projects

Forge Design Studio’s Year in Review!

Regeneration Projects

Regeneration of previously developed urban sites remains at the heart of many of our projects. Work has continued on all stages of development across a number of schemes.

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Our first site in Hertford, the Former Waters Garage on North Road has commenced construction work. Whilst we have not remained active on the project, it was sold-on by our client, we are very interested to see the buildings emerge from the site. It has been a complex undertaking for the new owners but it appears the values and interest which is being created will make it a successful development.

Click here to find out more!

On the opposite side of the road!! …. we have carried out the working drawing programme for 60-68 St Andrew Street. We achieved planning permission in February and have worked with our client on the detailed development of the proposals – utilising our 3D BIM skills during the process. The archaeological investigation which was required as part of the planning conditions has been completed and a start on site is due early in the New Year.

Our largest single regeneration project, at the Former Brewery Site, Portslade is currently going through the planning process. The proposal includes a mixed-use of 50 residential units, in a mixture of new build and conversion, together with a Creative Arts complex providing start-up, low rental employment space. We are in detailed negotiation with the case Officers and are looking forward to a positive outcome early in February

Forge Design’s Open Studio Today!!

Preparations are in place for the Forge Design Studio Open Day. True to form we have made sure that visitors will be looked after … tea and cakes looking spectacular. It will be a great chance to show off our work … come and join us if you can!

Please see the ‘Contact Us’ for information on where to find us!

Even the puppy is ready to go!

Cowesfield Gate

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The interior of this project doesn’t look the same when viewed as an arty black and white shot!

Our nearest project, for neighbours Stephen and Amanda, has recently been completed. The extension to their home has added a unique, vaulted kitchen with exposed trusses and generous roof glazing to create a real wow factor. Doors from the original cottage on the site have been incorporated and the light and airy space has immediately proved itself popular with the whole family.

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Amanda’s sense of fun and use of colour has added an extra dimension to the space which has blended in really nicely with the original house. The outside courtyard, which forms a link, to the adjacent studio workshop is secured by a pair of hand crafted gates which have been recently installed.

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Amanda claims to be happy to spend all day in the new kitchen but we’re not sure she really means it!

Portslade Brewery, Brighton

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After extensive pre-application discussions with the Planners at Brighton and Hove City Council the application for the regeneration of the Former Brewery Site at Portslade has been submitted and registered with the Local Authority.

Mike attended the second public exhibition held on site on the 8^th June and the feedback received has been further reflected in the submitted proposals. Notwithstanding the regeneration of the whole site and securing a future use for the distinctive brewery buildings, one of the most exciting elements of the scheme is the potential partnership with Pheonix Arts Brighton.

It is proposed that the former workshop building and lower floors of the corner Tower fronting onto the High St are converted to form a series of affordable low-rent studio spaces, multi-purpose exhibition, teaching areas and café. The attached images show an example of the proposed spaces together with an extract sample of the submitted drawings.

The scheme includes 50 residential units with a comprehensive mix of sizes and configurations and approx. 7,000 sqft of creative employment space.

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66-68 St Andrews Street, Hertford

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Having been retained on the project by the new site owners, Leary Developments Ltd., work is underway on the working drawings for 66-68 St Andrew Street.

The surveyors have been on site to check the setting out and discussions are underway with the planners regarding some minor alterations to the permission. The client is planning a start on site in September this year.

We are developing the project as a BIM test case and are working closely with the Structural Engineers and Energy Consultants to develop a fully integrated 3d model of project. This can be tested and manipulated as the optimum construction methodology is developed.

Looking forward to seeing another project starting on site.

Forge Design’s ‘Open Studio’

We are looking forward to holding an ‘Open Studio’ event on Saturday 17th September.

Over the last three years we have been lucky enough to have worked on a great variety of projects including schemes for a number of our neighbours! The ‘Open Studio’ will be an opportunity for us to meet a wider cross-section of the local community, whilst inviting them into the office to see, and learn more about, what we do.

Further details will be released shortly. Watch local press for details

Please see our contact page for our address and other details.

Summer Garden Party

After a week of weather watch we welcomed a great number of our friends and colleagues to enjoy a glass of prosecco in the garden at The Forge on Friday 10th. We managed to dodge most of the showers however the new sail shades were called into action briefly and proved to be almost waterproof!

The effort that everyone made to attend was much appreciated and it was a great chance to catch-up with progress within the office. The conversion of The Forge was much admired by those that hadn’t previously visited the office – it is hard to believe that, not only have been in the new space for more than a year, but we are coming up to our third birthday.

Time passes quickly when you enjoying yourself!!

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Progress On Site…

Forge Design Studio has a number of projects currently under construction on site

Cedardore, West Wellow

Setting-out and the below ground sub-structure has been completed at Cedardore for Mayflower Homes. The concrete beam and block floor is in and the first lift of masonary is well underway. Progress should be good as the better weather arrives!!

Cowesfield Lodge

Site clearance and excavations have been dug and foundations poured at Cowesfield Lodge. The beam and block floor has been installed, and, as you can see, all the preparations have taken place ready for the mini-steel frame to arrive.

Steel has been required to suit the light, open and airy extension. Almost 50sqm of new space is being created, as well the re-organisation of the existing house. This has been achieved under permitted development.

Richard Stanton at RFS is the Main Contractor.

North Brook End Stud

The first phase of development is well underway at North Brook End Stud. The first floor staff apartment is being dry-lined, rooflights are in, the original exposed trusses have been cleaned. The contractors, Overton Builders, have got the first fix installations in place and are getting ready for the fit-out and all second fix joinery.

Redevelopment of Odyssey Health Club

Following lengthy negotiation with the Local Authority the application for the redevelopment of the Odyssey Health Club site has been resubmitted to the Planning Department. The overall design has retained its original quality whilst reducing the impact on the green belt through adjustments to the scale and massing of the proposals as well as the extent of the land take.

The apartments have been relocated to relate more closely to the existing Health Club buildings and a greater mix of units, including one and a half storey bungalows have been introduced in key locations.

The application is for 70 units together with the re-organisation of all the parking and approaches to the Health Club. The statutory consultation period is underway with a decision expected in Summer 2016.

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.