historic

Forge Design Studio’s Year in Review!

Historic and Listed Buildings

Working with historic buildings forms an important part of our portfolio. Previously illustrated projects at The Former Waters Garage site and Portslade have both featured locally listed buildings within Conservation Areas, however we have also been working on a number of projects involving Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings.

The Thatched Cottage, Silver Hill is the redevelopment of a severely fire damaged cottage. Located in the countryside nr Shenley, Borehamwood our client has bought the site which includes the burnt-out shell of the cottage.

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We are bringing forward a strategy for re-development, this involves working closely with Historic England, the Planning Local Authority and our specialist Historic Building advisor. We are aiming to develop detailed design proposals and make a formal application in the New Year.

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We are actively working on two sites for redevelopment which include Public Houses, both of which are Grade II listed buildings. These projects involve re-use of the buildings and as such require a sympathetic approach to re-modelling and the downsizing of the hospitality areas. Long term sustainability and viability of the business are crucial and it is important that the proposals are matched to respect the building form and fabric.

Detailed studies have been undertaken to gain a full appreciation of the buildings and proposals. Both projects are with the Local Authority Planning Departments for consideration.

A303 CPD Tour!

We enjoyed a great staff day out of the office on Thursday. It was CPD, honest!

After much discussion in the office about an away day, our lovely Director Mike, set up a top secret tour of three mystery locations. The team were only told to be ready by 8:30 and to wear sensible shoes!

Rendezvousing bright and early, Claire, Loretta, Mike and Nick, set off from Salisbury just before 9.00am and headed to the new Denton Corker Marshall, Visitor Centre at Stonehenge. Arriving before the crowds it was good to see the building and overall masterplan coping with the hordes of tourists who began descending on the site. The trip out to the stones was enjoyed by all, and as we had 3 out of 4 first-timers, it led to a lot of interesting discussion and speculation.

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We all hoped that the plans for tunnelling part of the adjacent A303 will go ahead. (Click here to find out more)

From Stonehenge we headed west to Durslade Farm, home of Hauser and Wirth. For those that don’t know –

“Hauser & Wirth Somerset is a pioneering world-class gallery and multi-purpose arts centre, which acts as a destination for experiencing art, architecture and the remarkable Somerset landscape through new and innovative exhibitions of contemporary art. A landscaped garden, designed for the gallery by internationally renowned landscape architect Piet Oudolf, includes a 1.5 acre perennial meadow, which sits behind the gallery buildings”

The buildings, garden and exhibits were a revelation and were much admired by all. It also provides a really nice lunch!!

For the last stop of the day we came back to Salisbury and made our way along to Roche Court to admire the work of Stephen Marshall Architects at the NewArtCentre. The range of projects, attention to detail and accessibility are admirable. Great to see a long-lasting relationship between architect and client. The obvious trust and understanding between the parties was plain to see.

The Artist’s House was a firm favourite – if you haven’t visited you should try and get along to see it.

A great day out with a chance to see 3 world class projects within a 45 or so miles of the office. Nice.

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Our Director Mike, always full of bright ideas!

Please see the links for further information on all of the locations we visited yesterday!

Hauser and Wirth

Roche Court

Portslade Regeneration

The practice is currently finalising the planning application for a comprehensive masterplan for the whole site including new build residential, conversion of the existing buildings and a community arts café/studio complex.

Details proposals have been developed which relate well to the surroundings within the context of the Conservation Area. Discussions have taken place with a number of existing Art Groups in Brighton to explore the nature of the spaces being created within the existing workshop building. Start-up artisan businesses will be encouraged.

Working closely with the Local Authority, public consultation has taken place and was very well attended. We look forward to making the final submission and the project moving forward to create a new chapter in the life of the Old Brewery.