THE WASTE HOUSE FEATURED IN THE GUARDIAN

25/10/2017

My Green Pod supplement

Location: My Green Pod, Quarterly magazine

Date: Released online and in print on the 27th October 2017

Featured project: The Waste House at Grand Parade, The University of Brighton

“Remember there is no ‘away’ when you throw something away; most of the plastic manufactured over the last 100 years is still with us”

It seems many of us have accepted a system where materials are used and then discarded regardless of the consequences this has on the planet. This Friday The Brighton Waste House and Duncan’s book The Re-use Atlas: A Designer’s guide to the circular economy will be featured in The Guardian’s quarterly magazine “MyGreenPod”. The article entitled “A revolution in design” will be released online and in print on Friday morning.

The Brighton Waste House as it became known was opened in June 2014 and continues to be a ‘live’ on-going research project and permanent new design workshop (it is not a dwelling) focused on enabling open discussion and understanding of sustainable development. It is situated on campus at The University of Brighton’s College for Arts & Humanities at Grand Parade. Designed by Senior Lecturer & Architect Duncan Baker-Brown, together with undergraduate architecture & interior architecture students, this project was built by apprentices from The Mears Group, students from City College Brighton & Hove and The Faculty of Arts as well as volunteers. In all over 350 students helped with the project.

The Brighton Waste House is the first permanent ‘carbon negative’ public building in Europe to be constructed from approximately 90% waste, surplus material & discarded plastic gathered from the construction and other industries, as well as our homes. It has Full Planning & Building Regulations Approvals. It tries to prove “that there is no such thing as waste, just stuff in the wrong place!”

The Re-Use Atlas is a highly illustrated ‘atlas’, taking the reader on a journey, via four distinct ‘steps’ (recycling, reuse, reduce, closed loop), from our current ‘linear economy’ towards a system emulating the natural world, i.e, a ‘circular economy’. Featuring over 25 detailed case studies describing design exemplars from the worlds of textile & fashion design, product design, interior architecture, architecture and urban design, its purpose is to show designers how they can successfully navigate and exploit the emerging field of resource management and the circular economy. Each step is supplemented with an in depth interview with an expert who is successfully tackling one or more of these challenges that present all designers today. For more information on the Re-Use Atlas visit our blog which provides an insight into several of the case studies featured in the book.

NEW BUILD PASSIVHAUS HOUSE IN WADHURST

16/08/2017

/ BBM Architects

Site progress in Wadhurst

Project: New build timber frame house with timber cladding, pitched zinc roofs and single storey green roof to the rear; new external hard standing, drive and garden terrace. The house has been designed to achieve Certified Passivhaus standard of performance and construction.

Location: Wadhurst, East Sussex

Due to existing ground conditions the new dwelling will sit on a one metre deep layer of hardcore which will provide a stable foundation.

The first construction element we have incorporated to specifically target Passivhaus certification was laying the Isoquick ground floor insulation. A new product to BBM, Isoquick is an insulated permanent formwork, providing both the below slab insulation and formwork for the reinforced concrete slab. This has proved to be a precise way of setting out the building, is easy to set up and provides a continuous wrap of insulation.

Over the coming weeks the concrete slab will be poured and the timber frame construction will commence. The timber frame will be sealed with an airtight membrane and complementary products, to achieve an air permeability of 0.5 m3/(h.m2) as opposed to the 10 m3/(h.m2) Building Regulation baseline. This will be a challenge for the team on site and air permeability tests will be undertaken during the construction, whilst the membranes are still accessible, to ensure that any remedial works can practicably be undertaken.

LAKEVIEW VILLAGE HALL OPENING, SITTINGBOURNE, KENT

28/06/2017

/ BBM Architects

Lakeview Village Hall Kent

Project: Lakeview Village Hall, Great Easthall, Sittingbourne, Kent

Grand opening: Saturday 8th July 2017 from 11:00

Lakeview Village Hall Website

Client: Swale Borough Council

Architect: BBM Sustainable Design Ltd.

Structural Engineer: MLM

Building Services Engineers: Norman Bromley Partnership LLP

Quantity Surveyors: QS Consultant

Project Managers: Synergy

Landscaping Architect: Andrew Ramsey Associates with BBM Sustainable Design Ltd.

Construction Manager: BMR Construction Ltd.

Total floor area: 206m²

BBM were awarded the appointment of architect for a new village hall within the rapidly enlarging neighbourhood of Great Easthall to the northeast of Sittingbourne in Kent. For the new building, named by local residents as Lakeview Village Hall, BBM’s pitch was to create a ‘marker on the map’; to provide a visual and community focal point within its emerging townscape and landscape setting. The grand opening of the hall is Saturday 8th July from 11:00 onwards!

The village hall is largely built out of timber. We were keen to exploit the sustainability credentials of wood as it is a grown material of minimal processing energy with little pollution and best of all it is composed of locked carbon generated by the tree’s absorption of carbon dioxide. The use of timber products includes the structurally insulated panels (SIPs) of the external walls, the glulam softwood structural frame, the oak shakes of the light canons and the glulam coppiced sweet chestnut of the external wall cladding. We felt the coppiced sweet chestnut was a perfect choice as it is not only grown and processed within the Kent and Sussex Weald, it also pays homage to the hop poles that used the very same wood source and that were so prevalent in the landscapes around Sittingbourne. Internally, the Granwood floor blocks are formed of a wood/cement composite as are the acoustic ceiling panels.

Our concern for sustainability ensured Lakeview Village Hall is kind to the environment. It does this not only by exploiting techniques for passive solar heating and ventilation and ample levels of natural daylighting, it is also constructed of materials of low environmental impact and accommodates high levels of ecological value within its built form and landscape design. The landscape and the building itself include a range of features to support a rich ecological diversity of fauna and flora.

Anticipating the needs of the future, we were mindful to create a building that would easily accept change and expansion. There was always a hope that the building could at some point in the future provide changing facilities for the playing fields to the south of the village hall. The design anticipated the layout of a building being added on its southeast side. The plant room and utility connections were sized to allow this to happen as well. Additionally the external canopy would serve as a covered link to a future building potential on the west side. Along the north side of the site, the car park can be extended to meet an increased parking demand. The large light canon has a significant southwest facing pitch which the designers envisaged to allow for the future fitting of a photovoltaic (solar electric) array.

BBM and the rest of the design and client team are hopeful the Lakeview Village Hall will provide a great home and focus for neighbourhood events and parties well into the future. As part of the wider aspirations from the very beginning of the project, we hope the new facility will stimulate a sense of place and belonging to the residents of Great Easthall, be a ‘marker on the map’ in terms of architectural presence and at the same time be a good custodian of its local ecosystem and minimise environmental impacts in its use and construction.

SUSTAINABlE DESIGN – LAKEVIEW VILLAGE HALL KENT

21/06/2017

/ BBM Architects

Lakeview Village Hall Kent Grand Open Day

Project: Lakeview Village Hall, Great Easthall, Sittingbourne, Kent

Client: Swale Borough Council

Architect: BBM Sustainable Design Ltd.

Structural Engineer: MLM

Building Services Engineers: Norman Bromley Partnership LLP

Quantity Surveyors: QS Consultant

Project Managers: Synergy

Landscaping Architect: Andrew Ramsey Associates with BBM Sustainable Design Ltd.

Construction Manager: BMR Construction Ltd.

Total floor area: 206m²

The grand opening of Lakeview Village Hall formerly Great East Hall is scheduled for 8th July. The ribbon ceremony is scheduled for 11:00am and the event finishes at 15:00. Come and join the celebrations at: Lakeview Village Hall, Great East Hall Way, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3TF. For further details on the day please visit the hall’s new website here.

In January 2015 we were awarded the appointment of architect for a new village hall within the rapidly enlarging neighbourhood of Great Easthall to the northeast of Sittingbourne in Kent. For the new building, named by local residents as Lakeview Village Hall, our pitch was to create a ‘marker on the map’; to provide a visual and community focal point within its emerging townscape and landscape setting.

The key features of the hall are a main space of 104 m²that can sub-divide into two smaller spaces of 37 m²and 66 m² respectively. The smaller of the two spaces directly connects to a children’s toilet to facilitate parent and toddler sessions. Notably the hall has been placed on the north side of the building, with spill-out doors facing away from the nearby housing, thus minimising the risk of noise nuisance. The design also includes a third activity space in the form of the entrance foyer which, as supported by the serving hatch of the adjoining kitchen, the architect’s foresaw as a place for hosting coffee mornings and provide catering for parties. It faces back to the lake at the heart of the new housing area. In effect this compact village hall can accommodate up to three independent activities simultaneously and as such it affords a sustainable potential for revenue generation.

The use of timber products includes the structurally insulated panels (SIPs) of the external walls, the glulam softwood structural frame, the oak shakes of the light canons and the glulam coppiced sweet chestnut of the external wall cladding. Coppiced sweet chestnut is not only grown and processed within the Kent and Sussex Weald, it also pays homage to the hop poles that are prevalent in the landscapes around Sittingbourne. Internally, the Granwood floor blocks are formed of a wood/cement composite as are the acoustic ceiling panels.

Upon completion we are hopeful that the Village Hall will provide a great home and focus for neighbourhood events and parties well into the future. We hope the new facility will stimulate a sense of place and belonging to the residents of Great Easthall.

COMMUNITY BASE, BRIGHTON ECO REFURBISHMENT

06/06/2017

/ BBM Architects

Site progress in Brighton, East Sussex

The seven storey Community Base building in Brighton, East Sussex is undergoing a major program of exterior works which will significantly reduce running costs by approximately 26%. Over thirty charitable/voluntary organisations are housed in the building and understandably heating costs are a big concern looking into the future. It is hoped the works will make the spaces not only more economic to occupy but also more comfortable.

The associated carbon footprint will be lowered which in turn will extend the life of the building for decades to come. Winters will be warmer and Summers will be cooler for the diverse occupants using this very popular building and iconic Brighton & Hove City landmark.

The existing 1960’s exterior panels are a mix of precast concrete and exposed aggregate panels which have not been much defence against the salty marine air of Brighton. For some years the panels have been exfoliating concrete covering the inner steel reinforcement bars which in turn has forced the bars to rust and crack the concrete shell of the building. Six monthly hammer tests were required to monitor the situation.

In light of this, the decision was made to move forward with a eco refurbishment program. Currently being put in place is a new building skin which combines specialised aluminium panels, a thick layer of insulation and new double glazed windows.

Project Details

Client: Community Base

Project: Eco Refurbishment

Project Status: On Site

Architect & Principle Designer: BBM Sustainable Design Ltd

Project Manager / Quantity Surveyor: MacConvilles

Structural Engineer: HOP Engineers

Contractor: Facade Concepts

For further details on the project visit our current works tab here

SUSTAINABILITY & LANDSCAPING IN KENT

01/06/2017

/ BBM Architects

Site progress in Sittingbourne, Kent

Sittingbourne, Kent

Client: Swale Borough Council

Project: New build Village/Community Hall

Access Lakeview village hall’s website here

The completion works are moving along on site in Sittingbourne, great to see the soft and hard landscaping coming together! Lakeview Village Hall’s grand opening is scheduled for the beginning of July.

In January 2015, BBM were awarded the appointment of architect for a new village hall within the rapidly enlarging neighbourhood of Great Easthall to the northeast of Sittingbourne in Kent. For the new building, named by local residents as Lakeview Village Hall, BBM’s pitch was to create a ‘marker on the map’; to provide a visual and community focal point within its emerging townscape and landscape setting.

Design for the Ecology

The project also provides a good home for local ecology. The landscape has been designed with a variety of native woodland tree and shrub species as well as wildflower and grass meadows. A hibernacula provides a dedicated habitat for beneficial species. The building’s flat roof incorporates a wild flower meadow and, along with bat boxes fitted to the sides of the light canons, the building itself goes a long way to offsetting the ecological value of the footprint it displaced.

Anticipating the needs of the future, the architects were mindful to create a building that would easily accept change and expansion. There was always a hope that the building could at some point in the future provide changing facilities for the playing fields to the south of the village hall. The design anticipated the layout of a building being added on its southeast side. The plant room and utility connections were sized to allow this to happen as well. Additionally the external canopy would serve as a covered link to a future building potential on the west side. Along the north side of the site, the car park can be extended to meet an increased parking demand. The large light canon has a significant southwest facing pitch which the designers envisaged to allow for the future fitting of a photovoltaic (solar electric) array.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN IN SITTINGBOURNE

12/05/2017

/ BBM Architects

Site Progress, Sittingbourne

Sittingbourne, Kent

Client: Swale Borough Council

Project: New build Village/Community Hall

Access Lakeview village hall’s website here

The new village hall will become part of the rapidly enlarging neighbourhood of Great Easthall to the northeast of Sittingbourne in Kent. The new building will be named Lakeview Village Hall by local residents. Our upmost aim was to create a ‘marker on the map’ and provide a visual, community focal point within its emerging townscape and landscape setting. “Lakeview Village Hall Trust was granted charitable status on 28th March 2017, the charity has been registered by the charities commission UK Charity Number 1172312”.

The key features of the hall are a main space of 104 m² that can sub-divide into two smaller spaces of 37 m² and 66 m² respectively. The smaller of the two spaces directly connects to a children’s toilet to facilitate parent and toddler sessions. Notably the hall has been placed on the north side of the building, with spill-out doors facing away from the nearby housing, thus minimising the risk of noise nuisance. The design also includes a third activity space in the form of the entrance foyer which, as supported by the serving hatch of the adjoining kitchen, the architect’s foresaw as a place for hosting coffee mornings and provide catering for parties. It faces back to the lake at the heart of the new housing area. In effect this compact village hall can accommodate up to three independent activities simultaneously and as such it affords a sustainable potential for revenue generation.

Passive ventilation ducts provide the ventilation to the main hall spaces. Motorised louvres can be adjusted to increase or decrease the levels of fresh air into the building. The light canons serve an important role in creating the stratification of air volume in the hall that in turn draws the air through the inlet louvres at low level and out through the high level vents mounted on the sides of the canons. The foyer space uses manually openable window vents and skylights to create much the same effect.

One of BBM’s previous village hall designs incorporated a large covered space onto a village green and it proved hugely successful and a great asset for a multitude of external activities and events. The canopy of Lakeview Village Hall is intended to help stage outdoor events or just act as a covered space for external tables and chairs. The on site construction works of the village hall are nearing completion and the hall is due to commence operations this summer.

Photo credit: Lakeview Village Hall website