Architype - Presentation

Pat Borer David Lea

Gellideg Foundation - Gellideg, Merthyr Tydfil Feasibility Report (RIBA stages 1-2)

Contents

Introduction 5 Project Summary & Outline Brief 6 - 9 Site Analysis 10 - 16 location analysis site photographs site sections

12 13 14-15 16

Design Development 17

concept plans elevations sections section views views

18-19 20-23 24 25 26 27-28

Materials and Energy 29-32 Appendix 33

A - Cost Estimate

35-42

Introduction Purpose This feasibility report comprises of the brief development and concept designs for the Gellideg Foundation’s Eco Centre project at the culmination of RIBA Stage 2.

The report summarises the work carried out to this stage and provides an opportunity for the client and funding bodies to review the proposals before they are taken forward to the next stage.

The RIBA stages are standardised.

For information the stages are: • 0 Strategic Definition • 1 Preparation and Brief • 2 Concept Design • 3 Developed Design • 4 Technical Design • 5 Construction • 6 Handover and Closeout • 7 In Use Executive Summary This report presents the concept design for the proposed new build of a community charity facility based on the Gellideg Estate in Merthyr Tydfil.

• Design Development: This section

details the development of the

design through feedback

from consultation, observation of

specific running, user requirements

and analysis of design options.

• Materials and Energy: A summary of

proposed materials and construction

methods to suit the location of the

site and the stringent low energy aspirations.

introduction • purpose of the report • to summarise the process • to present the proposed feasibility of the design • to seek formal approval of feasibility from the client

For information the report also includes: •

Appendices:

A - Preliminary Order of Magnitude Cost Estimate

The report has been commissioned by the Gellideg Foundation to support their funding applications for the new facility.

The report contains the following information: • Project Summary and Outline Brief: an

introduction to the contect surrounding

the project and the client’s

initial brief and vision for the development.

•

Site Analysis: A documentation of the site location with a preliminary investigation into the opportunities and constraints present on and around the site.

5

Project Summary & Outline Brief Introduction The initial brief from the Gellideg Foundation calls for a new landmark and low energy building to better house their existing functions and to provide much needed additional facilities for the community.

This feasibility study was commissioned to support funding bids to raise the capital to take the project forwards.

10 people • IT Facilities accessible computer and

wifi facilities for community use as Client aspirations • The design must be welcoming and well as an IT training suit for inviting

teaching purposes with 8 stations.

• The building should be secure and • Gym a high quality space with good defensible

equipment. A connected dance studio • The design should seek to change for various community groups and

mind sets on the estate, inspire the youth associated changing facilities

and give people a sense of worth • Domestic Teaching Kitchen suitable for The Gellideg Foundation aims: • The design should be of a timeless cooking classes of up to 12 people • To provide facilities for social enterprises quality and striking enough to be proud with individual cooking stations.

operating from the estate of.

• Interview Room: private space sufficient • To provide facilities and training to enable • The interior design should be flexible for a minimum of 3 people seated at a

the community to engage with 21st enough to adapt to different uses, table

century technology.

possibly through the incorporation • Offices private office space for 20 staff • To improve links with the local of moveable partitions/walls

members at the Foundation

community & provide an active • The public spaces need to be • Pre-School facilities to accommodate

and inviting social frontage.

uncluttered, light, uplifting and with a children from 6 months with their carers • To provide community facilities including sense of tranquillity

for groups and classes

an early years facilities, a health suite • Community spaces should be easily • Catering Kitchen with associated stores

and a range of youth facilities

accessible through a controlled access and offices for commercial catering • The proposed building should be of point facility

the highest, practicable sustainable • Achieve a demonstrable high level of • Music youth facility to be accessible out

standard employing the ethos of ‘eco sustainable design and energy efficiency

of hours minimalism’.

• Good solar access, day lighting and • Courtyard/outdoor space: a usable,

openness to surrounding views is partially covered space; a fountain/ The remainder of this section details the desirable

water feature; herb garden development of the brief through feedback • The materials and construction outdoor performance space; from consultation with staff and volunteers, techniques used need to be of a human access route into community spaces observation of specific practical running and user scale so trainees from the estate • Apartment two bedroom flat; requirements and analysis of design options.

have the opportunity to get independent access; acoustically

involved in building separated Initial Brief & Vision • Incorporate affordable building • Hairdressers to accommodate 6 cutting Following an initial pre-feasibility report by Pat techniques

stations and 1 washing area Borer Architect, David Lea Architect and Architype • Have minimal running and maintenance • Environmental Task Force need rest were approached to collaborate with Pat Borer costs with efficient energy usage and room and storage facilities for equipment on a Feasibility study and the development of the minimal environmental emissions

and vehicles concept designs.

• Packing/Meeting/Teaching Space Main Accommodation Requirements:

flexible and accessible space with The current facilities for the Gellideg Foundation • Foyer /Gathering Space A multi purpose storage are housed in disused flats on the estate. They space, suitable for gatherings of up to 60 • Toilets/Plant Room/Stores sized to suit are in poor condition, are difficult to heat and people

building occupancy their sub-dived nature doesn’t lend itself to the • Conference Room sufficient for both functions within.

community and public events of up Detailed Area requirement outlined overleaf: The new building will be a focus for the local to 60 people community, enhancing the wide range of facilities • Workshop a versatile space for a range of and services currently offered by the Gellideg community activities. To accommodate Foundation.

Project Summary • Introduction • Initial Brief and Vision • Client Aspirations • Accommodation Requirements

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Project Summary & Outline Brief Gelli Deg

V1

Schedule of Accommodation Monday, 24 March 14 Ref Name 1 Offices 2 Office Interview Room 3 Internet 'cafe' area 4 Hairdresser 5 Kitchenette 6 Domestic Training Kitchen 7 Storage for Domestic Kitchen 8 Workshop 9 Interview Room 10 Conference Room 11a Meeting /Teaching Room 11b Dance Studio /Teaching Room 12 Catering Unit 13 IT Unit 14 Omitted 15 Music unit 16 Gym/Changing/Showers 17 Pre-school room 18 Pre-school WC & Kitchen 19 Reception Office 20 Dry Store 21 Walk in Cold Room 22 Fresh Food Store 23 Storage 24 Waiting area 25 Waiting WCs 26 General Storage 27 Changing/Rest Room 28 Foyer, gathering space 29 Plant Room

30 31 32 33 34

External Covered Area Buggy Park Herb Bed External Toy store Courtyard

Project Summary • Shedule of Areas

2

Total gross

1357 m

Circulation & partition allowance TOTAL net

20% 2 1131 m

Area / 2 USED BY person No of people Area m 10.0 20 200.0 A to M 2.5 6 15.0 A to M 2.0 5 10.0 B G 3.5 6 21.0 2.5 2 5.0 A 5.0 12 60.0 A B D E 5 10.0 E 5.6 10 56.0 A H 2.5 3 10.0 B G 2.0 35 70.0 A B C E H 2.5 12 30.0 A B D E F L 2.5 12 30.0 A B D E F L 120.0 C 2.5 12 30.0 A G

3.7

20

8.0

2

2.5

6

2.0 1.0

12 60

50.0 110.0 74.0 15.0 16.0 10.0 10.0 5.0 15.0 15.0 5.0 15.0 24.0 60.0 40.0 1131.0

H D H H I BE BE E BE I I AF F A

80.0 A E B E 15.0 H H

Key to User Groups: Activity NOT open plan. Divided by screens/glass so visual links can be made but privacy can be maintained.

For private/internal meeting. No community members allowed access to office area.

B: G: Job searches?

Used once a week by elederly community members General staff use A: Cup cakes B:Domestic cooking. D: Cooking classes 8 units. E: 8-12 training (Pizza oven?)

E: Storage for cooking equipment A: Candles, jewellry. H: DIY skills B: interviews (Food Co-op). G: 'Prosperous' meetings A: B: Youth&>60s. Mums & Toddlers; F&V Co-op packing room. C: Xmas lunches E: Demonstrations of cooking 35x2. H: M&Ts, creche.

A: Groups. B: Agencies. D: Teaching Room. E: Teaching nutrition etc. F: Training for land volunteers. L: Group meetings A: Groups. B: Agencies. D: Teaching Room. E: Teaching nutrition etc. F: Training for land volunteers. L: Group meetings C: Catering Workshops see schedule.

A: Environmental Group, G: IT delivery, job searches (Prosperous)

A - Youth and Adult Volunteer Coordinators B - Community Enterprise Network Coordinators C - Catering Staff D - Community Health Network - Activity E - Community Health Network - Nutrition Health F - Environmental Officer G - Prosperous Officer H - Youth Managers / Early Years I - Reception and IT Support J - Finance Manager K - Monitoring Officer L - Communities First health Officer M - Executive Management

H: See schedule (to include 'Flat 5'?)

D: Cardio, Weights, Boxing, Changing, Kitchenette - see schedule H: 2-3yrs pre-school.

H: 2-3yrs pre-school, creche + M&Ts nappy changing I: Reception & IT stores B: F&V Co-op. E: Dry goods (month's worth) B: F&V Co-op. E: Fridge freezer E: Nutrition health B: F&V Co-op. E: Cooking equipment storage I: Reception waiting I: Reception waiting A & F: 'lock up' for tools F: 12 people maximum, land volunteers A: Multi-purpose space 60 people (combined with 3, 4 & 24?)

A: Community Safety, demonstrations. E: Barbeque area, demonstrations of cooking B: Mums & Toddlers E: Nutrition health H: 2-3yrs pre-school.

H: 2-3yrs pre-school.

Schedule of Areas

Following consultation with the Gellideg Foundation staff and volunteers

Scedule.xlsx

Printed on 24/03/2014

8

Project Summary & Outline Brief Spatial Area Diagram

Check this drawing is the latest revision.

Do not scale from this drawing.

Do not use the information on this drawing without checking all dimensions on site.

Do not use any areas indicated for either valuation, purchase, sale or any other form of legally binding contract.

Do not reproduce any part of this drawing without prior written consent.

Dry Store - 10m2

Note s

Cold Store 10m2

Health Suite Changing /Showers 20m2 approx

External courtyard - 250m2 approx

Level access to vehicles

Commercial Kitchen - 100m2 approx

Covered outdoor space - 80m2 approx

Hairdresser 20m2

General Store - 15m2

Changing Room/ Rest Room 15m2

Interview Room 10m2 WC's - 5m2

Kitchenette / WC's 15m2 approx External Storage, Buggy Park - 30m2 approx Outdoor play area, 60m2 approx

Foyer/ gathering space - 60m2

Creche - approx 60m2 Welsh Gov - Creche Space Requirements: Under 2yrs - 3.7m2 2 yrs - 2.8m2 3-5 yrs - 2.3m2

Class room/dance studio 30m2 approx

Kitchen ette 10m2

Reception Office 16m2

Wifi computer/cafe area - 10m2

Caption text

Conference Room70m2 approx

Out of hours access required

Gym- 70m2 approx

FOR COMMENT Revision s

Waiting Area15m2 Internal Storage 15m2

Interview Room 15m2 approx

Music - 50m2 approx

IT suite - 30m2 approx

Shared and private office spaces - approx 200m2 for 20 people at a density of 10m2 per person.

F&V/ Cooking Equipment Store - 15m2 approx

Plant Room - 40m2

Workshop - 56m2

F&V packing room/ Teaching Room - 30m2 approx

Cold Store 10m2 approx

Domestic teaching kitchen - 60m2

Rev & Date

Checked

Pat Borer and David Lea Architects

Dry Store - 10m2 approx Project Client

Community Services

Drawn

Dwg Title Dwg No. Scales Drawn by

Gellideg Foundation Gellideg Foundation

Space Diagram Revision

7695 SK 01 1:100 ED

at A1

Date

26.11.13

Checked by

B

9

Site Analysis

11

Site Analysis

Cyfarthfa Castle

Merthyr Tydfil

Sub heading Body text Sub, sub titles

Proposed site St. Luke’s Church Current Gellideg Foundation accommodation in flats

Site of old steelworks Merthyr Tydfil

Site Location Merthyr Tydfil is situated approximately 23 miles North of Cardiff in South Wales. Gellideg is a social housing estate which lies to the North East of Merthyr town centre. The estate has suffered with the decline of manufacturing in the area and currently experiences high levels of unemployment and social exclusion.

Row of shops

Disused car park

The site is situated in the heart of the estate, on a slope which overlooks the Brecon Beacons to the North and East.

The site was originally occupied by a community centre, the Gellideg Working Mans Club, which burnt down some years ago. The site is adjacent to a row of shops along Hoel Tai Mawr (which is a bus route). It is also bounded by Lansbury Road to the East, a ball court and a community church to the South and a disused car park to the West. The site has a slope from West to East of approximately three metres, and is currently grassed over the fill above the foundations of the former building. The aspect is relatively open on all sides apart from the West. There is some parking in a lay-by on Lansbury Road and the potential for more on the disused car park to the West.

Multi Use Games Area

Gellideg Foundation Site

12

Site Analysis Advantages and constraints of the site: The site is located at the heart of the Gellideg Estate and has a strong presence in an elevated position on the main approach road into the estate. It is adjacent to a bus stop and a row of shops along Heol Tai Mawr, and looks out towards the Brecon Beacons to the North and East.

Active Frontages Existing Pedestrian Routes Potential Vehicle Access

There is opportunity to provide vehicle access along Lansbury Road to the East or along Heol Bryn-Y-Gwyddyl, an access road to the back of the neighbouring shops to the West.

The main functional constraint to the site is the topography which makes achieving level access difficult, but contributes greatly to the character and richness of the site, providing fantastic views to the North and East.

The area immediately surrounding the site has been neglected and is mainly used as a meeting place for local youths and as a cut through across the estate.

The area around the back of the shops to the West is neglected and unsightly. Access will need to be maintained for delivery vehicles to the back of the shops so this will need to be screened from view.

There is the opportunity to look at master planning the wider area surrounding the site. By addressing the disused car park and play area to the West and the MUGA and St. Luke’s Church to the South, there is the opportunity to revitalise and link the facilities provided in this area.

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Site Analysis: Site Photographs Heol Parc-Y-Lan

St. Luke’s Church

Childrens play area

MUGA

Disused car park

Back of shops

Site

Bus stop

A. View of the site and surroundings from the East Winchfawr House

B

A

B. View from the site towards Winchfawr House - disused flats currently occupied by the Gellideg Foundation 14

Site Analysis: Site Photographs

C. View of the back of the shops to the West of the site

D. View North across the main road towards the Brecon Beacons

D E C

E. View South across disused car park towards St. Luke’s Church, the MUGA and play area.

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Site Analysis: Site Section

Site Sections The site section demonstrates a considerable difference in levels from East to West. The levels currently show a 3.7m fall from the higher West side of the site to the lower East side.

The only buildings in close proximity to the site are the row of shops outlined to the top of the section in the West. Despite being only single storey units, their location towards the top of the slope means they will overshadow the North West corner of the site in the evening.

At the lower end of the site, across Lansbury Road, are the four storey flats currently occupied by the Gellideg Foundation. Despite being much taller buildings, their location further down the slope, and their distance across the

road, means they don’t overshadow or enclose the site.

The level change through the length of the site poses a challenge to maintaining a level access to and within the building without extensive groundworks, ramps or lifts.

The orientation of the site, with its relative openness to the South, means there is potential to maximises the benefits from solar gains to south-facing glazed elevations throughout the year.

16

Design Development

17

Design Development Consultation The brief was developed and informed through consultation with the Gellideg Foundation staff and volunteers. Consultation engagement was conducted in a series of meetings and observations with the staff and volunteers at the centre and more focused strategic reviews with the management staff and trustees. Aspirations for the new building, and facilities required to best promote the Gellideg Foundation were explored and discussed. Feedback and comments were recorded, interpreted and fed back into the brief development.

Key Themes and Objectives Much consideration and discussion was given to the question of security. The building needs to be highly secure and impenetrable out of hours, at the same time as being a friendly and welcoming community building at the heart of the estate.

The building must also be low energy and take maximum advantage of passive solar gains for heating and good natural day lighting to reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Therefore a high glazing ratio is desirable.

This contradiction between the practical need for very good security and the desire for ‘openness’ and transparency at the social level, as well as the desirability of having a building full of natural daylight, has informed the layout of our design proposals.

Design Concept A solution to the contradictions highlighted above is to have a ‘perimeter scheme’. The building would follow the outline of the site allowing the centre of the site to be freed up as a protected courtyard.

Therefore the perimeter can have few, highly controlled and ‘defendable’ openings while the interior courtyard elevations can have all the glazing and a softer, more open aspect.

The disadvantages of a courtyard scheme would be that the exterior could appear too defensive and unwelcoming. The building form is also not very compact, with a high proportion of external surface area which can lead to higher heat losses and the higher costs associated with building external walls.

The advantages however, are great. The interior courtyard can have many functions facing on to it and it becomes the primary circulation route around the building. Courtyards tend to feel like friendly places, they are both sheltered and welcoming and offer valuable social meeting places.

Providing that the preimeter building is not too high and that the courtyard is wide enough, there should be good solar and daylight access throughout the day allowing a potentially large building to maximise the benefits of passive solar design.

• Those functions that need the most sunlight are located in the South and North wings both of which have potentially large areas of South facing glazing.

• The private offices are located on the first floor of the building, along with the private care takers flat. The first floor rooms are arranged around the North and West sides of the perimeter to minimise solar shading of the courtyard. This also means they benefit from a good solar aspect and have far reaching views out across the hills to the North.

• The site will be excavated flat at the lower Lansbury Road level. This means a retaining wall will have to be constructed on the West side and for some of the North side.

The commercial kitchen, packing room and teaching kitchen will all have level access onto a parking /loading area off Lansbury Road.

Brief Development • Consultation • Key Themes and Objectives • Design Concept • Layout

Layout The basic layout principles are as follows: • The main entrance is located to the North along the main road - this provides level access into the courtyard and the ground floor of the building.

• There is a secondary access from Lansbury Road in the East. This access brings people up a wide and shallow staircase from the lower ground floor level, up into the courtyard above.

• There is also a third potential access point from the South playground and garden area.

This entrance point also provides level access for buggies from the car park to the West.

• All these access points will be controlled and can be shut down and secured after hours.

• Most accommodation is on the ground floor, surrounding the courtyard and accessible via either an internal or an external covered walk way (or cloister).

18

Design Development Concept Sketches

Caption text

Caption text

Caption text

19

Design Development: Whole Site Plan Sub heading Body text

Site Plan • Scale 1:500 at A3

Sub, sub titles

Proposed showing:

Whole

Site

Masterplan

• MUGA relocated to disused car parking area to the West • Existing MUGA area to be landscaped to provide parking at lower level (accessed off Lansbury Road) and a garden and play area for wider community use • Direct links between the new courtyard and the wider site landscaping.

• The proposed building has the ability to address and create links with any new development on the wider site.

Caption text

Caption text

Caption text

20

Design Development: Lansbury Road Level Plan Lower Ground Floor Plan • Scale 1:200 at A3 Caption text

Proposed Lower Ground Floor showing: • East entrance up wide, shallow steps into the courtyard above • Parking and loading area for use by social enterprises and the commercial kitchen located on this floor.

•Secure Music room area that can be accessed out of hours and zoned off from the rest of the building.

• Private hairdressing unit located on this level to provide direct, level access outside.

Caption text

Key to Coloured Plans • Building Zones Reception/Foyer Public Areas Community Areas Commercial Areas Private Areas 21

Design Development: Courtyard Level Plan Ground Floor Plan • Scale 1:200 at A3 Caption text

Courtyard Level Plan showing: • Main North entrance off Heol Tai Mawr into the reception and foyer area.

•Publicly accessible areas are located near the main reception area and present an active frontage onto the street.

• Community spaces located on the South side of the plan with easy access into the courtyard space.

Caption text

• South entrance with level access for buggies, a connection with the wider landscaping and private access into the caretakers accommodation.

Key to Coloured Plans • Building Zones Reception/Foyer Public Areas Community Areas Commercial Areas Private Areas 22

Design Development: First Floor Plan First Floor Plan • Scale 1:200 at A3 Caption text

First Floor Plan showing: • publicly accessible balcony area looking down onto foyer area below and through viewing window into conference area.

•A range of private office spaces form open plan areas to smaller private rooms.

• A private, two bedroom caretakers flat.

Caption text

Key to Coloured Plans • Building Zones Reception/Foyer Public Areas Community Areas Commercial Areas Private Areas 23

Design Development: Elevations North and East Elevations • Scale 1:200 at A3 Main Entrance Elevations show: • Level access provided into main North entrance off Heol Tai Mawr into the reception and foyer area.

• The building has robust materials at street level - brick walls and windows with timber louvres for shading and protection.

• Steps provide access up into the courtyard from the East. These steps can be secured and shut off out of hours.

• Round conference room on the corner of the site gives the building a real presence from the approach road into the estate.

24

Design Development: Sections South and North Sections • Scale 1:200 at A3 Caption text

Sections show: • The layout of the building takes advantage of the sloping site by separating the public and private functions between the different levels.

• The South wing of the building is single storey and will allow as much sunlight into the central courtyard as possible.

• Large areas of South facing glazing on the North wing will maximise passive solar gains in the building as well as natural day-lighting.

• The covered preschool play area will benefit from South light, its direct link with the central courtyard and its elevated position above the street below.

25

Design Development: Section Views

Section through lower ground floor level

Section through courtyard 26

Design Development: Views

East entrance to courtyard

View of round conference room and viewing windows

View from North East corner into courtyard 27

Design Development: Views Caption text

Section through foyer and conference room

Caption text

View of from South East into courtyard and early years play area View South Elevation

View from South East corner into courtyard 28

Materials and Energy

29

Materials and Energy Materials • The building needs to be robust, durable and strong.

• Have a low maintenance and be easily repairable.

• Some elements need to be buildable by trainees. Materials will need to be of a human scale and involve some craft skills and learning potential.

• Be made of benign materials - low embodied energy, non-polluting, preferably of sustainably produced renewable (eg FSC home-grown timber) or from common mineral sources, preferably locally sourced.

• Highly insulating, airtight constructions, but ‘breathable’ for safety and health reasons.

• Of reasonable cost and availability.

Construction To satisfy the above, the proposal is to use construction methods that have been used successfully in the WISE building at CAT. • A timber structural frame - studwork where possible (simple, cost effective and easy to construct), with ‘glulam’ beams and columns where needed for large spans.

• Walls of cast in-situ Hemcrete - an insulating mix of UK grown hemp shiv and hydraulic lime, mixed on site - approximately 400mm thick. An easy, repetitive task for trainees.

Externally, these walls could be clad in pale Roman brickwork for a robust, durable and attractive finish.

• Timber I-beam roofs with Warmcell insulation 450mm deep (made in Ebbw Vale). Roof finish in steel trays (preferably zinc coated stainless steel).

• Solid ground floors with underfloor heating and perlite insulation 200mm - finishes: timber linoleum, rubber etc (not carpets).

capitol on rising fuel costs. For this reason we are proposing to build to the highest insulation and airtightness standards that we can achieve in this building. Considering the building has such a large perimeter area, it is unlikely we will achieve the stringent energy requirements of the Passivhaus standard (15 kWh/(m2.a) but we can aim to get very close to this. Consideration will need to be given as to whether mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) is a sensible approach for this building.

Renewable energy will mostly be in the form of passive solar heating and lighting, but an ‘auxiliary’ renewable energy heating system should also be considered. A wood pellet boiler would be one option that is both convenient and reliable and will also qualify for Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments. A small solar water heating array may also be considered (also RHI).

A photovoltiac array, although a sensible option in energy terms, will probably not be considered for security reasons.

Construction Techniques • Glulam frame with load bearing timber stud walls.

Energy It is eminently sensible that an organisation like the Gellideg Foundation realise a very low energy building rather than go on for years spending 30

WISE building at The Centre for Alternative Technology

Tranquil, sunlit courtyard space

Light and open spaces facing onto the central courtyard

Round conference space

Pale Roman brickwork at the Cheetham School of Music

31

Caption text

Caption text Brickwork at Girton College

Brickwork at the St. Kolumba Museum

Brickwork at Chester Balmore in London

Detail of brickwork at the St. Kolumba Museum

32

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