ARCHITECTURE, PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT IN WIMBLEDON
A simple extension, complicated by extensive alterations to the ancient Victorian shared drainage system. Red pipes and manhole removed, green pipes and manhole new.
The fabric is designed to EnerPHit standards of insulation and airtightness, with a standalone mini MVHR system.
This project is all about the future. How do we meet energy reduction targets and improve the fabric of the huge number of existing houses built before 1960?
The answer is to invest in energy reduction and upgrade the fabric of older buildings to exceed current building regulation standards.
The house is a typical Edwardian semi and is a fine example of what could be achieved using Passivhaus and EnerPHit principles.
In line with new recommended practice from the AECB, we always take a “fabric first” approach to any project. We will always advise to carry out essential maintenance and repair as the initial stage of retrofit. We need dwellings that are watertight and insulated with appropriate ventilation. The house is waterproofed, insulated and made as airtight as possible, using proven methods of Carbonlite Retrofit construction detailing. An MVHR ventilation system further saves energy and provides clean filtered air at a constant temperature and volume for comfort, summer or winter.
Solar PV panels feed a storage battery, powering an air-source heat pump for hot water in summer and backup for winter. Winter heating is through a small clean wood burner, integrated into the heating and hot water systems.
It is estimated that once completed, this house will save at least 80% of all current energy costs.
If you are thinking of embarking on a house alteration like this one and you like what you see, do get in touch. We would be delighted to assist.
The house is a typical of the many Edwardian semi-detached houses of the local area. As the houses in this road fall outside a local conservation area, the form lends itself well to a Carbonlite retrofit.
The space has been rationalised, with clear and easy circulation and a proper laundry space for a family home. Plant room behind the living room, with a dog-shower in the adjacent lobby. A new kitchen / dining / family space is created using the full width of the site. The plan is a golden rectangle. The new roof over the extension also covers an outdoor verandah, with fire pit, barbecue, seating and storage. The plan of the roof forms a square.
The west bedroom windows open out onto the new green roof over the living and verandah spaces. All windows on the west elevation are treated to manage heat load. External shutters with inward opening windows echo the simple techniques used in Mediterranean climates to keep houses cool in summer. The green roof over the new extension will be a pollinator-friendly wildflower meadow, to complement the existing garden, which will largely remain untouched. The roof over the new spaces is conceived as a single element, using a timber grid arch filled with insulation and faced with plywood top & bottom form a grid shell structure. Exposed structural timber will be oak. The arch structure is inherently strong and facilitates drainage. The access walkways at the edge become gutters draining to tanks incorporated into the verandah furniture. The new south windows at loft level will have integrated shutter-blinds. PV solar panels provide power to a battery adjacent to the air-source heat pump on the plant room roof. A new bin store is incorporated into the street boundary wall. The arched roof unifies the living room with the verandah. The copper tubing spiral around the wood burner feeds the HW storage tank in winter, reducing the load of the air-source heat pump.
If you are interested in these ideas and design principles, do get in touch.
This project in Oak hill Park conservation area was a complete upgrade of all services and interior design.
We were architect, project and construction managers.
Completed in 2017 on budget and programme
Project Management is the cornerstone of all the work we do.
Here are some examples of the Design, Project and Construction Management projects Colin has delivered successfully over the past 30 years. Sectors covered include Offices, Airport Baggage Systems, Railway Station, Houses, Social Housing, Retail, Logistics, Mining and Mineral Recycling, Masterplanning, Sacred Spaces.
Project due diligence - We have a standard methodology and checklist for this.
Programming - We undertake programming at many levels, from strategic high level programmes, to detailed analysis of deliverables and their relationships with key milestones and inputs and outputs from all the disciplines in design, procurement and construction.
Design Management - We have assisted both architects and engineers with key project planning tools and design management to plan, manage and execute their projects and maintain organizational success and profitability.
Procurement Management - Procurement is a key project phase, which is often not given sufficient attention. Procurement can make or break a project, even if the design is wonderful. We can assist with the procurement of services, contractors and products. These are integrated into the programme for each project.
Site Logistics and Phasing Design & Graphics - We can provide detailed and easy to read graphic plans as an input of the Health and Safety plan, required under the CDM Regulations.
We also prepare more detailed phasing plans to graphically illustrate major transformation projects. These are a useful addition to the normal Gantt chart programmes, as they are more readily understood by all.
Construction Management - We can provide this service as a logical extension of project management and part of our end-to-end solution.
Contract Administration - This is an integral and key part of Project Management, ensuring that the project runs smoothly, and the terms and conditions of the contract are adhered to throughout the project. This can either be aprt of an Architectural or Project Management appointment.
Project Rescue - We are project rescue specialists. It is unfortunate that sometimes a project can go wrong for any number of reasons. We have an excellent track record of stepping in, reviewing and analysing, and turning projects around.
Expert Witness with Forensic Programme Analysis - We can provide detailed and forensic analysis of project programmes to assist in resolving legal and contractual disputes and arbitrations.
For a project to work well, we create, monitor and manage all of these and find the balance.
Working for RHWL, this is the project I cut my teeth on when I arrived in the UK and my introduction to Project Management. I was the project architect , a unique opportunity to supervise the construction of a very large and complex project. One America Square is a 300,000 sq ft “air rights” office development built partially over the platforms of Fenchurch Street Station. The building incorporates massive anti-vibration bearings and full VAV plant room utilising the space in the transfer structure above the platforms. I learned a lot about risk management, working will railways and HV power, contracts and procurement, as well as integrated design coordination.
As a consultant to Arup, I started on this project as architect to provide missing ‘back of house’ coordinated information required by the contractor . This included all operations, including the new secure baggage sorting and transfer system and docks. I took over as Project Manager as well and this was my first project rescue. It was also an introduction to the management of complex multidisciplinary infrastructure engineering projects. I spent 3 years on site with my own team of 3, as consultant Architect & PM to Arup and the project ended in a positive outcome for all parties. 25 Years later, the project is redundant, especially seeing T1 does not exist anymore in the ever changing infrastructure organism that is Heathrow Airport.
Working as a consultant to Arup on the Rail Link Engineering Team on this massive Master Plan. A small cog in a very big wheel.
As a consultant to Mace, I redesigned and managed the construction 8 apartments over 2 floors in this refurbishment of the former British Gas HQ building. I also designed the 14th floor penthouse fit out.
SOME OF THE KEY PROJECTS DURING THIS TIME: Working with Squire & Partners, I had the wonderful opportunity of working on key London Projects, including working on listed buildings restoration and modernisation, the new London Docklands and digging a 3 level basement on Knightsbridge.
Brooks Estate, Newham. New and infill social housing. This was one of the many projects I did with PRP. It included refurbishment and over cladding an existing tower block, with residents in situ during construction. We did this properly, with a Rockwool / Sto system.
We have worked on numerous mineral slag waste reclamation projects with our specialist partners. There are hundreds of mineral waste dumps around the world, many of which are environmental hazards. These ought to be cleaned up and the land restored. Many are also rich in extractable minerals. We have developed expertise in assessing, planning, designing, and managing these projects, which can be both environmentally beneficial and profitable if carried out properly.
As a PM consultant to Underwood Carpenter, I delivered a number of key Waitrose store fit out projects, including Alton and Cowbridge. I was also PM on their new Distribution Centre based in the North West of England. The site covers almost 37,000m², including a chilled warehouse of 13,094m², ambient warehousing of 16,177m², office, vehicle management units and workshops.
This is Kimberley-Clark’s tissue manufacturing plant on the banks of the Thames. The project was a D&B contract to construct a new ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant) and WTP (Water Treatment Plant) at their works - top left hand quarter of the site. I was called in to act as Expert Witness with forensic programme analysis to refute a claim by the contractor for additional costs and a substantial EoT (extension of time under the contract). I created a suite of analytic baselined programmes with a narrative and was able to prove that the contractor had no valid claim and the client saved £2m. This sort of work is most effective when the client team has kept good project records.
Programme development, project set-up, project & construction management, design management and contract administration of a complex multidisciplinary process engineering plant for Debswana & DTCB (deBeers), on site in Botswana. The new Diamond Cleaning Plant formed a key stage in DeBeers relocation of diamond sales, from London to Gaborone. Project value £30m. I also produced many coordinated drawings to assist the engineering team and client.
Details of this project are on the home page. I started this project as PM, but then had to take over as architect when the incumbent defaulted. The project was still completed in time for the High Holy Days, as originally planned. The project included the installation of 3 major pieces of art: the original Ner Tamid (Eternal Light), a new Ark and screen, and a new frieze of stained glass windows. The doors to the ark were designed in collaboration with Master Architect Allan Schwarz and the Mezimbite Forest Workshop in Mozambique. The new stained glass windows show an idea of the Garden of Eden and were designed by Graham Jones. For more detail on this project, please see ‘Wimbledon Synagogue’ and ‘The Art of Collaboration’ below.
Working for Ashfold and Allies & Morrison, project and design management of the Briefing document and strategic 5 year programme.
Working for Neubau, creation of an integrated design, planning, procurement and construction programme.
This house in Wimbledon was designed by Sir Philip Dowson of Arup Associates in 1963 and was listed in 2013.
I had the rare opportunity of working together with the original project architect, now Professor Richard Frewer, to alter the house in order to realise the maximum development potential of the property, whilst minimising the impact of doubling the overall plan size.
An extract from the Design & Access Statement encapsulates the original architectural concept of the house and forms the starting point for the new development:
“We were asked to design a house with a modest budget for a family of parents and three growing children. The architectural idea was to create a private inward-looking building while optimising the ‘sense of space’ within the very limited and overlooked site, exploiting both plan and section to do so.
To this end, a ‘courtyard house’ was devised which could be replicated as a terrace.”
For the alteration, we devised a scheme which would largely be “out of sight”. This strategy allowed us to utilise the natural slope of the site and the configuration of the existing house, where for budgetary reasons, amongst others, this was not exploited at the time of the original construction.
The brief for the alteration was: A new open ‘family hub’ of kitchen / dining / living room, 4 new en-suite bedrooms, a new utility room / laundry (replacing the present kitchen), play/health facilities, accommodation for new services
A new pavilion is inserted on the vacant north strip of the site, which will maintain and acknowledge the floor and roof levels of the house. The extension is attached to the existing building with an entirely glass link (structure, cladding and the staircase within it). See Elevations and sections adjacent.
Full Planning and Listed Building consent were granted in 2014.
The bulk of the house is behind the street wall, below grade.
Bleached oak planks to the same module as the block-work form the exterior cladding, within an RC frame to match the existing.
Frewer's concept diagram for the extension.
Richard Frewer's concept perspective for the extension.
The development in context. The original house is shown yellow, the new extension is green. Much of the extension is not visible at ground level.
All of the street level entry additions are not visible from the street. The new pavilion matches the original building in module, reinterpreted with modern materials.
During the sale viewing of this property, I produced numerous variations and options for prospective buyers. This one was to test an idea I had for a narrow house, showing that a substantial 3 bedroom detached courtyard house was feasible on the 8m wide plot.
I was both Architect and Project Manager on this project. It was a unique opportunity to transform the Synagogue.
Design philosophy and details are in “The Art of Collaboration”.
Stained glass windows by Graham Jones 2016. Maple ceiling panels. HRV AC system. Dimmable LEDs. See “The Art of Collaboration”
Bimah / stage fully accessible. Acoustics - Rt = 1.8s.
Ark open, maple and stained moulded glass screen, 10 commandments, Eternal Light, motto. Lecterns & Bimah furniture are re-used
Stained glass windows by Graham Jones 1990. New maple & glass sliding / folding doors. Integrated PA
Ark doors and Tree of Life by Allan Schwarz and Mezimbite 2016. See “The Art of Collaboration”
It’s all about the detail.
What one sees in the final result of a process may often be pleasing, especially if the impression is one of harmony and simplicity. For example, when we watch and listen to a virtuoso musician, the music sounds effortless and the artist appears relaxed. It all looks so easy. To make something appearing simple and ‘just right’ is only possible through an assured practice of the art, through many years of practice and dedication.
This is a story of how two key assemblies including collaborative art installations contribute to the harmony of the sacred space of the prayer hall of The Wimbledon Synagogue. It describes our process and explains how we communicate to clients, manufacturers and contractors with clear and unambiguous instructions, specifications and management, in order to achieve the result.
The new ark and doors were designed in collaboration with fellow architect Allan Schwarz, who runs the Mezimbite Forest Centre in Mozambique. The ark doors are the centrepiece and focus of the synagogue sanctuary and are based on the proportions of the original Ark of the Covenant as described in Exodus. The principles of the ark door design include sustainability, historical and biblical reference, systems of proportion, and Kabbalah mysticism. They are designed as a rectangle based on the ‘golden ratio’. The timber we are using for the doors is Acacia, extremely hard, dense and durable African wood and the same wood used for the original Ark of the Covenant.
Allan’s workshop at Mezimbite manufactured the doors using the sustainable principles he has established. No wood is wasted, and where there is a fault or crack in the timber, this is celebrated and repaired with marquetry and inlays of different local hardwoods.
The new stained glass panels were designed by Graham Jones, a world renowned stained glass artist and manufactured by Peters Glass Studio in Germany, incorporating several modern glass techniques. These include etching, staining and firing, screen printing, painting directly on the glass, and antique glass framed in traditional lead, fused to a toughened glass panel base. The frames were designed by Colin and made by Surrey Steels, a local steel fabricator, using stock steel angles.
The panels incorporate images of the 7 biblical fruits: Wheat, Barley, Grapes, Olives, Dates, Pomegranate, and Figs.
We always map out a detailed programme for our projects. This shows clearly who is doing what and when, how long they’ve got and how their tasks interact with all the others.
Long section showing the concept art by Graham Jones incorporated into the construction drawing. Graham is an internationally renowned stained glass artist who had previously created a set of stained glass windows on the opposite wall. This one is the Garden of Eden, an extension to the abundant trees on and adjacent to the site. The seven “Biblical Fruits” are incorporated into the graphic design.
The component schedules of the east elevation. At the top, the detailed dimensions and tolerances for steel contractor manufacture the frames. In the middle, dimensions for timber framed doors and windows. At the bottom, the detailed dimensions for the stained glass manufacture.
Full scale drawings developed from commercially available stock steel angles within the delivery timescale. I would have preferred the main frames to be slightly smaller. Each bay is a hinged opening for maintenance access to the lightbox behind the glass. We often work from the micro - out, rather than macro - in. This is such a case, as tolerances and accuracy are critical. This drawing was clearly defined before the above schedule could be completed.
The new stained glass panels were designed by Graham Jones, a world renowned stained glass artist and manufactured by Peters Glass Studio in Germany, incorporating several modern glass techniques. These include etching, staining and firing, screen printing, painting directly on the glass, and antique glass framed in traditional lead, fused to a toughened glass panel base.
The stained glass pieces are laid out over the screen printed and etched background. These are then surrounded by lead work.
Graham Jones is very happy with the final product. Figs, one of the 7 Biblical Fruits in the work can be clearly seen in this photo.
The Acacia wood is incredibly hard and dense. Each door panel weighs about 1200kg. The doors slide on a hidden track in the low level pelmet. The slot fixings on the rear to accommodate movement can be seen here. The inlay and marquetry is applied to both sides of each panel and then the best side is chosen as the front.
The timber used for the doors is Acacia, the same timber species used to construct the original Ark of the Covenant. The shape is a golden rectangle, the construction of which is shown by the green and red dotted lines. This is the same proportion as the original Ark of the Covenant. The “Tree of Life’’ (Chai) motif applied over the doors is symbolic, the structure of which is based on the Menorah. This is shown by the yellow dotted lines. Each branch is a flame of the Menorah. The number of leaves on each door will be a factor of 18, as the Hebrew word for ‘life’, 'chai' are composed of Het & Yod, the 8th and 10th letters of the Hebrew alphabet, which when aded together, give a total of 18. There are and 18 sticks on the doors, representing life. There are 36 leaves on the door, representing 2 x 18, or "Double Chai”.
Explanation of the significance and philosophy of the details on the ark doors: The ‘lights’ on the menorah are represented by groups of leaves and branches, configured in groups of 1 through 7, symbolising the 7 days of creation. #1 - Central Branch - 1 leaf. The sticks form a "Shin" for the “Shma”, the central prayer: ‘hear o Israel.’ Branches #1 to #7 have leaves in bunches from 1 to 7. #8 - The handles represent the trunk of the tree, light & dark, male & female, positive and negative, yin & yang. #9 - The apple on the tree of life, falling. A sphere, symbolic of perfection. #10 - Symbolic roots. #11 - This leaf breaks the mould, symbol of the imperfection that makes the whole perfect. #12 - Fallen leaves and roots. #13 - the lock. Required for insurance purposes. The ark is also tamper and fire-proof.
We create a 3D model for every project and all the relevant 2D information and other drawings are drawn directly from the model. The site is surrounded by mature trees, so the building becomes a forest of learning, like a big treehouse.
I spent several years working for a UK developer in the Balkan States as Construction & Design Director. I produced numerous one page feasibility studies for retail developments, with many options. Looking at these now with 2020 hindsight, one wonders what we were thinking. The very large scheme at Dugopolje in Croatia had a proposal for a car park for 2,500 cars. At one stage Ikea were very interested as an anchor tenant, but the developer got greedy and Ikea simply went somewhere else. Huge missed opportunity.
Whilst helping a client with a strategic programme for the construction of a new care home, I came up with this idea for a portable ark to be used in the communal space and stored when not required.
Just a few examples of the work we have done to help people understand the programme and process.
