – SCALA Awards 2014 ‘Civic Building of the Year’; Scottish Property Awards 2014 ‘Architectural Excellence’
Marks & Spencer, Liverpool: Highly Commended –CIAT Award 2010 ‘Technical Excellence’
PAN Emirates, Dubai: Shortlisted – Retail Interiors Awards 2010 ‘Best International Interior’
Threeways School, Bath: BCSE Awards 2009 ‘Inspiring Design for Special Schools’
ASDA Stores Supplier Awards: 2009 ‘Best Consultant’ & ‘Best EDLC (Every Day Low Cost) Initiative’
University of Huddersfield, Creative Art Building: Bronze Awards – RIBA White Rose Award 2009; Commendation – CIAT Award 2009; Shortlisted –RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards 2009
University of Huddersfield, Milton Centre: Winner – Insider Yorkshire Renaissance Awards 2006 ‘Best Restoration Project’
Aberdovey Yacht Club: Winner – Snowdonia National Park Awards 1992 ‘Good Design in the Countryside Award’