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Kalkwarf Architects Secures Planning for £60m Restoration of Grosvenor Gardens House

Planning permission has been granted for the £60 million conversion and restoration of Grade II Listed Grosvenor Gardens House located within the Grosvenor Gardens Conservation Area at the gateway to Belgravia, London.

Kalkwarf Architects designed the mixed use development for Medici Asset Management, and, with advisors PDP, led the process up to planning. With 84,900sq.ft of residential space and 12,400sq. ft of retail, the scheme will take up to three years to complete. The development will comprise 42 luxury apartments, with concierge, business meeting areas, a cinema room and 5,000sq.ft of wellness centre, spa and underground parking. Retail and restaurant space will be located at ground level, overlooking Lower Grosvenor Gardens, which will be carefully redeveloped for the local community to enjoy.

Kalkwarf Architects' proposed restoration and conversion of the upper floors from office into residential use is in line with Westminster's planning policy objective to increase the housing provision within the borough.

Leon Kalkwarf, owner and MD of KalkwarfArchitects explains 'Our client, MediciAsset Management, had the vision for the redevelopment of Grosvenor Gardens House to restore the significant historic fabric of this Grade II listed building to its former glory.' Leon continues 'The building currently comprises 70,000 sq ft of serviced office and commercial space, which we will transform into forty two luxury apartments'.

The building was constructed as the first example of serviced apartments in Britain with shops at street level. The style is mid Victorian French Renaissance; part of a formal development designed by Thomas Cundy III and encloses a triangular urban space and garden. The apartments underwent insensitive changes including the conversion into a hotel in 1920. Subsequently the hotel was converted into offices in 1938 and this use has brought with it further waves of alterations, all to the detriment of the building.

Ryder Architecture wins a brace of AJ100 Awards

Left: Peter Buchan receives AJ100 New Member of the Year award with Christine Murray, Editor of the Architects' Journal.

Ryder Architecture has won two categories in last night's prestigious AJ100 Awards.

At a glittering ceremony, the practice, which is one of the highest new entrants in the AJ100 this year, received the awards for New Member of the Year, and the Best Place to Work in the North East & Yorkshire.

Ryder Architecture managing partner, Mark Thompson, said "To win these awards is a great achievement and demonstrates continued improvement and progress despite challenging economic circumstances in recent years. It is fitting and very rewarding to get this recognition on our 60th anniversary."

The New Member of the Year Award is given to the practice which has entered the AJ100 for the first time, or after five years' absence, and is based on business success and quality of the practice's work.

Says Peter Buchan, Senior Partner: "These awards are very much a tribute to the hard work and enthusiasm that our staff bring to every project we design."

Glasgow exhibition launches Ryder Architecture's 60th birthday celebrations

Left: Gordon Murray. Lower left: Exhibition display.

Ryder Architecture launches its 60th birthday celebrations in Glasgow with a stunning exhibition which opens at The Briggait on 10th May 2013 until 24th May 2013. It then moves to the Building Centre for the London Architecture Festival in June.

"2013 is an important and exciting year for us in Scotland" explains Gordon Murray. "It remains difficult in economic terms with an uneven construction industry. Scotland is also on the verge of a new political landscape consequent upon the referendum in 2014. However, with increased investment in public buildings and infrastructure now beginning to come to fruition, there are new opportunities for the further development of Scotland's architecture. This has coincided with the consolidation of our practice in Scotland - with GMA joining with Ryder - and has confirmed the wisdom of our decision to get together. Our success in being appointed by Mountgrange and Prupim and on the Scotland's Schools for the Future Programme has given us some continuity in our workload through 2016."

Ryder's proactive approach in developing key partnerships and collaborations along with its emphasis on excellence in people, service and architecture has been particularly successful in Scotland.

The contractor is Morgan Sindall and construction is due to be completed in Spring 2014. Read more...

Ryder's £7million Innovation Centre starts on site at Liverpool Science Park

Ryder Architecture's four storey £7 million Innovation Centre 3 at Liverpool Science Park started on site on 18 March 2013.

The 3750sqm flexible office and commercial laboratory accommodation builds on the success of the two previous science park innovation centres and completes the Metropolitan Cathedral campus, terminating the vista from the urban parkland to the south and creating a focus for the science park community.

Chris Musson, chief executive of Liverpool Science Park, said: "The demand for this specialist accommodation in a supportive environment is high, and our campus provides a very attractive offer - high quality accommodation, business support, and links to the region's specialist experts at the universities - all in a city centre location. The additional flexible office and laboratory space will be a great asset to the city region and reinforce the message that Liverpool is a world-class destination for commercial knowledge enterprise."

Innovation Centre 3 (ic3), which merges with Innovation Centre 1 (ic1) at the upper two levels to maximise the efficiency of internal circulation, will provide adaptable office suites in a range of sizes and fully serviced laboratories with communal support facilities.

Ryder Architecture's simple and elegant design is based on two contrasting but complimentary elements – a sharp edged rectilinear block that cantilevers out to face the main paths through the campus and a flowing organic form that snakes across to form the link with ic1. The cantilever box will be solidly clad in dark grey linear rainscreen panels, whilst a contrasting mix of clear and translucent/frosted Reglit panels will clothe the curvature and fluidity of the organic form.

Gareth Callen of Ryder Architecture explains, "We designed ic3 to have an identity of its own whilst complimenting the existing ic1 building and being sensitive to the adjacent Grade 11* Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. This crisp new addition to the site also has to define the southern edge of the urban park between the Cathedral, JMU Design Academy and Innovation Centre 2."

The contractor is Morgan Sindall and construction is due to be completed in Spring 2014. Read more...

You'll end up in the workhouse – if you're lucky

The threat of the "the workhouse" has been a very real and terrifying one for many families over the last four hundred years, but as times change and the desire for renovation has grown, the old workhouse has reinvented itself – with help from imaginative architects.

Richard Morton, of RM Architects, looks at how the workhouse can be transformed from austere and forbidding structures to beautiful and practical homes for an aging population.

Although they are thought of as Victorian institutions, workhouses and their precursors originated in the sixteenth century, particularly when state-provided poor relief was crystallised in the 1601 Poor Relief Act. The institution finally came to an end in 1948 with the introduction of the National Health Service. Many former workhouse buildings were turned into public hospitals, many of which still survive today.

The Henley workhouse, on which RM Architects are currently working for Beechcroft Developments, is an early example dating from 1790 and, like many others, it was switched to hospital use in the 1940s. Like most workhouses it was prominently sited to act as a reminder and deterrent but was also, in its design, invested with a certain amount of civic pride which is evident in the harmoniously arcaded south courtyard. Gradually the building was extended to include separate dormitories for men and women, an infirmary, a school and even an isolation ward - the Pest House, in which Samuel Taylor Coleridge1 languished for a week in 1794. Read more...

Exciting new era for Newcastle Central Station

Ryder Architecture is working with East Coast Trains and Miller Construction on a multi-million pound transformation of the Grade I listed Newcastle Central Station, creating an impressive new gateway to the city and the wider North East region.

The £8.6 million project will provide a stunning new facility for thousands of passengers, and will enhance the historic original Victorian station design. The new-look station will provide a welcoming first impression for visitors to the city, and will be a key part of wider regeneration in the surrounding area of Newcastle city centre.

One of only six Grade I stations in the UK, Newcastle's centrepiece will be the pedestrianisation and glazing of the station's front portico, to create a dramatic new public and retail space.

Ian Kennedy, Partner at Ryder Architecture, said: "This is a unique opportunity to combine sensitive restoration with transformation, to make sure this fine station continues to meet the needs of its users with convenience and comfort. A celebration of the romance and excitement of travel!"

East Coast manages Newcastle Central station and the project is in partnership with Network Rail, the rail infrastructure provider which owns the station building. Read more...

Kalkwarf Architects Redesigns & Redefines Victoria

Kalkwarf Architects unveils a series of flagship projects in Victoria which have transformed the commercial property market in the area.

Mark Fisher of agents Tuckerman said 'The accommodation created by Kalkwarf Architects was of such a high standard, that it competed with, and beat, similar buildings in Mayfair. The rental level achieved was the highest for Victoria at that time. Tenants relocated out of the West End core to benefit from the highest quality space at lower overall costs. "

Led by Leon Kalkwarf and specialsing in luxury, high end residential & commercial development, Kalkwarf Architects boasts unparalleled knowledge of Victoria and is leading the charge to make the area a "destination venue" and not simply "somewhere to pass through." The area around Victoria station was designated an 'Opportunity Area' in the Mayor's London Plan and City of Westminster's Local Development Framework Adopted Core Strategy of January 2011.

Leon Kalkwarf explains; "At 46-48 Grosvenor Gardens, we've transformed an otherwise unloved, almost derelict, Grade II listed building. The site now boasts a 23,000sq.ft, state of the art, office complex together with 3 luxury, residential apartments . Our client, Medici Asset Management recognised the opportunity and it's been a priviledge to work with them on this splendid development."

Justin Bottaro of Medici Asset Management "I have known Leon for roughly ten years now and as a developer I have to say the most valuable element of our relationship has to be his ability to interpret and bring to life my idea's and objectives for a development rather than being overbearing with his ideas instead. There is always a place for professional advice and support however the ability to truly hear what your client is saying and trying to achieve is often a gift in creative circles." Read more...

Visitor numbers soar 15% at Surface Design Show

Exhibitors at Surface Design Show (5 -7 February 2013) were delighted as thousands of architects and interior designers flowed into the only UK event to focus exclusively on innovative and exciting interior and exterior surface solutions.

Explains Show Director, Christopher Newton, "There has been a real buzz on every day of the Show. At 4119, visitor numbers were up by close to 15% on last year, and it's the highest number of visitors we've seen since Montgomery Exhibitions took over the show."

Surface Design Show hosted a series of presentations, debates and CPD Seminars across the three days of the show filling the two purpose built theatres.

More than 750 professional visitors attended the Preview Evening many joining in the FX Live Debate entitled Material People.

Architects and designers presenting 20 of their favourite slides, each one for no more than 20 seconds, was the highlight of the second day's PechaKucha Evening.

The first ever Surface Design Awards, hosted by Annabelle Filer of SCIN with a keynote address by Eric Parry of Eric Parry Architects, were presented in front of a packed audience. The Velvet Underground Nightclub in Singapore won the Supreme Award, beating an international field of surface projects.

The roles and purchasing power of the visitors was also a key consideration and feedback from the exhibitors indicates that the majority of people enquiring at the stands had real projects for which they were looking for innovative surface designs.

Summing up the show, Christopher said, "The responses we have been receiving are incredibly positive and our exhibitors were genuinely delighted with the results they achieved. We couldn't have asked for a better match of exciting and unusual surface designs with architects and interior designers looking for materials for real-world projects. We are looking forward to building even more on this success for Surface Design Show 2014."

And the winners are...

L-R: Surface Design Awards presenter Eric Parry, Supreme Award Winner for the Velvet Underground Nightclub - Phillips Connor, Regional Creative Director of DB&B (Singapore) and Award sponsor Mandy Leeming, Design & Development Manager of Interface

The first ever Surface Design Award winners were presented with their striking recycled glass trophies at a vibrant ceremony today, the last day of Surface Design Show. The Awards recognised outstanding examples of progressive design and innovative surfaces in projects both in the UK and internationally.

Hosted by Annabelle Filer from SCIN, the ceremony got off to a flying start with a stirring keynote address by Eric Parry, world renowned architect, Royal Academician and Principal at Eric Parry Architects. Nine winners were announced with two other projects receiving highly commended accolades. The Supreme Award (the best of the best!), sponsored by Interface, went to the Velvet Underground Nightclub in Singapore designed by Phillips Connor.

The winners are: In the Commercial category, sponsored by Burlington Stone, 50 Great Sutton Street by Archer Architects won the Exterior Surface award. Stripping back the post war structure to its bare grain, the architects gave the building impact and drama by using long horizontal bands of ribbon windows and an expanded metal mesh on the façade that shifts from translucent to opaque depending on the viewpoint.

Winner of the Commercial Interior Surface award, Phillips Connor's Velvet Underground Nightclub in Singapore also went on to win the Supreme Award. A layered, detailed, interwoven scheme of contemporary and contrasting surface designs was applied in the refurbishment of the style-setting nightclub. Particularly striking were the 300 elbow fins which lined the "boomerang" corridor, connecting the "Dance" and "Lounge" aspects of the club.

The Housing category was sponsored by Trend GB and the Interior Surface award went to Mill House by Matthew Chamberlain and Oliver Wood. Within the Grade II listed 16th century Mill, the contemporary interior is crafted in a simple and traditional palette of materials including Portland stone, American Black Walnut planks and oak framed joinery, balanced with precisely engineered frameless glazing, stainless steel and exquisite bespoke cabinetry.

The Housing Exterior Surface was scooped by Hudson Architect's Feering Bury Farm Barn, a Grade II listed timber framed aisled barn. The architects used a never before applied technique - covering polycarbonate rooflights in a perforated steel mesh – to allow light into the interior whilst making the roof look like one solid structure from ground level.

The Temporary Structure category, sponsored by de magazine, attracted a particularly innovative and unusual range of entries. The KREOD Pavilion by Chun Qing Li was finally chosen as the winner. Resembling three seeds, the three pods combine through a series of interlocking hexagons to create an enclosed structure that is not only magnificently-intricate but secure and weatherproof. It functions beautifully both as an architectural landmark and an imaginative exhibition space.

The Korean Film Archive, London, by JAIA Architects won the Public Building Interior Surface award with its stunning use of light, sound and colour to create a visually individual but flexible space. An LED lit polycarbonate wall and 12 sliding panels represent digital information whilst other walls are equipped with LFD panels and film desks with 27" LED screens. Dimmable LED lighting can change the brightness of the overall space, creating different atmospheres for different events. The Public Building category was sponsored by James Latham.

The winner of the Public Building Exterior Surface category was Southend Pier Culture Centre. The design "Sculpted by Wind and Wave" was created by Scandinavian practice White arkitekter in partnership with UK based architects Sprunt and structural engineers Price & Myers. The 376sqm cultural centre sits dramatically on the Grade II listed pier, the longest in the world. The centre uses a range of materials, including GRP translucent cladding, to create a dynamic new building which responds to the fragile pier structure and harsh marine conditions, whilst presenting a radical deviation from the traditional Victorian architecture of the town.

Sponsored by Porcelanosa, the Retail category's Interior Surface award went to Stratford City by Simon Cochrane. The main ceiling bulkhead to the 400m long mall in Stratford was created to unify the space and accentuate the geometry of the curve. By specifying tubeline, with its pre-fabrication and modular qualities, the design also successfully delivered the complex M&E performance criteria required.

In the Retail Exterior Surface category, the winner was Princes Square in Glasgow by Timorous Beasties. Taking inspiration from the faded grandeur of many of the city's Victorian buildings, the design reflects foliage that emerges from neglected historical buildings. The trailing leaves design was produced locally in powder coated aluminium and moulded on site by Glasgow sculptor, Kenny MacKay.

Christopher Newton, Director of Surface Design Show said, "We were very excited by the range and quality of the projects entered for these inaugural awards. The judges had a very hard time in picking those projects that had that something extra in style or innovation or inspiration that edged them onto the winners' podium."

Highly commended projects were Paul McAneary Architects' Tortoise Enclosure (Housing Exterior Surface) and Techno Naturology: The Velcro Chain by Elaine Ng Yan Ling (Temporary Structure).

The exclusive trophies, engraved with Surface Design Awards logo, were made from recycled bottle glass by Bottle Alley Glass.

The Surface Design Awards were launched to mark the 10th anniversary of Surface Design Show, the only show in the UK focused solely on materials for surface design.

The "What" of "What We Do" is about Simplicity, Usefulness, Elegance

Ryder Architecture Book Launch marks 60 years in practice

(Top) Gordon Murray and Hugh Pearman. (Middle) Ryder Architecture's Ian Kennedy, centre, talks to guests (Bottom) Ryder's Senior Partner Peter Buchan, centre, converses with guests.

As part of a series of events marking 60 years in business, Ryder Architecture launched a retrospective of the practice at a buoyant drinks party at RIBA Portland Place at the end of last week. Joined by friends and colleagues Peter Buchan, Senior Partner, reflected on past, present and future ambitions.

"To maintain consistency of output over 60 years of practice is a tough call. We have never tried to change; we have simply tried to improve the quality of our surroundings and in doing so, the quality of people's lives."

"The launch of this beautiful book is the first element in a whole year of events to mark our 60th birthday. We began the year on a positive note with a very productive meeting of the Ryder-led campaign to reform built environment education in the UK. Our other plans include a series of exhibitions – in Glasgow, Newcastle, London and Liverpool – combined with practice led research papers, seminars and debates."

Written by Rutter Carroll and beautifully illustrated with a host of stunning photographs, sharp technical drawing and evocative rough sketches, the book reviews the evolution and ethos of the Ryder practice. From its beginnings with Gordon Ryder and Peter Yates in one office in Newcastle to the present day multi-award-winning global presence, the monograph explores Ryder's design belief in usefulness, simplicity and elegance through studying its projects - past, present and future.

Hugh Pearman, architecture and design critic says in his Foreword: "With Ryder, there is an overall expression of design clarity. Their buildings show the thinking and the working. There is a tightness and intelligence to a Ryder building, an expression of what goes on inside and out. It may be coincidence or it may be deliberate, but I do find echoes particularly of Lubetkin – from whose north eastern studio in Peterlee Ryder and Yates first sprang – in some of their recent buildings. The work in this book is encouragingly diverse but always disciplined, well controlled. This, very evidently, is a practice with principles."

Keith Wilson, RIBA Publishing, said: "We're delighted to share this major milestone with Ryder Architecture and help produce something which really does document their unique style, character and ethos.

"The book draws on the rich contribution that the company has made, not only to record what its architecture achieves but also the ways it achieves it. In doing so it signposts the company's next 60 years – its founding principles, deep understanding of how to exceed expectations, value of teamwork communication and information handling, and of shaping the future not just reacting to it."

Future Thinking showcases innovative materials at Surface Design Show

Where in London can you find light reflecting concrete, carbon super-composites, bio-degradable shoes and a stool made by gravity, all under one roof? Only at Surface Design Show's Future Thinking display of emerging materials.

Curated by Dr Sascha Peters from Haute Innovation, an innovation consultant and materials specialist from Germany, Future Thinking highlights the truly cutting edge products and technologies that will make a project stand out from the norm.

Bling Crete^TM light reflecting concrete is a new genre of material which combines the positive characteristics of concrete (fire safety, solidity) with those of retroreflection. Retroreflecting surfaces send incoming rays of light (sunlight or artificial light) back precisely in the direction of the source of light, creating stunning and immersive environments.

The theme of advanced materials is continued with Future Carbon. Using carbon super-composites Future Carbon can create new, high-performance materials with specific mechanical, electrical or thermal characteristics, each tailored to the specific needs of customers. Whilst Hollomet's metal foam light system is part of a range of cellular materials that achieve not only a drastic reduction of mass and material, but can be created with specific characteristics: noise absorption, thermal insulation, energy absorption, mechanical insulation, etc.

Style is combined with practicality in Makrolon Ambient's polycarbonate panels. Filled with aerogel, the sheets offer excellent thermal insulation, combined with high light transmission and optimum light diffusion. Three to four times lighter than glass with translucent ribs that enhance the aesthetic appeal, the panels allow high solar gains in passive houses with no blinding effects from sunlight.

Proving that the natural world can offer awesome and unexpected materials, Organoid Technology uses a variety of organic fibres, including sugar cane and nettles, to create biodegradable composites which can quickly and easily be made into double bended elements, like trade-fair stands or store constructions, nonbearing fronts or self-supporting free-form roofing.

BarkTex Tururi is showing the biodegradable shoe. Cultivated from the Mutuba tree, BARK CLOTH® is 100% plant fibre, an authentic organic "living" cloth at the interface between textile and wood. Used for many purposes, including wall coverings, as console trim in cars, or as an expressive highlight on the most fashionable catwalks, each cloth is unique.

Jólan van der Wiel's award-winning gravity stool shows how innovation in the process and tooling can create unique and inspirational products. By combining iron filings, resin and the power of magnetism, Jólan manipulates material to create a unique and highly memorable form and aesthetic.

The show's director, Christopher Newton, said, "Future Thinking highlights the innovative thinking that goes into the development and selection of materials and technology that influence so many aspects of the work of architects and designers."

Surface Design Show takes place 5-7 February 2013 at the Business Design Centre and is the only UK event to focus exclusively on innovative and exciting interior and exterior surface solutions. To discover more about hundreds of the very latest materials on display, the extensive and thought provoking programme of talks & debates and to register online to secure your free place, please visit www.surfacedesignshow.com.

Green is Good at Surface Design Show

Photo: Solus Ceramics Flexstone spiral staircase

Wind turbines. Ground source heat pumps. Solar panels. Sustainability is often seen as large scale. But at Surface Design Show, exhibitors are proving how surfacing products can play a valuable part in the bigger green picture.

From hand made recycled products to green credentials for a world leading manufacturer, responsible environmental management to a reduced transport footprint, surfacing products highlight how sustainability can be incorporated into the most practical and innovative of design solutions.

Bottle Alley Glass buys rejected and unwanted glass bottles and recycles them into new glass products such as worktops, splash-backs, lighting panels and countertops. The products use 100% recycled material with no added resin or bonding agents and can be recycled again after use.

The world's largest suppliers of rubber floor coverings to the commercial market, Nora Flooring Systems will be displaying the only non-PVC safety flooring on the market and showcasing unsurpassed environmental credentials.

Burlington Stone craft a diverse range of signature British natural stone products that exude the ultimate in opulent quality and permanence. Using a natural stone source in the Lake District and skilled British craftsmen, Burlington is certified to ISO14001, and aims to utilise 100% of the stone extracted from their quarries.

Flexstone from Solus Ceramics is not only a unique, flexible and bendy wall tile that can be applied to flat and curved surfaces, but weighing in at about 2kg per m2, it's one of the lightest options available to transport.

The show's director, Christopher Newton, said, "More than ever before, sustainability has gone beyond just window dressing – it's part of the whole lifecycle of a product. Surface Design Show provides architects, interior designers and specifiers with the opportunity to see, touch and source practical, leading-edge environmentally-friendly products."

Surface Design Show takes place 5-7 February 2013 at the Building Design Centre and is the only UK event to focus exclusively on innovative and exciting interior and exterior surface solutions. To discover more about these green surfaces, the hundreds of the very latest materials on display, the extensive and thought provoking programme of talks & debates and to register online to secure your free place, please visit www.surfacedesignshow.com.

Surface Design Awards - Finalists Announced

Photo: Public Building Category, Exterior Surface Finalist: Southend Pier Culture Centre by White Arkitekter & Sprunt

The Surface Design Awards recognise examples of progressive design and the use of innovative surfaces in projects both in the UK and internationally. The Awards mirror the goals of the show by shining a spotlight upon the wealth of creativity and innovation in the industry.

The Awards, organised by Montgomery Exhibitions, were launched this year to mark the 10th anniversary of Surface Design Show, the only event in the UK focused exclusively on interior and exterior surface solutions.

The show's director, Christopher Newton, said, "We were delighted with the response we received to the Awards. The first Surface Design Awards are truly international and reflect the creativity and innovation in our industry." Judge Scott Lawrie, Director, All Design said

"The array of submissions was staggering in its depth of interesting surfaces and applications. "

The finalists were chosen by an impressive judging panel comprising; Scott Lawrie, Director at All Design, Heinz Richardson, Director at Jestico + Whiles, Sam Stacey, Head of Innovation at Skanska and David Steeples of Philip Watts Design. The panel was co-chaired by Vanessa Brady, President of the Society of British Interior Design and Felix Mara, Technical Editor of the Architect's Journal.

The Judges were looking for innovation and design quality and after spending a day deliberating on the wide range of projects entered for the Awards. Co-chair Vanessa Brady, President, SBID said "The inaugural Surface Design Show Awards have set an impressive benchmark and will, I hope, stimulate ever more creativity, boundary-pushing, WOW-generating surface design."

"Some great examples of creativity in the use of materials, light and surface; we saw strong submissions in many categories in terms of quality, style, and originality" - Sam Stacey, Head of Innovation, Skanska.

New Practice Launch – Richard Morton Architects

Richard Morton, a partner at Sidell Gibson Architects for the last 12 years, has launched Richard Morton Architects Ltd to develop an established portfolio of work including residential and smaller commercial projects, historic buildings and, most particularly, housing for older people. Richard is perhaps best known for his many award winning schemes for English Courtyard

"Despite its many current problems the residential sector offers some terrific opportunities and the huge growth in the retired population has to be one of the strongest potential markets over the next ten years. It is also a market with some singular challenges and I like to think that my 25 years of specialist work will help place RM Architects at the forefront of this sector." - Richard Morton

"Richard has built an enviable portfolio of award winning work in this sector, particularly for English Courtyard Association and we wish him every success." - Ron Sidell

Richard will continue to work with an initial team of 8 alongside Sidell Gibson Architects in their Holford Mews studio, reflecting a close cooperation between the two firms.

Paul Altham-Lewis Joins Ryder Architecture

Paul Altham-Lewis has joined Ryder as Architectural Director. Based at the practice's London office Paul's remit is to consolidate and grow its London & South East business.

Paul brings a wealth of experience and a stellar portfolio. Completed projects include Strata SE1, The Hungerford footbridges, the Ben Pimlott building at Goldsmiths, Minories student residential and the GLiH hotel in Waterloo.

Peter Buchan, Ryder Chief Executive, says: "Paul joins Ryder on the eve of our 60th anniversary and at very exciting time in our development. We are embarking on new projects nationwide with further significant projects in the longer pipeline and an interesting mix of new talent coming through the practice and joining with strategic interests and expertise. Throughout the recession we have maintained our vision for achieving excellence in our people, service and architecture. Being able to attract someone of Paul's talent and ambition is testament to our self belief that we are heading in the right direction."

Paul explains: "I was attracted to Ryder as there are exciting new opportunities to pursue in London within the context of an established practice with experience across many industry sectors. The partners are open minded and keen to explore new possibilities and also willing to allocate time to nurture new relationships. Ryder are also at the forefront of BIM technology having implemented BIM almost a decade ago, something which all architects will need to embrace going forward. In addition, the quality of design and the willingness to keep striving to improve design standards was a major factor in my move to Ryder."

Grampian's £9.2 Million Integrated Policing Facility Breaks Ground

Designed by GMA|Ryder Architecture through the public and private partnership hub North Scotland, the new Grampian Police facility at Kittybrewster, 2 km north of Aberdeen city centre will comprise a state of the art 60 cell custody facility, a local policing team, criminal justice office, a virtual court facility and an identity parade suite.

The existing custody unit at Queen Street, Aberdeen is outdated in layout and with only 31 cells, is too small to provide the required levels of custody accommodation on one site which has led to overspill being sent to various satellite custody facilities, causing strain on custodial staffing levels. The Custody Project Board has identified a 60 cell facility as the optimum model for dealing with existing and projected custody loads.

The site of the proposed development is a strip of derelict, brownfield land which was formerly a depot for Scottish Water. The local community has previously expressed a desire for an increased police presence in the area to deal with prevailing social issues, which the local policing team will provide.

The design process has included extensive pre application discussion with Aberdeen City Council Planning Department to establish the key factors in developing a successful design response to the site. The project team has also worked with a wide range of stakeholders, have made presentations to the Aberdeen City and Shire Design Review Panel and held a number of public consultation events.

Ryder Wins Planning Permission For
Two Avon And Somerset Police Stations

Ryder Architecture has secured planning permission for two new buildings for Avon and Somerset Police. Gloucester Road is a modern, flexible police station and Express Park will provide a regional operations base.

As part of the Blue Light Partnership, a consortium with Miller Construction, Bilfinger Berger Project Investments, Cofely and Havestock Associates, Ryder has designed the adaptable and efficient facilities to meet the needs of a 21st century police service.

The building at Gloucester Road will be the police station for the Filton/Patchway area of north Bristol, containing a 48 cell custody unit including prosecution and investigation accommodation, with external parking and operational, storage and support facilities.

Express Park will comprise a 36 cell custody unit including prosecution and investigation accommodation, administration & support facilities and specialist operational support facilities.

Ryder Architecture's design of the custody suites enables a degree of flexibility in relation to operational management and facilities management. Each wing of the suite is capable of being isolated and shut down at times of low usage without impacting on the areas still being used.

Internally, the open environment promotes efficient and effective working whilst being able to cope with a variety of operational needs, including shift patterns and changes, and providing economy of staffing in areas such as reception and in the custody units.

Gloucester Road & Express Park form part of a broader strategic project to provide new build accommodation on four sites: Gloucester Road, Express Park, Ashmead Road in Keynsham, and Black Rock, Portishead.

Works commenced in September 2012 and will be handed over in March 2014.

3DReid's new terminal at Gibraltar Airport

3DReid's new terminal at Gibraltar Airport features in Airports of the World magazine (reproduced with permission of Airports of the World magazine)

Overwhelming Response to Surface Design Awards 2013

An overwhelming number of entries have been received for the inaugural Surface Design Awards 2013.

Launched to mark the 10th anniversary of the Surface Design Show, the new awards will recognise creative, progressive surface design and the use of innovative surfaces in both UK and international projects. Entries to date include a cross-section of large and small companies, including architects, contractors and interior designers involved with private and public sector projects. Reflecting the international appeal of the Surface Design Show, 15% of awards entries are from companies outside of the UK.

The show's director, Christopher Newton, said, " In addition to entries from all four UK countries, we have also received entries from Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland and Italy making the first Surface Design Awards truly international."

There are ten awards spanning six categories for both interior and exterior surfaces: Retail, sponsored by Porcelanosa; Commercial, sponsored by Burlington Stone; Housing, sponsored by Trend; Public Building, sponsored by James Latham; Temporary Structure and the Supreme Award sponsored by Interface.

The shortlist and overall winners will be chosen by a panel of architects and designers co-chaired by Felix Mara, Editor of the AJ Specification and Vanessa Brady, President of the Society of British Interior Design. The awards ceremony will take place on 7 February 2013 at the Business Design Centre in London, the last day of the Surface Design Show.

Bottle Alley Glass to create Surface Design Awards 2013

The trophies for the inaugural Surface Design Awards have been exclusively created by Bottle Alley Glass, a company which takes unwanted and discarded glass bottles and turns them into a unique range of beautiful recycled glass products including worktops, tiles, splash backs and tables.

The trophies are made from recycled bottle glass that is fused into new glass sheets. The Award will be cut and polished in-house at Bottle Alley Glass before the Surface Design logo is engraved on the front.

Philippa Ashbee, Owner of Bottle Alley Glass says "We are very excited to be creating the trophies for the Surface Design Awards from our recycled glass which is not only made from recycled bottles, but which can also then be recycled again, closing the recycling-reusing-reducing circle. Our recycled glass has many surface design uses and therefore works very well with the Surface Design Show and we can't wait to exhibit there next year."

The Surface Design Awards are being launched to mark the 10th anniversary of Surface Design Show, the only show in the UK focused solely on materials for surface design. The Awards will recognise examples of progressive design and the use of innovative surfaces in projects both in the UK and internationally.

Christopher Newton, Director of Surface Design Show said "We wanted to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show by giving something back to the industry. These new awards will be given to the architects, designers, contractors and clients who have created something special, and commissioning Bottle Alley Glass to design and create these bespoke trophies reflects the wealth of creativity and innovation within the industry."

The ten Awards span six categories and the shortlist and overall winners will be chosen by a panel of architects and designers co-chaired by Felix Mara, Editor of the AJ Specification and Vanessa Brady, President of the Society of British Interior Design.

The Awards will be presented at Business Design Centre, London on Thursday 7 February 2013, the last day of Surface Design Show.

3DReid Appointed To Develop Masterplan For New São Paulo Airport

3DReid has been appointed to masterplan the new, international business airport - Novo Aeroporto Executive - for the City of São Roque, in São Paulo, Brazil.

The private airport will comprise two runways, one to the north for international flights and the other to the south for domestic operations. In addition there will be a phased provision of apron accommodation, an international VIP terminal and integrated ATC tower, an international VIP terminal, domestic fixed base operator (FBO), fire and rescue facilities, data centre and other ancillary buildings.

The scheme will sit on 7 million square metres of land reclaimed from a former paper mill on a hillside in the city of São Roque, 38 miles from São Paulo. The project will involve moving approximately 16 million cubic metres of earth to form the runway and apron plates. This is due to the challenging topography where the range between the lowest valley and highest peak is around 160m.

3DReid Director of Transport, Peter Farmer said: "This project presents a fantastic opportunity to develop a truly world class business aviation facility. This airport will serve one of the world's fastest growing economies."

Novo Aeroporto Executive is a partnership between CFly Aviation, Brazil's foremost executive aviation FBO and JHSF, a leading Brazilian developer, and is the first of its kind in Brazil. CFly/JHSF anticipates having the first phase of the airport operational in time to accommodate the 500+ aircraft expected for the Football World Cup being held in Brazil in June 2014.

Surface Design Awards Call for Entry 2013

Surface Design Show, the only show in the UK focused solely on materials for surface design, is marking its 10th anniversary by launching its first ever awards scheme.

The Surface Design Awards will mirror the goals of the show by shining a spotlight on the wealth of creativity and innovation within the industry.

The Awards will recognise examples of progressive design and the use of innovative surfaces in projects both in the UK and internationally.

Christopher Newton, Director of Surface Design Show said "I am delighted to present our first Awards programme. We wanted to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show by giving something back to the industry. These new awards will be given to the architects, designers, contractors and clients who have created something special".

The ten Awards span six categories: Retail sponsored by Porcelanosa, Commercial sponsored by Burlington Stone, Housing sponsored by Trend, Public Building sponsored by James Latham, Temporary Structure and the Supreme Award sponsored by Interface.

If you are an architect, contractor, interior designer or client, who has completed a project using exterior or interior surface materials in a new, innovative or creative way we want to hear from you. For free entry please go to www.surfacedesignshow.com.

Entry deadline is Friday 21 September 2012 at 5.00pm (GMT).

The awards will be presented at Business Design Centre, London on Thursday 7 February 2013, the last day of Surface Design Show.

Ryder Architecture: Epod – The Solution To The School Buildings Crisis

Britcab, supported by Ryder Architecture and CCI PM, launches Epod, the modular school building system – a flexible solution to the current pupil place 'basic need' crisis.

Why? With the increasing numbers of young children entering the education system and insufficient government funds available to build the required number of schools to meet demand, Epod presents an innovative and intelligent solution to the crisis. England will need an extra 450,000 primary places by 2015, while London alone will need 80,000 places, most in primaries (source TES 30/3/12). Epod offers the timely provision of a large amount of educational building stock over a short period, enabling schools to deliver what they need quickly and efficiently. The units are also particularly appropriate for heritage and urban constrained sites.

With the capital cost for a 1FE primary school below EEC procurement levels, the Epod system enables local authorities to directly procure an affordable, flexible and cost-effective solution. It can also be purchased via the National Framework and/or the Forward Commitment Procurement platform where capital thresholds apply.

The Epod system comprises 3 product types to suit all school needs – Express, Eco and Engage. A proportion of recycled material is used in the off-site construction process. This reduces both carbon footprint and costs for both individual classrooms or an entire new primary or secondary school. The Epod range is fully compliant with building regs, flexible in relation to local planning policy and has a low energy rating.

Britcab is a well established and respected company involved in the supply of value for money and sustainable modular buildings, including a strong track record in schools. Ryder, the multi award-winning architectural practice, has a significant portfolio within the education sector and is highly respected for its part in research and development within the construction industry. CCI PM provides consultancy and project management to the construction sector, including a number of recent initiatives in the education sector. CCI PM's aim is to augment client capabilities by offering sound advice and practical assistance to project delivery.

Peter Buchan, CEO of Ryder says 'We are facing a potential crisis in the provision of school places in parts of the country. It requires action. This is why we are keen to support the Epod initiative to provide decent school environments that are affordable, flexible and quick to get into use.'

One New Change Honoured With 14^th Major Award

Last night, the acclaimed Jean Nouvel/Sidell Gibson collaboration, One New Change, won the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects' annual New City Architecture Award. This is the fourteenth major award claimed by the landmark building.

The Award is given to the building which is judged by the Assessors to have made the most distinguished contribution to the streetscape of the City of London.

Ron Sidell from Sidell Gibson Architects, the delivery architects on One New Change, collected the award on behalf of Jean Nouvel.

"This is a fantastic and unexpected tribute to Jean Nouvel who can't be with us tonight and is a major compliment to this collaboration and best practice model. We are especially pleased to win this award, as we see it as recognition for a magnificent building from our fellow architects - a hard crowd to please."

Replacing the former 1960s Bank of England complex and facing St Paul's Cathedral, One New Change provides 25,000 square metres of retail space on three storeys, principally focussed on a vibrant and rich mix of fashion and food, with 35,000 square metres of office space for 3,000 workers over four storeys. As a new landmark building, it represents one of the largest consolidated retail spaces across central London, embracing the commercial potential of the city and making a significant contribution to the public realm.

The award was presented last night [14^th March], during the prestigious Annual Livery Banquet at Haberdashers' Hall, London.

Surface Design Awards announced for 2013

The surfaces sector is to have its own annual awards scheme, Surface Design Awards, recognising excellence in surface design.

Announced today at this year's Surface Design Show the Surface Design Awards will highlight examples of exceptional design and use of innovative surfaces in projects and buildings both in the UK and abroad.

"There are so many examples of creative and inspirational surface design that go unrecognised." said Christopher Newton, Director of Surface Design Show "We wanted to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show by giving something back to the industry. These new awards will be given to the architects, designers, contractors and clients who have created something special."

The award ceremony will be held alongside next year's Surface Design Show which will take place in London's Business Design Centre from 5-7 February 2013.

The full list of award categories and criteria for entry will be announced Spring 2012 and sponsors will be invited to lend their support for the event.

Surface Design Show 'Future Thinking'
Showcases Top 10 Groundbreaking Products

The Future Thinking feature at Surface Design Show 2012 has chosen its top 10 most innovative and exciting new products to showcase during the exhibition on 7–9 February at the Business Design Centre, London.

The Future Thinking products, curated by Annabelle Filer of SCIN, all epitomise the depth of material innovation and creative ideas currently being developed by designers, architects and manufacturers.

3Form presents Ditto, winner of the Surface category in the recent FX Awards, a revolutionary new 3D modular product that plays with structure, form and light to create 3D partitions, wall feature or an art piece, all in a box.

Alexandra Devaux's OZ Wall of light combines natural, crafted, wool felt and a translucent synthetic resin to create a unique, supple material that allows light to pass through and develop new sensorial surface aspects.

Taking inspiration from the natural occurring complexity of biological structures, BREAD's (The Bureau of Research Engineering Art & Design Limited) Sarat Babu and Richard Beckett will explore materiality through surfaces, producing gradiented surfaces which respond to touch in diverse and unexpected ways.

Alicia Tam's 'Invisible' project explores the modern notion of privacy, applying the 'invisible' pattern algorithm to various surfaces, objects and environments, and pushing the boundaries between what our eyes see and what our minds perceive.

Foldtex is a revolutionary new lightweight foldable board, which challenges us to rethink how we design. Traditional fittings, corner connections and surface finishing techniques simply become inapplicable and superfluous.

Graphic Relief produces beautiful textured architectural concrete surfaces whose wide range of designs, textures and graphic effects are suitable for facades, cladding, tiles and artwork, for both interior and exterior use.

Patrycja Domanska in co-operation with Tanja Lightfoot presents "edgy", a three-dimensional tile whose asymmetrical concave and convex surfaces fold into a single plane, creating the effect of visually pulling the user towards itself.

Pavegen's innovative people-powered floor tiling harvests the kinetic energy of footsteps and enables architects and interior designers to incorporate renewable energy flooring into any commercial urban project, indoors or out.

Sue Edwards Design creates conceptual, sometimes subversive, interior textile/surface designs, in the belief that interior surface design can be a canvas for expressing poignant issues. 'Coin Curtain' is a reaction to Britain's dire financial situation, with the process of corroding the coins using a mixture containing urine.

Sky Garden Pocket Green Wall panel is a lightweight modular geo-composite system whose unique growing medium allows designers to create exciting and sustainable vertical green spaces on a range of surfaces and structures.

3DReid brings Whole Foods Market to Scotland

The new Whole Foods Market in Giffnock, designed by 3DReid, opened to the public recently, bringing a new style of grocery shopping to Glasgow's Southside.

The 24,600sq ft store is the retailer's first store in Scotland and replaces the existing foodstore which had stood vacant since 2008.

3DReid's design incorporates a new extension to improve access from the building's existing roof-top car park and the entire front of the store has been overclad with timber and brickwork to unite the new extension with the renovated building whilst presenting a more aesthetically pleasing and practical local store for the main street.

Whole Foods Market's commitment to sustainability embraced the need for local, sustainable materials to be used wherever possible. 3DReid specified locally sourced, durable Scottish larch for the timber cladding, its pale golden colour complementing the surrounding sandstone. The larch was oil treated to prevent weathering and landscaping was designed to soften the elevations.

Integrating new concepts into an existing building proved challenging, but Whole Foods Market and 3DReid worked closely in developing the design with the main contractor RG Group to ensure that buildability, sustainable material selection and value for money were delivered within a limited timescale.

Simon Dobson, project architect, said, "The original building elevations used a huge variety of different materials so the challenge was to simplify the elevations to suit WFM requirements. We over clad the existing elevations with Scottish larch and used the leading edge of the canopy to tie in the extension, expressing it as a continuous folding element across the elevations and creating a more pleasing form."

3DReid & Muse Developments secure £200 million Basing View regeneration

3DReid's master plan for Muse Developments will link and combine the Basing View business park's five distinct parcels of land to Basingstoke town centre and will provide 55,000 square metres of commercial development including offices and other supporting facilities.

Built predominately in the 1970s and 80s as the town's premier office location, Basing View is now set to transform the area. The project has the potential to double the current number of jobs available at the business park to approximately 10,000 and will provide a critically important focus for real economic growth in Basingstoke and north Hampshire.

Mark Anders, Director at 3DReid said, "We are delighted to be working with Muse and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, playing an integral part in such a significant regeneration project."

The Muse/3DReid proposal won in the face of strenuous competition including John Laing Investments and MAKE Architects.

3DReid appoints Satellite MPR

Satellite MPR is delighted to have been appointed as public relations consultancy to 3DReid, number 7 in the AJ100 top UK architectural practices.

With seven UK studios, overseas offices in the Middle and Far East, and alliances in Australia, China, India, Russia and Europe, the practice operates nationally and internationally across nine sectors: airports; culture and community; education; health; hotels; industrial; offices; residential; retail and leisure; and urban regeneration.

Driven by a team of over 200 individuals, 3DReid takes pride in its strategy to think differently, its sharing of knowledge across disciplines and its collaborative approach to deliver robust, successful projects. The practice specialises in architecture and design, conservation, interiors, masterplanning, partnerships and sustainability, areas which Satellite MPR will now help to develop and showcase.

"The built environment is our business," explains Satellite MPR founder and account director Claire Lalaguna, "We've operated exclusively in this industry for 16 years and love it! We are absolutely delighted to be representing 3DReid – this is a strong and well respected brand with an impressive catalogue and an ambitious business plan. It will be a privilege to work with them."

3DReid's project list spans over 30 years and includes many innovative and dramatic designs such as Edinburgh Airport Traffic Control Tower, the RIBA award-winning Farnborough Airport and Stafford's £23m town centre regeneration. Projects currently on site and which Satellite MPR will be focusing on in the next few months include a new airport for Gibraltar; the National Indoor Sports Arena and Velodrome in Glasgow and The Co-operative Group Head Office in Manchester.

Graham Hickson-Smith, Divisional Director for Marketing and Business Development at 3DReid Architects said, "It has been a tough time for architect practices over the past few years, but we have continued to work hard and have some incredible projects in the pipeline, which will define us going forward and I am very excited at the prospect of working with Claire and her team at Satellite MPR to shout about our efforts."

Satellite MPR awarded contract for Surface Design Show

Satellite MPR is delighted to have been awarded the contract to co-ordinate the PR for the 2012 Surface Design Show which takes place 7-9 February 2012 at the Business Design Centre in London.

Launched in 2004, Surface Design Show is the only UK event focused solely on materials for surface design, enabling architects, interior designers and specifiers to source innovative and inspiring surface solutions. Last year the event welcomed 3,700 visitors, an increase of 43% over the previous year. Now in its 9th year, the event is highly regarded for its quality visitors and vibrant atmosphere.

The show attracts pioneering natural stone, wood, tiles, recyclable materials, metal, living materials, paints, illuminated surfaces and coatings that can be used as flooring, cladding, ceiling and wall coverings (both internal and external).

The show comprises an exhibition, interactive features, live demonstrations, seminars, talks and debates, all reflecting the theme Material Thinking – highlighting the thought processes that go into the development and selection of materials. Whilst the exhibition and features will focus on the latest innovations in surface design for architecture and design, the seminar programme, Fringe Thinking, including sessions hosted by RIBA CPD, RIBA Building Futures, BRE and SBID will feature informative, topical and invaluable insights, presentations and debates that look into the future of building design.

The event will be complemented by Network Thinking Evenings bringing the industry together to network, excite, stimulate and amuse. As well as a social media persona looking at everything to do with the built environment from a surface/materials viewpoint, a series of sponsored Surface Thinking vlogs discussing controversial topics within the built environment will be uploaded to the Surface Thinking YouTube channel.

Helen Omoh, Marketing Manager at Montgomery Exhibitions Ltd, organisers of Surface Design Show, said, "I am very excited to be working with Satellite MPR as I believe their in-depth industry knowledge and PR skill will help achieve more growth in the 2012 show."

Encouraging Shortlist Announced for Saltire Housing Design Awards

Following another year of encouraging submissions from across Scotland's modern housing stock, a diverse shortlist for the 2011 Saltire Society Housing Design Awards has been announced.

Nearly half of the shortlisted schemes are affordable housing or regeneration initiatives, a progression that allies with the Saltire Society's Housing Design Awards mission to encourage better quality housing and neighbourhoods for everyone in Scotland. International design practice Austin-Smith:Lord has been shortlisted for three different projects within the 'Large Scale Housing Development Award' category, alongside Trafalgar Court by DO-Architecture, Linwood Regeneration by Collective Architecture and Botany Phase 1 by Elder and Cannon Architects.

The Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, Alex Neil MSP, will present the gongs at the 74th annual ceremony taking place on 23rd November at the Point Hotel in Edinburgh. This year also sees the introduction of a new 'Innovation in Housing' Award, which will be chosen by the Scottish Government. The award has been created to encourage original thinking in housing design and delivery in Scotland and the shortlisted projects for this award are The Resonance Funding Model by Rettie & Co, ANABO by Andrew Stoane Architects and The Glasgow House by PRP Architects. Awards Chairman, architect Malcolm Fraser, will also select his favourite project from the shortlist to receive the Saltire Medal. Welcoming the 2011 shortlist, he said, "Given the difficult times we are in I'm encouraged to see that, alongside all the initiatives and good-practice partnerships we see ongoing, good, simple, people-focussed architecture adds real value to homes and communities."

AR+D Awards for Emerging Architecture Launch 2011 Programme

The AR+D Awards for Emerging Architecture have now launched for 2011 and the programme is open for entries.

Organised and promoted through The Architectural Review, the leading international architectural magazine, the awards are now in their 13th year and represent the world's most popular and prestigious awards for young, emerging architects. The awards are given for excellence across a very broad spectrum of design for built projects by architects under the age of 45. Previous categories have included buildings, interiors, urban design, street furniture, product design, landscape, bridges, temporary structures and theatre works.

This year also sees the return of d line as headline sponsor, together with Austin-Smith:Lord's involvement as a key sponsor for the third year running.

The 2010 awards saw a huge increase in the number of international entries and it is hoped to further extend the international reach of the awards this year. As a result of d line's involvement, not only will the winners be flown in for the awards event and the lectures in London, this year they will also be flown to the exhibition and lecture which d line is hosting in Copenhagen.

The closing date for entries is 2nd September 2011 and AR Editor, Catherine Slessor, will once again chair a distinguished international jury. "The awards give younger practices a valuable impetus on their trajectory to wider recognition," says Slessor. "Only built work is eligible for submission as our view has always been that architecture is not confined to paper or computer-generated theorising, but is a compact with society to build well and to build responsibly. Without doubt, conditions have changed for architects everywhere, and the going is tougher than it used to be, so the Awards have a crucial role to play in celebrating the importance of good architecture and bringing a new generation of talented individuals to public attention."

The awards ceremony will take place at the RIBA on 23rd November 2011, followed by the RIBA exhibition and lectures.

Shortlist announced for The Resourceful Architect 'Day of Ideas'

Following the Open Call for Ideas on the future uses of architecture issued by the Royal Society of Arts and The Architecture Foundation earlier this year, the RSA has announced a shortlist of seven ideas, which will be presented for interrogation and debate by an expert panel and before a public audience at The Resourceful Architect Day of Ideas on 18th May.

Sponsored by Austin-Smith:Lord and Land Securities The Resourceful Architect initiative aims to prompt and provide exposure to new ideas for the future use of architecture in the changing context of professional practice in this climate of financial constraint, emphatic localism and reflexive critique. Some 60 'resourceful' submissions were received from a wide cross-section of architectural professionals and students, from the UK, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, India and Greece, raising innovative ways for architects to connect social need with spatial opportunity, restructure conventional processes, increase the productiveness and resilience of communities and turn limitations of time, space and budget into creative advantage.

The shortlist includes:

The Redundant Architect Recreation Association (RARA), East London Design. Bureau. A flexible and affordable shared workspace for out-of-work architects to experiment and fabricate.
72-hour Urban Action, Alison Killing, Killing Architects, Amsterdam. A real-time architecture competition defined by an extreme deadline, tight budget and limited space to resolve local needs.
Space for Exchange: A Sustainable Return to Srebrenica, Vernes Causevic, London Metropolitan University. A programme to renew and rebrand war-torn Srebrenica into a sustainable regional centre for vocational education.
School of Architecture for All (SCHARCHA), Led by Maria Theodoru, Athens. A network of associates re-thinking the relation between architecture and economics by viewing the city as a pool of resources requiring administration.
Pavement for Las Lomas, Bara Safarova, London Metropolitan University. A DIY instruction manual for making and installing paving slabs for the deprived community of Colonias in Texas.
Mashup, Richard Brearley and Uli Kraeling, Sidell Gibson Architects, London. An electronic microsite connecting social and personal needs with derelict pockets of land and buildings in London.
The Architects Adhocracy, Mobile Studio and Yesomi Umolu, London. A competition investigating how much architectural and spatial agency can be achieved for a budget of £40 and within 40 minutes of ideation time.

View full press release

Merthyr Tydfil's Old Town Hall Receives Major Boost for New Arts and Creative Industries Centre

Plans for a major restoration project and new Arts and Creative Industries Centre at the Old Town Hall in Merthyr Tydfil have been given a boost with the announcement of a funding package worth £6 million, £4 million agreed by The Welsh Assembly Government and a First Round Pass of £2 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund. These will be major contributions to the £8 million funding package proposed for the refurbishment project, which also includes a £100,000 contribution from Cadw and funding from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association, who owns the building, is working with Austin-Smith:Lord and Cardiff's Chapter Arts Centre to develop plans to restore the 112 year old building as a vibrant arts and creative industries centre for the community as well as a social focal point for the town. The refurbished building, with over 2,500 square metres of floor space, will include cinema, dance and performance space, offices, rehearsal spaces, studios and work spaces for visual arts and media and will accommodate events such as music concerts, theatre and dance performances and exhibitions.

Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration Jocelyn Davies, AM said, "This is great news for the people of Merthyr and an excellent example of how regeneration is about so much more than bricks and mortar. The refurbishment project will provide job and training opportunities as well as improving the appearance of the town, and the Arts Centre will provide the space for the community to come together to experience something new, to learn new skills or meet new friends. It's also an excellent example of organisations working together for the good of the community and I wish Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association and Chapter the very best of luck with their joint venture."

Coun Jeff Edwards, Leader of the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, said, "The restoration of the iconic Old Town Hall building is a watershed in the regeneration of the town centre. We are delighted that the Council has been able to help win this essential funding."

Martin Roe, Partner at Austin-Smith:Lord commented, "We are delighted to be part of the team for this important project which follows on from some of our previous regeneration work in the town such as the Lower High Street revitalisation and public realm enhancements to the River Taff Corridor, together with the Orbit Centre. This is an excellent opportunity to breathe new life into the building through exciting new community-based use, ensuring important heritage is not lost whilst also improving the long term sustainability and energy efficiency of the Old Town Hall. The creative adaptation and reuse of existing buildings is a particular area of our expertise and a crucial response to the current economic climate."

Emerging Architecture Awards Exhibition Tour Launches in Glasgow

The international tour of the AR Emerging Architecture Awards commences today with a two-week exhibition by Austin-Smith:Lord at The Lighthouse, Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture.

The Emerging Architecture Awards programme was initiated twelve years ago by the international publication, The Architectural Review. The awards programme is now the most popular and prestigious awards programme in the world for young architects under the age of 45.

The awards were presented at the RIBA event in November 2010, followed by an exhibition and series of RIBA lectures through to February 2011. Now, at The Lighthouse all the winning projects and practices will be on display, providing a fantastic opportunity to see at first hand the winning work of Architects Atelier Ryo Abe from Tokyo, Carmody Groarke from London and Neri & Hu Design & Research Office from Shanghai, as well as all the highly commended entries from all over the world.

Ian Elder, Lighthouse Manager, said, "As Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture we are delighted to have the opportunity to exhibit the work of these emerging talents."

The exhibition will be on display at The Lighthouse, 11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow G1 3NU from Thursday, 24th March to Saturday, 9th April 2011.

Opening Times:

Monday to Saturday (excluding Tuesday): 10.30am to 5.00pm
Tuesday: 11.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday: Closed

Architects Austin-Smith:Lord secured for Hereford Buttermarket revamp

The Cardiff studio of award-winning, international design practice Austin-Smith:Lord has won the RIBA Open Design Competition to regenerate the Grade II Listed Buttermarket in the historic cathedral city of Hereford.

From a starting line-up of 50 of the UK's top architectural practices, Austin-Smith:Lord's creative design proposals impressed the judging panel enough to ensure success. Martin Roe, Partner at the practice's Cardiff studio said, "We are delighted to have won this prestigious competition and are excited to develop the project further. It is a testimony to the skill and hard work of our team here in Cardiff. Austin-Smith:Lord has a long history of working with existing and historic buildings and of finding ways to breathe new life into them through innovative re-use and adaptation."

This win underpins the launch last week of the practice's new RENEW Group, led by partner Jennifer Dixon, as one of five key sector drivers of the practice. The RENEW initiative will make the breadth of Austin-Smith:Lord's experience available to a wide variety of client organisations as the industry moves into a period where considered renewal of building stock of all typologies becomes critical to development activity. Regeneration projects like the Buttermarket represent the future lifeblood of our UK towns and cities and are of crucial importance as we seek to preserve our environmental and economic assets.

The Buttermarket regeneration project holds many conceptual similarities to the redevelopment of Newport Indoor Market, another city centre grade II listed building, which Austin-Smith:Lord completed in 2004. Both schemes see the traditional Victorian market transformed into a modern space for shopping and events on the ground floor, with the upper floor given over to small businesses in the creative industries sector.

Cllr Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for economic development and community services, said, "The Buttermarket has enormous potential and we're delighted with the quality of vision and the range of ideas which have come forward. The winning entry has brought together many ideas, which some of the others suggested individually, and produced a wonderfully creative vision with innovative and thrilling use of the space available. This is an exciting time for the city centre and we hope the Buttermarket will be central to this. It has a key role to play in drawing in visitors and shoppers and will, I'm sure, provide the space to become a showcase for locally produced goods."

Hereford was holding regular open markets as far back as the 10th century and the city centre's prominent Buttermarket Hall was originally constructed in 1860 during a programme of redevelopment. In the early 1920s the building was devastated by fire and subsequently redeveloped in 1928. Since then, the market has remained in the same structural form, but its popularity has gradually declined. The aim of the regeneration project is to provide the city of Hereford with a revitalised, sustainable but contemporary Buttermarket that will enhance the shopping experience within the city for residents and visitors, showcase Herefordshire produce, boost commercial opportunities and also act as an important bridge between the two existing regeneration schemes initiated for the city centre. The project is expected to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.

RSA's 'Day of Ideas' Initiative Launches with The Resourceful Architect

Austin-Smith:Lord is proud to be sponsoring a new initiative by the RSA in collaboration with The Architecture Foundation. The RSA is developing a series of 'Day of Ideas' events and the first such event, to take place on Wednesday, 18th May is The Resourceful Architect, which aims to prompt and provide exposure to new ideas for the future use of architecture in the changing context of professional practice in this climate of financial constraint, emphatic localism and reflexive critique.

The RSA has now issued an open Call for Ideas for this event. The ideas can be entirely new and prompted by this call, or they may be already in development. They may also be completed but under-exposed; above all, they should be resourceful. Entry is open to architects, students of architecture or multidisciplinary teams. The closing date for entries, fees and work is 6pm on Friday, 8th April.

The shortlisted entries, established by a jury of experts convened by the RSA and The Architecture Foundation, will be mentored prior to the main event on 18th May, when the expanded ideas will be presented before an international panel of critics who will appraise the proposals live before an audience of potential collaborators, patrons and clients at a public 'Day of Ideas' in the RSA's historic Great Room auditorium. This public event will conclude with a keynote speech and debate on architectural education and the announcement of the winner(s), who will also receive a cash prize of £3,000 to be distributed at the jury's discretion.

The event is sponsored by Austin-Smith:Lord and Land Securities and will be promoted via various industry channels.

People's History Museum Celebrates Architectural Excellence with Civic Trust Award Win

At the prestigious Civic Trust Awards ceremony held at the People's History Museum in Manchester on 4 March, the Museum itself, designed by Austin-Smith:Lord, was honoured with an award for its architectural excellence and civic contribution.

In urban design terms the People's History Museum is outstanding. Its £12.5million re-design with a sensitive restoration and extensive refurbishment - a successful balance of new and old buildings, clearly links the building to its local setting whilst commanding a prominent landmark to the city. The Museum has become well utilised and a popular destination venue. Its transformation has opened up the museum to a whole new audience, providing flexibility for conferences and exhibitions, as well as an archive store, café and impressive textile restoration laboratory.

From 333 national and international entries, 57 projects were recognised by the Civic Trust and 27 Awards were presented to the best new build, conservation, restoration and public realm projects by Civic Trust Awards Patron, architect and TV presenter George Clarke.

Civic Trust Awards Managing Director, Malcolm Hankey said, "Increased financial pressures on all aspects of the industry have once again dominated the last 12 months, but the Civic Trust Awards continue to encourage design excellence and promote the concept of positive civic contribution. 333 projects were submitted for consideration, including some intriguing international entries, three of which were presented with an Award. I would like to congratulate all of this year's winners on their much deserved success."

Special Awards presented, demonstrating outstanding credentials in a specific area, included Norwich Cathedral Visitors Centre by Hopkins Architects; Stonebridge Hillside Hub in Brent by Edward Cullinan Architects; The West Centre in Glasgow by Anderson Bell Christie; The Briggait in Glasgow by Wasp Studios/Nicoll Russell Studios; McManus Galleries in Dundee; V&A Museum Medieval & Renaissance Galleries in London by MUMA and Tyne Cot Cemetery in Zonnebeke, Belgium by Govaert & Vanhoutte Architectenburo.

Speaking from the People's History Museum, Director, Katy Archer, said, "We are extremely pleased to have won a Civic Trust Award for the recent redevelopment of the People's History Museum. Having opened our new building exactly a year ago, the award is a fantastic birthday present for everyone involved in the project. The museum's extension, designed by Austin-Smith:Lord, has given the museum a new lease of life and made a big impact on our profile, our audience and the services we provide. We now have a landmark building in Manchester City Centre. The building brings the old and the new together with the preservation of the original Edwardian Engine Hall, the contemporary interior which is open and welcoming for our visitors and the unusual Corten steel exterior, which reflects our story and embraces our philosophy that 'there have always been ideas worth fighting for'."

The Civic Trust Awards, one of the longest standing award schemes in Europe, are presented to projects that make an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment. Award level schemes demonstrate excellence in architecture or design, sustainability, inclusive design and provide a positive social, cultural, environmental or economic benefit to the local community.

View press release (PDF)

French Lycee In Kentish Town Nears Completion

Designed by Sidell Gibson Architects for The French Education Property Trust, the new French school in London's Kentish Town, which is due to be completed in July 2011, reached a key milestone on Friday with its 'topping out' ceremony.

The project, which was subject to listed building consent and full planning permission, involves a major conversion and extension of a three-storey, Grade II listed Victorian London Board School building to provide modern infant, primary and secondary school facilities for 700 pupils of the local, French speaking community.

The design entails an imaginative and sensitive reuse of the existing building (a traditional Victorian school construction of architectural and historic interest, first designed in 1874 by E R Robson) to meet essential current legislation for schools, including disabled access, means of escape requirements, environmental standards and sustainability. New interventions include the expansion of the multi-use hall to accommodate dining for the whole school, self-contained entrance points and outside play areas for infant, primary and secondary pupils, glazed roof corridor link to single-storey playground changing room with toilet facilities and a new classroom block for secondary and infant pupils. The three school tiers will share a number of common facilities, such as the library, dining hall, etc.

A second phase, new build, three-storey teaching wing, due for completion in December 2011, will incorporate sustainably sourced timber cladding over a brick base, pitched roofs in black zinc panels and green roofs to single storey areas. Green roofs to the new classrooms will enhance rainwater retention, bio-diversity and heat and sound insulation. The building will be naturally ventilated with passive cooling utilising the internal thermal mass and is expected to achieve a BREEAM rating of Very Good. The whole existing building envelope is improved thermally, by introducing window double-glazing, roof insulation, insulation on the inner face of external brickwork and ground floor slab insulation. Long life low energy lighting is provided throughout, switched and dimmed to daylight sensors. High efficiency gas boilers supplying energy saving low surface temperature convector heaters provide the primary heat source with hot water under floor heating coils in larger open plan spaces.

Richard Brearley, project director for Sidell Gibson Architects commented, "The project is an exciting challenge to regenerate an unused Listed Victorian School integrated with imaginative contemporary architecture to serve the needs of the French community in London."

The project team comprises Sidell Gibson Architects, Fairhurst GGA structural consultants, Cundall M&E consultants and Beadmans project management and QS services.

£6m Restoration and Regeneration Project Commences at Carmarthenshire's Historic Llanelly House

Award-winning, international design practice, Austin-Smith:Lord has been appointed as executive architect to deliver this exciting restoration project for Carmarthenshire Heritage Regeneration Trust. Progressing the designs of concept conservation architect Craig Hamilton Architects Ltd, this full restoration, with some adaptation, will provide a major new sustainable community heritage centre with visitor experience, café/restaurant and provision for educational and community groups.

Llanelly House in Llanelli is a Grade I listed Georgian Town House, originally rebuilt around the 17th century mansion house in 1714 by Sir Thomas Stepney. It is undoubtedly one of the most important historic houses in the Llanelli region of its date and its restoration will be a great asset to the regeneration of Llanelli. As Project Director for the Carmarthenshire Heritage Regeneration Trust (CHRT), Craig Hatto, explains, "BBC Restoration finalist, Llanelly House is considered one of the finest Georgian houses in Wales. For us, it is the heartbeat of Llanelli. The house reflects the triumphs and tribulations of the town, embracing the industrial revolution and sparking prosperity in the area with the emergence of coal mining, pottery production and the manufacture of tinplate and steel, but also witnessed Llanelli's sustained economic decline during the 1970's. The house is a barometer of these times, which is reflected in its current dilapidated state. With the proposed £60m planned investment within Llanelli over the next few years, the house is to once again be restored to its former glory and will shine as a beacon to the town's, people, place and identity."

The primary funders of the project are Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadw, Welsh European Funding Office , Llanelli Town Council and Carmarthenshire County Council as secondary funders and partly financed by Finance Wales.

With the nation's current economic cut backs and reduced new building, conservation is a key sector for Austin-Smith:Lord. Project Architect and conservation expert, Sophie Teague, commented, "We are very excited to be involved in the conservation and restoration of not only one of the most delightful historic buildings in Llanelli, but given its Grade I listing, a building of significant national importance."

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Informal City Of Century XXI Comes To London

Following a resounding success at Aedes Gallery in Berlin, international design practice Austin-Smith:Lord is bringing the Informal City of Century XXI and Measure of Man/Measure of Architecture exhibitions to London.

Developed by Aedes Network Campus Berlin and the city of São Paulo, the Informal City of Century XXI portrays a vision for the future of the 'favelas' in São Paulo, Brazil. The city of São Paulo agglomerates more than 1,500 slums and it is an immense challenge to transform them into districts integrated within the territory, a reality common to almost all metropolises on all continents. The exhibition displays the results of various collaborations between Brazilians and international architects, incorporating alternative technologies for water, sewage, energy, erosion control and transport, as well as proposals for housing, infrastructure and parks.

Emerging Architects Celebrate at the RIBA

Last night's ceremony for the internationally acclaimed Architectural Review Emerging Architecture Awards, sponsored Austin-Smith:Lord, was a glorious celebration of the industry's top emerging architectural talent across the globe.

Judged by an international jury of some of the top names in architecture, including Nigel Coates (London); Florence Lipsky (France); Daniel Bonilla (Colombia); Gurjit Singh Matharoo (India); Austin-Smith:Lord's Jennifer Dixon and chaired by AR Editor Cathy Slessor, the programme attracted entries from around the world. Read more...

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Evening Standard: Shining Knight: rival for Harrods

A major redevelopment in Knightsbridge hopes to create an upmarket shopping area to match Harrods.

BBC: Turkey booms - but where are the Brits?

The severe slowdown affecting the construction industry in countries like Spain is still crippling growth on the continent, while the Istanbul skyline is dotted with cranes as it enjoys a construction boom.

The Telegraph: Outdoor space can showcase your creative side

Exterior design can turn a courtyard, terrace or roof garden into valuable living space

The Guardian: British Land puts European properties up for sale

The property developer British Land is looking to sell its £255m portfolio of retail properties in mainland Europe after the assets lost almost a fifth of their value on the back of the economic crisis in Spain and Portugal.

The Telegraph: Andrew Lloyd Webber reveals £4m restoration of Drury Lane's Theatre Royal

"Architecture is my first love" says Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber as he unveils a £4m restoration of The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

BBC: Bournemouth's Winter Gardens £150m revamp

Bournemouth's former Winter Gardens site could be turned into flats, an adventure playground and restaurants.

Hotel Designs: The Park Royal Unveils New Look Following £100,000 Investment

Following a £100,000 investment, The Park Royal Warrington, one of QHotels' award-winning collection of 21 four star hotels, has unveiled its newly refurbished Conference Café and refreshed spa and leisure facilities.

Kalkwarf Architects Secures Planning for £60m Restoration of Grosvenor Gardens House

Ryder Architecture wins a brace of AJ100 Awards

Glasgow exhibition launches Ryder Architecture's 60th birthday celebrations

Ryder's £7million Innovation Centre starts on site at Liverpool Science Park

You'll end up in the workhouse – if you're lucky

Exciting new era for Newcastle Central Station

Kalkwarf Architects Redesigns & Redefines Victoria

Visitor numbers soar 15% at Surface Design Show

And the winners are...

The "What" of "What We Do" is about Simplicity, Usefulness, Elegance

Ryder Architecture Book Launch marks 60 years in practice

Future Thinking showcases innovative materials at Surface Design Show

Green is Good at Surface Design Show

Surface Design Awards - Finalists Announced

New Practice Launch – Richard Morton Architects

Paul Altham-Lewis Joins Ryder Architecture

Grampian's £9.2 Million Integrated Policing Facility Breaks Ground

Ryder Wins Planning Permission ForTwo Avon And Somerset Police Stations

3DReid's new terminal at Gibraltar Airport

Overwhelming Response to Surface Design Awards 2013

Bottle Alley Glass to create Surface Design Awards 2013

3DReid Appointed To Develop Masterplan For New São Paulo Airport

Surface Design Awards Call for Entry 2013

Ryder Architecture: Epod – The Solution To The School Buildings Crisis

One New Change Honoured With 14th Major Award

Surface Design Awards announced for 2013

Surface Design Show 'Future Thinking'Showcases Top 10 Groundbreaking Products

3DReid brings Whole Foods Market to Scotland

3DReid & Muse Developments secure £200 million Basing View regeneration

3DReid appoints Satellite MPR

Satellite MPR awarded contract for Surface Design Show

Encouraging Shortlist Announced for Saltire Housing Design Awards

AR+D Awards for Emerging Architecture Launch 2011 Programme

Shortlist announced for The Resourceful Architect 'Day of Ideas'

Merthyr Tydfil's Old Town Hall Receives Major Boost for New Arts and Creative Industries Centre

Emerging Architecture Awards Exhibition Tour Launches in Glasgow

Architects Austin-Smith:Lord secured for Hereford Buttermarket revamp

RSA's 'Day of Ideas' Initiative Launches with The Resourceful Architect

People's History Museum Celebrates Architectural Excellence with Civic Trust Award Win

French Lycee In Kentish Town Nears Completion

£6m Restoration and Regeneration Project Commences at Carmarthenshire's Historic Llanelly House

Informal City Of Century XXI Comes To London

Emerging Architects Celebrate at the RIBA

Evening Standard: Shining Knight: rival for Harrods

BBC: Turkey booms - but where are the Brits?

The Telegraph: Outdoor space can showcase your creative side

The Guardian: British Land puts European properties up for sale

The Telegraph: Andrew Lloyd Webber reveals £4m restoration of Drury Lane's Theatre Royal

BBC: Bournemouth's Winter Gardens £150m revamp

Hotel Designs: The Park Royal Unveils New Look Following £100,000 Investment

Ryder Wins Planning Permission For
Two Avon And Somerset Police Stations

One New Change Honoured With 14^th Major Award

Surface Design Show 'Future Thinking'
Showcases Top 10 Groundbreaking Products