Supporting Local Students through work experience

Encouraging younger people to develop their potential is something that we are very keen to support here at gcp. This year we were fortunate enough to support a Year 10 work experience student from a local Secondary School. The student didn’t know exactly the career path that they would pursue so we developed a design task that could be as creative or detailed as the student wanted, the goal is to enjoy the process!

We started by exploring a very initial brief and developing the client in more detail – we found ourselves with surfers who wanted a space closer to their favourite bay in St Ives, where they could retreat after a day on the waves. Given the dimensions of a simple plot we investigated how these surfers might use the space, what kind of areas they needed and what key factors were important to their enjoyment of the space – full height glazing to appreciate the views of the sea was essential! A mood board was created for how the internal and external spaces might look and what materials could be used.

We discussed the importance of space both horizontally and vertically and were very impressed when the student expressed the importance of a dormered roof to take advantage of space at an upper floor. The student did a lot of hand sketching and quickly took to using scaled dimensions. Whilst it was clear that the student was having fun sketching it was obvious that as soon as we showed them a 3D software tool that this was much more exciting! Perhaps because of experience with computer gaming the student very quickly took to modelling the scheme that had been developed in their sketches. They very eagerly took to applying materials, and manipulating the model by pushing and pulling elements to create recessed and projections – and I think you will agree that the design ended up looking great!

We also visited our Henacre development, which is being built by Curo. Due to the project timeline this scheme demonstrates various stages of the build progress, from exposed slab and masonry skins, full height structures with trusses and some final stages of decoration – right the way through to plots that have already been handed over to people living in and enjoying the spaces. We think this helped to realised the use of space between how it looks on paper, the decisions made and the way that the student already understand a liveable space.

Currently there are several years of younger people that have had their journeys displaced by the recent pandemic – it is important to help develop these young minds and help support them on their journey to whatever career path they decide to take, a design task can lead to understanding in many different careers with the construction industry. We look forward to supporting more students next year. 

gcp's Philip Baker takes team on Medieval Tour through Bristol's Old City

At gcp Chartered Architects, we make a special effort to spend together outside of the usual 9-5 office hours. As part of our June social get-together, Philip Baker took us on a Medieval Tour through Bristol's Old City where we learnt all about the area's fascinating history and how our city came to be.

It was only fitting for the tour to begin at the Bristol Bridge. Bristol, previously known as 'Brycgstow', meaning the "meeting place at the bridge" in the old Saxon language.

St Peters Church

Only a few minutes away, Phil led us to our first stop, St Peter's Church. Before the war, the area was Bristol's main shopping centre, but sadly the area was heavily bombed and mostly destroyed. Fortunately, the shell of the ruined church was retained as a memorial.

Bristol Castle & Sally Port Doorway

Standing at the Round Pool, we looked over Castle Park where the Motte and Bailey Castle once used to stand. Constructed in 1088 on the narrow piece of land between the Frome and Avon River, it was built to control access to the town and announce the new ruler of the country, William the Conqueror.

Making our way through the Park and down to Sally Port, we gazed through the steel gates that lead to a hidden series of steps. These were cut into the rock to allow a garrison of troops to exit the Castle during a siege and allow them to attack the enemy from the rear.

St James Priory

Weaving through the city centre along roads that follow the River Frome down below, we made our way to St James Priory Church. Dating back to the 12th century, this is the oldest Church in Bristol that is still in daily use. Here we were treated to a private tour by one of the very knowledgeable staff members. Through the years, the building has transformed to adapt to the changing city around it, as you can see in the sketch below.

A tiny hidden Church, many more stories, and Part 2 to follow…

The final stop on our tour was the hidden historical gem built on and into the remains of the old Town Wall, St John the Baptist Church, better known as St John on the Wall. Using a large, ornate key to pry open the great green entrance door, Phil lead us within. Here we gazed upon the beautiful stained glass windows, the magnificent church organ, and even had the opportunity to climb the tiny staircase up the clock tower.

We have only been able to retell but a few of the many wonderful stories Phil shared with us about the Medieval Town in the heart of Bristol. Watch this space for Part 2 of the tour which will take place later this month.

gcp Seminars: Passivhaus / Retrofit / Whole Life Carbon

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At gcp we know that the growing terminology around low carbon housing is confusing and practical implications on development can seem unclear. As early advocates for Passivhaus and low carbon design, we want to help our clients explore how high quality and sustainable housing can be achieved.

We offer seminars on Whole Life Carbon, Passivhaus, Net-Zero and Retrofit. Please let us know if you would like us to drop by and talk with your team!

t 0117 967 6286

e mail@gcparch.co.uk

Planning Awarded: Walwyn Gardens

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After a two-year wait, Walwyn Gardens has been awarded full planning permission and due to start construction this year.  The retrofit scheme includes demolishing and replacing existing leaking courtyard access walkways with contemporary, thermally improved communal access routes.  All windows and doors will be replaced as well as a new colour palette introduced to the reclad corridor elements.

gcp Shortlisted for Novers Hill Design Competition

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gcp are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted in the Novers Hill Design Competition and will move forward to Stage 2 of the process. Below we share some of our process and considerations when appoaching a new scheme.

Background

Goram Homes, in partnership with the Bristol Housing Festival, launched a design competition on 2nd March 2023 for a new housing development in Knowle West.

Situated just off Novers Hill, the brownfield site bounds the ecologically significant Western Slopes, with fantastic views over Southwest Bristol.

Having previously worked with Goram Homes to report on and reduce their whole life carbon emissions, we jumped at the chance to produce a sensitive, low carbon exemplar design for the Knowle West community.

Our Process

Context is always important, but especially on such an ecologically significant site. Our process started by analysing the site from an ecological, social, geographical and historical point of view.

This allowed us to identify the areas which could be developed whilst limiting any negative impacts on existing habitats. The brownfield elements of this site offered an obvious development opportunity due to the level topography and lack of ecology.

Taking the developable area, we could carve out service routes and ancillary spaces, leaving the most suitable areas for the proposed dwellings.

Working with a concept massing allows many ideas to be tested at a site-wide level to investigate their suitability. We took this opportunity to adapt the form to better make use of the site’s natural resources such as sunlight and views.

Retaining a connection between Knowle West and the Western Slopes was a key part of integrating this development into the existing community. To encourage this, we chose to slice through the massing to form a physical link between the wonderful green spaces and the wider community.

Creative stacking of gardens allowed us to achieve the required housing densities without damaging any further green space. This stacking also made the most of natural daylighting and views.

Our Team

We selected a competition team with a wide ranging but complimentary skillset to efficiently deliver this competition entry.

  • Part 2 Architectural Assistant: Matt Taylor

 

The core team of Matt B, Matt T and Owen developed our design under the excellent stewardship of Sarah. Regular concept discussions between the core team allowed for speedy testing and evolution of ideas. Concepts were then presented to the wider office during several design reviews in our pin-up space, which helped to hone the proposal and focus the mind.

Holistic Design

We pride ourselves on being able to take projects from the first sketch all the way through to delivery. Part of this is thinking ahead and making sure we consider the detail within the big picture. Whilst this was a Stage 1 design, we wanted to ensure that buildability, sustainability and affordability were all considered to ensure smoother development as the design progresses. It is much easier to design in efficiency at an early stage than try to adjust a poor design further down the line.

In developing our submission, we considered:

  • Whole life carbon emissions by improving thermal performance, choosing low carbon materials and maximizing solar gains

  • Materials to allow for ease of construction, minimal ecological disruption and easy airtightness

  • Going beyond biodiversity net gain by retaining as many habitats as possible, enhancing existing grasslands and planting trees/vegetation to offset carbon emissions

  • Net Zero emissions in operation through an efficient form, fabric first design and large solar PV arrays

  • Affordability by eliminating unnecessary junctions/details, minimizing energy/running costs and reducing the overall building mass.

The Submission

Detailed site analysis and holistic design allowed us to generate an accurate impression of how the development could look.

Planning Submitted for Aerospace Engineering Company

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gcp have recently submitted for planning consent a scheme to extend and reimagine the McBraida factory building at Bridgeyate near Bristol. McBraida plc have operated at this plant supplying precision machined parts to a domestic and an increasingly important international aviation market.

Over the last 30 years, as the business expanded, the original brick factory unit has been expanded in piecemeal fashion without any fundamental re-planning of the production space, or strategic view to the future. Consequently, the site is now operating at significantly below optimum efficiency due to the resulting cramped conditions. Likewise, the industry shift into computer aided design and manufacture requires an expansion in office area to accommodate these increasingly desk based manufacturing processes.

Driven by overseas sales success and the lack of space at the Bridgeyate plant, in 2013 the business opened a second production base in Poland. This is a purpose-built modern factory unit with an efficient layout and high levels of staff satisfaction with the workspace environment. It is equipped with all facilities expected of a modern engineering production plant including offices, laboratories, testing facilities, meeting rooms and a client presentation suite. There is a stark contrast between the highly efficient McBraida Polska plant and the somewhat dated, inefficient, sub-optimal accommodation at Bridgeyate.

The proposed extensions will envelope most of the existing factory and will give increased production area, storage, new offices and staff facilities to a high modern standard. The public image of the McBraida works will be transformed from its current anonymous appearance. The intended design aesthetic is ‘modern industrial’; appropriate for the company’s business although to a higher specification than a standard industrial unit. The public-facing façade of the building will express the forward-looking aspirations fitting for this high technology company.

5 new homes approved in St Werburghs

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gcp has recently secured planning approval to convert a Victorian warehouse on a landlocked site into 5 new family homes.

 

In a bid to not only consider the building’s history, but embodied carbon as well, the original red brick building has been retained. The 2 later concrete extensions which were in a state of disrepair will be demolished, with one of them being rebuilt in a similar sized footprint and the other becoming garden space for the houses.

 

The red brick building boasts tall ceilings, timber sash windows and an open plan design. The scheme will have PV, water butts and air source heat pumps along with planting boxes to help drainage and encourage new ecology on what was previously a concrete wasteland.

 

The new extension is built with the same red brick as the existing on ground floor to tie the buildings together but has a striking black metal cladding on first floor to pay tribute to the industrial nature of the original site and much of its surrounding areas. To ensure the scheme does not impact surrounding homes, first floor rooms are in the roof, but with high eaves to ensure high quality and useability of the space is achieved.

 

We worked closely with the Bristol Planning Department to ensure a positive outcome was achieved – a design sensitive to its surrounding neighbours and energy-conscious in both embodied and fuel, providing high quality living for future home owners, and maintaining its history from Olliff’s Antiques Warehouse. Upon redevelopment, Olliff’s Architectural Antiques will relocate to an alternative location elsewhere in the city.

 

This scheme follows on from the highly successful Brooks Dye Works project we delivered for Acorn.

Construction Life Cycle Assessment Specialists

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Since the release of the RICS professional statement on whole life carbon assessments in 2017 there has been a sea of activity across the construction sector to define best practice for low carbon buildings through publications such as the RIBA Climate Challenge 2030 or the LETI Climate Emergency Design Guide. Climate targets have led to legislative change through planning policy in some areas including Greater London, B&NES and Cornwall, however despite the plethora of targets and policies, there has been very little by way of certification for assessors.

Certification is important as it sets a common standard for the quality of assessments which should lead to better data capture and analysis across the sector and improve the validity of future targets.

gcp have undertaken whole life carbon assessments since 2020. Initially working from first principals and undertaking our own calculations, but quickly progressing to the OneClick LCA software which contains a much broader database of materials. In April 2023 we became certified as Construction Life Cycle Assessment Specialists by OneClick LCA which allows us to generate whole life carbon calculations with the confidence that we are providing the best and most valuable service to our clients.

If you would like to find out more about the low carbon design and assessment services we offer, please contact matt.bonney@gcparch.co.uk.

BaNES Local Plan Update

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BaNES have kicked off 2023 with a “groundbreaking” new policy which sets a precedent for low carbon planning policy across the country.

Housing in BaNES will now need to achieve net-zero energy in use; meaning all operational energy must be off-set using on site renewables, such as solar PV panels. In exceptional circumstances where this is not possible, BaNES will be operating a carbon credit scheme to offset excess energy by funding sustainable schemes throughout the region, such as installing solar PV on social housing.

Alongside this progressive operational policy, BaNES have also introduced an embodied carbon target of 900kgCO2/m2 for large developments.

Together these two policy changes should mean the whole life carbon of residential developments in BaNES will dramatically reduce in the coming years. However, to see the full picture, we need to compare these policies against other progressive industry guidance.

RIBA Climate Challenge 2030 for example sets the following targets for domestic developments:

This guidance suggests we should already be designing for <800 kgCO2/m2 with a 2030 target of <625 kgCO2/m2 embodied carbon, including services which are omitted from the BaNES requirements.

This may seem overly ambitious, but environmentally conscious housing developers are already surpassing these targets with standard forms of construction. We have recently undertaken an embodied carbon assessment for Goram Homes, Bristol City Council’s housing company, in partnership with Vistry Group. Houses at the One Lockleaze development in North Bristol were easily achieving <400 kgCO2/m2 with timber framed construction and <800 kgCO2/m2 with traditional construction for the apartments.

Publishing a target of 900 kgCO2/m2 embodied carbon (not including services) and net-zero operational carbon may inadvertently have a negative effect by encouraging developers to fill rooftops with solar PV to counteract poor thermal performance, rather than investing in fabric first design and integrating low carbon products to achieve buildings with a much lower whole life carbon.

Undoubtably, this is a massive step in the right direction for planning policy in England. Embodied carbon in particular has been screaming out for regulation, and by introducing the industry to concepts such as net-zero and whole life carbon we should see the acceleration of low carbon development we desperately need.

The gauntlet has now been thrown down to all other Local Authorities. I certainly hope Bristol and South Glos will look to match or surpass this policy when their new Local Plans go live in 2024.

gcp offer a whole range of sustainability assessments through gcp Consulting, including whole life carbon assessments. If you need to demonstrate compliance with sustainability targets or would be interested in understanding how well your current developments perform, please get in touch.

Want to join gcp?

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We are recruiting here at gcp Chartered Architects. If you are ready for a new challenge, we have opportunities for design professionals to join our team in Bristol. You will need to be organised, proactive and keen to make a difference. The roles will be busy and varied and will focus on two main areas: estate regeneration comprising decarbonisation and retrofitting of medium to large scale projects (£5m to £20m) and sports / leisure projects focusing on indoor cricket facilities, with ambition to grow within that sector. Do you know anyone who might be interested?

Contact mail@gcparch.co.uk

Architectural Technologist