One of the most prestigious residential development projects in the UK has recently been completed using a number of different products from Sto. StoTherm Classic external wall insulation and StoDeco profiles have been used to provide high levels of thermal insulation and an outstanding external appearance for the 11 new
Increasing land values, funding uncertainty and a move towards more design-and build-procurement has continued to put the squeeze on architects’ fees. But cutting costs dismisses the wider benefits of good design and can compromise the end result. We spoke to firms across the UK to get their opinion on what
One of the most prestigious residential development projects in the UK has recently been completed using a number of different products from Sto. StoTherm Classic external wall insulation and StoDeco profiles have been used to provide high levels of thermal insulation and an outstanding external appearance for the 11 new properties which make up the development in St John’s Wood, London, close to the world-famous Abbey Road Recording Studios. Created by the Dwyer Property development group, the Hamilton Drive scheme includes a terrace of 10 homes – each with three storeys above ground and two below – plus a separate larger property. The houses were required to achieve a very high standard of architectural finish and detailing, plus a BREEAM Excellent rating for construction sustainability. Sto solutions were selected for this project as they offered a unique combination of speedy construction and outstanding quality of finish. “Building the properties with traditional methods and using stone detailing for the façades would have taken considerably longer, and the client was looking for a fast-track solution,” explains Sto’s Regional Sales Manager, Pete Bishop. “Our StoTherm Classic system was specified as it provides outstanding thermal performance and can be installed quickly and easily. StoDeco Profiles were chosen for the intricate ‘stone’ architectural detailing, providing the same look as stone, but in a material that is both lightweight and easy to cut and shape.” The StoTherm Classic external wall insulation used on the 70,000sq ft project was installed onto an NHBC-compliant pvc rail system, using a drained cavity designed to ensure that water and moisture is excluded from the main wall structure. The cement-free StoTherm Classic EWI System offers market-leading impact resistance, being able to withstand impacts of up to 60 joules – up to 10 times more than a cementitious system – and as it needs no additional expansion joints the system allows greater freedom of façade design. For this project the system was finished with a 1.5mm coat of StoSilco silicone resin render to provide a high degree of water repellence and resistance to the effects of weathering. “The architectural detailing on the building façades was created using StoDeco Profiles,” explains John Tehan of Smallwood Architects of London. The range of profiles, manufactured using the remarkable Verolith material, are weather resistant, durable, lightweight and easy to work and install. Available in a wide range of standard designs, including sills, cornices, and many other decorative architectural elements, StoDeco Profiles can also be custom made to provide a unique visual appearance. “At Hamilton Drive the profiles were used to create cornice, window and chimney detailing, plus a wealth of columns, arches, dentil courses and other features that were required to enhance the building’s classically-inspired design,” adds John Tehan. “Sto were closely involved with this project, and many of the individual StoDeco Profiles were manufactured to bespoke sizes and designs, to allow the required detailing to be created.” “There was an enormous quantity of detailing required on this project and the standard of finish had to be the very best,” comments John Bishop of Kennet Construction, a Sto authorised applicator who completed the installation work. “Fortunately, the Sto products were very easy to work with. Many of the StoDeco Profiles were pre-cut prior to delivery, and they proved to be very easy to work, shape and sand on-site so that we could achieve a perfect finish.” Picture caption: One of the most prestigious residential development projects in the UK has recently been completed using a number of different products from Sto. StoTherm Classic external wall insulation and StoDeco profiles were used on the project in St John’s Wood, London.
Increasing land values, funding uncertainty and a move towards more design-and build-procurement has continued to put the squeeze on architects’ fees. But cutting costs dismisses the wider benefits of good design and can compromise the end result. We spoke to firms across the UK to get their opinion on what developers and contractors should consider when choosing their architect. Value for money When budgets are tight, the value of design can be put under the spotlight. However, an investment in high-quality architecture ticks more than just the aesthetics box as Paul Miele from Lewis and Hickey explains: “Clients must trust their professional team and the architect is no exception. Although competitive fees are often a driving factor in decision making, these are a relatively small part of an overall development. It is more important to consider how the design will maximise value for money long term rather than just the cheapest price.” Graham Hickson-Smith of 3DReid agrees: “Cutting architect’s fees can be a false economy. Saving one or two percent in fees may mean the difference between success and failure through planning or the final quality of the project and the potential rental income or end value. “Well-designed buildings have greater value and marketability. If the qualitative aspects of a scheme are stripped out to reduce construction costs, schemes will struggle to let or sell as well.” Creativity Another factor impacting design is a focus on volume but this can be at the expense of creativity. John Tehan from Smallwood Architects, says clients should take a longer-term view. “Commercial clients need to allow space for imaginative solutions. Too often the focus is on volume to try and maximise returns, but long-term a more imaginative, creative design could prove to be a better investment.” Collaboration A good architect will listen to both the client’s design and commercial needs, improving the outcome for both parties, so David Hills from RH Partnership Architects advises clients to look beyond traditional scoring systems: “While any commercial client needs to carry out due diligence and check compliance matters, scoring systems should be led by the architect’s experience, quality and a focus on the client’s needs. “Working with the right architect based on these factors will be more rewarding commercially and as a project experience, as the client is more likely to get a building that meets their specific needs.” Intelligent planning Securing an effective and transparent working relationship from the outset can also help to plan projects more efficiently as Graham Hickson-Smith of 3DReid explains. “By working in partnership with concept architects we can add value without reducing quality through better planning and reducing the unseen elements of a scheme such as utilities and structure.” The bigger picture Design fees will always be scrutinised, but it’s clear that there are many other factors for commercial clients to consider. Investing in architects that are willing to collaborate and that can create creative designs offering value for money will maximise returns in the long run. Ultimately a good architect will always save much more than they cost. Sarah Reay is Managing Director of Construction Marketing Experts, a specialist marketing consultancy for the built environment.
