PRP Architects

Careers]]> |
Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:53:21 +0000

We are looking for a highly motivated and capable Interior Designer with a proven track record of having worked on all stages of a project from concepts through to final handover, to work mainly within our specialist housing sector.

Candidates need to demonstrate strong communication and presentation skills with hand sketches, Photoshop and Indesign. Additionally, previous experience having attended client meetings. A working knowledge of AutoCAD would also be an advantage.

CV's no larger than 2MB should be sent to:

PRP Human Resources
recruitment@prparchitects.co.uk

PRP is an equal opportunities employer.

News]]> |
Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:14:00 +0000

PRP will be at MIPIM this year and hosting various networking events, so do get in touch if you would like to meet any of the following:

Andy von Bradsky, Chairman, PRP

Andrew Mellor, Partner, PRP

Michael Graham, Director, PRP

Michael Graham will also be speaking on the London Stand at 11.30 on Thursday 8th March regarding; 'The London Residential Conundrum: Demand vs. Supply.'

Other speakers on the panel include:

David Lunts, Executive Director of Housing & Regeneration, GLA

John Frankiewicz, CEO, Willmott Dixon

Mark Collins, Head of Residential, CBRE

If you would like to arrange a meeting please email rsvp@prparchitects.co.uk

News]]> |
Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:20:56 +0000

"We welcome that the Coalition recognises the role housing supply can play in stimulating the economy and the package of measures announced in the Housing Strategy and confirmed today should go some way towards achieving that.

"The New Build Indemnity scheme is a positive step to increasing the likelihood of securing mortgage finance for those that purchase from large scale housebuilders.

"Yet there is too much emphasis on home ownership at a time when there is widespread insecurity, a lack of jobs and eroded incomes. More emphasis should be placed on the private rented sector in order to satisfy 'Generation Rent', to provide mobility of jobs and affordable options to home ownership. The 'Right to Buy' scheme is a backward step for affordable housing supply at a time when there will be rising homelessness and increasing demand.

"I don't consider that the measures will be sufficient to increase housing supply significantly until the two key ingredients of ready access to finance and an improvement in consumer confidence are both in place."

News]]> |
Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:12:16 +0000
The regeneration of the Haggerston West and Kingsland Estates took a significant step forward last week, as Hackney Borough Council granted planning approval for Phase 2 of the development. Housing association L&Q have now secured all the planning approval necessary to progress with their ambitious plans for the area.
The Haggerston West and Kingsland estates, situated either side of the Regent's Canal in Hackney, transferred to L&Q in 2008. They consisted of 480 flats which, following extensive resident consultation, are being demolished to be replaced with 761 new flats and houses. The new development will provide homes for existing residents as well as a mix of new homes for rent, shared ownership and private sale.

L&Q are delivering the regeneration in partnership with Hackney Borough Council, local residents, PRP architects and contractors Taylor Wimpey. Construction work will begin on Phase 2 in summer 2012, with a total of 394 new homes to be built, spread over five blocks. Phase 1, consisting of 367 new homes and a brand new state of the art community centre, has been in construction since 2010, with the first three residential blocks due for completion next summer.

Graham Girling, L&Q's Project Manager, Regeneration, said, "This is a major milestone in the exciting regeneration of the Haggerston West and Kingsland Estates. Hackney Council's planning approval is testament to the hard work that L&Q and our project team partners have put in, together with residents, to get us to this stage.

"This flagship regeneration project is already taking shape, and achieving Phase 2 planning approval means it is now full steam ahead to progress with the construction of the final stage of the scheme, which will meet the needs and aspirations of our residents. The regeneration will provide fantastic new homes and community facilities, helping L&Q deliver on our commitment to invest in local communities and create places where people want to live."

Brendan Kilpatrick, Partner at PRP Architects comments: "It's great news to receive planning consent for phase two as it's such a significant regeneration project at a time when large scale regeneration is becoming more difficult. The scheme will transform the area spanning both North and South of the Regents Canal in Hackney. The design is contemporary whilst addressing local context and has had real involvement with local residents in the. The client L&Q has also been completely supportive in all aspects of the design development."

Debra Herring, a local resident and Chair of the Haggerston & Kingsland Estates Development and Management Committee, spoke on behalf of the residents at the planning committee meeting. Afterwards she said, "There is a whole community here who have collaborated to bring this scheme together for the good of all; all the choices have truly been collective. When the development is finished, residents will be left with an estate to be proud of. Residents have taken ownership of the decisions around their estates by becoming involved and this will be the lasting legacy of this project with L&Q."

News]]> |
Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:49:29 +0000
Greg Barker, the Energy and Climate Change Minister visited the Rampton Drift retrofit project in Cambridgshire last Monday 31 October as the project has become a pilot for how the Green Deal will be rolled out next year. The project which has just been completed by PRP architects, with Wilmott Dixon as contractors, for South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) differs from other retrofit pilots because the project focuses on retrofitting privately owned homes.
SCDC appointed PRP to develop proposals for 13 ex-MOD houses built between the 1950's and 1970's on the estate. There are three typologies comprising detached, semi-detached and terraced dwellings. Each house has different requirements and the homeowners involved have influenced the final decisions applied. Homes will be monitored for a two year period by ACCE and Cambridge University to assist in establishing the most cost effective ways of improving existing housing and hopefully to promote behavioural change in homeowners' energy use.

PRP specified a variety of carbon reduction technologies (see summary below) including the first application of Energy Flo insulation by Jablite, which enables heat losses and gains to pre heat intake air before it enters the house.

Andrew Mellor, Environmental Partner at PRP comments: "This project was important as it highlighted a variety of issues which need to be addressed prior to the Green Deal being rolled out. Retrofitting privately owned homes is an intensive process as understandably owners want to take an active interest what is proposed. Each home cost more than anticipated through the Green Deal funding, however through improving the process of procurement and efficiencies I'm confident this can be brought down. The residents also highlighted to the Minster the importance of involving an architect to design and implement measures, so they have confidence in the process."

SUMMARY OF CARBON REDUCTION TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED:

- Removing existing loft insulation and replacing with 300mm new insulation
- Insulated loft storage boards
- Insulated loft hatch
- Cavity wall insulation fill, including removal of existing poorly installed insulation
- New high efficiency combi boiler and full heating system including controls and radiators or.
- Flue gas heat recovery
- Blocking up of redundant air vents
- Replacing existing extract fans with low energy fans
- Form draught lobbies by enclosing existing bin/external stores
- Window and external door overhaul
- PIV ventilation system
- Solar hot water system
- Sun pipesSealing and insulating redundant chimneys
- Monitoring equipment
- Dynamic wall insulation
- Web based real time display

The Rampton Drift Estate in Longstanton, Cambridgeshire, will become an island of retrofitted existing development within a larger project called Northstowe, an example of the Government's Eco-towns Prospectus which is planned on the former RAF Oakington barracks and airfield, five miles north-west of Cambridge. The aim of the project is to identify the costs, effects and benefits of a range of low-carbon, sustainable technologies by refurbishing existing homes on the estate. It is an opportunity for the construction industry and local residents to learn from the process.

For ITV coverage of the Minister’s tour of Rampton Drift please visit: www.itv.com

Photo caption: Minister discussing the pilot with key stakeholders at Rampton Drift. From left to right: Andy Batey, Resident at Rampton Drift, Andrew Mellor, Environmental Partner at PRP, Councillor Ray Manning – Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council and Minister Greg Barker.

News]]> |
Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:03:00 +0000

Click here to view ITV news coverage of Greg Barker visiting PRP’s Green Deal pilot retrofit project for South Cambs council on Monday 31 October 2011.

News]]> |
Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:15:00 +0100

A short film on Trees, PRP’s Extra Care scheme in Highgate, which has been compiled by the Housing Design Awards team:

News]]> |
Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:56:13 +0100

Following its international launch by the Zero Carbon Hub in South Africa in September 2011, the latest edition of the Zero Carbon Compendium has now gone live on its own dedicated website, designed by PRP Graphics: www.lowcarbonhomesworldwide.com . It is excellent for a quick understanding of global facts and comparisons on CO2 usage or for a more detailed review of who is doing what in specific countries.

News]]> |
Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:54:41 +0100
Work has now commenced on the £1.9 million extension of the Beatrix Potter school, which has been designed by PRP Architects for the London Borough of Wandsworth. The new Junior wing will comprise six new classrooms and features a new resource centre and ICT suite and programmed for occupation by early 2012.
Beatrix Potter Primary School is located on Metropolitan Open Land in a Conservation Area. Wandsworth Borough Council's 'Strategy for Change' identified the expansion of Beatrix Potter School from 1.5 Forms of Entry to 2 Forms of Entry, which required the provision of six new classrooms and support spaces.

Central to the design was to create outdoor playspace and respond to the existing school building which is locally listed. The design strategy required an innovative approach and extensive consultation. New built form needed to responds to the visual impact issues and storey height and the form and siting embraces a sculpture court providing outdoor teaching space. The front of the building comprises a large indoor space for drama and art, featuring double height glazing and utilizing strong colours.

Viru Vadgama, Associate Director at PRP comments: "The design concept was based around a traditional single storey form, respecting the existing architecture, and integrating the very contemporary articulated first floor. The traditional materials and aluminium panelling provides contrast and creates vibrancy. We placed the school children at the heart of our design by creating a stimulating learning environment, with all the classrooms bathed in natural light and naturally ventilated. The building will achieve BREEAM Very Good rating."

For further details on Beatrix Potter school visit: www.beatrixpotterschool.com.

Research]]> |
Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:51:00 +0100

Following its international launch by the NHBC and Zero Carbon Hub in South Africa in September, the 2011 edition of the Zero Carbon Compendium has now gone live on its own dedicated website: lowcarbonhomesworldwide.com. The site provides the first ever interactive, web based global snapshot of individual countries' progress towards achieving lower energy emissions and zero carbon targets in housing. This compendium aims to create a better understanding of the issues surrounding the delivery of zero carbon housing, improve the quality of the debate, and set out a basis for better international comparisons.

The report compares the progress and aspirations of 20 major countries in improving the sustainability and carbon efficiency of their new homes, including energy consumption and climatic data, as well as analysis of national policy targets and achievements. It shows that the rate and nature of reform in each territory varies hugely, and through successive updates will track overall progress on low carbon housing over time.

To view the first edition, published in 2009 please click here.

If you'd like any further information please contact Katie White, Head of Communications on +44 (0)20 8339 3600

News]]> |
Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:49:00 +0100
Last Tuesday 6 September, PRP received full planning approval from Lambeth Borough Council for a new landmark community facility and park in Myatt's Field North, which will be one of the largest new parks in London outside the Olympics. The site is owned by Lambeth Borough Council and is being developed as part of a PFI consortium with Regenter and Higgins Construction.
PRP has also undertaken the masterplan for the entire Myatt's Field North regeneration project and has got approval for 808 homes, of which detailed approval has been obtained for 485 homes. The new community centre will feature a cafe, crèche, function hall, community rooms, music / youth room, IT suite, and management office for the entire estate. The building will provide a multi functional community hub and is the result of extensive consultation with the local community.

Ground breaking design

Richard Harvey, Associate Director at PRP comments: "The community centre is designed to slip under the new park and achieve a BREEAM very good rating. The concept was to design the building under the park to maximise amenity space. The orientation of the building maximises solar gain and passive surveillance with double height glazing on the South and east elevations, while the north side provides thermal mass and public amenity as it is encased in a fully accessible sloping grass roof."

Dowload the Press Release below:

News]]> |
Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:48:49 +0100
Planning permission was granted by Leicester City Council last Tuesday, 30 August, for an assisted living scheme containing 31 assisted living flats, designed by PRP for Pilgrim Homes.
The new complex will share the site of Pilgrim Homes' existing care home in Evington, although it will be an entirely separate entity. The name, 'Pilgrim Gardens' has been inspired by its existing garden and by neighbouring Evington Park, with its 44 acres of parkland.

Fourteen, 50 year-old bungalows on the site were demolished to make way for the new scheme and Pilgrim Gardens has been positioned so as to create a formal central garden for occupants, surrounded by an open cloister corridor for covered access.

Key Design Principles

The flats meet all the criteria of the Housing our Aging Population Panel of Innovation (HAPPI) report* and have the following features:

Flats are very large with lots of flexibility in the layoutAll units have wide balconies, with closing glass screens to create winter gardens for use throughout the yearFull wheelchair accessibility throughoutNo enclosed corridorsAll flats are dual aspect and allow cross ventilationAll allow views of the central formal garden

Oriental Garden

Careful attention has been given to the landscaping, which focuses around a large mature Lime tree surrounded by a formal lawn at its centre. The garden design has an oriental theme incorporating a sequence of distinctive garden spaces including a shaded moss garden, water terrace and acer grove. The formal garden will also have a distinctive narrow reflective pool. The scheme includes a kitchen garden area to encourage residents to actively work the garden themselves.

Clare Cameron, Associate Director at PRP comments: "We are thrilled to obtain planning permission for this scheme, as it is a wonderful opportunity to provide the local community with a state of the art building. The design tries to remain domestic in scale and uses traditional materials in a contemporary way. We really focussed on creating spacious, flexible homes for residents, while all communal areas are easy to navigate and maximise natural light."

Pilgrim Homes has been encouraged in the development of Pilgrim Gardens by the success of its extra housing scheme of 58 flats in Mirfield, Yorkshire. Also designed by PRP architects, Royd Court in Mirfield opened in December 2006.

Pilgrims' Friend Society Chief Executive, Andrew Jessop, said: "The Mirfield project has been an outstanding success. It has become the kind of Christian neighbourhood that is attractive for older people who enjoy living with like-minded neighbours, and having their own homes in a secure, well designed complex. People have come from all over the country to make their homes there.

"Now we are looking forward to the completion of Pilgrim Gardens, and being able to extend the same kind of benefits to older Christians."

Dowload the Press Release below:

News]]> |
Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:48:37 +0100
PRP host a lively panel discussion with industry professionals. A debate on ‘Greening our Cities’ in association with Open City’s ‘Green Sky Thinking’.
For full details of this event please download the invite below:

News]]> |
Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:07:00 +0100

PRP was awarded three Housing Design Awards last Thursday, 14 July at Portcullis House in the Houses of Parliament. Twelve awards were given altogether and PRP achieved the highest number of any one practice. PRP did exceptionally well in the HAPPI category, sweeping the board and winning first place in both the Completed and Project award categories.

Portobello Square, Kensington

Winner Project Award

Architect: PRP
Developer: Catalyst Housing Group
Planning Authority: The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Portobello Square is the first phase of the historic Wornington Green development in RBK&C. The scheme will preserve the rich architectural history of the area and reinstate historic links between Portobello Road and Ladbroke Grove, with the new London square forming a focal point for this new urban quarter.

Trees Extra Care Housing, Highgate

Winner Completed HAPPI Award

Architect: PRP
Developer: Hill Homes & One Housing Group
Planning Authority: London Borough of Haringey
Employer's Agent: PRP Project Services

Trees, is a scheme that is ahead of its time embracing many of the recommendations of the Housing an Aging Population Panel of Innovation (HAPPI) report, despite being conceived prior to its publication. Trees was a clear winner on the night with no other schemes shortlisted for the HAPPI Completed award. The judges described Trees as "setting the benchmark for all housing for older people in the UK." Trees is an example of PRP's ability to manage the delivery of high quality design from inception to completion.

David Birkbeck, the chief executive of Design for Homes and one of the judges said: 'I've visited about 400 of these developments, and this is the best one.'

St Bedes Extra Care Housing, Bedford

Winner HAPPI Project Award

Architect: PRP
Developer: Orbit Homes
Planning Authority: Bedford Borough Council

The design approach at St Bedes has been praised for how sensitively it knits the extra care housing scheme into the diverse context of the conservation area in Bedford. Generous space standards and private amenity combine with vibrant communal spaces and a variety of beautiful gardens to create an exemplary housing scheme for older people.

News]]> |
Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:56:00 +0100
As localism becomes a reality, over 100 leading property professionals, local authority representatives and government officials gathered last week in Cambridge, a renowned planning hot spot, to discuss how this new system will translate on the ground.
The event, sponsored by leading developer and contractor Hill and international architectural firm PRP, was chaired by South Cambridgeshire District Councillor Tim Wotherspoon and featured guest speakers Dr Michael Bingham, Deputy Head of the Development Management Division at the DCLG, Julian Goodban, Director of Planning of PRP, Jamie Hunter, Development Director of Hill, Darren Blake, Development Manager at Circle and Derek McKenzie, Head of Development Services at Fenland District Council.

Please click below to download the full press release: