Architect Projects - August 2021 by Lapthorn Media

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CONTENTS Featured Projects

Featured

Workplace Experts has created a modern workspace for civil servants with the revival of Government building 10-12

Reflex-Rol 02 Company News 04-05 Latest News 06, 16-17

Bonfiglioli Headquarters by Peter Pichler Architecture 26-27

GROHE Limited 08-09 Feature 14

Startup Lions Campus / Turkana / Kenya 46

George Barnsdale & Sons Limited 18 Events and Awards News 20-22, 28

Profile

Contract Flooring Association 23

Meet the man behind Matteo Bianchi Studio – Inspired by a dream 42-44

Feature - British and European fire safety standards explained 24 Edinburgh Napier University - RMP 29

Every eﬀort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Architect Projects magazine however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or

People On The Move 30 The Residence Collection 31

opinions made by advertisers, manufacturers or contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

Project News 32-34, 36-38

COMPANY NEWS

THE NATIONAL GALLERY APPOINTS SELLDORF ARCHITECTS-LED DESIGN TEAM TO WORK ON NG200 PROJECT The National Gallery has announced that a team led by Selldorf Architects has been selected to work on a suite of capital projects to mark its Bicentenary, with an initial phase to be completed in 2024.

finest art collections. Following a year of unprecedented challenges due to Covid-19, the National Gallery wants to build on its strength, inventiveness, and relevance to play a vital role in the nation’s recovery story.

Selldorf Architects’ team also includes Purcell, Vogt Landscape, Arup, AEA Consulting, Pentagram, Kaizen and Kendrick Hobbs. Based in New York, Selldorf Architects has considerable experience within the arts and culture sector across the UK, Europe, and the US. It counts among its current and previous clients: The Frick Collection, Luma Arles, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Neue Galerie New York, the Clark Art Institute, David Zwirner, Hauser & Wirth, Frieze Masters, and the Venice Art Biennale.

A major part of the National Gallery’s Bicentenary celebrations will be a programme of inspirational exhibitions and outreach around the country and around the world, under the banner NG200. The National Gallery plans to engage the whole of the UK with the Gallery’s collection, demonstrating itself as a national institution at the heart of national life. An extensive programme of digital engagement will also be leveraged to extend and redefine the Gallery’s influence as a global digital institution.

The Selldorf Architects-led team will work with the National Gallery to complete the initial phase of works to its Trafalgar Square buildings to greatly improve the ‘welcome’ it provides to the millions of visitors it receives each year. This will include remodelling parts of the Sainsbury Wing and the public realm, and the provision of a new Research Centre. These sensitive interventions will be pivotal in reshaping the National Gallery for its third century and the next generation of visitors. Over the coming months, the approach submitted by Selldorf Architects’ team will be refined into a comprehensive brief alongside the National Gallery team, and extensive engagement and liaison with external stakeholders will begin. Underpinning the brief is the desire to create healthy, sustainable, and accessible spaces and an environment that is open and inclusive where visitors can feel welcome and reflect as they plan their visit to one of the world’s

Commenting on the appointment of Selldorf Architects, Director of the National Gallery, Dr Gabriele Finaldi said: ‘We are delighted to appoint Selldorf Architects as the design-team partner for NG200. Throughout the selection process, Selldorf Architects demonstrated a real understanding of our ambitions as well as sensitivity to the heritage of our existing buildings. “However, the talent and tenacity demonstrated at all levels by each of the six shortlisted teams was remarkable. I would like to thank all those involved, particularly the judging panel who have guided us through the selection process. The capital projects form the first stage of our Bicentenary celebrations and are essential in building the foundations of the Gallery’s future. “Working alongside Selldorf Architects, we will develop and deliver a detailed brief that will be the framework through which we consolidate our role as the nation’s gallery.

Architect Projects

CREST NICHOLSON MAKES DONATION TO LOCAL CARE HOME IN SOUTHAMPTON Award winning house builder Crest Nicholson has made a donation to fund new garden furniture at Bupa Wilton Manor Care Home on behalf of the community at its Centenary Quay development in Southampton. With the arrival of spring and the warmer weather, the new furniture will enable residents to spend more quality time enjoying the outdoors. Crest Nicholson has donated £500 to the care home which specialises in care for people living with dementia.

Eileen Guihen, Sales and Marketing Director at Crest Nicholson South, said: “The past year, more than ever, has shone a light on the importance of local communities and the vital work our frontline workers do. “We are so pleased to be able to support the Wilton Manor Care home with this donation and hope that new garden furniture will assist residents to enjoy the warmer weather.” Mariana Hrisimovam, Home Manager at Wilton Manor Care Home, added:

The next five years will be pivotal in fighting our way out of the crisis of Covid-19. We recognise the catastrophic impact this has had on so many, and particularly on arts and culture institutions’ visitor numbers. It will take time for these to return to 2019 levels, but there is hope on the horizon and arts and culture will be crucial in the healing of our country. “We plan to build on our strengths, respond to challenges and opportunities, and forge a pathway to the National Gallery of the future – for the nation and for the world. Our Bicentenary in 2024 is a key moment in this creation of the new National Gallery. We will demonstrate the values we hold, and the value we create as we enter our third century with renewed and bold ambition, and perhaps most importantly – hope.’ Annabelle Selldorf, founding Principal of Selldorf Architects, added: ‘It is an honour to be appointed to work alongside the National Gallery on its NG200 project. This is a significant opportunity for an iconic cultural institution to reflect on its ambitions for the future and drive forwards an innovative, bespoke brief that befits its many visitors. “The National Gallery is home to one of the most exceptional collections of art in the world and has often led the way for other institutions globally. Our team will work sensitively and thoughtfully with the National Gallery, guided by its vision for a Gallery of the future that is inspiring, sustainable, and truly inclusive.’ The selection process was run under the Competitive Procedure with Negotiation in accordance with UK procurement regulations by Malcolm Reading Consultants. The five other shortlisted teams were led by: Asif Khan, Caruso St John Architects, David Chipperfield Architects, David Kohn Architects, and Witherford Watson Mann Architects. In addition to the Executive team and Trustees of the National Gallery, several independent panellists were appointed to the judging panel to select an architect-led design team. These were: Edwin Heathcote, architecture critic and author; leading structural engineer Jane Wernick CBE FREng; and Ben Bolgar, Senior Design Director for the Prince’s Foundation.

“As a specialist dementia home, having a safe, secure and welcoming garden is really important. In recent weeks we’ve been making the most of the good weather, sprucing up the outdoor space and hosting more activities outside. This kind donation will complement our current set-up, especially as we enjoy the sunny days ahead.” Centenary Quay is a collection of one and two bedroom apartments in Crest Nicholson’s new waterside development in Southampton. Set on the banks of the River Itchen, new homes are just a short drive or bus ride to the city centre, offering residents a wide variety of restaurants, bars and shopping centres.

COMPANY NEWS

BATH PRESERVATION TRUST APPOINTS DESIGN TEAM FOR BECKFORD’S TOWER Bath Preservation Trust (BPT) has announced that architects Thomas Ford & Partners and quantity surveyors Stenning & Co have been appointed to lead the design work for the £3.3 million Our Tower project. The Our Tower plan, which is funded by Historic England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will address urgent repair and conservation works required to the almost 200-year-old Grade I listed Beckford’s Tower, that stands above the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath and is the only museum dedicated to William Beckford in the world. Born in 1760, William Beckford was a colourful and controversial character. At just 10-years old he inherited his father’s fortune, which included the Fonthill estate and several sugar plantations in Jamaica. His wealth gave him the freedom to pursue his interests in art, architecture, writing and music. In 1782, Beckford undertook a Grand Tour, which inspired his travel writing and passion for collecting which continued throughout his life - especially when exiled to Europe for 10 years following the exposure of his relationship with William Courtenay (1784). In 1826 William Beckford commissioned an extraordinary landscape back home in Bath - a Garden between his Lansdown Crescent home and the retreat now known as Beckford’s Tower, where he could escape from the city within the natural environment. The Tower was created to house his library, art collection and every day Beckford would

ride up there from his home, accompanied by his pack of spaniels. This expanse became known as Beckford’s Ride, a mile of interlinked gardens. Beckford’s Tower stands in an exposed location and, like many historic buildings, almost two centuries of exposure to weather, pollution, and the challenges of climate change, now threaten the fabric of the building. There is now an urgent need for repair and conservation, particularly to address water ingress at high level within the belvedere & lantern. Beckford’s Tower was added to the Historic England ‘Heritage at Risk’ Register in October 2019. Our Tower will bring new parts of the tower into use, and upgrade services and visitor infrastructure. BPT will also use the project as an opportunity to develop the visitor experience, engage wider audiences and reconnect the Tower with its lost landscape, through new experiences, interpretation, and access. A development grant awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund is also enabling Bath Preservation Trust to re-examine the way in which they share the story of William Beckford’s links to the transatlantic slave trade. The project is scheduled to complete in winter 2023. London based conservation architects Thomas Ford & Partners are led by Clive England, who brings over 30 years’ experience to the project. Clive is Surveyor of the Fabric to Ely Cathedral, and Cathedral Architect to Sheffield Cathedral.

Stenning & Co – who are located in Bath - are led by Quantity Surveyor Adrian Stenning. Experts and specialists in building conservation work, Adrian has worked extensively with organisations including the Landmark Trust and the National Trust. BPT Capital Works Director Simon Butler said “We are delighted to welcome Thomas Ford & Partners and Stenning & Co to the project. “Both bring huge conservation experience to this nationally important building, and we look forward to securing an exciting new future for this Bath landmark.” Clive England said: “We are delighted to be involved with BPT’s Our Tower project. Beckford’s Tower is a unique building, in a spectacular setting, with a fascinating history – exactly the type of project that every conservation architect dreams about!” Adrian Stenning said “I am very pleased to continue my relationship with the Bath Preservation Trust and in particular Beckford’s Tower with which I have been involved for over 20 years. “I look forward to this opportunity to not just repair the Tower, but to also open up & show its’ story for a wider audience.” Securing the Design team is just the start of this project, with urgent fundraising now needed to ensure vital conservation work to the building and landscape takes place, to ensure today’s visitors and future generations can continue to explore and enjoy this iconic Bath landmark.

Architect Projects

LATEST NEWS

NEW GENERATION OF BUDDING GARDENERS BLOSSOM WITH INTERGENERATIONAL PROJECT A young generation of green-fingered gardeners have joined forces with a North Lanarkshire housing provider to celebrate its golden anniversary. Customers at Campsie Gardens in Cumbernauld have teamed up with 125 pupils and teachers from neighbouring St Mary’s Primary School for a garden project to celebrate Bield’s 50th anniversary. The project will see a 50-shaped flowerbed created in the development’s grounds to mark the milestone birthday, filled with

sunflowers which have been kindly donated by The Royal Horticultural Society [RHS].

whilst doing something enjoyable in the fresh air.

A sunflower competition is currently underway with pupils visiting the gardens in their year groups to plant the seeds in containers which have been made from recycled magazines collected by Campsie Gardens’ customers. A prize will be award to the individual with the highest sunflower.

Margaret McCallum, Development Manager at Bield’s Campsie Gardens, said: “When we were thinking of ways to celebrate our 50th anniversary, we realised all of our customers have one thing in common that they adore: gardening. We reached out to the RHS which has fantastic opportunities for community groups to apply for donations, which enabled us to get the local primary school involved – which is something we always wanted to

Gardening is a hugely beneficial way to keep older individuals mobile and active,

NOTTINGHAM TRIALS VENTIVE’S PIONEERING HEATING AND VENTILATION SYSTEM Social housing provider Nottingham City Homes announced today that it has installed the UK’s first ever offsitemanufactured Ventive Home heating and energy pod system on one of its properties. The system, part of an innovative wholehouse retrofit project, is designed to help create warm, comfortable, cheaper-torun, net-zero energy homes by replacing conventional heating systems with a pod that includes renewable technologies, energy storage and smart controls. The pod stores and uses solar energy generated from the roof, and can access grid energy when it’s at its cheapest so that heating and electricity are provided in the most efficient way. Testing new solutions for a net zero future 20 million UK homes need retrofitting to help achieve the UK’s climate targets. Nottingham is leading the way on this agenda, having declared the ambitious target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2028.

Architect Projects

The Ventive Home system has been installed as part of a whole house retrofit project funded by Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), which is testing ways to retrofit existing homes to the standards required for the UK’s net zero future. Nottingham City Council has secured funding from BEIS to trial net zero retrofits on 170 homes by 2022. The project allows partners Nottingham City Council, Nottingham City Homes and Energiesprong UK to develop a new

model called Destination Zero, which trials a two or three stage approach to delivering deep retrofit. The partners are also working with other landlords across the UK to pilot an Innovation Partnership procurement approach to delivering economically viable Energiesprong net zero homes. Both approaches are intended to reduce the cost of achieving net zero standards, a key target for the funder and the Council, and crucial to help inform future retrofit plans. The innovative works in the Destination Zero project include innovative high performance improvements such as Q-Bot underfloor insulation, installed using robots controlled remotely from outside the property. The first pilot home Destination Zero home has received a full package of measures including a new insulated roof, external solid wall insulation, underfloor insulation, new doors and windows, and solar panels. Finding new ways to finance deep retrofits The combination of high levels of insulation, and new technologies help to significantly reduce electricity costs for residents. This allows landlords to levy a comfort plan fee on properties which helps them recover their investment and gives residents healthier, warmer and more comfortable homes at no additional cost. Finding new ways like this to finance deep retrofit helps make sure that social landlords can deliver on their local and national ambitions for reducing carbon emissions and fuel poverty.

Energiesprong UK, an expert in retrofit market development, is carrying out extensive evaluation of the pilot and will be sharing lessons and key takeaways once the first results are available. Wayne Bexton, Corporate Director for Growth and Development at Nottingham City Council says, “Testing different approaches to deep retrofit will help us deliver our ambition to be the UK’s first carbon neutral city by 2028 in the most cost-effective way. We’re keen to see projects which create warmer and healthier homes for residents whilst reducing carbon too.” Steve Edlin, Assistant Director Asset Management at Nottingham City Homes says, “The Ventive pod appeals to us because we can install it externally, which is less disruptive for tenants and doesn’t take up valuable space in the house. It can also be maintained without having to gain access. We’re keen to use the pilot to understand the way the Ventive pod uses generated electricity and interacts with the electricity grid, and whether this can help deliver our aim of self-financing deep retrofit to help achieve Nottingham’s carbon neutral ambitions.” Tom Lipinski, Founder and Technical Director of Ventive, says, “We’re excited to be trialling our first Ventive Home system on this project. It’s an important first stage in helping develop the product for mass manufacture.” Emily Braham from Energiesprong UK says, “Offsite manufactured heating and energy systems are a key component in making deep retrofit quicker, increasing its appeal and making sure it can be rapidly scaled to meet the UK net zero targets. We’re excited to be working with Ventive to trial their offsite system and understand how this technology works for landlords and tenants.”

LATEST NEWS do due to the existing relationship the school has with the development. “Our customers love talking to the kids and likewise the pupils are fascinated by some of the stories they have to share. The recent visits have been made even more special after so many months of limited interaction. “We expect some friendly competition between the pupils and our customers, it will be an exciting day when we find out who came out on top!” Before the pandemic, pupils from St Mary’s would regularly visit the development to spend time with the older customers, and over the last few months have been sending in letters and pictures.

ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP APPEALS TO INDUSTRY UCLan launches new course in response to employer demands

The 50th garden project is expected to complete this month, with the winner of the sunflower competition announced in August when the schools return. Paula Brazill, Head Teacher at St Mary’s Primary School, said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege for our school to have developed an immensely rewarding partnership with Bield over the last few years. “Our pupils love visiting and the joy on the resident’s faces gives them such delight. Inter-generational working allows us to develop our pupils as confident individuals, effective contributors, responsible citizens and successful learners. We have shared digital skills, stories, poems, songs and

levy account, while smaller businesses can benefit from government funding to cover 95% of course costs, or even the full cost via levy transfer* if they are eligible. Collinson Construction is enrolling a team member on the course after already seeing another member of staff, senior architectural technologist James Swarbrick, benefit from studying at UCLan.

Some of the region’s top architecture companies have already signed employees up to the new course, which will begin in September. This includes family-owned Collinson Construction, based in Garstang, Preston-based Cassidy and Ashton and Aew Architects in Manchester.

Tim Potter, architectural design team manager at Collinson Construction, said: “Having degree apprenticeships gives us an intrinsic link to the University. It provides an up-to-date understanding of the content taught on architectural technology and allows us to monitor the latest industry trends. We are able to upskills our staff in the relevant areas of the profession and tailor our resource strategy to ensure we are joined up with the University to give the student a strong skill set.”

The University has introduced the degree apprenticeship route on the back of feedback from several regional businesses who wanted to develop their employees’ skills through study alongside on-the-job training. Employers can also take advantage of the apprenticeship levy, which allows larger businesses to pay for training through their

Alistair Baines, Chairman of Cassidy and Ashton, said: “As a long standing Preston based firm of architects we are delighted to support the new degree apprenticeship at UCLan and look forward to continuing to grow our links with our local University from which we have recruited a number of staff over the years.”

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has launched a degree apprenticeship in architectural technology following calls from industry.

shows, and all of our pupils have been involved. “This year we are now supporting the garden development which marks their 50th birthday. “Our school community and the wider community of Cumbernauld has been enriched by this partnership which I hope will continue to grow in the future.” Campsie Gardens is a Retirement Housing with Meals development located in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, offering offers spacious properties ideal for people aged 60 and over who wish to retain their independence but want to leave the worries of repairs to someone else.

Commercial Director of Aew Architects Colin Savage commented: “A key priority in our current business plan is to ensure we continue to invest in our people and provide the appropriate support, training and opportunities for our future generations. It’s therefore great to be involved in this pioneering new course, which provides an alternative route to becoming an architectural technologist. “We look forward to supporting our degree apprentices Johan and Louis to complete their studies whilst continuing their employment and mentoring with Aew.” Ann Vanner, course leader for the architectural technology degree apprenticeship, added: “We’re excited to launch this new course in response to industry demands. We know that employers are keen to invest in their best asset, their workforce, and the degree apprenticeship route delivers highly skilled individuals who not only fill the skills gaps but also help to bring new ideas and innovation into the business.” More information about UCLan’s new degree apprenticeship in architectural technology can be found on the UCLan website, by emailing uclanapprenticeships@uclan.ac.uk or by calling 01772 895500.

Architect Projects

10 YEARS ON - ESTO PERPETUA” – PERFECT WINDOWS FOR A “FOREVER HOME” It was a dream that was 10 years in the making for Julia and Mano Nadarajah. Located in the heart of Lincolnshire, you will find a beautiful extended Gatehouse. Steeped in history, restored with love and surrounded by rolling hills and open countryside, the property is built using local stone from the nearby Ancaster Stone quarry. Built in 1871 on behalf of Frederick William Allix as part of the Willoughby Hall estate, the original gatehouse was used to keep watch for approaching coaches through the small arrow slits that remain a feature to this day. The estate was divided up and sold to several different buyers over the years before the gate lodge landed in the hands of Mano in 1985. Not wanting to rush the project that was set to become their “forever home together” Julia and Mano carefully thought out every decision they made regarding their gatehouse home and wanted to keep as many of the original features as possible and they were also committed to sourcing local trades and businesses with a great reputation. When starting the process of looking into the windows and doors to add to their vision they knew it had to be a Lincolnshire business that would deliver the finishing touch to their dream. Reputation was crucial to the couple and George Barnsdale answered the door. ‘I knew as soon as I walked into the factory that George Barnsdale was going to be our supplier. Seeing how well presented the factory was and how the team listened to our requests, everything just felt right.’ Julia commented. After long discussions with the George Barnsdale technical team, Julia and Mano decided to opt for 8 bespoke timber flush casement windows, adding classic black monkey tail handles together with 4 sets of

French doors, all finished to match Farrow and Ball Savage Ground Adding black spacer bars so as not to draw attention to the double glazing, the slim profile of the casement windows, the beautiful views from the bedroom window and you have a picture perfect frame to wake up to in the morning.

The doors of the property were also carefully debated so they were in keeping with the overall theme of the house, fitted with Kirkpatrick hardware and finished with paint to match Farrow and Ball ‘French Grey’ the end result is elegant and understated chic. Having been part of the property since its completion, the windows and doors are now 10 years old, still in great condition showing no signs of requiring redecoration. While being low maintenance the owners still take great care of them cleaning them on a regular basis with deionized water and no chemicals.

Architect Projects

Website: wwww.georgebarnsdale.co.uk

DOORS, WINDOWS & FITTINGS

HELPING HEALTHCARE TO HEAL GEZE has launched ‘Helping Healthcare to Heal’ an initiative created to recognise that putting patients at the centre of hospital, clinic and doctors’ surgery building design can help in the process of healing and recovery. Equipment and materials specified and installed within the building can actively contribute to and promote well-being.

In creating the initiative GEZE looked at addressing areas that encourage recovery and provide patient comfort: • Prevent environmental stresses such as noise from slamming doors or lack of privacy without creating barriers. • Enable patients and residents to be as close to nature as possible through outdoor views, sufficient sunlight and fresh air. • Give patients and residents a feeling of

control by being offered opportunities to access outside spaces and move around safely and contact free, not feeling imprisoned but protected in the building. There is more information available on the GEZE UK website or alternatively GEZE have produced a comprehensive brochure for the healthcare industry that looks at providing solutions for the hygiene, safety and wellbeing of not only patients but employees as well. It reviews each area of a healthcare building in detail identifying the issues of each, whether it is comfort, safety, hygiene, attractive design, sustainability, accessibility or fire safety and provides advice on overcoming them. It can be downloaded from the website or by clicking this link. Andy Howland, sales and marketing director said “The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an intense focus on all aspects of healthcare in the UK and as we look ahead it’s likely that its impact will continue for some sometime with long lasting changes to the building design of hospital and healthcare facilities. At GEZE we support clients and architects as they consider these design implications in new construction and refurbishments to existing buildings.” For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk

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EVENTS & AWARDS NEWS

ELECTROSONIC TAKES HOME THREE TOP HONORS AT THE 2021 INTEGRATION AWARDS Electrosonic, a leading international Audiovisual and Technology Services Company, has won three awards at the prestigious 2021 Commercial Integrator Integration Awards. The three awards were: • Best Museum Project – National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s 360⁰ Cinematic Experience • Best Retail Project – Krispy Kreme’s Times Square Flagship Store • Best Small Office Project – Hyosung America’s Customer Experience Center and Headquarters The Integration Awards recognize inspirational projects that highlight the best use of audiovisual and experiential technologies each year and they are widely regarded as a benchmark of success in the audiovisual industry. The winning projects must incorporate unique features that benefit the end customer. The judges also take into account the challenges and the degree of collaboration with other parties on the project and, most important, they understand that a project is only successful if the customer is happy. As the organizers pointed out, COVID has made the past year extremely difficult for integrators. They commented, “To learn how integrators worked with clients to implement systems and hit deadlines anyway really gave us a sense of pride.” The Integration Awards also highlight significant trends in the industry and Electrosonic’s three winning projects demonstrate the growing importance of immersive and experiential technologies across many different sectors.

Architect Projects

At the National Museum of Racing and Hall

of Fame Electrosonic pushed the boundaries of technology to create a multi-projector, multi-screen 360⁰ immersive experience that fuses storytelling, technology and architecture to bring the audience into the center of the action. The experience features original footage, shot at racetracks and farms throughout the US by Donna Lawrence Productions. To maximize the high impact goals for the signature experience required innovative shooting approaches, creative projection techniques and advanced audiovisual design and engineering. Over a two-year period, Electrosonic transformed the Hall of Fame space into a compelling multimedia experience that boldly celebrates the heart, soul and stunning accomplishments of the greatest horses, jockeys, trainers and owners in the sport of thoroughbred racing. At Krispy Kreme’s flagship store in Times Square Electrosonic used audiovisual technology in an innovative way to create an in-person experience that is exciting, engaging, entertaining and fun — and drives business results. Electrosonic created a Broadway-like experience inside and a spectacular display outside in keeping with the ‘big and brassy’ ethos of Times Square. A ‘Doughnut Theater’ is the centerpiece of a strategy to keep customers entertained while they queue, whet their appetites while they wait to order. That’s essential because, at full capacity, queuing times can be up to an hour. This project demonstrates the critical impact in-person experience can have on retail success. Experiential audiovisual has taken customer experience to a new level, which proved the key to a successful launch in the challenging conditions of the pandemic. Hyosung America, the largest ATM manufacturer in the US had a vision to build a new Customer Experience Center designed to take visitors on an experiential journey through the story of Hyosung, enhancing the customer experience and helping build confidence in the brand.

Large-scale video walls and interactive touchscreens throughout the carefully choreographed journey inform visitors about the company’s rich history and showcase the company’s dedication to innovation. The journey through the Center helps to build an understanding of Hyosung’s solutions and creates an engaging platform for in-depth discussions with customers. The Center is already delighting customers and attracting interest from new prospects in retail and financial services. The result aligns with Electrosonic’s commitment to bringing memorable and unique experiences to corporate spaces, helping to differentiate Hyosung as pioneers and innovators in the market. Lori Cross, Chair of the Board and interim CEO at Electrosonic commented: “It’s typically a very exciting and proud moment for me to see our work recognized as the best in the industry, but this year it’s especially true and inspiring. “To know that even through a tumultuous year packed with adversity our amazing team of designers, engineers, on-site staff and support team members were able to deliver for our customers’ award-winning solutions that will create lasting experiences.” Ewan Smith, Chief Revenue Officer added: “Electrosonic has a mission to create innovative technology solutions that create lasting experiences where people live work and play, that mission is beyond validified with the announcement of the Integration Awards. “Each of these projects represents our drive and dedication to create experiential spaces, whether that’s at a corporate environment, an immersive space or an in-your-face AV solution in the heart of Times Square, this announcement shows that what our people do is unique and creates amazing outcomes for our customers and our partners.” Electrosonic is proud to have won three awards at this prestigious event and looks forward to helping other clients take advantage of the potential of experiential technologies.

EVENTS & AWARDS NEWS

WINNING TEAM OF RGU ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AS DESIGNS GO ON SHOW AT ‘ICEBOX CHALLENGE GLASGOW’

the building standards of homes, can help reduce the amount of energy needed and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

The designs of a winning team of architecture students from Robert Gordon University are on now public display as the ‘Icebox Challenge Glasgow’ event gets underway.

The student competition has been judged by a jury consisting of the Passive House Institute; Glasgow Institute of Architects; John Gilbert Architects; Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) and Edinburgh Napier University.

The Architecture students from The Scott Sutherland School at Robert Gordon University recently won a national competition to design a highly energy efficient buildings that marks the build up to the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. Students from across Scotland were challenged with creating a building that was both innovative and eye-catching. The competition asked students to design one structure built to Scottish Building Standards and another built to a more environmentally friendly, Passivhaus/ Passive House standard.

At the start of the challenge, the boxes, which are 1m square, each hold 917kg of ice. How much ice remains in the structures over two weeks will demonstrate how well each keeps out the heat and the difference between the Scottish Building Standards and the Passive House Standard. One of the winning RGU architecture students is 23-year-old Lina Khairy; “We got involved in this competition because we believe in a sustainable approach and the Passivhaus standard. “After four intensive weeks of construction, we’re very proud to be able to put these structures on public display to raise awareness of good building performance and what we need to do to tackle climate change. It is such an amazing experience to get to build these boxes and gain insight into the construction process! This is honestly a dream come true!” The two shed like “iceboxes”, designed to two different specific housebuilding standards, demonstrate how improving

The winning group of students from Robert Gordon’s University include mature student Matt Clubb, Lina Khairy, aged 23, Alina Vinogradova aged 28 and Kyle Henderson, aged 23. The ‘Icebox Challenge Glasgow’ is run by the International Passive House Association and The Passivhaus Trust, who are a global network of architects, planners, scientists and contractors in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University. The group strive to promote Building Passive which means building better! The aim of the competition is to create an energy efficient building that was judged on design, cost-effectiveness, innovation, energy supply and sustainability. Architect Projects

The winning team of architects from RGU has worked with event sponsor, Construction Scotland at its’ Innovation Centre in Hamilton, to fabricate the ice boxes, which are inspired by the natural colours of the Highlands and use timber cladding stained red, green and yellow. The boxes are now on full public display in

St.Enoch Square, Glasgow after an opening ceremony on 23rd July.

A closing ceremony will take place on August 6, from 1-2 PM during which, the remaining ice will be weighed and announced.

To find out more about the challenge, its organisers, sponsors and more visit the Ice Box Challenge website: www.IceBoxChallenge.org.

EVENTS & AWARDS NEWS

LEARNING FROM LISTENING TO COMMUNITIES Created by 7N Architects, with Architecture and Design Scotland, it was originally designed to be staged in Venice as part of the 17th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia. Commissioned by the Scotland + Venice Partnership, the exhibition can now be seen at V&A Dundee where it offers a range of responses to the Biennale theme of ‘How will we live together?’ HarrisonStevens were amongst 25 design organisations who took part, with a representative from each paired with a citizen from one of five locations across Scotland and invited to ask questions such as: “If you could change one thing what would it be?” and “What would ‘change’ look like?” As landscape architects and urban designers we often come into a community with a proposition, seeking support and comments so it was interesting to start with a blank sheet of paper and no agenda and to collaborate with just one person on their ideas for the place in which they live.

Architect Projects

In this case Bahiya, a young woman in her 20s who had grown up in Wester Hailes, had an issue that she wanted to see resolved and through a series of workshops, walks and talks she made clear the problem - that the different areas of Wester Hailes are less connected with each other than they are with the heart of Edinburgh.

Looking at the neighbourhood through her eyes it became clear that, while roads and green routes link all seven ‘kingdoms’ of Wester Hailes by car to the city centre, these same elements of connectivity provided a boundary to neighbourhoods. Crossing from one part of the area to another can only be achieved by using narrow and intimidating pedestrian footbridges to cross major roads, making socialising and participation in activities across the area challenging. This project was conceived before the pandemic, but the Covid crisis has given it added relevance and it was interesting to discover how a failure of planning and design from the 1970s, when cars were given precedence over pedestrians, is continuing to cause problems at a time when the idea of ‘community’ and localism has taken on such significance. As a company, HarrisonStevens is already working in Wester Hailes, with the Westside Plaza Civic Square due to open in the next few weeks. During our work on this project we talked to local groups, businesses and young people about their vision of what the space could be. Participating in What if…?/ Scotland has underlined how vital it is for design professionals to engage closely with communities in this way and to involve them in every stage of the process so that the solutions we end up with make a positive difference that are still a force for good in decades to come. Meanwhile the ideas we developed with Bahiya for this project included ‘greening’ and widening the footbridges in order

to create safer routes between the neighbourhoods but in the end it was a digital solution, a virtual community hub based around an app called ‘WHapp’, that would provide coordinated information on events, activities and availability of space at existing community facilities across the whole Wester Hailes area, that helped to resolve the issue, proving that the only way to reach a positive outcome is to start by listening. The conversation with Bahiya, and the others that formed part of this process, have been made into short films by Basharat Khan as part of a production by 7N Architects and O Street and these are a thought-provoking look at what close collaboration between citizens and design professionals can achieve. MIke Harrison is Creative Director and Co-Founder of HarrisonStevens, Landscape Architects and Urban Designers What if…?/Scotland runs at V&A Dundee until 21 November 2021 www.scotlandandvenice.com

“

As landscape architects and urban designers we often come into a community with a proposition, seeking support and comments so it was interesting to start with a blank sheet of paper and no agenda and to collaborate with just one person on their ideas for the place in which they live.

“

What if…?/Scotland is an exhibition that frames hopes and dreams for our communities through the people who live in them.

FEATURE

BRITISH AND EUROPEAN FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS EXPLAINED By Ian King, COO Zeroignition

meaning a comprehensive understanding of the many variables and subtleties is vital.

Since the first lockdown lifted last year, housebuilding in the UK has boomed. In the final quarter of 2020, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) reported an estimated 42,110 new starts, a significant rise of 16% compared to the previous quarter.

When approaching fire safety, it has to be on a project-by-project basis. No two builds will be the same, no matter how similar they appear. Each will require a unique combination of materials, and every fixture, fitting and component chosen must pass rigorous testing to achieve fire safety standard classifications, making it fit for purpose.

This is encouraging news, however, with a Government target of 300,000 new homes per year by the mid-2020s, the pressure is on to design and build housing at speed. Occupant welfare has come into sharp focus over the last decade, particularly around fire safety. However, inclusion alone is not enough, it needs to be backed with clear knowledge and cannot be treated as a mere box-ticking exercise. Fire regulations are notoriously complex,

Many architects are very familiar with British Standards, however, Euroclass standards are fast becoming more widely used, and are held in higher regard. In the latest versions of Approved Document B, Volumes 1 and 2, it’s Euroclass standards which are referred to throughout the main text, whilst the British standards can only be found in the Appendix. Approved Document B is commonly used by many industry professionals as guidance. It’s worth noting its purpose is purely as an

QIC CEILING TRIM PROVIDES PERFECT FINISHING TOUCH FOR UNIVERSITY’S STUNNING INTERIOR QIC Trims’ expertise in the design and manufacture of bespoke ceiling trims came to the fore in a uniquely challenging project on behalf of one of the UK’s most respected seats of learning. In conjunction with fit-out contractor BDL, QIC fabricated a metal trim which provided the perimeter detail for a ceiling installation in atriums throughout a new £125m ‘Centre Building’ at the Westminster-based London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Designed by architect, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the 13-storey building – the largest structure commissioned in LSE’s history – caters for a range of academic and department uses. The structure’s interior contains a number of innovative features, each of which has been specifically designed to create an inspirational learning environment for students. One of the most unusual additions to the building’s fabric was a stretch ceiling, comprising a light fabric membrane for the incorporation of a bespoke lighting system and other decorative elements. This rare, decorative feature required the design and manufacture of a complex trim solution that was robust enough to hold the ceiling in place whilst complementing its aesthetic impact. QIC’s bespoke ceiling trims were ideal for each requirement.

Architect Projects

www.qic-trims.com

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advisory document, it is not a fire testing document, so additional research and reading around the products specified for each project is crucial. Providing clarity and confidence To establish clarity, our team of fire safety experts have compiled the table below which concisely defines the Euroclass and UK standards, and what differentiates them from each other. At the outset, it’s worth noting that UK classifications don’t equate with European reaction-to-fire classifications, and vice versa. The two sets of tests are conducted in entirely different ways using different methodologies and measurements. Moreover, it’s vital that one never assumes a product meets a certain standard unless it has been specifically tested in that standard and carries associated certification.

FEATURE Euroclass

Explanation

In accordance with EN 13501-1

Testing is standardised through the use of EN 13501-1: Fire classification of construction products and building elements. The European classifications based on the EN13501-1 are broken down into codes, commonly called ‘Euroclasses’. Construction products, excluding floorings and linear pipe thermal insulation products that have been given a fire rating on the European Classification will look like the following: A2, s1, d1. This classification shows the properties of a product based on 3 criteria, respectively: Reaction to fire, fire propagation and flaming droplets and particles.

EN ISO 1182

The test for determining non-combustibility.

EN ISO 1716

The test for determining the gross heat of combustion. Commonly known as the Bomb Calorimeter.

EN 13823

Simulates a 20 minute waste bin fire in the corner of a room. A corner panel totalling ca. 1½m x 1½m is studied for horizontal flame spread, energy release (amount and rate), smoke release (amount and rate) and flaming droplets (amount and persistence). Commonly known as a Single Burning Item, or SBI Test.

EN ISO 11925-2

The equivalent of a cigarette lighter being applied to a wall. A flame is applied to a small sample and the vertical spread of flame is studied. Commonly known the Small Flame Ignition, SFI Test.

Reaction to Fire A1

Non-combustible, tested according to EN ISO 1182 and EN ISO 1716

Material of limited combustibility, tested according to EN ISO 1182, EN ISO 1716 and EN 13823

Ranges from very limited combustibility to medium contribution to fire, tested according to EN 13282 and EN ISO 11925-2

C D E

High contribution to fire, tested according to EN ISO 11925-2

F Smoke Propagation

Assesses the level of smoke propagation during the first ten minutes of exposure in the EN 13823 test. This determines a ‘smoke’ index:

Little or no smoke

Some smoke

Substantial smoke

Flaming Droplets and Particles

The ‘d’ part relates to ‘flaming droplets and particles’ during the first 10 minutes of exposure in the EN 13823 test.

None

None persisting > 10 seconds

Not d0 nor d1

UK Standards (England and Wales)

Explanation The British Standard 476 (BS476) dictates the appropriate fire tests for these elements of structure/materials and grades the level of reaction to fire and fire resistance. The reaction to fire tests that are relevant to the Solid Surface industry are the BS476 parts 6 and 7. This fire propagation test measures the amount of heat the surface is giving off during the fire. It gives either a pass or fail outcome. Measurements are taken frequently throughout the 20 minute test and then calculated using a special formula to achieve an ‘index rating’. For the surface to achieve Class 0 classification the index figure produced after 90 seconds must be 6 or less and after the full 20 minutes must be 12 or less.

BS 476 part 7: Surface Spread of Flame Test

This test produces a fire rating of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 depending on the lateral spread of flame in accordance with BS 4767 (i.e., how far a flame travels over a surface)

Class 1

Protects your surface from the spread of flames. Class 1 is the best rating, i.e., the lowest flame spread. The flame will not spread further than 165mm from the point of ignition over the total test time of 10 minutes.

Class 2

This rating is given if the spread of flame is no greater than 215mm in the first 1.5 minutes and an overall spread of no more than 455mm.

Class 3

Medium flame spread. This refers to surfaces on which, during the first 1.5 minutes of test, the spread of flame does not exceed 265mm and the final spread of flame does not exceed 710mm under the relevant test conditions.

Class 4

The worst rating meaning that the flame travels the longest distance and gives the fastest flame spread, exceeding the limits set out in Class 3

Class 0

Class 0 is not a result of a fire test. It is instead a classification from the UK building regulations for fire safety within and around buildings. Class 0 both protects your surface from the spread of flames and limits the amount of heat released from the surface during a fire. This classification is outlined in Parts 1 and 2 of the Fire Safety: Approved Document B. To achieve a Class 0 fire rating, a product must first meet the fire propagation requirements as outlined in BS 476-6:1989+A1:2009. A product must be also be classified as a Class 1 building material for BS 4767:1997.

Architect Projects

BS 476 part 6: Fire Propagation Test

PROJECT

BONFIGLIOLI HEADQUARTERS BY Peter Pichler Architecture

EVO is designed to satisfy the most recent energy efficiency standards, offering outstanding performance in terms of environmental impact, powered by a 3 MW peak power photovoltaic plant, mounted not only on the existing new plant roofs but also on the awnings of the staff car park.

The new Bonfiglioli Headquarters, located in the outskirts of Bologna, Italy, arises from the need to create an efficient and functional office building that expresses the professionalism, innovation, and proud history of the Italian company.

The new HQ are planned as NZEB (nearly Zero Energy Building) and features geothermal heat pumps and radiant ceilings to further save energy and obtain additional internal comfort.

Bonfiglioli is a global leader in the design, production, and distribution of a full range of gearmotors, drive systems, planetary gearboxes, and inverters, handling the most complex demands in industrial automation, mobile machinery, and renewable energy.

Architect Projects

The headquarter is the last missing piece in a larger development called EVO, which is the Group’s largest industrial site in Italy.

The new headquarters is a recognizable landmark that both rises above and integrates itself with the surroundings. With a radical approach towards sustainability with an intelligent geometry. The starting point of the design was to introduce the courtyard typology of the existent masterplan buildings into our massing. The courtyard has a green garden on the ground floor and creates natural ventilation (cross ventilation with chimney effect).

PROJECT

As a reaction to the local sunlight conditions, by sloping the building’s roof, the North facing façade is enlarged to maximize the workspaces with indirect natural light conditions. At the same time, this reduces the South facing façade, which improves internal comfort. It is almost a celebration of the indirect north light expressed by the geometry of the building. South facing façades and roof of the headquarter feature a second skin made of a continuous pleaded custom-made aluminum mesh. The second skin filters the harsh light to obtain a comfortable interior work environment while recalling the metal shavings that are produced daily as a byproduct of the company supply chain. Internally, the departments have been distributed onto the various levels in accordance with their degree of relationship with the public and with the functions present in the nearby buildings. To increase the connectivity between the departments and the people working in them, the largest departments are divided into two levels, internally connected with a spiral staircase through a generous double-height space. To future proof, the building allows total internal flexibility and column-free spaces by bringing the load-bearing structure out onto the façade. The loadbearing structure is expressed as a steel exoskeleton, highlighting its technical and industrial character while accentuating its verticality. This envelope becomes then the roof, which is almost a fifth façade.

PROJECT: Bonfiglioli Headquarters LOCATION: Calderara di Reno, Bologna, Italy ARCHITECTURE: Peter Pichler Architecture YEAR: 2021 CLIENT: Bonfiglioli PROGRAM: office Headquarters SIZE: 6.200m² PETER PICHLER ARCHITECTURE TEAM: PPA Principals: Peter Pichler, Silvana Ordinas PPA Design Team: Peter Pichler, Ugo Licciardi, Niklas Knap, Simona Alù, Cem Ozbasaran, Giovanni Paterlini, Domenico Calabrese, Nathalia Rotelli, Angela Ferrari, Alessandro Cardellini, Simone Valbusa STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: ARUP MEP: ARUP ACOUSTICS: Solarraum FIRE CONSULTANT: ICS Ingegneria

The Bonfiglioli Headquarters is an exemplary project in terms of sustainability and environmental design. The elements that constitute its DNA are: The low-carbon design, achieving self-sufficiency of the building in terms of energy. Architect Projects

The great attention to health wellbeing in this postpandemic era. And, the application of the circular economy principles to maintain the building capacity to be adapted in the future in the needs of the client.

EVENTS & AWARDS NEWS

NEW LOCKERBIE VISITOR BUILDING SCOOPS TWO WINNING CATEGORIES AT SCOTTISH DESIGN AWARDS James Jones’s new visitor building has won two awards in the Scottish Design Awards 2021, winning both the Architecture award for a ‘Commercial / Office / Hotel Building or Project’ and the overall ‘Architecture Grand Prix for Architecture’. The Scottish Design Awards are open to all architects, engineers, graphic, interior and digital designers to celebrate class leading work, best practice, sustainability and innovation in all its forms. The Judges said “As a business, they’re putting their stamp on the building. Simple, elegant, sustainable and a showcase for its owner”. The Lockerbie site is the largest single site sawmill complex in the UK and the most technically advanced. As such, pre-pandemic, Lockerbie received a high number of visitors – including small groups of customer visits, customer training courses, academic institutions, and industry events. The idea for the building recognised the need to provide increased office accommodation, better visitor facilities, and the opportunity to host on-site training courses and industry meetings, which previously had to be

Architect Projects

INNERSCENE AWARDED BUILD BACK BETTER GOLD AWARD IN LIGHTING

conducted offsite. James Jones & Sons held a design competition between two architectural firms and the winning team was Konishi Gaffney from Edinburgh, led by Kieran Gaffney. Kieran Gaffney said “We are really pleased and proud to have been recognised in these awards. Both in the commercial category, which had some very strong work, and the Grand Prix for Architecture which is a very exciting achievement. Working with James Jones & Sons on their visitor building was a brilliant opportunity to showcase their materials and explore the possibilities of timber construction. We’d like to thank them for their trust in us; our consultant team for their expertise and the builder for their hard work and patience. Lastly thanks to the Scottish Design Awards for this huge honour.” Speaking about the awards, Rob MacKenna, General Manager at James Jones Lockerbie site said “We are delighted the new building received two architectural awards in last week’s virtual ceremony. “The striking design and innovative use of solid and engineered timber products are a great example of how timber can be used to deliver high quality office and meeting areas. Konishi

the appearance of a natural sun and sky in any environment day or night. Vivid beams of light are cast into the room from an ultrabright distant 3D sun which appears to move in parallel with the viewer.

Innerscene has been announced as a winner of the inaugural Build Back Better awards, receiving the Build Back Better Gold award for lighting in recognition of its breakthrough artificial skylight, the A7 Virtual Sun. Taking place on Wednesday 30th June as a virtual ceremony, the Build Back Better Lighting awards was established to champion innovation in buildings.

At just 24cm(10”) deep, the A7 Virtual Sun by Innerscene is very slim, allowing it to be easily retrofitted. It has been cleverly designed so the sun appears at true infinity ensuring every occupant only sees one sun, no matter how many fixtures are joined together. Equipped with Innerscene’s Infinity Focus Technology, the A7 Virtual Sun by Innerscene offers a colour temperature which can automatically tune between 3,200K and 20,000K subsequently displaying a bright, realistic sky and brilliant sun that appears to be 93 million miles away.

Demonstrating a unique point of difference, Innerscene’s innovation optically recreates

The use of natural light in hospital rooms has shown a reduction of the average length

Gaffney architects were able to articulate this in the building’s design and its fantastic their efforts have been recognised by the Scottish Design Awards. Congratulations to all of the evening’s winners, thanks to Scottish Design Awards as virtual hosts, and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to our Lockerbie site very soon”.

of stay, alongside quicker post-operative recovery, and a very important decrease of hospital-induced depressive illness. As such, the A7 Virtual Sun by Innerscene is a great asset to healthcare and other commercial facilities as its geographically calibrated internal clock enables it to synchronise its light with local daylight settings, thus matching the real sky from sunrise to sunset. The product has been used at the Apple HQ in Cupertino to great effect. Jonathan Clark CEO of Innerscene commented: “As a team, we are delighted to have been confirmed as a winner of the Build Back Better Awards for Lighting. After dozens of prototypes, we are immensely proud of this product and all that we have achieved since launch. We have made great strides as a company in a short amount of time, and I very much look forward to an exciting few years ahead.”

Rushey Mead School, Leicester – image courtesy of CORSTORPHINE + WRIGHT Architects

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Old Trafford Lodge, Manchester – image courtesy of ICA Architects

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

GT3 ANNOUNCES NEW SECTOR LEADS TO SPEARHEAD GROWTH Left-Right: Paul Reed, Suzanne Blair, Liz Clarke, and Michael Simpson

SURREY SITE MANAGER NAMED AMONG BEST IN THE COUNTRY FOR QUALITY A site manager for award-winning housebuilder Crest Nicholson has won a top national award for excellence for his work at the Walton Court Gardens development in Surrey. Jerome Peterson was named as one of the Pride in the Job Quality Award winning site managers for 2021 by the National House Building Council. Now in its fourth decade, the Pride in the Job award is the most highly regarded competition in the housebuilding industry and is the most prestigious accolade a site manager can achieve. From a field of more than 11,000, it seeks to recognise those who have achieved the very highest standards in housebuilding across the UK. Judging takes around 18 months to complete while each site manager is assessed across six key areas including consistency, attention to detail, and technical expertise. Jerome Peterson, Crest Nicholson Site Manager for Walton Court Gardens, comments: “It feels amazing to have won

the prestigious NHBC Pride in the Job award, especially as Walton Court Gardens is my first site as a site manager. I have been a part of an award-winning site in the last two years for Crest Nicholson, so to have received my own award this year seems unreal. Crest Nicholson has supported me since I enrolled on its Site Management Academy, and I’m so glad I could return the favour with this recognition from the NHBC.” Eileen Guihen, Sales and Marketing Director at Crest Nicholson South, comments: “This award is not only a testament to Jerome and his hard work, but the calibre of quality among Crest Nicholson developments. Our site managers have never been so important in ensuring the delivery of high quality new homes for their customers, while homebuyers can rest assured that they are receiving the very highest standard.” The Quality Award winners will go on to compete for the Seal of Excellence and Regional Awards in the autumn, with the national Supreme Award winners unveiled in January. Walton Court Gardens was designed to celebrate the site’s history as the former Birds Eye Headquarters. The central building is Grade II heritage listed while an impressive sculpture, Leading Bird, which was designed by John McCarthy in 1960, has been reinstalled onsite.

Architect Projects

Located in the picturesque riverside town of Walton-on-Thames, the modern and thriving development offers one, two and three bedroom apartments, ideal for young professionals and first time buyers. Each home has been finished to the highest specifications, with stylish, fully integrated, and contemporary fixtures throughout.

Leading architecture practice GT3 Architects has created four new sector leads within its senior team to diversify and drive its core areas of expertise. As part of a wider restructure, which sees senior architects take more of ownership of projects, Paul Reed has become head of sport and leisure, Suzanne Blair is leading education and masterplanning, Liz Clarke overseeing residential, and Michael Simpson is responsible for workplace. The move follows a period of growth for the firm, which has seen nine new members of staff join its ranks within the last six months. Mark Gowdridge, director at GT3 Architects, said: “We’re delighted to announce our new sector leads. Paul, Suzanne, Liz, and Michael are all experts in their considered fields and we’re looking forward to supporting them in this new challenge. “By having focused heads of department, we can really streamline our offering, projects, and direction to give the best possible service for our clients. “Since implementing, our sector leads have had more time to drive our research and development arm, mentor younger members of the team, and get involved in our more complex projects. “Our senior architects are also benefitting from the increased autonomy and responsibility within their respective sectors. Simon Dunstan, director at GT3, added: “The firm was established more than 12 years ago, and we’ve spent many years developing our skills over a number of sectors. “We’re keen to focus our efforts across all our specialist sectors and by having dedicated leads, we can ensure that education, masterplanning, residential, and workplace are given the same emphasis as sports and leisure. “It’s a really exciting time at GT3 and, despite the challenges of Covid-19, we found that the new structure has really empowered our team. “We have two studios but operate as one practice and one team, which means everyone is able to work on projects they are interested in, rather than be dictated by geography. I’m looking forward to seeing both the practice and our staff as individuals grow as a result.”

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PROJECT NEWS

WAUGH THISTLETON’S SCHEME FOR SOUTHERN GROVE, AT 1624 ORSMAN ROAD IN HACKNEY HAS BEEN GRANTED PLANNING APPROVAL

On the top floor are roof terraces with views to the city to the south and over the canal and Hackney to the north. These can be configured to either provide private outdoor space for use by a single tenant or access to all building users.

“

The proposed design sits along the bank of the Regent’s Canal and will provide 3,546m2 of office and flexible use space over 6 storeys with balconies and roof terraces providing quality amenity space for tenants. Historically the banks of the Regent’s Canal have been occupied by buildings housing light industry, commerce, and workshops or studios. New development in the area has replaced obsolete and abandoned sites with modern commercial and mixed use schemes, continuing an important urban grain.

Waugh Thistleton’s design balances the heritage of the site’s industrial past and the expectations of a modern, high quality workspace. The site is currently occupied by a cluster of disparate buildings of varying heights which look out of place amongst the collage of residential, commercial and light industrial buildings completed over the past decade. The existing buildings will be demolished and replaced by a single building occupying the whole site. The new building is composed as a series of three vertically proportioned elements, which break the massing and provide a complementary rhythm to neighbouring buildings. Along the canal-facing northern elevation the central third provides balcony space for the offices whilst also mitigating light spillage to the canal, reducing the potential for this to affect night time and water-borne wildlife. These suspended balconies are reminiscent of the traditional working buildings in Hackney, a subtle nod to the heritage of the area when canalside structures were used for loading goods directly from canal barges. The tripartite facade is unified through consistent fenestration which maintains the desired horizontal emphasis characteristic of the area, with taller window proportions at the top floor subtly reinforcing a traditional order of ‘top, middle and bottom’ to the building. The circulation core is placed to permit simple division of the floorplate for multiple businesses, providing space to support the SME and micro businesses that continue to contribute to the success and vitality of this part of east London. Each of the floors is designed to house two, three or four tenants in multiple configurations, providing the potential for these local businesses to grow into the space. The building also provides affordable workspace at 10% of the floor area to welcome businesses that might otherwise be priced out of the area they have contributed so much to. A flexible use space at ground floor can be used as a café, providing access and views to the canal and a canalside terrace that runs the length of the building. On the top floor are roof terraces with views to the city to the south and over the canal and Hackney to the north. These can be configured to either provide private outdoor space for use by a single tenant or access to all building users.

Architect Projects

Like most Waugh Thistleton buildings, 16 Orsman Road has been designed to allow for construction using DfMA and sustainable mass timber. In this case the design is for a steel and timber hybrid structure which builds on the success of their award winning project at 6 Orsman Road, just a few doors away.

PROJECT NEWS

BRAND-NEW ACADEMY COMPLETION BRINGS 1,150 NEW PUPIL PLACES TO BIRMINGHAM DARWIN GROUP DELIVERS NEW DECANT WARD AT THE WEST SUFFOLK HOSPITAL Modular construction specialist Darwin Group has completed a brand new, fully integrated decant ward – scaling 1,474 sq. m – for the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. Completed in 18 weeks, the ward was built using modern methods of construction and will provisionally accommodate existing patients, while the rest of the West Suffolk Hospital building undergoes planned maintenance works. The two-storey build consists of 32 beds, with six bedded bays and two single ensuite rooms which are suitably linked to the existing hospital allowing for efficient patient transportation. It also houses the necessary support accommodation, including two large, centralised nurse bases, utilities, plus staff rest and changing rooms. Darwin Group’s highly skilled in-house team used its unique turnkey service to deliver all stages of this project, from start to finish. This allowed the project to be handed over within the tight timescale with minimal disruption to the live hospital environment. Charles Pierce, Managing Director at Darwin Group, said: “We are very proud to have delivered such an important project for West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. Our skilled in-house team has taken time to consider the needs of the staff and patients at the hospital - working collaboratively to deliver the ward in just 18 weeks, providing a modern space for patients.”

More than 1,000 new school places have been created in Yardley Wood, Birmingham thanks to the completion of a brand-new £19m secondary academy school. Christ Church, Church of England, Secondary Academy, which is due to welcome pupils from September, has been built by the Department for Education (DfE) to create an additional 1,150 school places for the region. Designed by architecture firm CPMG Architects, and delivered by contractor Willmott Dixon, the new £19m, three-storey school includes facilities to accommodate 900 secondary level pupils, and a further 250 students in the sixth form. The new building comprises a pick-up and drop-off area for pupils, a sports hall, two full size football pitches and one FA standard 3G pitch. Traditional materials have been used in a contemporary manner to create a clean and simple aesthetic, whilst providing robustness and ease of maintenance, including a concrete raft ground floor, traditional brick and block wall construction with a feature of render and façade cladding to express the academy’s identity. Sara Harraway, director at CPMG Architects, said: “We worked very closely with the school while developing the design, establishing a design concept based around the Trust’s values and the school’s branding. This has seen the introduction of a neutral colour palette, interspersed with bursts of signature blue and yellow feature elements.

“The finished school has created a positive, bright, robust, attractive and nurturing environment for pupils, which will also promote a sense of calm and sophistication. Large, high windows have been integrated to optimise natural daylight – just one of many elements designed to promote positive wellbeing in all the building’s users. We’ve been really pleased to work closely with the Trust and contractors Willmott Dixon to bring this excellent development forward, creating more than 1,000 new school places in the local area, served by fantastic facilities to support the delivery of top-quality education.” Dan Doyle, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re so pleased to have worked with the Department for Education, the Trust and CPMG on the creation of this contemporary new school building. This school will not only meet local educational needs by increasing pupil places, but also enhance the surrounding area and create an outstanding school for Yardley Wood.” The school has been constructed through the Department for Education framework and has been designed to be both elegant and sophisticated, using robust and durable materials that will stand the test of time. Christopher Mansell, CEO of the Birmingham Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust said: “We’ve been working closely with the project team since 2016, when we received permission to build the school, and it’s fantastic that we now have this wonderful building to re-energise the Yardley Wood community. We’re delighted that Mark Bowman Dalton will be headteacher at Christ Church, he brings with him an experienced leadership team, and we hope the school will provide outstanding education to pupils for the foreseeable future.”

Architect Projects

Tony Floyde, Senior Project Manager at the NHS Trust, said: “The construction of the West Suffolk Hospital’s new decant ward has been a huge undertaking and we are very pleased it has been completed within the tight time frame set. It was essential that our construction partner could work flexibly to accommodate our needs and we now have a fully functioning, healthcare compliant ward. We are very pleased with the result; the new facility is a high-spec and efficient solution for our staff and patients and will help us continue to provide high quality care.” Darwin Group is committed to the quality and longevity of its builds and offers financial payment plans and assists with funding applications to accommodate client aspirations and budget constraints align.

PROJECT NEWS

GUNNING LONDON TO RESTORE AND REVAMP CITY UNIVERSITY’S GREAT HALL

Matthew Nash, Business Development Manager at Gunning London, says that the project will restore some of the Great Hall’s lost beauty while bringing it into the 21st century: “To recover some of the grandeur of the space, we will accentuate the strong visual impact of the existing wooden design using light grey walls and up-lighting.

Gunning London, the Chartered Building Company specialising in refurbishments for the Higher Education sector, has been awarded the contract to renovate City University’s Great Hall, part of their Grade II listed College Building.

“At the same time,” he continues, “students will be able to learn in a modern environment with state-of-the-art tech and full data connectivity to every seat. This project blends the best of heritage and high tech.”

Built in the 1890s, the Great Hall is an integral part of City University’s history and has survived intact to the present day, in spite of post-WW2 reconstruction and a fire in 2001.

The interior is now being reconfigured to maximise the available space and to equip the facility with the latest technologies, whilst improving the acoustics and lighting. The works will see the stage replaced with a raised access floor and will bring the speaker and presentation wall closer to the audience. Improvements will also be made to the IT and AV equipment, and new energy-efficient LED lighting will be installed.

Having recently achieved UKAS accredited certification from Bluesky, Gunning London launched its own fire division, Gunning Fire, and this project includes an improvement to the existing fire strategy.

JAMES MCCUNE SMITH LEARNING HUB OPENS The University of Glasgow’s new, world-leading, James McCune Smith Learning Hub (JMSLH) has opened its doors to students for the first time this week.

When fully operational it will provide hi-tech learning facilities for over 2,500 students, including a range of technology-enhanced learning spaces for group and individual study.

The £90 million state-of-the-art learning and teaching facility is located at the heart of University’s existing Gilmorehill campus, in the West End of the city.

The James McCune Smith Learning Hub is named after the prominent civil rights activist and first African American to be awarded a medical degree, awarded by the University of Glasgow in 1837.

Designed by HLM Architects, the JMSLH will provide state-of-the-art learning facilities, and further enhance Glasgow’s reputation as a welcoming, accessible and world-renowned destination for learning.

Initially it will open with full COVID restrictions in place, including 2 metre physical distancing, enhanced hygiene and cleaning measures and strict cap on numbers. It will provide additional individual

study space on-campus only for students who do not have access to appropriate facility to study from home. Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow said: “Although not how we’d anticipated opening the building, I am delighted that the James McCune Smith Learning Hub is now accessible to provide high quality learning facilities to support those students who do not have suitable spaces at home. “This is a world-leading learning and teaching facility which will further enhance our offering for students at Glasgow, putting technology, connectivity and accessibility at the heart of the learning experience. “Named after the pioneering James McCune Smith, the first African American to be awarded a medical degree and an alumnus of the University, “it will ensure future generations of students from a broad range of backgrounds are able to benefit from a University education at Glasgow.” Andy Nicoll, Project Architect at HLM Architects, which designed the building, said: “Located at the heart of the campus, the new James McCune Smith Learning Hub has been designed to deliver an exceptional student experience within a dynamic learning environment.

Architect Projects

“With a variety of interactive teaching and active learning spaces it will support a motivated, vibrant, and diverse community of learners and academics to evolve efficient and effective learning methodologies through both group and individual study. “We are delighted to have worked with the University in the development of this project and look forward to seeing it coming alive as it welcomes more students and faculty over coming weeks and months.”

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PROJECT NEWS

OFF-WHITE FLAGSHIP STORE PARIS Two blocks away from Place Vendôme, Off-White Paris occupies a 19th century corner building at the intersection of Rue de Castiglione and Rue du Mont Thabor. The space combines Parisian elegance with industrial rawness, rethinking Parisian highend retail. A courtyard, a gallery and a market extend over three floors, gradually revealing to the visitor Off-White’s diverse identity.

Under the arches of Rue de Castiglione is the store’s main entrance – a semi-circular vestibule of corrugated glass – which leads to the ground floor’s centerpiece: a reinterpretation of the typical Parisian courtyard, containing the women’s collection. Framed by arches inspired by the street’s portico, the courtyard’s walls and floors are cladded in white travertine. Sober and

refined, the courtyard induces a calm and slow shopping experience but can also accommodate dynamic events such as fashion shows. The entrance on Rue du Mont Thabor leads to what feels like a completely different store. Light blue walls and a black terrazzo floor, filled with AMO-designed freestanding furniture, showcase Off-White’s brand partnerships. The store’s multifaceted identity is further reinforced by the design of the upper floors. In the intimate atmosphere of the mezzanine, with its low ceiling and small windows, a space inspired by the aesthetics of the gift shop hosts the kids’ and homeware collections, as well as an exhibition wall. On the second floor, for the men’s collection, the high ceiling and large windows facing the city create a luminous, clear space, which can be easily reconfigured for concerts, art shows and parties. A foldable box finished with Sottsass-red veneer conceals the bar and the back of house. The floor accommodates freestanding display elements designed by AMO – metallic clothing racks, wooden tables and white travertine shelving systems – echoing the Parisian flea market. Contrasting combinations of textures and colors emphasize the store’s repertoire of ambiences, creating an abstract reinterpretation of Paris.

Architect Projects

Location: 8 Rue de Castiglione, Paris Client: Off-White Program: Retail Ellen van Loon, Samir Bantal, Giulio Margheri Team: Lina Jaidi, Camille Filbien, Natalie Konopelski, Valerio di Festa, Alexandru Tintea, Claudio Araya, Yushang Zhang, Giada Zuan Collaborators: De Studio (chandeliers) Barbarito Bancel Architectes (local architect)

PROJECT NEWS

LEGAL & GENERAL TO DEVELOP MAJOR SCIENCE AND INNOVATION DISTRICT WITH UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD Legal & General announces that it will fund and deliver a new innovation district with the University of Oxford, extending Oxford’s existing Begbroke Science Park across an adjacent 14-hectare site. The first phase of the scheme will bring forward new teaching facilities for the universities Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences departments, as well as providing space to incubate spin-out companies. Future phases will also seek to develop 2,000 new homes, with a mix of affordable tenures and subsidised key worker accommodation.

will house the Departments of Experimental Psychology and Biology, including Plant Sciences and Zoology.

The new Begbroke innovation district forms part of Legal & General’s £4bn partnership with the University of Oxford; Oxford University Development (OUD). By building out a network of high-quality research and innovation facilities, alongside affordable homes to accommodate students and teachers, the Partnership is seeking to retain talent in the city, boost the economy and support spin-out and scale-up businesses. The wider masterplan for Begbroke will create a ‘live/study/work’ environment, with ambitions to include a hotel, restaurant, bars, cafes, shops, educational, community and sports facilities.

“Investments such as this are creating virtuous cycle whereby pensions and savings are used to create positive social, environmental and economic outcomes which are in line with our commitment to Inclusive Capitalism. Laura Mason, CEO of Legal & General Capital, said: “As we have seen over the last two years, the life sciences and health sectors have never been more important, and new schemes like Begbroke will help the UK continue to lead the way and ensure future health emergencies can become just health events. UK universities are world-leading and we are helping realise their potential by investing in much needed science infrastructure, which can incubate the great talent and innovative spin-outs which come from these first class institutions.” Dr David Prout, Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Oxford, said: “We are delighted that this project is going ahead as part of our JV partnership with Legal and General. It will provide much needed expansion space for academic research and also for University

Chris Oglesby, Executive Chair, Bruntwood SciTech said: “The development of Begbroke Science Park into a major new science and innovation district will provide much needed, additional research and innovation facilities for some of the UK’s most exciting life science businesses and support the creation of new high value, highly skilled jobs for the sector. Our reputation for working in partnership with public, private, academic and clinical institutions to create world-class science and tech clusters, that fuel innovation and foster collaboration, is why we’re well placed to help bring this ambitious vision to life.” Legal & General has invested over £30bn in levelling-up regional economies throughout the UK, including by forming major partnerships with local and central governments, universities and local businesses in place such as Cardiff, Manchester and Newcastle, as well as Oxford. Bolstering its long-term pension commitments by creating real assets which provide new jobs, housing, productivity and wage growth, Begbroke will be funded by long-term annuity money from Legal & General’s retirement business, with Legal & General Capital acting as Developer and Bruntwood SciTech (a 50 / 50 JV between Legal & General Capital and Bruntwood) as Development Manager for the first phase, whilst longer term plans for future phases are finalised. Legal & General Capital has been advised by LGIM Real Assets.

Architect Projects

Stepping up its commitment to invest in the UK life sciences sector, Legal & General has brought forward projects, in partnership with world-leading universities, worth £2bn this year alone. This has included its scheme with Manchester University, ID Manchester, and its first development for the OUD partnership, the new Life and Mind Building. The Life and Mind Building is the University of Oxford’s largest ever building project, with a project cost of £200m, which

Nigel Wilson, Chief Executive at Legal & General, said: “We are extremely proud of our partnership with the University of Oxford, which in the wake of COVID-19 will help retain talent in the city, whilst driving essential inward investment and providing opportunities for world-leading innovation, as well as much needed housing for key workers.

spinouts and commercial collaborators. It will double the amount of space in the Science Park and form the first phase of a larger commercial, academic and residential development.”

PROJECT NEWS

SHH DESIGNS NEW OFFICE PREMISES FOR KWG BIOVALLEY, 合景·生命科谷, IN SHANGHAI SHH has been commissioned to create modern interior spaces for KWG BIOVALLEY, 合景·生命科谷, a medical research and development centre in Qingpu, Shanghai. The research centre is part of a new commercial park for ‘Health and Innovation’ in Qingpu district and specialises in pioneering medical technologies including stem cell technology as well as traditional Chinese medicine. The two different medical methods come together on site and are reflected in the contrasts between technology and tradition, architecture and natural landscapes.

The new commercial park consists of five office towers linked by a retail podium along with eleven low-rise buildings bordered by green zones with access to a recreational promenade along the adjacent canals that connect to the Yangtze river. The brief is to deliver a series of lobbies, contemporary work areas, executive meeting rooms, open-plan workspaces and public spaces across the five towers. Two show offices will also be delivered in one of the adjacent low-rise buildings and are due for completion in Summer 2021. The design marries Western influences and natural materials to create visual connections with the surrounding landscape. The interior colour palette and materials draw inspiration from the Five Elements theory of traditional Chinese medicine: water; wood; fire; earth; and metal. The design language of natural materials is consistent across all areas. The lobby and lift areas are bright and minimal, with granite tiled flooring, natural stone lined walls and discreet green touches. Oak timber panels, stone and full height metal fins line

the main lobby walls creating strong visual connections with the building’s façade while in the adjacent lift area dark bronze panels wrap the walls and ceiling creating a strong contrast and depth within the space. Brendan Heath Director Hospitality & Commercial Interiors says: “We designed a range of different zones to accommodate meetings, focussed work, team collaboration and socialising. The interior palette is a nod to the natural landscape outside and the resulting design reflects local cultures while celebrating Western influences.” The reception, lounge and open plan office spaces are designed to flow into each other whilst creating their own distinct zones. Full height metal-frame screens and open shelving are introduced to create permeable space divisions and circulation paths while allowing ample daylight to enter throughout the day. The open-plan reception and waiting area feature embossed mirror polished metal panels, their ripple patterning creating connections with the water element of the canals. Smaller built volumes including a pantry and private meeting rooms have been positioned around the perimeter of the office floor and break up the clusters of open-plan space.

Architect Projects

A private wing for a company president has also been designed by SHH and is in keeping with the overall design concept, featuring large timber boxes, expressions of metal, and stone finishes. The private wing offers exclusive office and leisure facilities including a gym and dining areas. It also accommodates the president’s private bedroom and bathroom as well as smaller private workspaces, a secondary reception lounge and a refined timber-wrapped tea room with bespoke joinery. The intention is to create a comfortable and functional environment which accommodates work and a home feel.

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JACKODUR® ATLAS IS THE FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS An amazing self-build property built on a JACKODUR® ATLAS foundation slab has won the Small Project Category of the 2021 Passivhaus Awards. The property, Larch Corner, is located in Warwickshire and predominantly features modern timber engineering in its above ground construction. However, the building is based on JACKODUR® ATLAS foundation system from JACKON. The JACKODUR® ATLAS Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) insulation and formwork system is an intelligent and efficient thermal insulation system for floor slabs and is ideal for constructing the foundations of energy-efficient houses. The system comprises an economic interlocking system, which eliminates thermal bridges and has excellent compressive strength properties. Supplied cut to size, rapid and problemfree construction is assured. In this particular property the floor has a U-value of 0.101 W/m2K and the building overall is claimed to be the most airtight house in the UK and the third most airtight house in the world, exceeding current building regulations 244 times over!

Thanks to the elimination of heat loss through the floor of the structure, JACKODUR® ATLAS plays a critical role in helping Larch Corner achieve its net zero credentials. The owner and builder says that he was able to turn off the heating system in the house, provided by an air source heat pump and photovoltaic array, in March and hasn’t needed to use it since. JACKON’S expertise in the creation of building materials for low energy buildings goes far beyond the manufacture of foundation systems. The company has over 60 years’ expertise in manufacturing both XPS and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). While JACKODUR® ATLAS uses XPS, the company’s THERMOMUR® Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) EPS system can be used in combination with it, to create highly energy efficient buildings. The architect on the Larch Corner project was Oxford-based LEAP and the contractor was Mac Eye Projects, also from Oxfordshire. More information about Larch Corner is available on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=1VoWDIs_bLA&t=14s

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UNDERFLOOR HEATING CPD, DISCOVER THE BENEFITS With green energy high on the UK agenda, now is the time to look at introducing underfloor heating and understanding the benefits at the specification stage. Underfloor heating is suitable for all forms of construction and can be incorporated into any type of floor structure, it is therefore suitable for new-build, retrofit and refurbishment projects. Taking our underfloor heating CPD will ensure that you are qualified

to specify the correct type of system, and that you understand the installation process. We offer a variety of underfloor heating CPD material on Electric and Wet underfloor heating systems and Frost Protection, designed to improve your professional knowledge and enable you to make decisions on the heat source for any building. We will share with you our expertise and wealth of knowledge built up over 30 years in the industry on each heating system. All across the UK and Ireland we are installing Underfloor Heating in new developments and properties undergoing renovation. Our CPD session covers the following: • Structure – Floors, floor finishes and insulation • Space heating • Design of systems, construction and technology We aim to provide all attendees with a detailed history of underfloor heating and frost protection systems and an overview of the innovation and advances in the market. Following the course, this will enable attendees to understand the benefits of underfloor heating, the benefits of underfloor heating over traditional radiator systems, energy efficiencies and environment benefits. Our seminars are all held virtually and last approximately 45 minutes to an hour. We can set up Zoom, Teams or Skype; whichever is your preference we’ll work with you and your team.

Architect Projects

To find out more visit: https://www.gaia.co.uk/resource-centre/ underfloor-heating-cpd/ and complete the contact form. 01359 242 400 www.gaia.co.uk

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HEATING, VENTILATION & INSULATION

GILBERTS HELPS CREATE THE RIGHT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR EXCELLENCE A state-of-the-art new veterinary school, that brings together two of the UK’s gold-standard teaching universities, has opened its doors to students. Ventilation from Gilberts Blackpool is playing a key role in helping create the right learning environment internally. The Harper & Keele Veterinary School combines the distinct expertise and resources of Keele University- one of the UK’s leading medical schools- and Harper Adams- one of the UK’s leading agricultural and animal sciences schools. On Harper Adams’ campus in Newport, the school is located in a purposebuilt new two-storey building, with plant room at roof level, combining a lecture theatre, teaching spaces, a pharmacy, and ancillary administrative and support facilities. The whole building is ventilated using grilles from Gilberts installed by JPR Mechanical & Electrical Services to a specification designed by engineering consultants Waterman Group. The ground and first floor teaching areas are all connected to a natural ventilation heat recovery unit, with the third floor roof level space having

air handling units to serve the lecture theatres and natural ventilation penthouses to provide air intake into the atrium. The two-storey lecture theatre features Gilberts’ GSJA omni-directional swirl diffusers to accommodate adequate air supply across the width and height of the seating area which rises to some 5m high. To deliver Waterman’s brief, Gilberts engineered the GSJA diffusers to incorporate bespoke electrical operation in place of the conventional thermal actuation to provide instantaneous switch between horizontal and vertical discharge. This enables lecturers to alter the discharge to provide rapid cooling in summer and heating in winter, all at the flick of a switch. Supply air is circulated to most of the first and ground floor areas using Gilberts’ DGA four-way louvred face diffusers fitted into the suspended ceiling, with extract achieved via Gilberts’ GECA eggcrate grilles. Both supply and extract grilles have been attenuated to not more than 15DB- well within recommended noise levels for lecture theatres. Gilberts’ FB700 door transfer grilles deliver air transfer into the offices. Nuala Maguire, Associate Director at Waterman Group, explained, “The proportions of the main lecture theatres made it complex to specify a system that would ensure everyone would be comfortable and that there would be no draughts or hot spots, whether sat at the high back of the room or low at the front. We know Gilberts can provide not just the products but the technical backing to support us in delivering the most appropriate solution within design and budgetary considerations.” Added Head of School Professor Matt Jones, “Health and welfare is at the heart of the new School. That extends beyond the student learning programme, to their wellbeing. A well-ventilated building is of course central to this. The work of Gilberts alongside JPR and Waterman has contributed to an exceptional building which is a powerful statement by Keele in these difficult times, and confidently points to a strengthened educational future on campus.” Gilberts tel 01253 766911 E: info@gilbertsblackpool.com

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PROFILE

PROFILE: MEET THE MAN BEHIND Matteo Bianchi Studio – INSPIRED BY A DREAM Located in London, Matteo Bianchi Studio is a distinguished international Interior Design practice composed of creative and talented designers which has successfully developed more than 140 projects worldwide. After years of dreaming about becoming a designer, Matteo was able to make his dream a reality when he founded Matteo Bianchi Studio in 2007.

Architect Projects

Matteo is an internationally acclaimed designer who considers every project to be unique. Reflecting on the significance of dreams, both his own and those of his clients, it is the notion of a dream that plays a fundamental role in the creation of his elegant and timeless designs. Continued >>>

PROFILE

For as long as I can remember I have had a curiosity for interior design which I believe stemmed from my mother who always made sure our house looked pretty and in order. I took on a job at Ikea and there were specific departments that would be responsible for the displays, this was fascinating to me. I discovered that design was probably intrinsic in my DNA and it became a secret passion of mine. I enrolled on an interior design course at Central Saint Martins which involved a series of ten Saturday morning sessions. It was then that I started to consider the possibility of a career change. On the first day I was reminded of how much I loved to draw as a child, anything and everything. If I was given a pen and paper, I would just sit down for the whole day and draw. When I embarked on this course I was 29 and everything became really clear - this is what I wanted to do. I was living on Columbia Road next to the flower market and I couldn’t wait to get up on a Saturday morning and get the bus to Saint Martins in Holborn. I questioned how I could possibly change career with no funds. At the time I was working as an account manager in advertising. I just knew this wasn’t my forte or my passion and at this particular moment it all started to make sense. An exboss got in touch and invited me to join her in Manchester; there was a position available and I thought this would be a great opportunity to

save a bit of money, whilst taking the time to carefully plan my career move properly. I left London for Manchester, saved as much as I could and started to look into possible design schools. After some thorough research, Chelsea College of Art and Design was the one that ticked the most boxes for me. In 2006 I was able to secure a graduate loan from HSBC for £20,000 to cover the tuition fee. Everyone thought I was completely crazy, but to me it felt like the right thing to do. I returned to London and began the course in July that year. The course was ten months long; I absolutely loved it! It provided me with the freedom and opportunity to just learn and research. During the final part of the course, I was required to create a project of my own. A friend of a friend in Venice was refurbishing a boutique hotel and I asked him if I could use a plan of the building for an assignment on this course. I created my own design for the hotel and, when I presented my ideas to him, he loved it; in fact, he much preferred it to the designs his architect had proposed. He asked me to design the hotel for him. Of course, I was delighted to accept...and that’s how it started, that was in May 2007. The creation of Matteo Bianchi Studio I just had a vision and at the start I knew where I wanted to go. I always dreamed about having an office of my own office with music in the background, fruit on the table, positive energy and a strong sense of culture, that is what it is all about at Matteo Bianchi Studio. We are incredibly fast and efficient but every single

“

Background to Matteo Bianchi’s career in interior design

person that steps foot into the office can see that we are a bunch of passionate people with strong values who really respect the work life balance. My job is to protect my team and make sure there is a good environment/atmosphere because that’s how they are going to excel and have a good time during the day. We are just like a small family, there is a strong culture, and that is what I always wanted. I have never done this for money, and I will never do this for money. It is really about passion and I am very lucky to be able to live my dream every day. I cannot wait to go to work every day - it is a pure luxury.

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PROJECT

PROJECT: Startup Lions Campus / TURKANA / KENYA The Startup Lions Campus is an information and communication technologies (ICT) campus, located on the banks of Lake Turkana, Kenya. The project responds to the pressing challenge of youth unemployment faced in the region by offering high-level training and access to international job opportunities, allowing young entrepreneurs to thrive professionally without having to leave their place of origin. The campus will provide 100 new workstations and is the first step in an ambitious vision of spreading ICT networks in remote areas. The project celebrates the unique morphology and natural beauty of its site. It is built over two levels that follow the natural slope and features extensive roof terraces that offer sweeping views over Lake Turkana.

The roof terraces are shaded by creeping vegetation, providing pleasant outdoor meeting spaces and opportunities for the informal exchange of ideas. The building takes inspiration from the towering mounds built by termite colonies in the region. Tall ventilation towers create a stack effect to naturally cool the main working spaces by extracting warm

air upwards, while fresh air is introduced through specially designed low-level openings. This system allows the campus to withstand high temperatures and is especially well suited as it prevents dust from damaging the IT equipment. In addition to their functional role, the towers create a landmark in the surroundings. The campus is built out of locally sourced quarry stone with a plaster finish. In choosing which materials and construction techniques to use, ecological sustainability, cost and availability factors were weighed to arrive at the best compromise. Collaboration with the local community was key in this decision-making process, drawing from their experience and expertise.

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Architect Projects

Startup Lions Campus / Turkana / Kenya Local Title: Startup Lions Campus Location: Turkana County, Kenya Type of project: Education Size: 1 416 sqm Design: May 2019 – December 2019 Construction: December 2020 – April 2021 Status: Completed Architect: Kéré Architecture, Diébédo Francis Kéré, Berlin, Germany Design team: Kinan Deeb, Andrea Maretto Kéré Architecture, Berlin, Germany Contributors: Juan Carlos Zapata, Leonne Vögelin, Charles André, Malak Nasreldin Kéré Architecture, Berlin, Germany Project Management: Kinan Deeb Kéré Architecture, Berlin, Germany Engineering: BuildX Studio, Kyuna Rd, Nairobi, Kenya Construction: BuildX Studio, Kyuna Rd, Nairobi, Kenya Client: Learning Lions gUG (haftungsbeschränkt), Geltendorf, Germany

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