RIBA Journal 'Smart PFI' article by Nick Mirchandani
2012-02-01 17:05:11
Director Nick Mirchandani comments on schools procurement and particularly on how the approach adopted for the Barnfield Academies in Luton is a successful working example of 'Smart PFI' procurement. To read the full story, please click here.
2012-02-01 17:05:11
Director Nick Mirchandani comments on schools procurement and particularly on how the approach adopted for the Barnfield Academies in Luton is a successful working example of 'Smart PFI' procurement. To read the full story, please click here.
Marriotts and Lonsdale School 'Topping Out' Ceremony
2012-01-27 15:57:57
The topping out ceremony was held at Marriotts and Lonsdale School on Friday 20th January in the space that in seven months will become Marriotts Hall. Rob Preston from Balfour Beatty hosted the proceedings, which was attended by heads of both schools, student representatives, and guest of honour local MP, Stephen McPartland. Now that the steel frame is complete, and the SIPS based external wall construction well underway, the scale of the internal spaces can be appreciated, as can the series of courtyards that punctuate the building.
2012-01-27 15:57:57
The topping out ceremony was held at Marriotts and Lonsdale School on Friday 20th January in the space that in seven months will become Marriotts Hall. Rob Preston from Balfour Beatty hosted the proceedings, which was attended by heads of both schools, student representatives, and guest of honour local MP, Stephen McPartland. Now that the steel frame is complete, and the SIPS based external wall construction well underway, the scale of the internal spaces can be appreciated, as can the series of courtyards that punctuate the building.
Planning submitted for the Monksbrook Estate
2012-01-26 16:45:35
Planning has been submitted for the Monksbrook Estate in Eastleigh, Hampshire, a phased estate regeneration programme to provide more homes in an area of high demand by replacing 164 outmoded houses with 237 mixed tenure new homes. The development provides sustainable homes to Code Level 4, giving tenants modern houses with lower running costs. The masterplan placed great importance on the public realm, fostering community and creating a 'sense of place'. A consultation plan has been used to structure input from numerous stakeholders including Planners, Councillors and residents, and draw them into the design process.
2012-01-26 16:45:35
Planning has been submitted for the Monksbrook Estate in Eastleigh, Hampshire, a phased estate regeneration programme to provide more homes in an area of high demand by replacing 164 outmoded houses with 237 mixed tenure new homes. The development provides sustainable homes to Code Level 4, giving tenants modern houses with lower running costs. The masterplan placed great importance on the public realm, fostering community and creating a 'sense of place'. A consultation plan has been used to structure input from numerous stakeholders including Planners, Councillors and residents, and draw them into the design process.
Successful consultation event held for St Clements Surgery
2012-01-23 11:01:05
A consultation event has taken place for our design of St Clements, a new 1600sqm GP medical centre and pharmacy in the heart of Winchester. Located on a prominent corner site between a busy road with large scale civic and commercial buildings, and a street characterised by two-storey vernacular housing, the design addresses the different environments by allowing the building to step down across the site. A new public space will be created at the front, with a series of consulting and treatment rooms arranged around a quiet internal atrium providing a vertical connection between waiting areas.
2012-01-23 11:01:05
A consultation event has taken place for our design of St Clements, a new 1600sqm GP medical centre and pharmacy in the heart of Winchester. Located on a prominent corner site between a busy road with large scale civic and commercial buildings, and a street characterised by two-storey vernacular housing, the design addresses the different environments by allowing the building to step down across the site. A new public space will be created at the front, with a series of consulting and treatment rooms arranged around a quiet internal atrium providing a vertical connection between waiting areas.
Times Higher Education Supplement features new TaRC building
2012-01-19 15:44:36
The Royal Veterinary College's new Teaching and Research Centre (TaRC), completed by ArchitecturePLB in 2011, has been featured in The Times Higher Education Supplement (THE). To read the full article, please click here.
2012-01-19 15:44:36
The Royal Veterinary College's new Teaching and Research Centre (TaRC), completed by ArchitecturePLB in 2011, has been featured in The Times Higher Education Supplement (THE). To read the full article, please click here.
Evening Standard features new Teaching and Research Centre
2012-01-18 14:34:27
The new Teaching and Research Centre, ArchitecturePLB's latest project to be completed for the Royal Veterinary College, has been featured in today's Evening Standard. To read the full article, please click here.
2012-01-18 14:34:27
The new Teaching and Research Centre, ArchitecturePLB's latest project to be completed for the Royal Veterinary College, has been featured in today's Evening Standard. To read the full article, please click here.
Teaching and Research Centre - Royal Opening
2011-12-02 16:15:48
The official opening of our most recent building for the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, took place on Friday 2nd December 2011 by HRH The Princess Royal. The Teaching and Research Centre, known as TaRC, was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne as Chancellor of the University of London. Joe Misselbrook, the project architect, attended on behalf of ArchitecturePLB.
2011-12-02 16:15:48
The official opening of our most recent building for the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, took place on Friday 2nd December 2011 by HRH The Princess Royal. The Teaching and Research Centre, known as TaRC, was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne as Chancellor of the University of London. Joe Misselbrook, the project architect, attended on behalf of ArchitecturePLB.
Guerilla Tactics
2011-11-09 13:01:42
Following on from our repeat Good Employer Awards over the past few years, the RIBA invited us to speak at their small practices conference at the Portland Street HQ. Our presentation considered the way that practices can make the most of their resources by treating employees well and fostering a good environment for them to work in. Beginning with the statutory and pastoral aspects, the talk went on to look at the range of benefits, training and events we offer to our staff to make the practice a happy place to be.
2011-11-09 13:01:42
Following on from our repeat Good Employer Awards over the past few years, the RIBA invited us to speak at their small practices conference at the Portland Street HQ. Our presentation considered the way that practices can make the most of their resources by treating employees well and fostering a good environment for them to work in. Beginning with the statutory and pastoral aspects, the talk went on to look at the range of benefits, training and events we offer to our staff to make the practice a happy place to be.
RVC Social Learning Space published in Hinge Magazine
2011-10-31 12:42:58
The Social Learning Café project at the Royal Veterinary College has been published in the October edition of interiors magazine, Hinge (vol.194), which has described it as 'one of the most inspiring new squares in Britain.'
2011-10-31 12:42:58
The Social Learning Café project at the Royal Veterinary College has been published in the October edition of interiors magazine, Hinge (vol.194), which has described it as 'one of the most inspiring new squares in Britain.'
Autumn Practice Day 2011
2011-10-20 09:34:19
Twice a year the whole practice gathers in one of our offices for an update on what everyone is doing, a chance to show off projects to colleagues, clock up some CPD points and socialise. This time, as well as presentations about our new branding, new projects were introduced and projects under construction presented. CPD included debate about drawing for different types of contracts and a seminar on the introduction of BIM across the practice. A glass of wine and a snappy "pecha kucha" style presentation from each office - with very different interpretations of the same 'design inspiration' theme - ended the day, although discussions carried on in the pub!
2011-10-20 09:34:19
Twice a year the whole practice gathers in one of our offices for an update on what everyone is doing, a chance to show off projects to colleagues, clock up some CPD points and socialise. This time, as well as presentations about our new branding, new projects were introduced and projects under construction presented. CPD included debate about drawing for different types of contracts and a seminar on the introduction of BIM across the practice. A glass of wine and a snappy "pecha kucha" style presentation from each office - with very different interpretations of the same 'design inspiration' theme - ended the day, although discussions carried on in the pub!
Radian Design Seminar
2011-10-13 10:17:53
We recently sponsored the Radian Design Seminar, which focused on the impact of Environmental Design on the quality of Affordable Housing. The opening address was given by Ian Deans and the keynote speaker was Peter Murray, Chairman of the NLA, who gave the London perspective. Other speakers were Wendy Shillam on Bordon EcoTown and Justin Bere on PassivHaus, but the highlight was our own Paul Phasey who presented the European Perspective, following his study trip to Frieburg in Austria, sponsored by the office.
2011-10-13 10:17:53
We recently sponsored the Radian Design Seminar, which focused on the impact of Environmental Design on the quality of Affordable Housing. The opening address was given by Ian Deans and the keynote speaker was Peter Murray, Chairman of the NLA, who gave the London perspective. Other speakers were Wendy Shillam on Bordon EcoTown and Justin Bere on PassivHaus, but the highlight was our own Paul Phasey who presented the European Perspective, following his study trip to Frieburg in Austria, sponsored by the office.
Parklex on Sir Robert Woodard Academy
2011-09-28 12:13:26
September 2011 saw the installation finally of the curved timber Parklex cladding to the mini-barbican area at the Sir Robert Woodard Academy in Lancing. The complex geometrical shape, which is best described as a raking oval, required complex 3D façade modeling by Gifford Engineers to aim the subcontractor with their fabrication and setout drawings. The curved timber Parklex panels provide a dramatic entrance to the new Academy.
2011-09-28 12:13:26
September 2011 saw the installation finally of the curved timber Parklex cladding to the mini-barbican area at the Sir Robert Woodard Academy in Lancing. The complex geometrical shape, which is best described as a raking oval, required complex 3D façade modeling by Gifford Engineers to aim the subcontractor with their fabrication and setout drawings. The curved timber Parklex panels provide a dramatic entrance to the new Academy.
Shoreham Academy, West Sussex
2011-09-11 16:09:07
Shoreham Academy is located in the heart of Shoreham-by Sea and is one of four new Academies being developed as part of the West Sussex Academies programme. The layout and concept meets the Academies' aspiration with vocational areas being clearly identifiable and located within and adjacent to other associated departments.
2011-09-11 16:09:07
Shoreham Academy is located in the heart of Shoreham-by Sea and is one of four new Academies being developed as part of the West Sussex Academies programme. The layout and concept meets the Academies' aspiration with vocational areas being clearly identifiable and located within and adjacent to other associated departments.
BIM in practice
2011-09-03 11:39:50
We are running two projects using Revit and are pleased to be gaining from a number of the benefits of a BIM approach. We are currently tailoring our working methodologies to achieve more as well as rolling out the BIM approach to projects drawn with a 2D CAD approach. Looking ahead we are looking for the right projects and team to work collaboratively and adopt a 'social BIM' approach to gain the full benefits.
2011-09-03 11:39:50
We are running two projects using Revit and are pleased to be gaining from a number of the benefits of a BIM approach. We are currently tailoring our working methodologies to achieve more as well as rolling out the BIM approach to projects drawn with a 2D CAD approach. Looking ahead we are looking for the right projects and team to work collaboratively and adopt a 'social BIM' approach to gain the full benefits.
Sir Robert Woodard Academy, West Sussex
2011-08-04 11:23:56
The Sir Robert Woodard Academy is the first of four schools to be developed as part of the West Sussex Academies programme. The layout for the Academy responds to the sponsor's vision with the structure and pastoral arrangements being based on the creation of six small schools know as "Chapters".
2011-08-04 11:23:56
The Sir Robert Woodard Academy is the first of four schools to be developed as part of the West Sussex Academies programme. The layout for the Academy responds to the sponsor's vision with the structure and pastoral arrangements being based on the creation of six small schools know as "Chapters".
Charity Cycle Ride for Enham
2011-08-03 09:25:36
As part of our 40th anniversary celebrations, the hardy cyclists amongst us set ourselves a challenge... to ride the 78.5 miles between our London and Winchester offices to raise money for Enham, a charity whose aims we have learnt about whilst designing their new residential education facility, Coopers Chase. Heavy rain, slippery roads and a few good hills tested our pedal power. Ten cyclists started – one visited Guildford A&E and two had to retire – finally, seven arrived in Winchester in good spirits but with tired legs. We exceeded our £2500 sponsorship target by £305.
2011-08-03 09:25:36
As part of our 40th anniversary celebrations, the hardy cyclists amongst us set ourselves a challenge... to ride the 78.5 miles between our London and Winchester offices to raise money for Enham, a charity whose aims we have learnt about whilst designing their new residential education facility, Coopers Chase. Heavy rain, slippery roads and a few good hills tested our pedal power. Ten cyclists started – one visited Guildford A&E and two had to retire – finally, seven arrived in Winchester in good spirits but with tired legs. We exceeded our £2500 sponsorship target by £305.
Barnfield West shortlisted for Brick Awards
2011-08-03 09:19:03
We are pleased to announce that Barnfield West Academy, a 1450-place school in a leafy suburban area of Luton, has been shortlisted for this year's Brick Awards. The materials and palette were chosen with the Sponsor and Academy to create an identifiable federation image, and the buff brickwork brought indoors to help reinforce the identity of the performing arts block and blur the distinction between inside and outside. The same buff colour brick is extended to the landscaping of the courtyards, paired with a grey block to help tie the external spaces to the building.
2011-08-03 09:19:03
We are pleased to announce that Barnfield West Academy, a 1450-place school in a leafy suburban area of Luton, has been shortlisted for this year's Brick Awards. The materials and palette were chosen with the Sponsor and Academy to create an identifiable federation image, and the buff brickwork brought indoors to help reinforce the identity of the performing arts block and blur the distinction between inside and outside. The same buff colour brick is extended to the landscaping of the courtyards, paired with a grey block to help tie the external spaces to the building.
Building for Life Gold Award for Porlock Road
2011-07-26 09:33:15
Our client Spectrum Housing Group was thrilled to receive a Gold Award in the Building for Life Awards – the highest possible standard. Building for Life promotes design excellence and celebrates best practice in the house building industry. The commission was won in design competition promoted by Southampton City Council and completed in early 2011.
2011-07-26 09:33:15
Our client Spectrum Housing Group was thrilled to receive a Gold Award in the Building for Life Awards – the highest possible standard. Building for Life promotes design excellence and celebrates best practice in the house building industry. The commission was won in design competition promoted by Southampton City Council and completed in early 2011.
CAD and VectorWorks 2011
2011-07-25 16:18:50
We have been upgrading our Vectorworks drawing software to the latest version, 2011, and amending the way we use it to bring our systems in line with the industry-recognised standards of BS 1192:2007 and the AEC (UK) CAD standard suite of documents. We have also adopted the Uniclass classification system; the recommended approach to ensure compliance with the BS. Updating to the latest software has enabled us to review and improve our CAD graphic output including details and presentation information. All recent projects and some of our legacy projects will benefit from the use of the new software.
2011-07-25 16:18:50
We have been upgrading our Vectorworks drawing software to the latest version, 2011, and amending the way we use it to bring our systems in line with the industry-recognised standards of BS 1192:2007 and the AEC (UK) CAD standard suite of documents. We have also adopted the Uniclass classification system; the recommended approach to ensure compliance with the BS. Updating to the latest software has enabled us to review and improve our CAD graphic output including details and presentation information. All recent projects and some of our legacy projects will benefit from the use of the new software.
RIBA Schools Event
2011-07-25 16:01:39
Eastlea School in Newham recently featured at the RIBA event 'Re-thinking school building for the Class of 2020' responding to the planned 60% reduction in school capital investment. Alongside presentations from representatives of Government, a series of real-life scenarios were presented by members of the RIBA Schools Client Forum, designed to address some of the likely challenges ahead and work towards creative solutions for the future.
2011-07-25 16:01:39
Eastlea School in Newham recently featured at the RIBA event 'Re-thinking school building for the Class of 2020' responding to the planned 60% reduction in school capital investment. Alongside presentations from representatives of Government, a series of real-life scenarios were presented by members of the RIBA Schools Client Forum, designed to address some of the likely challenges ahead and work towards creative solutions for the future.
Updates, visits, events, awards, publications. We enjoy getting involved in debate on a wide range of topics across the industry and talking about and presenting our work to a wider audience.