w: www.roberthirschfield.com e: studio@roberthirschfield.com t: O2O 7435 6O39
Of all forms of art, architecture offers man the answers to his immediate and legitimate everyday needs. It is a framework of life and practising it allows us to design whilst respecting the natural world and the place of man within it. Robert Hirschfield Architects is interested in the aesthetic and functionality of materials, of maximising the light and volume within the spaces we create, and to provide imaginative and costeffective solutions to the challenges presented by every brief. We are an innovative architectural practice and we will bring our knowledge of structure and form to explore your project. We would like to re-tell the story, re-interpret the site and re-visualise the uniqueness of the design.
www.roberthirschfield.com
Maximising Development Potential We understand the development value in gaining planning permission with context-sensitive, socially responsive and culturally relevant architecture. RHA has a strong track record of successful planning applications which unlock precious extra internal areas to seal a development’s optimum commercial and accommodation potential. As such, our work adds a premium return on any development investment, always mindful of budget and boosting viability.
Right and below: Planning gain unlocks the full value of a site
Values and Principles Our aim is to explore and understand a client’s objectives and aspirations so we can create buildings appropriate for their end user. Our core principle is adding value to property through exemplary architecture. This is grounded in a fundamental understanding of the technical, financial and practical issues which ensures that our designs are viable and deliverable. What sets us apart is that we have a track record of building positive working relationships with our clients and consultants. A large portion of our work comes from repeat business and referral demonstrating the value that clients place on our work.
Right and below: Context driven design acts as a stimulant for the sense of discovery
Feasibility Studies Most projects start with a Feasibility Study. This is a good way of teasing out the details of the client’s requirements as well as testing the obvious issues of cost, buildability and the likelihood of getting the necessary permissions for the work. The best feasibility studies are completed in close cooperation with the client. This is a vital stage of developing a workable brief and setting the parameters for the project that will allow it to develop into a reality. The starting point of any Feasibility Study is the detailed understanding of the history and cultural significance of the building, its setting and its contents. Once the nature of the site is properly appreciated then the requirements of the brief can be tested against the possibilities and constraints that the site offers. This may result in the modification or refinement of the brief but should ensure that any proposals are genuinely feasible. This means that they achieve planning and listed building consent and will comply with the available budget.
Right and below: The constraints and shape of a site can contribute to the form and shape of the building
Design Approach The practice has established a diverse portfolio working with developers, private residential clients and gallery owners as well as undertaken several installation based projects. Each of our projects is unique, tailored to brief, budget and location. Our design philosophy is to treat each project as a response to the client’s aspirations and end-user requirements. In preference to a house ‘style’, RHA has a clear ‘philosophy’ that expresses a shared approach to design. We aim to achieve a unique and appropriate solution for each project, inspired by the site, brief and client. Guided by this philosophy, we approach design with intellectual rigour and passion, to produce spaces and ideas that are eminently practical and emotionally uplifting.
Right: Architecture as a framework of life Below: Designs may be diverse, potent and expressive but always dynamic in their response to use and space © Matt Clayton
Concept and Process Architecture is a team-working process. We believe that the relationship between client and architect is fundamental, and the establishment of a professional and trusting relationship between the two is the bedrock of every successful project. Architectural concepts are our way of responding to the design situation presented to us. They are a means of translating the design problem into a physical manifestation. What makes RHA stand out are the innovative strategies which we bring to the consultation process, encouraging everybody to think creatively. We find this generates excitement and a will for the project to succeed.
Right: Diagrams form a vital tool to quickly explore and convey ideas Bottom-left: Physical models aid the design process Bottom-right: Rendered visuals provide a realistic representation of the design
Conservation Robert Hirschfield Architects is a leading advocate for remodelling and radically transforming old buildings for modern uses. The practice does this in ways that reveal what buildings from different eras mean to us today. Based in London, a city of historical context with modern needs and demands, RHA enthusiastically embraces an architecture of change by juxatposing contemporary elements with original features of existing buildings to create exciting and dynamic new used. From concept through to completion, varied experience allows the studio to approach projects across a range of sectors. The practice also has specialist experience in the challenges of working with listed buildings and within conservation areas. At RHA, architectural conservation is seen as an integral part of the practice of architecture. Where necessary, the practice seeks to implement the conservation, adaptation, restoration, protection and rehabilitation of sites which, because of their architectural merit and/or historical significance, form part of the heritage of our built environment. Robert Hirschfield is a registered RIBA Conservation Registrant and is able to demonstrate good working and background knowledge of key aspects of conservation practice, principles and philosophy. He is experienced with on site delivery of construction projects.
Right: Organising the existing and new elements to make a coherent whole Below: Spaces can be rebalanced by integrating thoughtful interventions Š David Grandorge
Case Study 1: Galleria This is a current development in which we are proposing to combine two buildings in the St James’s conservation area to create an extensive art gallery housing exhibition areas with supporting offices and ancillary facilities. The proposals also involve the demolition and rebuilding of the top floor mansard, in addition to a new lift core to the rear elevation of the property, which would serve the entire six floors of the extended building height. The properties would also be linked at lower ground level via existing vault spaces.
Right: Sensitive façade analysis was required to achieve planning consent Bottom-left: The gallery spaces are linked below ground through the existing vault spaces Bottom-right: Flexible hanging arrangements are made possible through the use of sliding screens
Integral to the scheme is the intention to create new residential accommodation on the upper floors. The top floor apartment will feature roof terraces offering panoramic views. Sliding walls were designed to provide flexible gallery space and storage facilities. Circulation is a key consideration when designing for visual art spaces - allowing a tantalising glimpse of what lies beyond or above, acts as a stimulant for the individual observer’s sense of discovery. The scheme has recently been granted full planning permission by Westminster City Council.
Construction cost £5 to 10m Commissioned by Private Client in 2014 (ongoing)
Case Study 2: Bath Court Purpose built student accommodation is currently being constructed in Central Birmingham close to all of the city’s higher education institutions. The prominent corner location acts as a ‘gateway’ into the city centre and utilises a deep triangular plan with the accommodation occupying the perimeter of the site.
Below: The proposed ceramic façade would have depth and a tactile quality reminiscent of the historic swimming baths associated with the area
The prominent 100m street frontage wraps itself around two sides of the site and the lower level is to be anchored by a new retail unit, gym, communal social space and silent study areas, which will animate the street frontage and increase the pedestrian footfall in what is currently a predominantly vehicular thoroughfare. The upper levels provide apartment accommodation for 430 students. To the rear, a large landscaped raised terrace provides external space for the students and a central light well allows natural light deep into the building. Planning consent was granted in February 2015 and construction has now commenced on site due for completion in August 2018.
Construction cost £20m Commissioned by Private Developer in 2013 (ongoing)
Case Study 3: Bloomsbury Apartments Set within the Bloomsbury Conservation Area, the upper floors of this pivotal period building in the heart of Bloomsbury were remodelled to create generously proportioned apartments all of which share dynamic street views.
Right: Local knowledge and careful negotiation with the planning authorities secured much higher densities than thought possible, boosting the project’s overall viability
The traditional features of the apartment building were restored and a modernist approach was applied to the re-fitting of the bathrooms and kitchens where lightweight materials and finishes give the apartments a more contemporary feel.
Below: The project delivered high quality, adaptable living spaces that more than satisfied the needs of the client’s target market
Construction cost £1m Commissioned by Private Developer in 2013 and completed in 2015
Case Study 4: Ellipses This was a challenging and interesting feasibility study for a new building style and type. Situated in East London on what could be described as a ‘public realm’ space, the location lies at the intersection of a busy three road junction. The constraints and shape of the site contributed to the form and shape of the building which comprises a plane curve that evolves from the intersection of a cone by a plane which in turn produces a closed curve.
Right: The design for the residential units anchors the building in its context Below: Natural light and efficient layout were the key factors in both plan and section
The resulting elliptical shape allowed for excellent natural light and ventilation internally, and enabled an efficient layout of lift and stair cores, services and utilities. Commissioned by Private Developer in 2015
A
The upper residential floors were stacked as in the form of a ship’s prow and the ground floor level was designed with commercial and community uses in mind.
Flat 5 52 m2
Flat 1 68 m2
+ 18.00 m (Roof)
Flat 4 50 m2 + 14.50 m L4 (Residential)
+ 11.25 m L3 (Residential)
+ 8.00 m L2 (Residential)
+ 4.50 m L1 (Residential)
+/- 0 m Gound level (Supermarket)
Flat 3 58 m2
Flat 2 58 m2
A
SECTION A-A
0M
SCHEME 1
5M
10M
15M
SECTION
Delivery and Quality Delivering a successful project is about working with the right people. It is about negotiating skills, reliability, approachability and problem-solving. For RHA, it also means giving a great service.
We have been very impressed by their approach to design and have enjoyed the iterative process of exploring all the options. We have found their service to be exemplary and have no doubt that this architectural practice will go on to become an established force in years to come. It has, and continues to be a pleasure working with them and we look forward to continued future cooperation. (Private Developer) We found RHA to be highly responsive to our needs and concerns and they displayed critical knowledge during all stages of the project. (Private Client) Architecture is about making spaces and places for people and we make the most of a project’s resources and are able to deliver high quality and cost effective solutions for our clients.
Right: Obsession with detailing is a quest for perfection Below: Coordination is key in delivering high quality projects Š Tom Scott
About RHA At Robert Hirschfield Architects, we enjoy architecture because it presents us with opportunities for problem solving, and expressing our own visual style towards resolving challenges. It is a fascinating complex art embracing form and function, symbol and social purpose, technique and belief, acknowledging that designs may be diverse, potent and expressive but always dynamic in their response to use. We also enjoy mentoring and recognise the importance of teamwork in practice throughout the many stages of a project.
Right: Design based on creative thinking and rigorous analysis Bottom-left: Committed to design quality Bottom-right: Our projects respond to their context
Services The practice offers a range of architectural services, including the following: • Preparing feasibility studies • Developing preliminary and detailed design proposals • Applying for planning and other statutory approvals • Preparing construction information • Obtaining tenders for projects • Contract administration / Project Management • Interior design Within this range of services, the practice is fully conversant with Listed Building and Conservation Area issues.
RIBA London Practice of the Month
w: www.roberthirschfield.com e: studio@roberthirschfield.com t: O2O 7435 6O39