Hospitality design expert Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) has announced the completion of the new Hampton by Hilton on the Uxbridge Road in Ealing, close to the planned Crossrail station. Designed by DMA with a sympathetic exterior of soft autumn shades, the new hotel replaces two tired 1960s office buildings and
TODD Architects is pleased to report that construction work is about to commence on The Mercantile office development in Belfast following approval by Belfast City Council. This landmark office building is located on a prime commercial site within the main public square and civic space in Belfast City Centre directly
LEADING architects and designers have heralded the mezzanine studies that are a feature at Scotland’s most upmarket new development. Boasting a dramatic view out to the grounds and building of one of the country’s most iconic estates, the studies at The Crescent at Donaldson’s benefit from the sweeping homes’ almost
Northern Ireland architecture practice Hamilton Architects have landed the contract for the delivery of a £42m project which will help transform the City Campus for Canterbury Christ Church University. Hamilton will carry out the design and enabling works for an 18,000 sqm state of the art Science, Engineering, Technology and
Academics at Birmingham City University have formed a unique collaborative partnership with Corstorphine + Wright Architects aimed at giving students hands-on experience using cutting edge digital building technology as part of their degrees. First year students at the University’s School of the Built Environment have taken part in an industry
Shelbourne Motors has appointed local building contractor O’Hare & McGovern to build its new £5m multi-franchise facility in Newry as Renault signs-up to the showpiece development. The Newry based Chartered building company has commenced work on the 50,000 sq ft development that will create 60 new jobs when it’s scheduled
Watson Batty Architects has been appointed to design the new arrivals extension, departure pier and internal remodelling at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). Last week LBA formally revealed plans for the £12.5 million investment with a three-storey new extension to its terminal building. This will include a transformed international arrivals process,
FOUR years after starting on site, the design teams behind the purpose-built £320 million Waterside Campus for the University of Northampton have completed the project. The scheme which houses six new academic buildings on a 58-acre former brownfield site has been one of the biggest of its kind in the
Prime minister May’s announcement last month to spend £400m on the repair & refurbishment of 158 high rise buildings identified within England’s social housing estate has been widely welcomed by the construction industry and housing chiefs alike. However, the considerable war chest earmarked by government to bring these dwellings up
Vivalda Group plc, the UK’s largest distributor of architectural facades, has confirmed the relocation of its headquarters from London to Birmingham. The business, which was named as one of the UK’s most inspiring companies by the London Stock Exchange*, has a turnover of more than £30m and employs 30 people
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Hospitality design expert Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) has announced the completion of the new Hampton by Hilton on the Uxbridge Road in Ealing, close to the planned Crossrail station. Designed by DMA with a sympathetic exterior of soft autumn shades, the new hotel replaces two tired 1960s office buildings and features 181 guest rooms, as well as bar and restaurant fronting onto a generous boulevard-style public realm. Mark Wood, Partner at DMA, says: “This project continues DMA’s experience in delivering the Hilton Hampton brand, following the successful completion and opening of our 297-bed Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo. This latest development, located bordering a leafy conservation area along the bustling Uxbridge Road, will help reinvigorate the area with a high-quality, elegant design and engaging streetscape.” The nine-storey hotel is unified using a reconstituted stone frame incorporating an infill of three colours of zinc “fish tail” shingles. The combination of colours creates a subtle gradation of autumnal shades, similar in colour and tone to London stock bricks, and references the green open spaces of Ealing and the immediate context. The buildings are stepped back from one another to open out the landscaped area at the front and provide increased visual interest. To the rear, DMA’s attentive design has reduced the massing and impact on properties to the south by stepping the building back four times, whilst flat roofs will feature sedum planting to promote increased biodiversity. As a car-free development, the old, uninviting hard standing previously used for car-parking space has been transformed into a new high-quality boulevard, with refined paving and additional trees. The restaurant will face on to this generous landscaped public realm with an outdoor seating area, enriching the atmosphere and activity along the high street. DMA worked on a unified design for the two original plots, 109 and 111 Uxbridge Road, which were purchased separately and subject to two separate planning submissions, granted in 2014 and 2015. Work started on site in May 2018, with DMA working closely with main contractor MB McNamara Construction on the delivery of the project – this proved particularly important towards the latter stages of the project due to COVID-19-imposed site restrictions. Project Team Client: Chart Forte Court (UK) Ltd Project Manager: Virtus Project Management Main Contractor: M.B. McNamara Construction Architect: Dexter Moren MEP Consultant: Ferguson Brown Sustainable Engineering Ltd Structural Engineer: Barratt Mahony Consulting Engineers Planning Consultant: Smith Jenkins
TODD Architects is pleased to report that construction work is about to commence on The Mercantile office development in Belfast following approval by Belfast City Council. This landmark office building is located on a prime commercial site within the main public square and civic space in Belfast City Centre directly to the rear of City Hall. TODD Architects were delighted to be appointed by Killultagh Estates when this property initially came to the market and was ultimately secured through development feasibility and financial offer. The design development was not without its challenges along the way but has resulted in a planning approval for 95,000sq ft of development over nine floors together with a basement. “We are delighted to have appointed TODD Architects to have the pivotal role within our creative team behind The Mercantile. This is a key development for us and demonstrates our commitment to the City where we see this development as a rebirth of one of Belfast’s foremost business locations overlooking the magnificent City Hall.” – Laura McCarthy, Senior Asset Manager; Killultagh Estates The architectural approach is contemporary but respectful of context, utilising cut stonework and ‘bronze’ anodised aluminium to articulate the verticality. It is anticipated that the Ground Floor and Basement will be occupied by restaurant or leisure uses to provide ‘activity’ at street level, with the upper levels providing high-quality and flexible office space capable of a variety of fit-out and workplace permutations and bespoke solutions accessed via a double-height corporate foyer. The Donegall Square South façade is primarily glazed with three projecting bays providing good daylight quality and outlook. The floorplates start to set back to reflect the notional ‘shoulder’ height adopted around the Donegall Square area providing accessible roof terraces looking across the wider city centre area. The demolition of the existing building is underway with construction of the new building due to complete in Quarter 3 of 2020.
LEADING architects and designers have heralded the mezzanine studies that are a feature at Scotland’s most upmarket new development. Boasting a dramatic view out to the grounds and building of one of the country’s most iconic estates, the studies at The Crescent at Donaldson’s benefit from the sweeping homes’ almost entirely glass frontage. Featured in both show apartments, a three-bed duplex and two-bed apartment, exactly half (42) of all the homes at the CALA Homes (East) development feature the stand-out studies – made possible by the complex and rare interlocking storey structure. Acclaimed architect Richard Murphy OBE, who led the bold design of the project, said: “These amazing study levels are made possible thanks to the freedom that CALA granted us to create dynamic spaces – with homes across multiple levels and not bound by fixed lateral storeys. “This is rare – and typically only seen in seminal architectural projects and is certainly not associated with residential projects. “This directly enables us to create the double-height living areas that enable the south-facing mezzanine studies at the front of the home – benefiting from the outlook to Donaldson’s and beyond.” Located within the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Crescent is set within 18 acres of grounds that make up the largest new shared garden to be created in the Scottish capital. This creates a feel of a secluded private estate just minutes from Haymarket station, and a mile from the heart of Princes Street. The design of the two show apartments has been inspired not only by the architecture itself but also its outstanding surroundings, led by multi-award-winningexander James Interiors. Speaking specifically about the home studies, Stacey Sibley, Creative Director at Alexander James, said: “It’s not too often you get to work on a project as distinct as this – and the study spaces are a key part of what makes The Crescent so special. “They really are inspiring and I’d personally love to have a space like this to get my head down. “With this in mind, when it came to the show apartment interiors, we really wanted to keep it minimal, with on-trend mid-century furniture. “We also made sure to reflect the gorgeous view with coffee table books on Scottish painters and architects.” Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director for CALA Homes (East), said: “We’re finding that home study spaces are increasingly in demand with our buyers – both with flexible working on the rise and the desire for a quiet space for hobbies or home admin. “The design teams have done an incredible job taking office spaces to ‘that next level’. “Yes, they are jaw-dropping, but ultimately they work on a practical level – as they also allow for copious storage spaces beneath the mezzanine level – and thus the feedback we have had from buyers and visitors to the show homes has been incredible.” Designed by Richard Murphy OBE, the architecture of The Crescent has been directly influenced by Edinburgh’s famous Georgian crescents. Paired with an impressive glass façade are generous flowing spaces, enhanced height living areas and dynamic levels and with each apartment offering a dual-aspect living arrangement, The Crescent uniquely combines classic design with modern style. Prices range from £950,000 to £1,925,000. Visit https://www.cala.co.uk/the-crescent or call 0131 516 2667 for more information.
Northern Ireland architecture practice Hamilton Architects have landed the contract for the delivery of a £42m project which will help transform the City Campus for Canterbury Christ Church University. Hamilton will carry out the design and enabling works for an 18,000 sqm state of the art Science, Engineering, Technology and Health teaching facility, one of three new buildings planned for the old Prison Quarter site. Building work on the STEM facility, currently known as Building 2, is currently onsite with a delivery date of 2020, but the overall redevelopment of the university estate will take up to 15 years to complete at a cost of over £150m. “Hamilton Architects are delighted to have won the contract to deliver this prestigious project against stiff national competition,” said Mark Haslett, Partner and Project Lead. “It is one of 18 education projects, valued at over £150m, which are currently on our books. “We are very happy with how the project is progressing following the significant development of a design we inherited which has appreciably increased the amount of usable teaching space. “With all approvals now in place our team is on site one to two days a week and we have forged a partnership with architecture practice Hazle McCormack Young to act as our representatives in Canterbury.” As well as Belfast and Derry, Hamilton also have offices in London, where the practice is on five design frameworks – for the Metropolitan Police, Metropolitan Housing, North River Alliance, Orbit Housing and the Central and North West London NHS Trust. “We are very pleased at how well the expansion of the practice into London and the south-east is going,” Mark added. “We are nearing completion of a social housing project for Ealing Council and are currently carrying out a refurbishment of six police stations for the Metropolitan police.” While education projects of all sizes are a speciality of the practice, Hamilton also handle a broad portfolio in projects in the health, sports, commercial, social housing and conservation sectors, including work for DAERA’s new headquarters in Ballykelly. Other live education projects include the new £29m South West College, on the site of the former Erne Hospital in Enniskillen, a £7m redevelopment for Methodist College Belfast, a £25m new school for Holy Trinity College, Cookstown, an Irish language primary school in Omagh and a 600 pupil secondary school in Crossmaglen.
Academics at Birmingham City University have formed a unique collaborative partnership with Corstorphine + Wright Architects aimed at giving students hands-on experience using cutting edge digital building technology as part of their degrees. First year students at the University’s School of the Built Environment have taken part in an industry sponsored module focussed on Building Information Modelling (BIM) techniques to equip them with industry standard skills. The initiative has seen students given students access to real-world BIM data, given site visits and guest talks to give them a direct insight into digital construction in the professional world. The dedicated project for the module has been Birmingham’s Pershore Street Residential development located at the heart of the city. Additional support given by Corstorphine + Wright Architects and Bouygues UK has seen students apply real-life project data in their studies and examine BIM related information in a practical context. Students were also given advice from experienced professionals in the module team including, James Gaytten; Micahla Decann; Dr. Monica Mateo Garcia and Dr. Alireza Rezaei. Erika A. Pärn, the module leader and Lecturer in Architectural Technology and at Birmingham City University, said: “The integration of BIM in existing curriculum has shown great potential as a method of educating students from a broad range of disciplines the new ways of working collaboratively in an industry confronted by the digital era. “As a previous industry practitioner and an early career academic researcher, I believe in a practice based approach in which a constructivist philosophical underpinning can be adopted. “The constructivist learning theory seeks to explain that learning occurs by constructing understanding. Subsequently students on this module have made sense of their experiences by process of constructing meaning with collaborative work though BIM.” The building plan has been designed to follow the existing pavement edge on both Pershore Street and Dean Street to reinforce the urban grain. Where this is not possible, along the existing retaining wall facing the Wholesale market, the building is set back to create a courtyard terrace that can be developed at a future time. Pershore street development is the first of its kind to provide private rental scheme post-recession and it is envisaged to reduce impact of housing shortages within central Birmingham location. The Pershore development was designed to feature 334 apartments. Mike Turner, Technical Director of Corstorphine + Wright Architects, said “we have developed a good relationship with BCU in the last few years where we are working closely with the University to develop new talent and support the University with a series of guest lectures and site visits linked with large scale construction projects we are working on within the City of Birmingham. “We have shared Revit models of these projects and are providing access to site visits for students via our contacts with the main contractors. Corstorphine + Wright have employed three students from BCU in the last three years and are currently looking to take at least one this year. It is our intention to provide graduate programmes to our new employees which will align closely with the requirements of CIAT to provide a pathway from University to full chartered membership of CIAT.” Students at School of the Built Environment have applied a range of BIM related activities with Pershore street development ranging from: re-designing apartment layouts; providing early cost estimates with BIM; developing clash detections; simulating the construction works with 4D BIM; and embedding BIM lifecycle information. The aim of the module has been to provide an applied and theoretical foundation for students to understand digital technologies, successfully execute the BIM process, facilitate its adoption and achieve interdisciplinary integration on a single project that simulates a residential project. Aldona Weber, a first year Architectural Technology student from Birmingham City University, said: “Leading a team with real-life industry BIM data was challenging and hence very interesting. “As an architectural technologist student, I work within 3D to represent the building design, however, as a team leader who decided to lead by example, I have learnt other dimensions to assist my group when needed. During three months of leading the team, I have seen an improvement in communication skills which inevitably had an impact on our final result of the assignment.”
Shelbourne Motors has appointed local building contractor O’Hare & McGovern to build its new £5m multi-franchise facility in Newry as Renault signs-up to the showpiece development. The Newry based Chartered building company has commenced work on the 50,000 sq ft development that will create 60 new jobs when it’s scheduled to open in summer 2019. The new state-of-the-art facility, designed by Clarman Architects, is a significant investment by the family-owned vehicle retailer in the Newry area as it celebrates its 45th Anniversary. It will include new car showrooms, new car handover bays, lounge-style waiting area with café and a drive-thru service centre with a 28-bay service workshop. The Renault partnership will see Shelbourne Motors become the dedicated dealer of new and used Renault vehicles in the Newry and Mourne area. Kia was the first manufacturer to be confirmed for the site. Caroline Willis, Financial Director of Shelbourne Motors, said; “This is a significant milestone for Shelbourne Motors. We are delighted to partner with one of Northern Ireland’s leading Contractors to carry out the building works on our largest ever single investment.” “We implemented a rigorous procurement process to appoint the best contractor to deliver our vision. O’Hare & McGovern have demonstrated the skills, experience and resources to match our ambitions to build a state-of-the-art facility that reflects the strength and growth of our brand. “It will create 60 new jobs for the Newry area, as well as offer an environment that’s modern and spacious with a host of technologically-advanced features that will provide local customers with an unrivalled sales and after-care experience. “Our long-term relationship with Renault made the manufacturer an obvious fit for this new development and it demonstrates their confidence in our business to incorporate a brand-new dealership into our Newry expansion.” Martin Lennon, Managing Director of O’Hare & McGovern said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won the contract to build this new state-of-the-art showpiece facility. It strengthens our relationships with Shelbourne Motors which stretches back more than 40 years, and it is also a huge economic boost for the city, and the wider Newry area. “The Ward family are to be commended for committing to such an investment. The benefits will be enormous, especially with the provision of so many new jobs.” Shelbourne Motors was founded by the Ward Family in 1973. It currently employs over 130 staff at its 9-acre Portadown headquarters, where it operates Toyota, Renault, Nissan and Dacia franchises, as well as a Used Car Supermarket, Accident Repair Centre and Valet Centre.
Watson Batty Architects has been appointed to design the new arrivals extension, departure pier and internal remodelling at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). Last week LBA formally revealed plans for the £12.5 million investment with a three-storey new extension to its terminal building. This will include a transformed international arrivals process, including immigration, baggage reclaim and customs. The extension will also accommodate improved departure gates, seating areas and new retail and food and beverage outlets. Once completed in late 2019, works will then commence on re-modelling the existing terminal building to provide a new centralised security search area and a more intuitive departure lounge layout, with an expanded new retail offer. Work is scheduled for completion by summer 2020. A future phase will include the completion of the departure pier, replacing the current passenger walkway. The planned extension works will deliver additional job opportunities at the Airport for local people, including apprenticeship roles in key operational areas. The appointment follows an ongoing brief for Watson Batty to support extension works planned as part of the airports’ Route to 2030’ Strategic Development Plan. Peter White, Managing Director at Watson Batty said: “We are delighted to cement our partnership with Leeds Bradford Airport with our biggest project to date. We have worked closely with the team at LBA over the last six years, assisting with detailed collaboration and consultation, to support a series of enabling projects, both airside and landside. It is rewarding to know that our transport expertise is helping to build the future of a critical northern hub.” Watson Batty has previously assisted Leeds Bradford Airport to improve circulation and flow of passengers around the terminal. It designed the new departure lounge extension last year which provided an additional storey and mezzanine floor to Gate Five. It designed a 150-metre-long, 3-lane covered, external walkway from the terminal together with a major departure gate refurbishment. Watson Batty also re-planned the passenger scanning area, providing new feature lifts to help increase the efficiency of people movement and wheelchair access. Watson Batty has extensive transport and leisure sector experience. It has completed successful projects for West Yorkshire Combined Authority at Leeds Bus Station and Keighley Bus Station and is on the Manchester Airport Group Framework. Leisure projects also include Egham Leisure Centre, Haxby Road Sports Campus and Liverpool Hope University sports complex. Watson Batty Architects is a future focused business offering architectural, interior design and master planning solutions for all sectors. It is credited for a number of major public and private sector projects including schools, universities, leisure centres, distribution facilities, residential developments and transport hubs. For further details, visit: www.watsonbatty.com https://twitter.com/Watsonbatty
FOUR years after starting on site, the design teams behind the purpose-built £320 million Waterside Campus for the University of Northampton have completed the project. The scheme which houses six new academic buildings on a 58-acre former brownfield site has been one of the biggest of its kind in the higher education sector. CPMG Architects, experts in higher education campus transformation, led on the delivery of three campus buildings – the Creative Hub, Senate Building and Logistics Hub – which form half of the university’s new academic buildings. Chris White, director at CPMG said: “This multi-million-pound scheme is a complex development delivered with true collaboration between consultant partners and contracting teams. We’re proud to be part of the team to deliver this ambitious project and these three important buildings.” The four-storey senate building acts as the corporate and research centre hosting guest lectures, exhibitions and events within its teaching spaces, large lecture hall and impressive atria. The dramatic roof creates a bold entrance to the campus and shapes its impact on the wider environment. The Creative Hub will be home to the university’s art and design faculties. With art studios, specialist teaching spaces, media spaces and laboratories; the building’s stripped back and open-plan structure allows visitors unrestricted views of the River Nene. A Logistics Hub has also been completed, housing the university’s infrastructure team which is vital in supporting the campus activity as facilities continue to develop onsite. Chris continued: “We have a wealth of experience in the higher education sector, so we understood the challenges and requirements of delivering a modern estate that is fit for the future. Now the project is complete I’m confident it will be a catalyst to support Northampton’s wider regeneration programme and will be one of the UK’s most vibrant student communities.” CPMG Architects worked with Bowmer & Kirkland on the new campus which will provide world-class teaching and learning facilities for 15,000 students. The new campus also features a Learning Hub, Research and Enterprise Hub, Sports Hub, students’ union, cafes, a restaurant, retail space and student residences. Chris added: “Since our involvement on the project, the whole approach to delivering the campus has been one of collaboration between the architectural practices involved and the wider consultant team, both on the contractor and client sides of the development.” The university previously occupied two campuses located outside of the city; Waterside aims to become a new destination for the university’s students – amalgamating the existing two sites to create one central location. CPMG has more than 30 years’ worth of experience in the education sector – evolving alongside the developing industry. The firm has recently completed projects at University of Derby, Teesside University and Cranfield University – with designs ranging from aerospace research facilities and labs to students’ unions and libraries. Find out more about CPMG at www.cpmg-architects.com or join the conversation @CPMGArchitects
Prime minister May’s announcement last month to spend £400m on the repair & refurbishment of 158 high rise buildings identified within England’s social housing estate has been widely welcomed by the construction industry and housing chiefs alike. However, the considerable war chest earmarked by government to bring these dwellings up to standard should also be used to create a new culture in UK housing, which treats residents in the private and public sector with equal respect. That is the view of James Butler, commercial director of PURA Facades, part of Vivalda Group, the UK’s largest independent distributor and fabricator of high performance cladding systems. ‘Based on the average cladding area of 3,000 sq.m for a high rise, this budget suggests a figure of over £2.5m per tower, which on the face of it appears generous,” he said. “Our calculations indicate that it’s more than enough to dismantle the existing cladding and replace this with quality, market-leading incombustible facades. And this includes all the elements of a through-wall rainscreen cladding system comprising fireproof linings and fire breaks, insulation, weatherproof sheathing boards and all the necessary associated fixing systems.” “There should also be enough within this budget to install the necessary fire protection measures as long as each tower’s needs are carefully assessed on a case by case basis,” said Butler. “While ensuring all of these homes benefit from the very best safety precautions the industry can offer, it’s also an opportunity for councils and social housing organisations to send a strong message to both residents and the construction sector in general; that there should be no gap in the quality of products being used on public or private housing. The Grenfell enquiry, led by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, has shown that there is a definite class theme running through this sorry chapter – and this funding provides us with the opportunity to change that divisive culture.” James Butler highlighted the fact that Pura had significant experience supplying high performance products to the private sector, and that there was no reason why this ‘quality first’ approach should not replace the recently discredited ‘value engineering’ process, which was widely used in the public sector as a cost cutting tool. He said: “While the image of cladding may have been tarnished by association with the Grenfell tragedy, the fact remains that there are many excellent, fireproof products out there that would be ideal for the 158 high rise residences awaiting refurbishment. We have the budget now, all we need is the will power and imagination from local council leaders and their appointed architects to change the culture of cladding within social housing.” Pura has now begun working in the social housing market, demonstrating how products and methodologies used in the private sector can be adopted by public sector developments. Butler said: “While we have already worked on a couple of social housing projects that have used non-flammable natural cladding including terracotta or glass reinforced concrete (GRC) cladding from manufacturers such as Rieder of Austria, we’re also excited to see a new generation of aluminium cladding now coming onto the market.” “Valcan is a well-established, respected manufacturer of aluminium panels that has developed Vitracore G2, which comprises exclusively layers of aluminium which form an internal, non-flammable honeycombed centre. This type of innovation shows that the market is responding positively to Grenfell and this should enable architects to consider this new generation of cladding for the social housing sector.”
Vivalda Group plc, the UK’s largest distributor of architectural facades, has confirmed the relocation of its headquarters from London to Birmingham. The business, which was named as one of the UK’s most inspiring companies by the London Stock Exchange*, has a turnover of more than £30m and employs 30 people at its new offices in Nechells. The company acquired the 28,000sq m site last year and has since been busy renovating 6,000sq m of office space as well as the site’s manufacturing facilities. February 2018 marks the official opening of Vivalda’s new operational HQ in Birmingham. Ben Jayes, managing director of Vivalda Group is delighted with the move. He said: “While we founded the business in London back in 1999, we found that high rents, poor road links and a transient workforce were all holding us back. “Having operated a manufacturing centre in Birmingham for some years, we’ve always known that the city boasts a huge pool of talent, which was a major consideration in the relocation of our UK headquarters from London. Our new freehold premises in Nechells also gives us room for expansion into 2018 and beyond. The central position of the new HQ, near to the motorway links also makes life a lot easier from a transport perspective.” Vivalda provides high performance facades to many high profile building projects across the UK. As the UK’s number one supplier of rain screen cladding and facade panels, Vivalda prides itself on offering a genuinely independent service to contractors in support of specifiers and architects. Products supplied by Vivalda include Marley Eternit, Cembrit, Rockpanel, Trespa and Fibre C. Vivalda also owns the PURA Facades brand. VivaIda Group has a turnover of more than of £30m and employs more than 100 people across its eight locations in the UK and Ireland.
