design

New Instructions!

Two new instructions have been received for residential development in Uxbridge and Leatherhead. Working with our joint client from the successful re-development of the Former Sun and Harrow site in Ware these two opportunities present interesting and different challenges.

One site is home to a business selling RV’s and the other has potential for backlands development as well as PD on the existing office block. They are typical of the type of sites which require careful handling to ensure that value is enhanced whilst in their own, relatively small way helping to tackle the shortfall in affordable, accessible housing.

Work is underway on the projects with the intention being to submit planning applications as soon as possible.

The Rose & Crown, Aston

The formal application for the re-development of the Rose and Crown Public House has been made to the Local Authority. Full Planning and Listed Building Consent is sought for the re-modelling and re-use of the existing buildings – the barn and the pub, as well as the new residential development in the former garden.

The pub has been derelict and boarded-up since 2014 and our client has sought innovative and creative ways of bringing it back to life in a sustainable and viable way. There is a strong local pub market and so we have proposed a unique micro-brewery and pub focussing on craft ales and spirits as a unique ‘offer’.

Retained trees within the garden have helped to create a strong sense of place with a focus on a shared garden at the heart of the residential layout. The design of the houses has responded to the context and setting, reflecting the local architecture.

We have worked with JPS Landscape Architects on the design of the external spaces and with Keith Hornblower to develop these traditional visuals which we think capture the essence of the design well.

A consultation with the Parish Council was undertaken at the Annual General Meeting on the 27th April 2017. Our final designs and visuals were presented at this meeting, see presentation boards above.

Pub Crawl in Hertfordshire

Work is being completed on the Planning Applications for our two Pub projects in rural Hertfordshire.

Hand drawn sketches are proving to be the order of the day as we aim to portray the importance of context when considering the future of these important community facilities. Both projects involve work to Grade II Listed buildings which will seek to ensure that the viability and sustainability of the businesses are secured for the immediate future.

Mike has even had to get a new pencil sharpener as he ‘draws’ on some traditional techniques – not a cgi in sight!!

The residential content of the proposals will fulfil a real need for a variety of new housing stock within each village.

Both projects are due for submission in the next few weeks.

Competition Entry

Amongst a busy schedule we managed to fit in time to submit an entry to the RIBA Competition for a Co-living Project in Forest Gate, London.

The intention was to have some fun with the project, so when faced with the brief, which asked us to select one object which represented the concept of Co-living, in true Forge Design Studio we thought of our stomachs!!

Competition 1

A well known brand of sweets seemed to perfectly encapsulate the idea of community, individuality and connectivity. Unfortunately, the judges were obviously not ready for this and we didn’t get short-listed. Too bad. However, it was a really enjoyable exercise and gave us the excuse to buy several bags of Revels to have with our coffee in the studio.

Competition 2

Attached are 2 of the 4 sheets that we submitted. We thought you might like to see them!

Ocean Drive, Turks and Caicos

After a period of gestation, Forge Design Studio have started work in earnest on the design of 2 luxury villas on the islands of Turks and Caicos in the West indies. This fantastic opportunity has grown out of the relationship developed with one of our main current clients, who we have now worked with on several projects in the UK.

The site is near the main town of Providenciales and is on a south-facing slope over-looking the ocean. The attached photographs give a flavour of the uninterrupted views to the ironshore which forms the sea wall.

The creation of integrated inside / outside living space will be key to the success of the villas and the relationship to the main spaces to the external terraces and swimming pool is very important. A multi-level approach, stepping down the hillside with a suite of guest bedrooms at the lowest level, the ‘grand salon’ at upper ground and a luxury master bedroom suite on the top floor with its own private sun deck, are the initial ideas.

Consideration of climate with shade required from the sun and shelter from the prevailing trade winds being a strong design criteria. Liaison will take place with a local partnership contractor and engineers to develop the form of construction and inform the choice of suitable materials and detailing.

The design is being developed in our usual sequence of hand-drawn sketches and 3D modelling.

Looking forward to the site visits!

Royal West Indies, Turks and Caicos

Forge Design Studio have been commissioned to prepare a Vision Document for the Future Redevelopment of the Royal West Indies Resort site on the Turks and Caicos Islands. Fronting onto the world famous Grace Bay the existing site is renowned for its beautiful setting and landscape, however great potential exists to develop some residual areas of land.

We have worked closely with our Client to develop the initial concept to reorganise the entrance and arrival experience and to shift the centre of gravity of the site further away from the existing beach frontage. Ideas are now focussing on the site fronting the road to create a new, high profile impact building for visitors to the resort.

Photos attached show the benefits of a drone for achieving great quality aerial shots with the flexibility of fixing on specific heights to create realistic viewpoints.

The opportunity for a site visit is getting closer!!

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Former Thatched Cottage, Silver Hill

Design work is continuing on the plans for a new house at Silver Hill, Shenley.

In order to replace the burnt-out shell of the Grade II, Former Thatched Cottage, negotiation has been undertaken with the Local Authority and Historic England. The exceptional circumstances behind the case have been demonstrated and an ‘in principle’ agreement has been acknowledged with the Case Officers subject to agreement on the detailed design. Impact on the green belt and the adherence to planning policy are being addressed within the current phase of work.

Detailed surveys will be carried out on the what remains of the existing fabric to record its condition.

Design principles have been established and we are carrying out 3d massing studies as well as physical modelling to fully explore the impact on surrounding areas. The design of the replacement house has been the subject of much discussion with the client and his family

We are pushing towards a submission of the formal planning application in the very near future.

St Silas, Cheltenham YMCA

Work is well underway on the conversion of the former St Silas Church Centre to create 21no new units of accommodation for the young people of Cheltenham. Forge Design Studio have worked with the Contractor, Somerset Carpenters Ltd to develop the final design proposals. Experience has shown that the building fabric will need to be capable of withstanding some robust treatment. Operating within the constraints of the existing building we have created the most cost effective, long-lasting detailing possible within the budget.

Externally, the building is being given a new ‘overcoat’ with cladding to the upper section and render to the base, new windows and doors through-out will complete the work.

The building will provide move-on accommodation for the residents of the main at Vittoria Walk, Cheltenham who have progressed with the support and help of the YMCA. Funding for the project is being provided by the Borough Council, Homes and Community Agency and the YMCA.

The Contractor is making good progress and is on programme to complete in summer 2017.

Fast Start to 2017!

Forge Design Studio have completed our first feasibility study of 2017 in support of a competitive bid on a highly prestigious site in the South-East. Working closely with our client we visited the site in the first week of the New Year and drew up several potential development options. After some rapid financial assessments, one option emerged as a clear favourite in terms of viability and architectural response.

Located in a historic parkland setting the main building is a grade I listed building! Formerly used as a public building the structure is held in fond regard by the Local Community and will require a well-considered consultation and planning strategy to bring it forward as a deliverable development.

We undertook a detailed site analysis following a helpful meeting and walk-around the site with the Local Authority Conservation and Design Officer. This understanding directly informed our preferred option which considered all the constraints and influences on the site.

Our client has submitted their final bid, having made the project short list, and we are keeping our fingers crossed for a positive start to the New Year.

Forge Design Studio’s Year in Review!

Living Spaces

After a great deal of fund-raising effort on the part of the YMCA, work has started on site at the former St Silas Church Centre in Cheltenham. The scheme will provide 21 living spaces in a comprehensively re-modelled existing building. There will be a range of unit sizes from small studios to 1-bed apartments.

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Forge Design Studio are working with the appointed Main Contractor to develop detailed working drawings and schedules to support the construction (see examples below). The constraints of the existing building has created challenges which the team have worked together to overcome. Work is continuing at full pace on site and is due for completion in the summer.

Ground Floor Plan:

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First Floor Plan:

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We have also been involved in a series of local residential projects which range from the Cedardore project in Wellow – a complete new build dwelling, to Remenham House in Whiteparish – an interior design project, through to Cowesfield Lodge – a comprehensive
re-modelling and extension under permitted development, which is located within walking distance of the office!

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All of our projects are treated with the same level of professional service and respect. They are greatly valued, providing us with a varied and interesting series of opportunities.

We look forward to 2017 with eager anticipation.