architecture 519

Belated Birthday!

2012-01-27T15:13:00.002Z

January has proved to be a busy month for A519, so much so we haven’t been able to announce our 3rd Birthday, which was on the 5th January! We celebrated this by further strengthening our current team of dedicated designers and technicians. We would like to thank everyone for their continued support and are looking forward to another successful year.

Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous 2012!

Leeds Sustainable Development Group

2012-01-26T14:48:00.001Z

David Lumb, a director of Architecture519 and a member of the Academy of Urbanism is the co-ordinator of a growing number of active contributors to the Leeds Sustainable Development Group who are committed to breaking down barriers and encouraging collaboration. The group is working towards establishing a shared vision for Leeds and in particular they are developing a sustainable framework for the future development of Leeds City Centre South.

Leeds City Centre South - A Huge Opportunity

Leeds Sustainable Development Group (LSDG) established in early 2010, is a self-sustaining, open and inclusive forum for those, with an interest, to say in what sort of place they want to live, put forward ideas and participate in developing proposals and options at a stage when it can make a difference. A significant catalyst for this was the Civic Trust’s discussion document ‘Leeds City Centre Transformed’, published in late 2009, which defined several themes considered to be crucial to the long term future success of Leeds city centre.

There is a clear and shared understanding that there is an over-riding need, matched by a current opportunity, to investigate new approaches to the creation of truly sustainable forms of development for Leeds. This understanding sets the agenda for the promotion of a wide-ranging debate, bringing together the city, its practitioners, academics, thinkers, designers, researchers and others who have an interest in, or wish to make a contribution to, the creation of a shared vision for Leeds. The forum is attracting a growing number of active contributors who are committed to breaking down the barriers between disciplines and encouraging collaboration.

A huge opportunity for establishing a framework for sustainable development within the area described as Leeds City Centre South is offered by the many large-scale vacant or under-utilised sites to the South of the River Aire. The sites previously occupied by Carlsberg Tetley and Yorkshire Chemicals, now redundant, form the core of this area but the plan below shows there is a much larger area encompassing a wider part of the city centre. Some individual sites have already been developed, others are stalled or will only become available as the present commercial uses relocate to more suitable premises. Our focus on this area was strengthened by the City Council’s issue of their ‘South Bank Draft Planning Statement’, for statutory consultation in October last year. The Statement addresses a part of the city centre immediately to the South of the river and essentially proposes a ‘city park’ as a precursor to future residential and commercial development.

Whilst welcoming this proposal, the LSDG has suggested that the wider City Centre South area can be reworked in a strategic way to create a more integrated, logical, attractive and sustainable blend of land uses. We are working towards opening up this debate and, at the same time, focussing on establishing a creative dialogue with those within the City Council who have a direct involvement in the development of the city.

The vision for the sustainable development of Leeds’ city centre is defined by the LSDG ‘Sustainability Statement’, inspired by the ‘Guiding Principles’ in the Freiburg Charter. It is an aspiration of the group to contribute to the need for Leeds to establish a practical framework of infrastructure, define potential land uses and promote the sustainable development of the City Centre South.

David Lumb

A link to the LSDG Statement will be added here shortly, please check this space in the near future.

Willesden Green Cultural Centre

2012-01-24T17:22:00.003Z

Architecture519 and AHMM are pleased to announce they have been selected for the Willesden Green Cultural Centre Redevelopment in Brent with Galliford Try Regeneration.

AHMM are leading the masterplan, which incorporates a new 4,000+ sq. m. library and cultural centre, with approximately 90 residential units by Architecture 519. A compact, atrium-centred scheme with a dramatic presence on the High Road will replace the existing 1980’s library, creating a community landmark in Brent. Activating the ground floor will be a café, children’s library and ‘creative cluster’ of large spaces tied into the masterplan through a significant new public space by Gillespies Landscape.

The team, supported by URS Scott Wilson for structure and services, expect to submit a planning application in the spring, with completion in 2014 for the entire site.

Firearms Training Facility receives Planning Approval

2011-11-16T15:21:00.002Z

Full planning approval has recently been granted for a Firearms Training Facility which incorporates two 60 metre eight lane firing ranges. The ranges are on two levels to create a compact and efficient building footprint. The ground floor range has provides 25 metres of 180 degree ‘live firing’ for judgmental training using the latest in CGI projection target. Internal and external supplementary training facilities, office space and storage, are also provided.

The site layout had to be carefully considered to accommodate and enhance the existing ecological features. A large part of the site has been dedicated to creating a new ecological habitatwith three new ponds, a hibernacula and appropriate planting suitable to encourage the existing population of greater crested newts and other species to flourish.

Complementary materials have been proposed with simple design features with connected horizontal bands of windows at first floor level within the otherwise simple elevations.

The main contractor is now appointed with a view to a start on site early in the new year.

Architecture519 Supporting Sustainable Community Initiative

2011-11-11T13:49:00.008Z

As part of its ongoing commitment to community initiatives and sustainability Architecture519 has been assisting in the set up and ongoing activities of Sustainable Saltaire (Community Interest Company). Andy, one of our Directors has been promoting this initiative since August and will become its Managing Director this month. Sustainable Saltaire has been working closely with a number of community groups and also Pace Electronics which has been instrumental in supporting the setup and will be a funding partner as part of their environmental and community policies.

Sustainable Saltaire aims to support and deliver a number of sustainable initiatives and renewable energy projects over the coming years and also help make Saltaire one of the most sustainable villages in the UK.

Saltaire is a Victorian industrial village near Bradford, built by Sir Titus Salt, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more information on Saltaire try www.saltairevillage.info

Sustainable Saltaire will have a blog up and running soon www.sustainablesaltaire.org

Architecture519 delivers on business plan objectives

2011-11-03T11:34:00.001Z

Following completion of our business plan earlier in the year, we are pleased to announce the appointment of a further five new members of the team. These appointments form part of our growth strategy in our strategic plan that has resulted in further project successes.

Roger Chiswick joins us from Stephens Cox Associates where he was involved in a wide range of projects, most recent of which was a MOD Training Complex where he acted as design team leader, on site, providing daily support and contract administration services.

Stephen Palfreyman previously worked at JSA where he was involved in a number of challenging projects ranging from a £141M mixed use development for a College Campus and Town Hall refurbishment.

Matt Sharp, formerly at Architecture 2B, brings extensive residential experience from a range of significant projects delivered over the past 8 years.

Richard Copperwheat has joined us to complete his RIBA part III, architectural training. With excellent Part II experience gained with Cartwright Pickard Architects and an impressive First Class Degree and a distinction for his Post Graduate Diploma, we are looking forward to him making a valued contribution to the wide range of projects we have in the studio.

Last but by no means least, Lee Cocksedge joins from Space Architecture. Highly experienced across a range of sectors, Lee has been at the front line of project delivery for a number of years. Lately, his focus has been on Healthcare and Education. His experience in leading projects across the country will be a great benefit to our project delivery throughout the studio.

We remain committed to strengthening our team to ensure we deliver the best possible service to our clients and add value to each project we are involved in. If you would like to enquire about vacancies, please send your CV to leeds@architecture519.com

Former Acton Bus Depot : Site Progress

2011-08-24T17:16:00.004+01:00

Nick & Lee attended a site meeting recently for Acton Bus Depot, with site operations having commenced in March this year. Below are a few pictures of the frontage along High Street / Uxbridge Road and Gunnersbury Lane.

View From Uxbridge Road

View From Gunnerbury Lane

Hellos and Goodbyes

2011-08-23T15:02:00.000+01:00

Following recent successes, we have been able to expand our team. Adam Pitman has joined us as a Senior Technician from HTA Architects adding significant strength and experience to our technical team.

Our second introduction to the team is Tamsin Christison who is currently undertaking a year’s practical experience with us having successfully completed the first two years of an Architectural Technology Degree at Leeds Metropolitan University.

Architecture519 would like to welcome both Adam and Tamsin into the team. We hope that they enjoy their time with us.

On a sad note architecture519 will be saying goodbye to Katherine Davies. She has become an integral part of the team having joined us on a year’s practical experience following her successful completion of a Degree in Architecture at The Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff. Architecture519 would like to thank Katherine for her efforts over the past year and we wish her all the best for the future and good luck in attaining her Masters in Architectural Studies, which she is currently undergoing. It is hoped that she will return to join the team after completing her masters.

Norfolk Extension Complete

2011-08-23T14:55:00.002+01:00

Following a previous blog post from June 2010, we are pleased to announce the completion of a private extension to an existing cottage in Norfolk, which provides a new kitchen/dining, living space and master bedroom suite.

Below are a few pictures showing the scheme during construction. We will upload some completed images shortly.

Lakeland Crescent Approval

2011-06-01T11:01:00.004+01:00

Lakeland Crescent today received full planning consent. This sustainable house was supported by local residents and received approval within 8 weeks! We are now looking forward to moving the project to the next stage and delivering it on site early next year.

Hastings Housing Scheme : Revised Proposals

2011-05-10T09:05:00.009+01:00

Revised proposals have been submitted to Hastings Borough Council in support of the Full Planning, Listed Building and Conservation Area Consent Applications for the development of 163 dwellings on the former Hastings College site on behalf of Gladedale / Laing (Hastings) Ltd. Smithdimes have prepared some carefully chosen visuals which successfully show the relationship between the architecture, context and landscape.

The development includes new-build town houses and apartments plus, the conversion of a 19^th Century Grade II Listed Building into one, two and three bedroom apartments. We had to carefully work with the existing contours to create a series of bespoke buildings and interesting external spaces. We took a sensitive, contemporary approach to the architecture to create a development that responds to context.

Contemporary house design study

2011-05-05T11:33:00.005+01:00

Architecture519 have recently completed an interesting design study to investigate the viability of development on a very small and constrained urban infill site. The site currently houses a garage and a small area of hardstanding with direct access to the main road.

The brief was to investigate feasibility options which take into account to the various constraints of the site. Architecture519’s response was to create a contemporary 1 Bedroom house that comprises open plan living, kitchen and dining room to the entrance level with an open plan bedroom, bathroom and roof terrace to the first floor. The building would be single aspect to reduce over looking to the properties and private amenity space to the rear.

Recruitment opportunity

2011-04-19T10:35:00.006+01:00

Due to an expanding workload Architecture519 is seeking a Senior Architect with minimum ten years post graduate experience and a Senior Technologist with a minimum of ten years post qualification experience. A high level of technical and project management experience is required for both positions. Residential experience would be beneficial but not essential.

Apply with brief CV and examples of work to

leeds@architecture519.com

Centenary Quay, Woolston - Project Update

2011-04-19T10:01:00.009+01:00

The first housing blocks are nearing completion at Centenary Quay, Woolston, Southampton. The development, which will ultimately provide 1640 houses and apartments along with a wide range of commercial, retail and leisure facilities, started on site in late 2010 by Crest Nicholson Regeneration and SEEDA. The first private units for sale will be completed shortly along with 25 of the affordable houses. This will provide a mix of two, three, and four bedroom properties for rent, shared ownership or purchase. A sales and marketing suite has been created on site to show case two of the house designs. Construction of the Phase I, five storey apartment block is well underway and two show apartments will also be completed shortly. To power the development a sustainable, central heat and power energy centre has already been completed and will be commissioned shortly. In total, Phase I of the scheme will provide 160 new homes.

Block B2:

Block A6 (foreground / left) & B2:

Block A6 (foreground) & A4:

Block Location Plan:

Sustainable House Submitted for Planning

2011-04-19T09:10:00.006+01:00

Architecture 519 have recently submitted proposals for an innovative sustainable house in North Leeds for planning approval. The 4000 sq ft house will replace an existing 1960 house which is suffering from a combination of poor construction quality and maintenance issues. The proposals include a highly insulated building envelope, photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting and a full house ventilation and heat recovery system. With views over Eccup Reservoir the location of this property is fantastic and the design proposals include large expanses of folding glass doors and terraces to take advantage of these views. Leeds City Council have been supportive to date and we hope to gain an approval towards the end of May.

Front Perspective:

Rear Perspective:

Construction Commenced on A519’s Acton Regeneration Project

2011-03-22T10:14:00.003Z

The Grade II Listed former tram sheds on Acton High Street were purchased by Crest Nicholson and a scheme was developed to demolish the existing buildings and to replace them with a contemporary mixed-use residential / retail development.
Architecture 519, working closely with Conservationists, the Local Authority and other interested parties designed a scheme which provided 85No, one, two and three bedroom apartments in a series of link building blocks ranging from three to five storeys in height.The ground floor of the development created 1500 sq of retail space and two small offices as well as 37 covered car parking spaces.
Architecture 519 has now completed the detailed working drawing package for the development and construction has now commenced on site.

Beaconsfield MSA revisited

2011-03-22T09:20:00.001Z

Katherine recently paid a visit to Beaconsfield Motorway Service Area that we completed in March 2009 and opened the following month. The site is located off Junction 2 on the M40 at Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire.

The service area provides modern facilities include a 3,000m² amenity building, an 85 bedroom Hotel and a petrol filling station with a total of 750 parking spaces for cars, caravans, coaches and HGV’s.

To improve the general amenity and reduce the impact of the development a number of water features, woodland walks and picnic areas have been incorporated into this development, which is set within an Ancient Forest.

The weather stayed relatively clear which allowed Katherine to get good internal and external shots.

Milliner's Wharf, Manchester | Site Visit

2011-03-22T09:16:00.001Z

Nick and Alan recently paid a visit to the Milliners Wharf development in East Manchester and managed to get some photographs despite the rain. This project involves 261 one, two and three bedroom luxury apartments incorporated within a zinc and GRC clad building, which was successfully completed last year. Architecture 519 was responsible for optimising the then current Planning Approval and, in conjunction with Ocon Construction, delivering the project on site. We had to work closely with the main contractor and the sub-contractors to ensure quality detailing was incorporated into the build.

Outline planning approval for former MOD Site

2011-02-15T14:39:00.007Z

Fareham Borough Council has recently granted Outline Planning Approval for the development of 14 houses on disused MOD land in Fareham. Architecture519’s scheme, prepared on behalf of Defence Estates was approved with a unanimous vote by the Planning Committee. The scheme comprises 14 two-storey houses built on a vacant land surrounded by existing housing. The proposed housing layout is designed to form an extension to the existing urban grain and create an attractive Public Open Space for the benefit of the new residents and the community as a whole.

Leeds Dam Island : The long term proposal

2011-02-03T11:57:00.003Z

Leeds Dam Island provides a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity for the City of Leeds to clearly announce its commitment to the sustainable development of the city centre. The island has unique qualities that, put together with a truly imaginative brief, would provide the basis for the provision of an International Architectural Ideas Competition that would not only raise the profile of Leeds but would also put the city ‘on the international map’ as an enlightened patron of high quality sustainable design.

The island’s location, immediately adjacent to the Royal Armouries and at the ‘crossroads’ of the river with one of the main bridges linking the north and south banks of the city centre, provides an ideal location for an imaginative design, capable of generating a significant number of additional visitors to the city from all over the world. The long term proposal for a world-class, centre of excellence, based on the theme of sustainable living, with an iconic, carbon neutral design, would provide Leeds with a unique learning and leisure resource for the use of the local community. The operational constraints of the island, problems associated with flooding and the potential for the provision of an even greater level of bio-diversity can all be accommodated, simply by establishing a raised physical level of development.

The successful delivery of such a long term vision will require active involvement and support, from inception, of the local community, (both on the waterfront and throughout Leeds), the landowner (British Waterways) and all other stakeholders, including The Environment Agency and Leeds City Council.

D J Lumb (Co-ordinator: Leeds Sustainable Development Group and Director: Architecture 519)

LSDG Invitation

2011-01-26T10:50:00.011Z

Leeds Sustainable Development group have announced an open invitation to their next meeting. Please click the below image to see the invitation details for the event.

The below images highlight the initial concepts and opportunities available for the 'Bridgehead' which will be the focus of the upcoming meeting.

“2 already! you’re growing up so fast!”

2011-01-12T09:10:00.004Z

On the 5^th January 2011, Architecture519 celebrated its second Birthday! Architecture519 would like to take this opportunity to thank all Clients, Consultants and Colleagues for their continued support and we look forward to working with you in the future.

St Saviours Receives Green Light

2010-11-22T16:29:00.007Z

Planning Permission was recently granted for the development of 44 dwellings on the former Hastings College of Arts and Technology site on St Saviours Road, St Leonards-on-Sea. The Planning Committee approved the application and were impressed with the parking provision, density and the protection of wildlife. The scheme involved two, three and four bedroom town-houses designed to provide building frontages to the existing streets, an internal courtyard and a wildlife area with some units commanding great views of the English Channel.

Leeds Sustainable Development Group

2010-11-17T09:19:00.009Z

The Leeds Sustainable Development Group (LSDG) is a network of individuals, including property professionals, developers, investors, academics and community groups, sharing a commitment to Leeds city centre and wanting to work together to make it better.

We have explored the potential for a new approach to development that will generate prosperity, well-being and environmental enhancement in ways that are very different from those of the past.

Our aim is to give Leeds city centre an even stronger image as a destination and place to settle: a place where far-sighted, co-operative people look beyond short-term self-interest and engage seriously with the challenges of the future to participate in creating a trend-setting sustainable lifestyle.

We are seeking to establish a new forum, available to everyone, to enable the development and testing of a shared vision.

LSDG’s first objective is to create a self-sustaining, open and inclusive forum to enable everyone in Leeds to say what sort of place they want to live in, to put forward ideas and to participate in developing proposals and options, at a stage when it can make a difference.

The Vision for the future sustainable development of Leeds must bring together a whole series of initiatives:

As its first initiative, the LSDG wishes to open up the debate on the area’s future to the wider community
to work in a strategic way to create a more integrated, logical, attractive and sustainable blend of land uses that responds to changes in demand as the economic landscape continues to evolve
an overall framework for all future development which ensures that the requirements for a truly sustainable city centre are to be adopted and implemented by all those involved, in a cohesive way
the creation or adaptation of ‘green’ buildings for living, working and leisure time following the guidance in LCC’s forthcoming ‘Sustainable design and construction’ Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
the mitigation and adapting to flood risk in ways that enhance physical appearance as well as protecting people and property
the improvement of existing and provision of new green spaces and waterways for people and wildlife
the development of local sources of energy generation and water supply/reuse with local water and waste disposal, to deliver infrastructure at a neighbourhood scale
the reduction of the impact of the car while enhancing safe walking and cycling routes
the opening up of more opportunities for a greater range of people to be drawn into education and training, jobs and cultural experiences
the relocalisation of production and changing patterns of consumption: eg. reserving suitable sites for food production, increasing capacity for repair, re-use and recycling of materials and goods within the locality
the creation of an exemplar quality townscape which will be attractive to residents, workers, visitors and investors.

To contribute to the discussion or for more information please contact –

E-mail: contact@leeds-sdg.com

Phone: 0113 213 5656

Website: www.leeds-sdg.com

or view the LSDG information leaflet here.

Gog Brook goes in for Planning

2010-08-31T09:04:00.001+01:00

Architecture 519’s masterplan proposal for Gog Brook Farm on the edge of Warwick has been submitted on behalf of Capital and Counties working closely with WYG Planning. The scheme for 91 houses delivers a density of 39 dwellings per hectare and maintains a consistent urban grain to the residential developments elsewhere in the SW Warwick area. The units respond to identified regional and local housing need with a mix of family units with generous private outside space and access to large public open space as part of a wider development of this area. Following an inclusive process working closely with the Local Authority and key stakeholders it is hoped that a positive decision will be returned before the end of this year.

A519 Director features in Architects Journal

2010-08-13T14:24:00.003+01:00

Architecture 519’s director; David Lumb recently featured in the Architects Journal (01.07.10), speaking on the requirement of an inclusive market place for the development of students. The full publication is as follows:

“More than a year ago I instigated a move to encourage local practices to provide ‘access’ to their offices for those Part I and Part II students who were facing the prospect of becoming stranded at the end of their academic years due to the lack of available paid positions.

Although this initiative, in the context of nearly half the students in the AJ survey stating they were willing to work for nothing to progress their careers, started a great deal more debate than action, at least by July last year the RIBA had introduced their ‘Host Practice’ scheme nationwide. Our practice was one of the first to offer a place.

After almost a year, the scheme has only nineteen practices offering desk places, (all accept two of which are small practices), and there are no universities offering research vacancies. Hardly a success, in the context of this year’s even greater number of students faced with the stark choice of having to postpone or at worst to abandon progress on their chosen career path.

Of course the RIBA should take ‘strong action’ to tackle student problems but if this involves even further a tightening of the ‘one size fits all’ prescription for obtaining practical experience then this is not the solution to their problems. What is desperately needed is a proactive contribution from us all to create and manage a more open and inclusive ‘market place’ of opportunities using the capacity in the vast majority of practices to provide students with both a desk and support.

To continue to ban the acquisition of ‘practical’ experience that is not obtained in any other way than by fully paid employment is not giving any credit to the students’ own tremendous capacity of resource and flexibility in overcoming barriers. We certainly should, at least, try match them in seeking different ways to deal with what we can only hope are temporary conditions.

We all support the improvement of ‘pay and employment conditions’ but if this results in students simply not being able to progress then we need to change the prescription, without delay. The argument that internships are simply a vehicle for unscrupulous employers to abuse students needs to be countered by establishing a rigorous framework of well defined responsibilities to be imposed on both parties and I would suggest that employment terms for architectural internships are established and monitored, by the RIBA, so that practices and universities can offer positions, without fear of total condemnation, on exactly the same basis that apprentices are employed in the rest of the construction industry.

Although this means that they will not be paid the minimum wage it should be acknowledged that the internship is part of an ongoing commitment to training. An individual who has already made a major commitment by embarking on a seven year academic course also deserves to earn a minimum wage but not at the cost of not being able to progress their chosen course. The flexibility for the student to obtain fully paid work elsewhere and, at the same time, progress their internship should be a fundamental part of the defined responsibilities.”

An online version can be found on the Architects Journal website at the following link: http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/opinion/a-minimum-wage-is-not-the-answer-to-students-problems/8602544.article

Work starts on site in Southampton

2010-07-13T10:51:00.003+01:00

Preliminary works have started on site in Southampton for the first phase of the regeneration of the former shipworks site on the banks of the River Itchen. The site will eventually be redeveloped to provide up to 1600 residential units with a mix of family houses and apartments. It will also contain a hotel, supermarket, library and boat building facilities. The first phase, comprising of 160 contemporary, sustainable family houses and apartments will create a much needed catalyst for the area. Detailed planning approval for the works was obtained by Architecture 519 in late 2009 and the detailed design of the scheme is well underway.

A519 Residential brochure launched

2010-06-28T09:48:00.003+01:00

Architecture 519, working with ‘Studio Mik Mik’ graphic designers, has prepared a new sector-specific brochure aimed at our existing and potential residential developer clients. The 40 page publication summarises our experience in the design and delivery of residential schemes ranging from one-off sustainable homes to multi-million pound strategic masterplanning sites throughout the UK. The brochure is seen as the first in a series of documents that will showcase the practice’s experience across a wide range of construction sectors and will be used to support our ongoing marketing initiatives. The team at Architecture 519 see the residential sector as one of the key areas for growth over the coming year and our skills will put us in a great position to assist our clients to maximise this potential. For a copy of the new brochure please contact us at Leeds@architecture519.com

Small, but beautifully formed

2010-06-25T11:18:00.005+01:00

Planning approval has been obtained for a contemporary extension to a former farm house in Norfolk. The scheme provides a two storey extension to the main house providing additional living accommodation at ground and a master bedroom suite at first floor. In addition a single storey kitchen extension is located to the rear within the existing garden. The new building incorporates a grass roof, extensive roof lighting, overhanging eaves details and folding glazed doors to the breakfast area. The contemporary design approach was supported by our client, even though the Local Authority viewed the site as being very sensitive. The scheme received unanimous approval at the planning committee. Work is due to start on site shortly.

Acton demolition to start on site

2010-06-24T09:19:00.002+01:00

The demolition work is due to start on the site of the former Acton Bus Depot in West London to make way for the residential, mixed use development by Crest Nicholson. The new scheme was granted planning approval at Appeal in late 2009 and Architecture 519 has been working closely with the Client and the design team to develop the construction package for the site over the last few months. The finished scheme will create 85 contemporary apartments in a five storey block, with retail space and ancillary parking at ground floor level. The scheme will create a gateway building on the western approaches to Acton Town Centre with a restrained palette of materials and crisp detailing.

Major Regeneration Scheme gets the Go-ahead.

2010-02-24T17:24:00.005Z

Architecture 519 have received the go-ahead to progress the detailed design drawings for the first phase of the Centenary Quay regeneration scheme in Woolston, Southampton. Working with Crest Nicholson Regeneration, the first phase of the scheme comprises of 85 new sustainable houses and 80 new apartments for a mixture of private sale and Housing Association tenure.

The Centenary Quay development will ultimately create over 1600 new homes and a range of employment uses, leisure facilities and retail uses, working within the framework of the original Richard Rogers masterplan. Architecture 519 were originally commissioned by Crest Nicholson Regeneration, who are the South East England Development Agency’s preferred development partners, to develop a range of sustainable housing types for the site and to obtain detailed planning approval for Phase One of the site. This was achieved in early 2009.

The detailed working drawings for the site are well underway and focus on the delivery of truly sustainable family homes, utilising the best available technologies. The scheme is seen as a flagship development for Crest Regeneration and will set the benchmark for the rest of the site.

Happy Birthday Architecture519!

2010-01-07T16:06:00.012Z

It is our birthday and Architecture 519 would like to thank everyone we have worked with during 2009 for their continued support.

In a challenging market we have enjoyed a successful year working on a variety of projects large and small. We believe that 2010 will be equally challenging, but we have strengthened our team in order to deliver exceptional service on each of our increasing portfolio of projects to all of our equally committed clients.

Thank you again for making 2009 memorable for all of the right reasons and we look forward to continued success together.

Acton Bus Depot Redevelopment Approved

2009-12-02T09:23:00.010Z

Architecture 519 has secured a detailed planning approval for the construction of a contemporary mixed-use development on the site of the former Action Bus Depot in West London. The scheme comprises 85 apartments and 1022 sqm of retail/commercial office space in the heart of the Acton Town Centre Conservation Area. Approval for the development was granted after a Public Enquiry at which the Planning Inspector agreed with the Applicant, Crest Nicholson (Chiltern) Ltd that the scheme was of sufficiently high architectural quality so as to enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and to make a positive contribution to the street scene of Acton High Street.
The proposed building is predominantly red brick and has been designed to respond positively to the surrounding context. The upper storeys incorporate coloured cladding panels the elevations include set back windows and deep reveals to enhance the depth and modelling. Innovative timber louvers address potential overlooking concerns within the site and a raised, landscaped garden provides amenity for the residents. It is hoped that the scheme will be started in early 2010.

Proposed View Looking down Gunnersbury Lane

View looking down High Street / Uxbridge Road

Upper Ground Floor Plan - Residential (Yellow) and Commercial (Purple)

Tabitha - A(519) Grade Student!!!

2009-11-02T09:47:00.003Z

Architecture 519 would like to congratulate Tabitha on successfully passing her Architecture part lll exams. She is now a fully qualified architect. She received confirmation last week from the university and soon the office was aware of her success, as was most of the building (She was a little excited to say the least!).

We now have 9 fully qualified Architects within our ever expanding office.

Congratulations Tabitha!!!

A519 Welcome new blood

2009-10-26T16:42:00.002Z

Following recent success in winning new projects, we have been able to take the next step in our business development plan and expand our studio. Alan Harper and Tabitha Caple join our team and we are already benefiting from their experience and enthusiasm.

Alan joins us after spending the past 7.5 years with Atkins as an Architect. Alan Graduated from Leeds Met University in 2006 after Studying his Architecture Degree and his Graduate Diploma at Lincolnshire and Humberside. We all are looking forward to working with Alan and hope he enjoys his time with us here with us here at Architecture519.

We welcome back the familiar face of Tabitha Caple as the majority of the team worked with her at our previous practice. Tabitha is currently completing her Part lll after gaining her Architecture Degree and Architecture Diploma at Huddersfield University. Tabitha spent a year working with Envirolectrics, so comes back to the office with new found electrical knowledge.

You’ve got (Green) Mail!

2009-10-23T08:59:00.002+01:00

Architecture519 have made another progressive step to helping the environment and reducing our Carbon Footprint. We are now using a new email management system called Mail Manager. This system enables us to file, find and share emails easily. This also reduces on paper filing substantially and assists in our compliance with the QA system requirements. It is a great system developed by Arups and marketed through Oasys.

Architecture 519 initiative featured in AJ

2009-05-06T17:06:00.003+01:00

The Architects Journal has published an article by one of our Directors, David Lumb.

For the past few months, David has been promoting the idea that there must be a way to supplement or replace the massive reduction in paid positions for year-out students in practice.

To read this article please visit the link below. If you are a student struggling to gain valuable experience in practice it would be good to hear your views.

www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/news-analysis/building-for-the-future/5201260.article

Beaconsfield Motorway Service Area Handed Over

2009-03-18T11:24:00.005Z

On Tuesday 17th March 2009 the new motorway services we have been working on off Junction 2 on the M40 officially opened and began trading. Britain’s largest motorway services comprises an amenity building, budget hotel and petrol filling station with over 750 parking spaces for cars, caravans, coaches and HGV’s.

Central to the development is the 3,000m2 amenity building, which comprises ten retail units surrounding an atrium dining space. A host of key retailers including Marks & Spencer, Starbucks Coffee, WH Smith, McDonalds, KFC, LP4 and Gamegrid occupy the units within this building. Linked to this is an 85 bedroom lodge operated by Etap Hotel. A landscaped courtyard is formed between the two buildings, leading to a pond, water feature and woodland walks for the enjoyment of short stay and overnight guests. At the entrance to the development lies the UK’s largest petrol filling station operated by Shell, which has been designed to maintain their corporate image whilst complimenting the architecture on the amenity building and lodge.

This is unquestionably the most modern and contemporary of all the motorway services operated by Swayfields, trading as Extra. It features elements of architecture often associated with airports or high quality office space, which should set the precedent for future MSA design for our client.

This is the first project to be completed by architecture519 and it has been a resounding success…… A huge “thank you” and thoroughly deserved “well done” goes to all the team involved in delivering this great project.

EcoBuild 2009

2009-03-18T09:51:00.002Z

On Thursday 5th March, Lee Connolly attended Ecobuild 2009 at Earls Court, London. With around 800 exhibitors, 100 seminars and dozens of attractions it was clear to see why this was regarded as the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment. Highlights included the ECO2H2OUSE, LandARK and ruralZED Zero Carbon House. Various new and improved products were on offer ranging from vertical axis wind turbines to soy-based spray foam insulation and almost everything in between.

For further details click the following link to Ecobuild’s website.

www.ecobuild.co.uk

Comic Refief 2009

2009-03-13T16:48:00.005Z

Comic Relief 2009 and Architecture 519 turned on the style for a ‘Wear it Red’ day with all of the team declaring at least one red item of clothing. Although there were no red suspenders (on show), the contributions ranged from baggy red pants (worn suitably outside of the trousers) through to 1980’s throw-back red braces and a rather fetching pair of red slippers. In the charity sweepstake Dave Singh won a duvet-day for correctly identifying Graham Norton in the Red Nose Grid game. All in all, a fun Friday to end a hectic week with plenty of money raised for charity.

Student Initiative

2009-03-05T09:39:00.004Z

We believe there is a growing need for an initiative to respond to the increase in unemployed Part I and Part II architectural students, associated with the current severe recession.

Architecture 519 currently employs a Part II student and a part time undergraduate trainee, we are unable to do more because of the constraints on our investment directly related to the downturn. We do however have the capacity, and the enthusiasm, to provide mentoring of students or graduates who are unemployed. We are aware that we are not alone and believe that there is an urgent need for some “joined up thinking” to ensure that as much as possible of this spare capacity is used to facilitate additional practical training opportunities.

One of our Directors David Lumb is seeking to establish a connection between the RIBA, local and regional organisations who share an interest, interested practices and, initially, the Leeds School of Architecture (but subsequently other schools in the region), with a view to establishing a locally based, sustainable vehicle to provide real support for unemployed “year out” students of architecture (both Part I and II).

David’s initial thoughts are that there is a way to properly manage and therefore legitimise the provision of “internships” within participating practices sponsored either by the practice or by others, or by both, where necessary. The intention is not to replace but rather supplement full employment in practices where for economic reasons a student may need to go elsewhere to obtain full or part time, paid employment or where a practice can do more but cannot sustain the cost.

There is undoubtedly a growing problem which will become a more significant problem as this academic year starts to seek appropriate employment in a market that is forecasted to continue to contract.

David is looking to initially gather information on the extent of the problem (currently and forecasted) whilst seeking to put in place a sustainable, support scheme that is adequately funded providing a realistic alternative to obtaining practical experience where full time employment is unavailable.

For further information contact David at
d.lumb@architecture519.com
0113 213 5656

Architecture 519 sign up for 100% renewable power

2009-03-03T15:00:00.008Z

Sustainability is a key element of Architecture 519's philosophy not just in the buildings we design but also in the way we work. As part of our ongoing commitment to reducing our carbon footprint we have now signed up with Ecotricity to provide our studio's electricity.

Ecotricity is an electricity company with a difference - they are dedicated to changing the way electricity is made. They take the money their customers spend on electricity and invest it in clean forms of power like wind energy. What's more, they actually build these new renewable energy sources. In 2007 alone they invested £25 million in wind energy.

If you want to learn more about them visit www.ecotricity.co.uk

First Blog

2009-03-03T13:00:00.000Z

Architecture 519 has now been in existence since the beginning of the year and we thought it was about time we started to tell everyone what we are up to.

The intention of this Blog is to provide a shared space for the team at Architecture 519 to share news about our business and general life in the studio.

Hopefully it will be of interest to our clients and the people we work with.