Social Housing – Brighton
We worked with our client to develop the original planning drawings from Lomax Design to generate a set of tender drawings. As well as a specification that the QS could send out to tender for pricing. We worked closely with Lomax to ensure their design intent was kept and with Southdown to ensure their needs for quality and durable products were met. We were embedded in the design team, coordinating the design between the structural and M&E engineers. The building was modelled and detailed in Revit to ensure a coordinated package for the contractors and to minimise site risks. An NBS was created to ensure that the basis of the design was clear and no key elements were missed. Unfortunately due to market changes the project was not built out.
St. James’ Square – London
We worked with the contractor to deliver the thermal, airtightness and leadwork design packages on this project in St James Square, London. It involved the retention of the listed façade and complete demolition and redevelopment of the internal structure to provide new commercial and office space. As part of their construction works, we were employed to develop the overarching architects’ work as part of the Contractors Design Portion for the Thermal envelope. It included detailing of the walls to provide an insulated and air tight box to meet building regulations. This work included coordination with the existing historic fabric, meeting the needs of the structure (which had already been inserted into the building prior to our appointment) and ensuring that the fire stopping was feasible within the spaces allocated. Within this work, we also undertook interstitial condensation and U-Value calculations to ensure the building performance was met as part of the final SBEM calculations. Coordination of the thermal and airtightness and detailing with fire, structure, retained façade and the original architects design intent around the doors and windows, floors and ceilings was complex. Although it was a worthwhile and rewarding challenge which enabled the architects’ vision and the building’s history to both be intact. More Information
Listed Hostel Refurbishment
This property is a grade II listed building in the East Cliff Conservation Area. It is part of a uniform terrace of regency revival style buildings, fronting Marine Parade. The building dates from 1845-1850 and was originally built as terraced houses. When we worked on it, it was a hostel and in need of refurbishment. We carried out research to develop our heritage statement which revealed that many alterations have happened since its construction. The most significant was the conversion into a hotel in 1877 (ref.99.2195). Part of the work was to schedule out the 103 windows and note the condition as to propose repair or replacement. Historic photographs show that the glazing arrangement now is the same as it was in 1984 when the property was known as the Royal Promenade Hotel. However; some of the original windows were far earlier so it was important for us to debate the correct period and style of what was currently installed and what was a suitable replacement where required. Planning was gained and the project was put out for tender with the clients.
Secret Projects
We have worked with a number of stakeholders on one project, which we can’t tell you about. Any names and places have been removed. But we can say what we have done, which was provide Architectural and M&E services for the client, their stakeholders and the contractor. This has included fact finding for the original systems, getting technical surveys done to create new O&M documentation, developing new systems for the site and improving the infrastructure. We also checked the contractor’s designs and coordinated new systems for the clients’ new event space. We worked closely with the client’s team to coordinate the old systems and provide new AV, security, lighting , heating and power supplies to various buildings within the site. We worked alongside the client’s Architect to provide M&E services in a number of the new buildings. And we have worked as Architectural Consultants on other schemes within the site. Our team worked with the clients’ stakeholders to provide oversight on all the projects taking the Lead Designer Role, ensuring the new buildings on site were coordinated between the various parties involved. Our team undertook survey work on one of the existing listed properties to look at the functionality and put forward a new lighting control system. This was then retro fitted within the building in a very tight timescale whilst the occupier was away. We have continued to work with this client to provide various Architecture and M&E projects from 2019 and into 2022. If you want to know what we can do for you or your clients let us know. We have worked with a number of HNW and UHNW clients over the years and can offer various services that can provide discretion and security. With the goal of getting the job done, no matter the task or request (within reason!) These are some of the things we have had over the years: Client flying in by helicopter later today for 15mins? Can you make a meeting? Yes that’s the real art! But that was in the Tate modem last week? Oh, you lent it to them….. Can we move those pots while we adjust the lighting positions, oh they are worth half a million, ok but get a specialist in. How many cars? Oh, and all red ones, ok then. Ballet room? That’s a first. DJ booth, and everything sound proofed? 12kW speakers? Ok, we’ll upgrade the loadings and the acoustics. Underground security room with Generator set and a squash court, all under that listed barn? Ok then. Secret Police on the grounds and Ex Gurkha’s are site security, ok we’ll play nicely. We need to be background checked, then security checked as we enter and leave, yep not a problem.
Manor Green Primary School – Crawley
We worked with our client, Cheesmur Building Contractors, to deliver the design for their design and build contract . Keeping within the already approved scale and layout, Cityzen developed the designs into a construction package. We adapted our standard “designing for construction” process, listening to our contractor client and delivering the construction details that Cheesmur needed to quickly get to site. Which enabled them to build the extension with a minimal amount of questions and site issues. The extension was built during lockdown and was open for the Autumn 2020 term and the team has had great feedback on the building.
Housing Estate – Angmering
We worked with our client to develop this housing estate, after they purchased the land with pre-existing “outline planning” permission and some “reserved matters” approved. The masterplan successfully achieved by Mohsin Cooper had approval for the access, scale of development, landscaping and layout of the site. The remaining reserved matter related to the 18 properties themselves in terms of their appearance – form and materials. The Council did not support the move towards a contemporary development and were looking for materials and building form in line with the village. Keeping within the already approved scale and layout, Cityzen developed the property designs into a reserved matters scheme. The challenge was materials, as a diverse palette reflects the development of the village over time. We worked with the developer to achieve an aesthetic for the housing estate that was in line with their brand goals, while also responding to the planning feedback from previous applications. We fixed the appearance and form, which the Planning Officer was able to approve using delegated powers (no planning committee required). As part of our standard “designing for construction” process, we took account of building regulations and construction considerations at an early stage. This involved the developer confirming a build system, and we assisted with feasibility and cost planning exercises by visiting and liaising with manufacturers. Our client also took on board Cityzen’s goals for moving towards lower carbon construction, and decided on a timber frame solution. To meet our client’s programme requirements, as soon as the planning application was submitted we detailed the designs to demonstrate the compliance of the scheme, liaising with MLM Building Control. Project progress was rapid – the designs were checked by Building Control and submitted to the timber frame manufacturer within 5 weeks of commencing technical design. Alongside the architectural design, building services (mechanical and electrical engineering) design was ongoing. With a fabric first strategy, all properties achieved carbon emission reductions 13-24% beyond building regulations. All of the houses were designed with air source heat pumps for heat and hot water, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to further reduce the already low heating demand. New utilities connections were required, so the loadings for the site were established and Cityzen took forward all the utility applications and correspondence, meeting with distributors on site to ensure their quotes reflected the best option for the site. In terms of electricity, this resulted in a small substation being designed. Wastewater from the housing estate required a new sewer to be constructed within the road. We coordinated our design work with third parties – civil and structural engineers and the timber frame manufacturer – to deliver a compliant RIBA stage 4 design to the developer, which they took forward on site appointing under a design and build contract. We have subsequently provided sales plans and visualisations to enable our client to market the site off-plan. Construction commenced early 2020. Although we usually prefer to work up to and including RIBA stage 5 (overseeing the implementation of the design the client has procured), our services are always tailored to the requirements of each individual client’s delivery strategy and view on the project risks.
New Build – Angmering
We teamed up with Chesterman Homes once again. This time, we helped them with a new build project in Angmering. We took the project from initial concept through to construction level information, including a tender process and various value engineering exercises. Work on site finished early 2021. First, we produced some early concepts to see what was achievable on the site, working to our client’s early brief (number of dwellings required and maximum footprint in relation to costs). Initially, we applied for outline planning for a pair of semi-detached houses to get the principle of the development approved by the Council under reserved matters. The concept was then translated into a set of planning (RIBA 3) drawings*, taking into account local authority requirements and standards as well as our client’s ideals in terms of materials, spaces, value and brand. We then submitted an application to clear reserved matters and obtain planning approval. *We designed with construction and building regulations in mind, to ensure the final planning approval was buildable. We then developed and finalised building regulation plans and information, working with a structural engineer to ensure a fully coordinated and achievable building. This led to a full plans submission to private building control and subsequent sign-off. We then produced a detailed construction package, developed the drawings, details and information to add additional specifications. We worked alongside the quantity surveyor, assisting with the tender process and selection of appropriate contractor. Our most recent task was to value engineer the project with the selected contractor to come up with suitable alternatives to the scheme that offered further value and savings to the client. Minor variations were made to the planning application to take any changes into account.
Rooftop Development – Hove
We designed this pair of modern dwellings for the 2019 ‘Raise The Roof’ competition. Our rooftop development is deliberately distinct from the design of the existing building. It seeks to enhance historic features, whilst at the same time add its own architectural merit. This project exemplifies how Cityzen responds to a client brief and the factors that can influence our design choices. The competition sought “proposals for transforming redundant urban roof spaces to new uses, formed predominantly from OSB. This could be residential, mixed-use, commercial, or for communal/leisure purposes.” We chose residential, as Brighton & Hove Council has set a target of 11,300 additional homes (minimum) across the city by 2030. This is a considerable challenge given the specific natural constraints to the city (the sea to the South, South Downs National park to the North, and surrounding towns to the East and West). Appropriating urban roof areas is a way to maximise delivery within the city and increase its urban density. It would achieve much-needed housing stock without adding to the urban sprawl, and make use of existing infrastructures such as public transport routes (reducing car dependency). Rooftop developments provide new views of the city landscape, giving more residents a connection with nature (sea/sky/the Downs). We were free to use an existing building of our choosing. Our nominated property was an Edwardian villa with available rooftop space for residential accommodation. It is one of many suitable flat roofs across the city, making our proposal viable on a larger scale. The brief stated “pre-fabrication, panels or CNC fabrication may all be considered. Other materials may be used to clad and fit out the proposal but structural integrity is intended to be predicated on the use of Sterling OSB Zero.” Sterling OSB Zero has lightweight yet high strength features, making it ideal for a sustainable, independent self-supported structure over an existing building. Our design uses OSB based modular SIPs for the roof, walls and floors. This offers excellent structural performance and, at the same time, constructive lightness. SIPs have increased thermal, acoustic and air tightness properties, so they also help with the building’s overall performance. The new accommodation sits lightly over the existing building, recessed from the front façade, creating a front terrace with views to the sea. A central open patio provides a common space for the two dwellings. The patio forms the core of the internal layout, giving light to the rooms that are organised around it. Circular skylights feature in all of the bedrooms, giving a sense of space and connection to the outside world. The new dwellings would be delivered to site in pre-fabricated panels and craned into place. The flooring consists of an independent grillage system to raise the rooftop development over the existing roof, to allow for drainage and services runs. Our design specifies a zinc finish for the roof, installed over breathable membrane and fixed with stainless steel clips. The exterior walls are clad with Lunawood Thermowood. Modular staircases provide independent access, as required by the brief. Offsite construction in a factory environment reduces errors and doesn’t suffer from bad weather delays. This, along with quick assembly onsite, would minimise disturbance to the neighbours living below. Note: designs were not required to adhere to current building guidance. For more information about ‘air-rights buildings’ take a look at this article from Designing Buildings Wiki.
Reconfiguration – Lewes
We worked with Bright Green Homes as their architectural partner to collaboratively deliver this project. Bringing us on board gave the client confidence that their contractor would deliver something special. The rear of the house needed a complete reconfiguration. The kitchen and lean-to extension weren’t functioning well. Spaces, and storage was also an issue. So, we redesigned the layout of the ground floor: replacing the lean-to with a side extension and incorporating a new patio into the overall design for indoor/outdoor living. The reconfiguration achieved a light and spacious open-plan kitchen and dining area – offering fantastic views of the garden – and dedicated utility and pantry spaces. Double and triple glazing, together with an insulated floor, has improved the building’s energy performance. The concept design stage involved producing a number of hand-sketched layouts and external elevations, showing how the spaces could be rearranged. After incorporating client feedback into concept revisions, we produced a 3D model of the preferred concept to help the client visualise the internal reconfiguration. This approach gave Bright Green Homes an edge over other contractors as it offered their client so much more than a standard knock-through solution. Once the design was finalised, we carried out a full-measured house survey. This was required to take the scheme through the compliance stage (building regs approval). Finally, we developed a comprehensive construction package – including mechanical and electrical designs – for the contractor to confidently price against. The reconfiguration has transformed the property, as shown by the ‘before’ photos below, compared with the project completion photos. Photographs: copyright Simon Callaghan
Modular Hotel – Oxfordshire
Our client asked us to develop a modular hotel scheme for outline planning on this Brownfield car park site in Oxfordshire. The site had been underused and was earmarked within the local plan for development, but no one had unlocked the potential for this site. The goal was a 30-year term (for use of the site) and the design brief included: 80 rooms with a generous reception, incorporating floor-to-ceiling Crittall windows and timber cladding. Throughout the design phase, we aimed to create a building that was sustainable and modern. While being sympathetic to the local natural environment and the potential to accommodate a number of ancillary functions over and above the hotel itself. Modular design and construction offers many advantages: cost certainty, improved build quality, less construction waste, speed of assembly on site, and reduced disturbance for neighbouring properties. The site had a number of constraints which informed our design. Raising the whole building and situating the parking below allowed us to ensure future flood resilience. It would also keep the limited parking local to the building. We chose a slightly longer form for the building as this would both maximise the internal area and prevent historic views from being obscured by a taller design. It also enabled us to nestle the building within the surrounding trees. Hotel room concepts were designed around a number of different module types. We’ve been looking at offsite manufacture and material resources for over 10 years, so we used our modular experience to create a building with the largest modules possible to reduce cost and build time on site. We then developed the site massing and overall layout to inform the final look of the site ready for outline planning.