76 Hatherley Road wins Planning Approval

We are pleased to announce that our extension at 76 Hatherley Road has been granted planning permission by Winchester City Council. The scheme was commended by the City of Winchester Trust saying "This is a well designed contemporary scheme that makes an interesting change to the usual rear extension". The extension provides a contemporary living environment in a traditional dwelling, improving the dwelling’s relationship with the garden. Aesthetically and organisationally the extension is distinct from the original dwelling.

Happy Christmas

Brockholes Visitors Centre

The new visitor facility is designed to create a strong and recognisable brand for the new nature reserve. The visitor centre defines the ethos for the reserve as well as its physical heart. It is the point of departure for visitors wishing to explore the reserve as well as a key component in the way that experience is informed.

The core concept for the building is a dynamic interpretation of its main function as an interactive and contemporary portal into the environment. It is designed to give access to the reserves physical and philosophical values. The binocular is a powerful and easily recognisable symbol of this function. We have directly integrated this concept into the proposal, creating a powerful brand and dynamic visitor experience.

SOUTH-EAST COASTLINE 2200

Scientists predict that sea levels could rise as much as 5m by the year 2200. How will this affect the coastline of the South-East? The key urban areas at risk are Portsmouth, Bognor Regis, and to some extent Southampton. There is also a large amount of rural land and other smaller rural settlements. Is it therefore feasible to protect the coastline from the threat of flooding? This study proposes that this is the case, benefiting the area by an estimated £26 billion.

INSIDE THE BOX

The Urbanite Project called for creative solutions to the challenges of the 21st century office environment. Our response was to take on stress - the all too often defining trade mark of many office environments. Our solution is the BX. We created a place to wind down, clear your mind, stretch your legs, and think outside the box (from inside a box!) BX is a dynamic three dimensional team building puzzle. Flat pack planes combine to create disperate pieces of habitable furniture that combined create a continuous cube of secluded space - a continuous undulating and folded laberinth. Enter on one side, climb through - shout, sit, lie and listen before emerging ready to engage afresh in office life.

BX can be made at various scales, including a 750mm office module and a 450mm childrens version. The components are made from lightweight and robust cardboard honeycomb with a cork lining and velcro connections. Ultimately it is full scale interactive play. the inverse of stress.

Snug Shortlisted

Snug Projects has been shortlisted for the RIBA House Competition. We are into the last 5 and will be making a presentation to the jury panel on the 3rd September in Bradford.

New Staff

Snug Projects was joined by Mike Worthington this month. Mike has returned from completing his Part II at Cardiff and joins Snug as a full time member of the team.

New Forest Tree House Competition

Two of the final year students on the Civil Engineering with Architecture course, tutored by Snug Projects, were amongst the five finalists in the New Forest Tree House Competition. The competition was run by the Solent Centre for Architecture and Design.

HOUSE

Snug has entered two house designs for the RIBA HOUSE competition in Bradford. The strategy was to create an affordable two bedroom house that allowed a first time buyer to add value and sell on. The second was for the conversion of an existing victorian house into a 'home for life'. The designs pushed forward the terrace typology. Both proposals were described by an interview with the homeowner. We may be the only team entering the competition, as is was a particularly farcical example of an RIBA competition (see AJ 19.07.07, Letters, p20) so we may well win!

Lecturer of the Year

Snug Projects director Paul Bulkeley has been entered for the S.E.T Awards, Lecturer of the Year, for work undertaken with final year Civil Engineering with Architecture student, Criag Irvine. The work related to the design for a zero carbon out of town office building. The project involved a fully integrated solution to carbon neutrality. The Project demonstrates a viable, financially feasible, energy efficient, out-of-town office design. The design was proven to be carbon neutral, defined as a building where total carbon consumption is reduced and any remaining emissions are offset by renewable energy sources which produce carbon-free energy on site. An original graphical analysis tool, developed by the team, was used to compare the design to a generic design. The analysis produces what has been termed as the Greenprint of the building. A visual representation that uniquely emphasises a buildings increased positive impact.

GREEN REGISTER

We are pleased to announce our registration with the Green Register as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable design and construction. We seek to actively facilitate clients who share this concern.

KILOMETRE TOWER

The Kilometer Tower was just that, 1km high. The design was our entry to the international 06 Skyscraper competion. The project was developed in conjunction with students at the University of Southampton. What makes the building unique is its inverted structural solution. Five 'Gerkin' size pods are suspended in tension from the ETFE clad exo-skeleton. This creates intrinsic and integrated structural, environmental and spatial benefits. It is also a unique approach to skyscraper design - as far as we know!

BRICK India 07

This month we have been leading a team of eleven students from the University of Southampton on a three week charity project to India. The project involves the construction of a leprosy village in the South Indian town of Dharmapuri. We are now in the process of masterplaning the next village and preparing a design for the new community centre. It has been a privilege to work with the students and alongside our Indian colleagues. More information on the project can be found at www.brick-soton.co.uk

OUTSIDE THE BOX

Thinking outside the box is important to how we do architecture. This blog is a record of this process.