Leigh Park Library, Havant, Portsmouth:  new build library for Hampshire County Council

This new build public library in Havant, Portsmouth, is situated at the end of a shopping precinct where its entrance tower creates an eye catching feature in the townscape.

The building is single storey and designed to provide natural lighting and ventilation. 

The construction consists of a steel frame with brick infill and tall slot shaped windows to give views out.  There are four distinct bays, each with a mono pitch roof and glazing at high level to provide air and North light.  Three of the bays provide open plan library space accommodating book stacks and a children’s area and the fourth bay houses staff areas, offices and workrooms.   

Staff car parking and deliveries are catered for at the rear of the building, together with parking space for the mobile library.  The building provides an attractive and much needed facility for the local population whilst at the same time adding interest to the architectural scene.

This project was undertaken by Am Sondh when employed at Hampshire County Architects

Planning permission granted

Archadia has recently obtained planning permission for the development of a sixteen unit multi-generational housing scheme in Byfleet, Surrey designed for Rosemary Simmons Memorial Housing Association.  This scheme is designed around two courtyards with gardens and will provide double aspect flats.  They will all have balconies and will be accessed from attractive walkways.  The scheme is due to start on site in June.

June planning applications

We are currently preparing a planning application for a thirty-eight unit extra care housing scheme on a prominent site in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.  The building will be three storeys high and has been designed to be domestic in scale and to give the impression of being a series of town houses, rather than one large building. 

In addition, a planning application is due to be submitted in June for a site in Buckinghamshire which will incorporate a seventy bed care home, a doctor’s surgery and some industrial units.

New facilities at a special school in Shropshire

Archadia is very pleased to have been commissioned to design new buildings                     for this school, which is located in a rural setting and provides residential and educational facilities for boys with a range of difficulties within the Autistic Spectrum of disorders.  One of the new buildings will comprise a new main entrance and reception area with administrative offices and the second will consist of a new teaching block providing eight classrooms and drama space and facilities.  

Other project news

A fifty unit extra care housing scheme in Penge, London Borough of Bromley is expected to complete on site in July.  We have recently completed a large domestic house extension in Surbiton and a new one-off riverside house in Shepperton, currently on site, is due to be completed in September. 

Construction is due to start in May on the renovation of a large house to create residential facilities for young people with learning difficulties leaving residential special schools and we are working on the replanning and improvement of facilities in the Grange Centre, Bookham, a residential training centre for adults with physical and learning disabilities.

We are beginning work on the planning of the first phase of a scheme for Age UK and Christian Action Housing in North London which will provide a new build dementia day care centre with extra care flats above it.  In addition, feasibility work is under way for a Housing Association to provide up to forty-seven new build ‘HAPPI’ flats for older people in Egham.

Prior’s Court School, Thatcham, Berkshire – masterplanning and provision of new and converted spaces for teaching, sports, recreational and administrative activities and residential accommodation

This project formed part of a long term master planning exercise on a 54 acre site designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty for a school specialising in providing education for children with autism and severe and complex learning difficulties.

Areas were identified for development to provide teaching accommodation, sports and recreational areas, staff areas and residential accommodation for both staff and students.

The run down existing mid eighteenth century Grade 2* listed building was completely overhauled and converted to form a new reception and administration area for the school as well as providing student and staff accommodation on the upper floors.

The new residential accommodation comprising three units providing sleeping and living spaces for groups of twelve children, creates a contemporary solution using traditional materials such as cedar boarding, brick and natural slate and sits comfortably in the grounds of the historic building.

A new swimming pool also was provided and in order to deliver this within the tight budget and complex planning restrictions the solution chosen was a factory manufactured modular building which was incorporated within an existing gymnasium.

Other works involved extending an existing teaching block and modifications to various outbuildings to create a teaching complex.

A landscaped footpath provided a link between the residential areas and the teaching complex to give the                                                                                                                     students the idea of ‘walking to school’.

This project was undertaken by Am Sondh when an Associate with a Berkshire based practice

Vivian Court, Camden: remodelled bedsit accommodation for Central and Cecil Housing Association

The pilot scheme involved the stylish transformation of two sheltered bedsits within a 1960’s block to provide improved accommodation for older people.  It presents an innovative solution to the common problem of hard to let sheltered housing at a time of economic uncertainty.

The design has significantly improved the aesthetics and functionality of the accommodation. Open plan kitchen, dining and living areas contribute to a more contemporary feel, with fully integrated appliances, concealed lighting and wood-effect laminate flooring creating a modern, seamless effect. Despite the challenging limitation in space, Archadia has created separate sleeping and living areas and the use of oriental-style sliding screen partitions gives flexibility in the arrangement of the flat.  In addition, a bright, attractive colour scheme has been achieved with simple, eye-catching decorative touches, contemporary soft furnishings and enhanced lighting.

The design ensures bathroom space is optimised and satisfies the requirements of wheelchair users.  Level access walk-in showers, foldaway seating and grab rails create a highly functional space within a very small area, whilst at the same time giving a light and airy feel. 

Completion of a stylish new residential project in Surrey

We have recently completed the site stage of an imaginative small extension to a character house in Surrey. The work involved internal restructuring of the house to provide a more natural progression of rooms, providing a new family room with a garden aspect and a larger master bedroom with an en suite bathroom. The internal layout incorporates a double height space which provides natural light and views from within the house. The creative use of space has been used to dramatic effect and has received positive feedback fro our client, their friends and family.

Completion of The Rowans, Crowborough, Sussex

A recently completed nineteen unit retirement housing scheme consisting of a mix of flats and bungalows for Sussex Housing and Care in Crowborough, Sussex has been very well received by both our clients and the prospective residents with the units being taken up very quickly.

Further phases at Kisimul School

Archadia has been working on the masterplanning of this site for four years converting a complex of Edwardian buildings in the Green Belt into a boarding school for children with severe learning difficulties, behavioural problems and autism. Having completed extensions to both teaching blocks and residential accommodation we are now turning our attention to landscaping and external works and working on the plans for a new swimming pool complex.

Other project news

A fifty unit extra care housing scheme in Penge, London Borough of Bromley, is currently on site and due to complete in May. We have recently made a planning application for a sixteen unit multi-generational housing scheme in Byfleet, Surrey, and are working on another application for a forty-three unit extra care scheme in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. In addition, we are working at the feasibility stage on the planning of a site in Buckinghamshire which will incorporate a care home, a doctor’s surgery and some industrial units. We are also discussing alterations, adaptations and replacements for a number of care homes whose owners are exploring different options in the light of the difficulties arising in this sector as a result of the squeeze on Local Authority funding and the popularity of Extra Care Housing.

Threeways, Esher, Surrey – new bungalow for wheelchair users for Rosemary Simmons Memorial H A

Key Facts
Fully wheelchair accessible
Sustainable building: Code level 6
Total floor area: 137 m2

Threeways provides four affordable flats for independent older people in a converted 1920’s building on a prominent corner site in Esher.

The brief was to design a new detached bungalow for two disabled people at the rear of the site, providing wheelchair standard accommodation within a balanced programme of development in the area.

The main planning concerns were to have a small footprint whilst also keeping the height under two storeys.

Archadia’s response was a single storey building which utilises the roof area for accommodation. The first floor will comprise  three bedrooms with ensuite facilities accessed by a platform lift.

A creative approach to landscaping is proposed, providing shared patio areas with linking organic paths and defined parking bays and driveway.  This will provide excellent outdoor amenity for all the residents.

Sustainability was a key consideration and the building has been registered to attain Code level 6, achieving the highest levels of water and energy efficiency, sustainable construction, and renewable energy. Integrated photovoltaic and solar thermal panels will give a total renewable provision of 95%.

Planning permission was granted in August 2010 and the project is expected to be built in 2012.

Hounslow, Middlesex – New build family home for a child with severe physical disabilities

Archadia were asked to design a new build family home for a severely disabled seven year old and around-the-clock care staff in Hounslow.  Archadia’s solution was an attractive yet functional five-bedroom property which generously accommodates the needs of a young wheelchair user, her family and carers.

Separate entrances and living areas have been designed for the family and care staff which are carefully arranged to allow both adequate access and independence from one another. A spacious, north-facing bedroom on the ground floor is proposed for the disabled child which allows easy access and temperature control, and pleasing views to the garden.

The property is primarily arranged over one floor with a guest space situated on the first floor, reached via stairs or a wheelchair-friendly lift.

Specific design features include generous corridors allowing for easy wheelchair manoeuvring and a ceiling track hoist system allowing ease of movement between open spaces. Sliding electronic doors to all primary areas are also incorporated to enable further independence for the wheelchair user.

Externally, the entrance forecourt offers parking space for four vehicles and attractive landscaped gardens with connecting footpaths. A protective entrance canopy will shield the disabled child in poor weather. 

As specified, the building offers ample storage space and has been designed to allow the future addition of a conservatory.

Kisimul School, Long Ditton – residential and educational facilities for children with special needs

In 2007 Kisimul School acquired a group of Edwardian buildings in the Green Belt in Long Ditton, Surrey, which had been in use as a training and conference centre.

Archadia were appointed to deliver a ‘whole site’ masterplanning approach to convert the complex into a new school for children with severe learning difficulties  and challenging behaviour.

Over a period of four years several projects involving remodelling, refurbishments and new extensions have been carried out in a series of  traditional contracts to create high quality educational and living accommodation.

As the school needed to remain operational during the works, a detailed phasing plan was required to ensure the children’s safety and limit disruption to their daily lives.

Archadia have successfully carried out sensitive negotiations with the planners to arrive at designs acceptable for this Green Belt development.

The improved and new facilities have allowed Kisimul Group to deliver high quality care and education in an attractive and safe environment and has greatly enhanced the site.  Further phases are planned to include landscaping and a swimming pool complex.

Key facts:
Site area: 3.3 ha
No. of pupils: 60
Green belt location

Two new directors appointed

We are delighted to announce that Am Sondh and Colin Stewart have recently accepted Directorships with Archadia.  Both were formerly Associates and this promotion recognises their professional commitment and their drive to help develop the Practice into the future.

Joining Patrick Manwell and Jean Hanna on the board, they add strength to the team enabling us to deliver the best of design and service to our clients.

Completion of two further phases at Kisimul School, Long Ditton, Surrey

Vernon Court, a residential block, has been granted Ofsted registration, following refurbishment and linking to another building, while the Garden Suite has been rebuilt to provide new teaching accommodation.

Archadia has been working on the masterplanning of this site for four years converting a complex of Edwardian buildings in the Green Belt into a boarding school for children with severe learning difficulties, behavioural problems and autism.  Refurbishment, remodelling and extensions have been carried out under several consecutive traditional contracts and Archadia has undertaken all stages of the work from initial design to completion on site. 

Other project news

Jobs on site include a new nineteen unit retirement housing scheme consisting of a mix of flats and bungalows in Crowborough, Sussex and a fifty unit extra care housing scheme at Penge in the London Borough of Bromley.  We shall soon be making planning applications for several projects including a sixteen unit multi-generational housing scheme in Byfleet, Surrey, a project in Poole consisting of forty-four retirement flats (‘housing with care’) linked to a new forty-eight unit residential care home, and a forty-three unit extra care scheme in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.

Thesiger Road, Penge – new extra care housing scheme for Hanover Housing Association

Key Facts
Range and type of units:
41 x 1 bedroom flats
9 x 2 bedroom flats
Extra care communal facilities
Gross internal floor area: 4566 m2
Site area (ha): 0.45
Date of completion:  Spring 2012

The new scheme, which is being developed by Hanover, will replace an existing forty-three bed residential care home which is no longer fit for purpose.  Extra care housing provides self-contained  accommodation with communal facilities where older people can remain in their own homes for longer, with care and support being brought into the building allowing the majority of people to continue living independently until nearly the very end of their lives.  This development comprises forty-one one bedroom and nine two bedroom flats and follows on from another new extra care development by Hanover at Bromley Common, which is currently under construction. 

The site is an awkwardly shaped area of land, surrounded on all sides by residential developments and the new building has been designed to be sympathetic to the context of the area, responding to each boundary in a different way.  The radial form of the building avoids long monotonous elevations and the projecting gables respond to the residential scale of the neighbourhood.  The building is also broken into smaller elements by the use of a variety of materials.  A combination of red brick, yellow London stock and render will be used, reflecting the materials evident in the surrounding built environment.  This all helps to give the impression of                                                                                                                      individual dwellings rather than an institutional building.

In addition to the flats themselves, the building provides a dining area, two lounges, a shop, and a health suite including assisted bathing and hairdressing facilities.  Everyone living in the scheme will have access to a landscaped courtyard and gardens and the building is fully accessible for people in wheelchairs.