Overview & Project Brief

Initially receiving an outline planning consent as part of a wider masterplan for a broad mixed-use residential development, this residential care site was released by the mainstream house-builder as part of a Section 106 Agreement.

Our client is an affordable homes provider providing and servicing 18,000 homes in more than 35 local authority areas who saw this Extra Care Facility as their flagship development.

brp architects were appointed an early stage to explore various site option studies to quickly establish the best approach for the siting and massing of the facility, coupled with identifying key views into, and out of the site as well as ensuring its successful integration into its surrounding context.

The project comprises sixty five, one and two bedroom apartments, café, community areas, a hair & beauty salon, associated landscape areas and car parking / service areas. 

In order to secure reserved matters planning approval, brp architects worked closely with the Client’s delivery team and the Local Authority’s Planning and Urban Design officers to establish the key criteria that were to become the principal drivers for the design. These consultation processes developed a hierarchy of design considerations as the project brief evolved. 

Design

The site’s surroundings comprise of either completed or currently un-designed and un-built new-build accommodation resulting in a unique opportunity not requiring us to respond to particular architectural precedents, allowing the creation of a unique stand-alone facility. Where unbuilt, however, the scale of the context was controlled by the outline planning consent.

The scale of the development is deliberately varied, ranging from 2, 3 and 4-storey, respecting the scale of the surrounding sites, with the four-storey element framing the view into the site, whilst achieving the maximum level of accommodation, ensuring the scheme’s viability.

Challenges

One of the keys challenges the project faced, was that a number of the surrounding buildings were still to be designed including the future primary school. Similarly, to the north of the site further residential dwellings had been approved by the Local Authority, but not constructed. There was only an existing Healthcare and Retail development to the south and west and Residential to the west of, that offered fixed points of reference for the designs – thereby creating a challenging context for which to respond.

The design team modelled the un-built context as accurately as possible to demonstrate the site’s immediate surroundings, making some broad-brush assumptions for the school. This provided a clear picture to enable decisions to be made about layout, scale and massing, building design, window placement etc, enabling clear decisions to be made for the internal floor plans and their relationship with the broader context.

With the prospect of a new primary school within a short distance from the site, it was decided that part of the ground floor would be accessible to the general public, rather than being a private scheme for resident use only. This will enable visitors to use the building and benefit from the services available, as well as offering opportunities for the residents to integrate on a day-to-day basis with the wider community. It is hoped that this will aid with integration of the facility into its social surroundings from the outset and benefit the health and wellbeing of the residents.

Materials & Technologies

Several new, innovative products and solutions were utilised in the construction of the building. 

The primary structure was built using Porotherm, an innovative, thin bed, adhesive fixed, clay block walling system. This enabled an accelerated construction programme, coupled with environmental benefits associated with the system using significantly less water than traditional blockwork construction, therefore reducing drying out times.

Off-site prefabricated bathroom pods for each of the apartments required considerable coordination to ensure a consistent design to be applied to each specific apartment layout, thereby building-in efficiencies and contributing towards the accelerated construction period.

Internally, emerging technologies were incorporated into apartment designs, including a heating system that utilise heated skirting boards, removing the need for wall-mounted radiators and allowing for greater flexibility of internal layout and furniture arrangements. Beyond this, the building is fitted with a microprocessor-controlled sprinkler system in order to achieve the necessary levels of fire safety for a vulnerable end user group.

Testimonial

Our primary aim for all projects is always absolute client satisfaction, which as can be seen from the following testimonial has been achieved.

“We are thrilled that our latest extra care development is complete. Together with Willmott Dixon and our other partners, we have created a modern community in the heart of the National Forest, a vibrant place to inspire health and wellbeing. Springfields is unique in that it is an inter-generational scheme, meeting the needs of older residents as well as younger service users who may have physical and/or learning disabilities or sensory needs.”

Chris Jones; Executive director of development at East Midlands Homes

ARCHICAD features

Willmott Dixon Construction, assumed the role of Project Lead, managing the evolution of the original design concept into the delivery of a well-considered and efficient technical design package. 

This included working closely with the Design Team, focussing on achieving design excellence via the adoption of BIM Level 2 standards and a federated model.

Using the state-of-the-art immersive experience offered by Willmott Dixon’s BIM Cave set-up, we were able to export their cad design model to be presented to the client in a fully 3D virtual reality setting enabling the client to accurately ‘experience’ the internal and external spaces facilitating a much more detailed review of the design at an early stage, allowing a number of specific queries to be addressed during the early design phase.

This innovative approach drove efficiencies in the delivery of the technical packages, allowing key decisions to be made earlier than are often possible in traditional procurement contributing towards project milestones being reached on time.

Overview & Project Brief

The primary objective for the ‘Warren’ was to achieve exemplar design quality for a new dwelling located in open countryside. 

The Client’s brief defined clear targets for both design quality and a lifestyle, fully integrated within a highly sustainable building fabric with an overarching requirement for the dwelling to demonstrate and utilise low-carbon technologies.

Being located outside of the formal village boundary of Bitteswell, the Planning System would ordinarily refuse residential applications except in exceptional circumstances. In order to be successful, the project would therefore have to demonstrate outstanding design, innovation and technical performance to be considered favourably under the more onerous policies underpinning the Paragraph 55 Approval route that sets a clear requirement for high-quality innovative design and sustainable development and all criteria must be met.

After a considerable amount of design development and technical advancement, Planning Approval was ultimately granted in January 2017.

Design

The Warren is a large site formed in a triangular shape, with narrowest point towards the Southern tip where a singular point of access from Ashby Lane is possible. As a former paddock, the land benefits from established boundaries on both East & West sides with tree lined hedgerows, forming the distinctive rural nature of the site. 

Given the shape of the site, the dwelling was located towards the Northern quarter of the site in order to maximise the footprint and have unencumbered solar potential. 

A two-storey dwelling emerged from the initial design sketches, with a ‘T’ shape configuration, providing a large open plan design at ground floor, with sleeping accommodation at the first floor contributing to creating an impressive family dwelling in a contemporary form.

Extensive landscape and visual studies were carried out as part of the design development to carefully position the dwelling to maximise important long-range views out of the site and similarly mitigate views into the site and of the dwelling itself so as not to distract from the landscaped setting. 

The design incorporates a combination of flat and pitched roof areas enabling an array of solar thermal panels, designed as a fundamental part of the heating and energy to be integrated as part of an innovative inter-seasonal solar thermal energy store, located below the foundations / floor slab of the dwelling. 

High quality design and use of materials is evident throughout. 

The final build was successful in achieving an EPC rating of A+ 97% with potential to increase to 104% efficiency. This was primarily achieved by a “fabric first” approach to the building envelope and renewable heating and energy storage integrated into the design.

Challenges

The overarching challenge for this project was achieving Planning Approval, due to the restrictive planning policies protecting development in a rural setting. As such the design team worked closely to undertake extensive consultation with the Local Authority’s Planning Department, plus their appointed external Design Review Panel, who provided independent design advice.

After an extensive cyclical process of design development and review surrounding the architectural, sustainability and landscape designs, the Design Review Panel finally gave a positive recommendation to the Local Authority, enabling Planning Approval to be granted.

The subsequent technical challenges of delivering the project were significant and complex. The bespoke nature of the design meant that all construction details were non-standard and required considerable design & co-ordination. From the outset the scheme incorporated innovative design and technical solutions to meet the targets set in the early stages for a low-carbon, functional family dwelling. 

brp architects worked closely with Caplin Homes, a local firm specialising in low to zero carbon construction to develop the technical aspects of the design, incorporating solar thermal heating and energy storage. 

During the early stages of construction in October 2019, adverse weather and the global Covid-19 pandemic led to a number of construction challenges particularly using a lightweight foundation solution (see next section) in a groundwater flooded site. These were well-managed by close collaboration and high levels of communication to resolve issues as they arose.

Materials & Technologies

The Warren incorporates technically advanced construction processes and materials to ensure the sustainability targets are met. 

The substructures for the house are a Swedish system incorporating a combined foundation, floor slab and underfloor heating system within a single polystyrene-based product. This time-saving construction is highly innovative and quick, providing programme benefits. 

The superstructure is a highly insulated, airtight, timber frame construction. This was manufactured off site, enabling speed of construction and rapid weatherproofing of the shell, completed with high performance window and doors providing stunning design and considerable natural light to the interiors. 

Space heating for the dwelling is provided using summertime energy captured via solar thermal panels that is stored in an earth energy bank below the foundations for use in use in the winter months for space heating and hot water via heat pumps.

Solar energy is also converted via photovoltaics reducing electrical reliance on the consumption from the national grid. 

Internally the dwelling incorporates new technologies, such as energy efficient demand Mechanical ventilation heating and recovery system and contains features such as centrally controlled lighting, heating, security, fire and entertainment systems. 

Computer modelling – ARCHICAD features

Due to the pandemic the client was in the Middle East for much of the project so we relied heavily on the BIMx application to communicate and interrogate the design with the client, which proved an invaluable resource. We utilised the latest Archicad package to fully model the scheme to present, test and challenge all aspects of the design.

Although a small project, the scheme has been beset with nearly every constraint possible; planning issues, challenging site constraints, sensitively resolving queries with the local neighbours / community, COVID delays, the unfortunate demise of the Main Contractor and increasing costs. However, since originally being appointed in June 2015, BRP have been pleased to be able to assist HIST throughout it all to deliver a much-needed home for a young family to be able to remain living in the village.

A list of key stakeholders in the project were present earlier today to see local MP, Alicia Kearns, formally cut the ribbon ahead of the property being handed over to its new residents in the coming days.

BRP are also delighted to announce that they have been re-commissioned by HIST to look at their next project in the village – a scheme to provide 2no. accessible 1-bedroom units at Hog Lane, Hallaton. We look forward to the challenge and are hopeful of achieving yet another successful scheme that will offer fantastic benefits to the people of Hallaton.

After achieving a further qualification (IMaPS) in relation to health and safety, Richard has established himself as the internal lead for CDM 2015, helping to advise others on best practice with regard to designing buildings in a safe manner. Coupled with assuming responsibility for the ongoing management of the Practice’s Quality Assurance (QA) systems, Richard has been instrumental in setting up new internal procedures within BRP to ensure we are well placed to deliver a high quality service to our Clients on each and every project we work on, whether this be in our capacity as Architect and / or Principal Designer.

In addition to the above, Richard undertakes a lead role on a wide range of projects, and is currently managing the delivery of an £8 million Veterinary Hospital in Avonmouth, near Bristol.

In his new role as Associate, Richard will continue to develop his professional skills as well as looking to take on further responsibilities relating to Business Development as well as other aspects of Practice Management. We would like to congratulate Richard on his hard work to date and look forward to him joining the management team and assisting in developing the business further in the coming years!

Alan Sankey & Chris Woods
Directors

It is with great sadness that we announce the death at home in Scotland on 7^th May 2021 of our former colleague, partner and Director of BRP Architects, Michael Hales.

Michael joined the practice then known as Bundey & Rodgers in 1982 joining founding partners John Bundey & Tony Rodgers in their small office on Market Harborough’s High Street.

Following the practice’s move to larger premises in Miller’s Yard and with his very keen interest in technology, it was undoubtedly Michael’s influence that led the office to introducing computer aided design in the early 1980s way ahead of many other smaller practices at the time.   

Michael Joined John and Tony to become a Partner in 1988 and, as the practice evolved, a Director of BRP Architects in 2010.

Michael led BRP’s Residential Team, covering both small and large housing developments.

Michael’s retirement in 2011 heralded a new chapter in his life when he and wife Lesley left their native Leicestershire and moved to France to enjoy retirement in the small town of St Jacut De Mene.

Initially they were occupied by the completion of the restoration and extension of their stone Bretagne cottage and managing the surrounding small woodland that they had purchased some years earlier.

Michael and Lesley travelled a lot during their early retirement and indeed Michael bought a motorbike for roaming around the local countryside, eventually upgrading to a full-blown tourer.

Life there involved all sorts of ‘native’ pastimes, including hosting the village art classes, playing lots of Boules, French lessons and of course imbibing much of the local vino at every opportunity. Such was their happiness and being at ease they filed for French Residency.

As a result of the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and failing health, Michael and Lesley moved back to the UK a couple of years ago and settled in Scotland to be closer to their family and were delighted when they became proud first-time grandparents to Daisy, who was born at the end of April.

Although of a quiet nature, Michael was a very caring and thoughtful man with a very droll sense of humour, who will be much missed by all who knew him. 

After unfortunately losing some precious family members during the pandemic a couple of the boys decided to set up a fundraising page in their memory. Taking it upon themselves to do something positive during the latest Lockdown they were supported by their friends, and collectively all agreed to run / march / bike / walk a mile a day throughout the entire month of March in order to try and raise funds for the NHS.

Come rain or shine the boys have been out every day to do their bit, and momentum gathered on their challenge with donations flooding in as a result of their efforts.

As part of this incredible journey over the last few weeks, the boys have featured in the Leicester Mercury, the Loughborough Echo as well as the ‘Make a Difference’ section on BBC East Midlands Today, as well as gaining their Blue Peter Badges in the process.

The challenge culminated in yesterday’s final, socially distanced run, around the athletics track at Loughborough University in the glorious evening sunshine, where they were joined by one of their teachers who presented all the boys with medals and the fundraising cheque to signal the end of a significant achievement that all of them should be immensely proud of!

As of last night, the grand total raised from all of the boys individual fundraising pages stood at £4,520 and this is still climbing!

BRP are proud to support such a great cause! Should anyone else wish to donate further they can via the weblink below;

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/quindlenbrennan?experiments=b2c_044_donate_to_yourself&successType=ModalSelfDonateButtonClick

The Directors are extremely pleased to announce that Joe Jeacock has successfully completed his Part III studies and has now formally qualified as an Architect.

After joining BRP in November 2017, as a Part II Architectural Assistant, Joe has been mentored by both Alan and Chris, as well as senior members of staff, allowing him to develop a broad experience in both the medical and residential sectors, providing a solid platform to commence the final stage of his architectural education in November 2018. Following twelve months of intense studying alongside his full-time role in the office Joe has deservedly passed with flying colours and we look forward to him honing his skills further in the coming years and delivering his own projects as his experience develops.

Congratulations Joe and good luck for the future!

Lee has always been responsible for the management of the internal IT systems across the office, and has long been an advocate in the use of Archicad, the Practice’s chosen 3D Architectural Modelling software. His expertise in this field has been recognised with multiple awards for BETA testing the software on behalf of the developer. In recent years this intrinsic knowledge of both Archicad and the wider IT systems has led to him becoming BRP’s BIM Manager, and developing our delivery of BIM Level 2 projects for a number of commercial and public sector clients.

In addition to the above, Lee fulfils the role of Senior Lead on a large number of the Healthcare projects – assisting both GP’s and Medical Developers on achieving high quality, efficient and commercially viable designs as well as ensuring compliance with specialist sector legislation.

As part of his new role, Lee will take on further responsibilities relating to Business Development as well as other aspects of Practice Management. His promotion to Associate is well-deserved recognition for all of the hard work and dedication he has applied over the years.

Alan Sankey & Chris Woods
Directors

2010 heralded a change of the company structure, from a Partnership to Limited Company. This was subsequently followed by the retirement of Michael in 2011 and introduction of Chris Woods as Director to work alongside Alan. For the last 8 years both Directors have sought to develop and evolve the business, building a strong team that specialise in the delivery of primary and specialist healthcare projects as well as maintaining a strong presence in the residential and residential care sectors.

As part of the celebrations associated with this special milestone we will be digging in to the archives and posting details of 40 projects over 40 days. Watch out for our 40 projects over 40 years on LinkedIn and Twitter!