New homes aNd commuNities ageNcyThe single, national housing and regeneration agency for England.

robiN rigg operatioNs facility, e.oNNew offshore wind farm facility at Workington Port.

middle eastStrategies in a changing market.

flagship redevelopmeNt of ymca birmiNgham’serdiNgtoN site

BBLBnewswinter 08www.bblb-architects.co.uk

welcome to tHe BBlB NeWS WiNter iSSUe

We hope that you will enjoy reading this issue of BBLB NeWs.

In addition to pieces about BBLB and our projects we have also included articles about topical subjects which we hope will be of interest to you. If anyone else in your organisation would like to receive a copy please let us know.

If there is anything you would like more details on, or you would like to find out more about how BBLB could assist you with current or upcoming projects, please call Debbie Ward on telephone: 0845 881 8010.

BrIDgNorth oFFICethe old school house, 63A high street

Bridgnorth, shropshire, WV16 4DXtel: +44 (0) 845 881 8010

reDDItCh oFFICethe Coach house, Upper skilts Farm

gorcott hill, redditch, B98 9ettel: +44 (0) 870 600 4485

WeB & emAILwww.bblb-architects.co.uk

info@bblb-architects.co.uk

the orangery meeting Place

the market Place

the housing and regeneration Act 2008 received royal Assent in July,

paving the way for the official launch of the two proposed agencies - homes and Communities Agency (hCA) and the tenants services Authority (tsA) - on 1 December 2008.

the homes and Communities Agency will be the single, national housing and regeneration agency for england. With an investment budget of over £5 billion per year, its scale and resources mean it can bring about a ‘step change’ in housing supply, and enhance people’s quality of life by creating and regenerating thriving communities where people want, and can afford, to live.

agency responsibilitiesthe hCA will join up the delivery

of housing and regeneration, bringing together the functions of english Partnerships, the investment functions of the housing Corporation, the Academy for sustainable Communities and key housing and regeneration programmes delivered by Communities and Local government.

the Agency will also take on responsibility for the delivery of social sector decent homes (including Arms Length management organisations (ALmos), Large scale Voluntary transfers (LsVt) and housing Private Finance Initiative (PFI)); PFI for new supply; mixed communities; capital investment on homelessness, hostels and specialist supported housing; the National Land-Use Database of Previously Developed Land; and the Academy for sustainable Communities.

this integrated approach will enable the agency’s regional teams to have a single conversation with local authorities and other partners about all the housing and regeneration needs of individual, local areas, providing practical support as well as professional expertise. the full range of hCA investment programmes and tools will be used to deliver tailored solutions to help local partners achieve shared ambitions, including:

Partnerships and collaboration•Investment programmes•Investment tools•Unlocking land•skills and expertise•Design and sustainability standards•research and best practice•

the tenants services Authority is a new watchdog for social tenants which will regulate social housing landlords, setting high standards of management across housing associations and, at a later date, local authority social homes.

what benefits will the changes bring?the hCA will have an effective dialogue

with its regional and local partners to achieve a shared clarity of purpose. together it will develop an understanding of local housing growth needs, how to improve areas through regeneration, and how hCA investment can be used to meet the ambitions of individual areas. this will be supported by the agency’s adoption of a flexible investment approach, which can respond to the requirements of specific places, as well as its relationship with the government offices and regional Development Agencies.

the hCA’s scale and resources mean it will be able to bring about a ‘step change’ in housing supply and enhance people’s quality of life. this will not only entail the delivery of much needed housing (both affordable and within the private sector) but also the creation and regeneration of sustainable communities within which these homes are built.

Key regeneration rolethe hCA will, for the first time, bring

together responsibility for land and for money to deliver new housing, community facilities and new infrastructure. the hCA will also work with local councils on some of england’s 10 new eco towns. It will give local authorities a clear strategic partner to work with on housing and regeneration delivery in their areas. It is expected to start work in April next year.

the hCA will have operational responsibility for the delivery of major housing and regeneration projects such as the areas of major housing growth (such as milton Keynes, Ashford and London stansted, Cambridge, Peterborough), the thames gateway regeneration project, taking forward the Delivery Plan outlined last November, and the housing market renewal Pathfinders. the government will retain responsibility for strategic and cross-Whitehall issues on these projects.

Further details can be found onwww.communities.gov.uk.

LAUnCH OF HOMes AnD COMMUnITIes AGenCY (HCA) AnD THe TenAnTs seRVICes AUTHORITY (TsA) On 1 DeC. 2008

YMCA, eRDInGTOnInitial interior sketches

The HCA will work with a wide range of partners, especially housing associations, private sector builders and developers and the voluntary and community sectors. It will become the best delivery partner for local government.

2 BBLB news

this comprehensive redevelopment by Zenith/mercian housing Association

for the YmCA will deliver both new living accommodation and enhanced community facilities, with the aim of providing a scheme to promote social support systems and commercial enterprise projects. the intention is to develop the site in two phases, enabling the YmCA to retain hostel accommodation on site throughout the building works.

Community facilities will be closest to the public frontage along reservoir road, with the private living accommodation deeper into the site. the scheme comprises innovative ‘second tier’ or ‘move-on’ supported residential accommodation, funded by Zenith/mercian housing Association, comprising 83 self-contained units set around the orangery.

the ‘orangery meeting Place’ is a covered communal courtyard for residents surrounded by three and four storey residential units, with balconies overlooking the space. this area will function as a central meeting place available for a variety of activities. the orangery links the residential units to associated

communal and staff management facilities in addition to a variety of external amenity areas including external pocket gardens, allotments and orchard where residents are encouraged to grow and tend to fruit and vegetables, providing a sense of responsibility, achievement and promoting the YmCA’s healthy Living Agenda.

Following completion of the residential units, the second phase of development accommodates a number of community facilities - including shops, a cafe, training and sports facilities, office space and a prayer room - over two two-storey wings enclosing the ‘market Place’ – a public semi-internal / external courtyard suitable for a variety of flexible uses, which links to a high quality public realm fronting reservoir road, encouraging casual use and day to day interaction.

the proposed Community scheme offers opportunities for employment, social interaction, support and advice, learning and acquisition of new skills. Vehicular access is from reservoir road, and runs along the western boundary, leading to car

parks for visitors, staff and residents. the scheme redevelops an existing site

in a sustainable location close to the town centre, with an energy efficient building that is responsive to the environment and complemented by high quality natural amenity spaces. the planning committee said that it was ‘one of the most creative and best applications to be put before them’.

the residential aspect of the scheme will achieve Code for sustainable homes Level 4 and the sustainability features embedded within the scheme will be carried throughout the development as a whole.

Passive design measures which offer the most efficient sustainability features have been inherent within the proposals, including the reuse of exhaust heat within the building which is collected within the two central unheated courtyard spaces. Potential sustainable technologies include solar panels, rainwater harvesting and ground source heat pump.

the striking, dynamic form of the building is complemented by a simple palette of high quality materials and will be instantly recognizable, thereby providing a strong identity for YmCA Birmingham as an inspirational presence in the city, delivering high quality services to residents and the wider community. We believe that the design, when combined with the YmCA mission and effective site management will help to create an environment for change and optimism.

the phase 1 residential element for Zenith/mercian housing Association is scheduled to start on site in 2009.

ymca, erDINgtoNBBLB’s proposals for the flagship redevelopment of YMCA Birmingham’s Erdington site at Reservoir Road have recently received Planning Approval following development of the competition-winning scheme.

BBLB news 3

our approach is always to adopt creative design solutions for each site that

provide a ‘sense of place’ and foster the local community. these responses take many design forms, but each will be evident in the site’s masterplan and will be local context specific.

each design proposal we deliver offers the optimum design solution, within budgetary constraints, with the objective of providing a better place to live, work, play and visit. We therefore endeavour to maximise a site’s potential and provide a clearly legible plan incorporating best practice in urban design and innovative architecture. successful masterplans provide clear definition between public and private realms, with an evident hierarchy of routes and forms for simple site legibility to maximise site permeability and movement; create high quality public spaces and streets, contributing to a sustainable townscape; and provide flexibility for future-proofing and adaptability.

the combination of our masterplanning, urban planning and regeneration skills and expertise enable our team to deliver holistic, sensitive and considered design solutions for our Clients.

stratford cattle market:this mixed use development is situated on the site of the former cattle market in a strategic location next to the main railway station. the design is based on good urban design principles and comprises a large public square, commercial and retail units and 200 residential units, both apartments and town houses including some affordable housing.

steelhouse lane, wolverhampton:10 acre mixed use development of residential and care facility, comprising family housing, retirement home, assisted living units and nursing home with extra care unit. Community, health and social facilities are integrated into the overall development.

southbank, wolverhampton:this pioneering scheme involves the restoration and conversion of a listed 19th century mill, as well as the provision of 200 new luxury apartments on re-claimed land in Wolverhampton’s canal side quarter. the scheme greatly enhances and revitalises this area of the city, and forms a significant part of the proposed canal-side regeneration development. Being the first of its kind in this area sets the standard for those to follow.

“A pleasure to work with an architect who can combine great technical skills with the ability to see both the planning needs and the commercial realities of the property world.” trigram properties

Built in 1910, the Floral hall in tunstall was dilapidated and fire damaged

when stoke on trent City Council targeted it for restoration. the building sits in a conservation area within tunstall Park which is one of the city’s heritage parks, and is grade II listed.

the BBLB team worked with Carillion, the design team and the Council to revive Floral hall which has been beautifully restored. It is now the focal point for local community events including private hire for social events, wedding receptions and local club facilities. our energy efficient and sustainable approach meant that where possible demolition waste was reused; low energy appliances, timers and energy efficient lights were

used within the site accommodation; self closing / spray taps, low flush toilets and condensing boilers were installed; and the presence of natural daylight was maximised wherever possible.

the security of the community centre was an important part of our design considerations, and the building was adapted to ensure it was all inclusive and

fully compliant with DDA requirements.the architecture of the existing

building has been retained and enhanced where possible; materials used are sympathetic to the existing historic building with a modern approach. the external decorations of the building were carefully considered using a palette of heritage green and cream colours matching the other historic park buildings.

masterplaNNiNg & regeNeratioNFrom transforming brownfield industrial sites into new vibrant communities, to sensitive adaptation of neglected heritage sites in town and city centres, BBLB’s proven expertise and extensive experience has brought derelict land and deserted buildings back into useful life.

stratford Cattle market

floral hall, STokE oN TRENT

4 BBLB news

sustaiNable APPRoAChBY DAviD GREENiLL, DiRECToR

the volatile economic situation and the impact it has had on the construction

industry has made 2008 a particularly challenging year for the practice. We are certainly not alone in that!

how long the current financial crisis and lack of liquidity in the banking sector will continue we can only speculate upon, suffice it to say we will be working hard next year to successfully implement our business development strategy and meet the demands and challenges that 2009 will bring.

At the beginning of 2008 we secured the purchase of the stourbridge Library building, an important step in achieving our long held objective of amalgamating and consolidating our two offices under one roof. the contract to refurbish the building has been let and we anticipate moving into our new offices in the early summer.

2008 saw the practice secure our QA accreditation and we have targeted 2009/2010 to achieve Iso 14001 as we continue to improve our practice efficiency and competiveness.

Despite the economic slowdown, the collapse of the housing sector and general down turn in the construction industry, the practice has continued with our key objectives of the business development plan, such as our commitment to managing sustained growth and strengthening our business relationships in the public and private sector.

the successful delivery of education and Primary Care projects continued throughout 2008 with completed developments in telford and Wolverhampton. 2009 will see our continued involvement in this sector of the market including the implementation of the BsF education programme in Leicester.

regeneration and masterplanning projects have continued throughout 2008 and 2009 with major redevelopment projects under construction in Coventry and telford.

the practice is committed to supporting the sustainability agenda, and this year we see the completion of the Local services Centre in stoke. this is a project where we introduced a number of low carbon technologies aimed at achieving a BreeAm excellent building. It is the first stage of a proposed programme of similar projects in stoke.

With the ongoing support of our staff, BBLB architects will continue to progress through the current recession and be well placed to take full advantage of our established position in the market place when the economic climate improves and we see a return to growth in the industry.

BBLB In 2008,AnD On TO 2009BY johN BRADShAW, PARTNERsustainability is no longer perceived as

the new fashion accessory that buildings need to embrace, but rather that it should be central to the design and performance of any building. It should not be seen as ‘bolt-ons’ but more as an integral part of the overall building’s DNA.

At BBLB we believe that sustainable and responsive designs should not only begin with the first sketch design ideas, but also be capable of achieving real and deliverable results - in both the construction period and, more significantly, during the building’s whole life cycle.

“sustainability” is a current buzz word but to fully understand the actual meaning can be difficult. It often means different things to different people and usually depends on their own philosophies and perspectives. It can mean incurring ‘unnecessary’ building costs or even ‘green-wash’ or green tokenism to some, but changing lifestyle or saving the planet to others!

so how can we reconcile these vast differences in views, especially when even the government is unable to decide what ‘Zero Carbon’ actually means?

At BBLB, we have been working on ‘sustainable’ design solutions for many years and we believe that there is no ‘silver-bullet’ when it comes to the actual approach to take. But here are our three main principles that aid the process:

A client’s clear drive and passion for 1. sustainable solutionsA design strategy that embraces 2. ‘passive measures’A detailed design appraisal of the 3. most suitable Low ‘C’ technologies for site and brief

examined further, the above points make clear that a good client/architect relationship is imperative to achieving a successful sustainable building. When a client has the vision and desire to create sustainable building solutions this can drive the market, with the results being quicker sales/leases, higher rents, lower running costs and more blue-chip clientele. this scenario is true of BBLB’s design for 90,000 sqft BreeAm ‘excellent’ offices for the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority building in Coventry that has just recently been ‘topped out’ (see initial cross section design for the building below).

A building’s design and site masterplan should embrace ‘passive’ design measures. these design measures are simple but are essential and fundamental strategies that should be embedded within the design approach, and must always come first in the designer’s creative processes.

they help organise the design proposals for effective and sustainable solutions and may include:

Building’s orientation to maximise •natural daylight throughout the yearhigh thermal mass areas of the structure •which help to moderate the fluctuations during the natural day/night temperatures and summer/winter cyclesUtilise and maximise the natural •ventilation systems and strategiessuper-insulate the building fabric •wherever possible to minimise heat lossBBLB are currently working on

numerous sustainable projects, some large and some small and include Code for sustainable homes Code Levels 3, 4 and 5, as well as Zero Carbon homes and BreeAm ‘excellent’ developments.

BBLB news 5

the Partners are delighted to say that a contractor has been appointed, and work

started on site on the 10th November. We are now planning to move into the building by early summer 2009. Below is a photo of the beautiful stained glass windows in the main stairwell of the building.

BBLB InHOUse

strategies IN A ChANgINg mArKet

In 2007 growth in the UK construction industry remained high, any slowdown

in activity being offset by a housing sector which continued to expand throughout the year. Industry confidence was being driven by a perceived underlying strength in the housing market.

the collapse of the UK housing market in April 2008 signalled a dramatic loss of confidence in the financial markets and lead to a significant fall in workload and a slowdown in the construction industry. Whilst we have all felt the impact of this, it was not completely unforeseen.

our reaction to the current market situation is, no doubt, similar to that of most of the property and construction industry - we have further analysed where we can be more efficient internally, we have explored and implemented options to broaden our client base, and building on our existing experience we have continued to push into the public sector.

Another initiative was to investigate opportunities outside the UK. having debated for some time as to whether getting involved in projects abroad was a good strategic move for BBLB, the Partners decided earlier this year that the time was right for us to research our options. the result was firstly to progress an opportunity for a strategic alliance with a practice in sydney, Australia and secondly to find out more about the the middle east market.

Initially we have decide to focus on the United Arab emirates, and in particular Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A visit in early october was very productive and enabled us to research the market, major players and opportunities first hand. In addition to setting up several meetings with various consultants and industry contacts, part of this trip included visiting the Cityscape property exhibition & conference. the models at Cityscape gave us an indication of the upcoming plans being tabled for Dubai - the scale of the projects and vision of some of the developers really is of a different world!

Although Duabi and Abu Dhabi are only 1.5 hours drive or so apart, their futures are being driven from quite different perspectives. Dubai has stormed ahead, with new developments and towers coming out of the ground at an amazing rate as the city furthers its aim to be an internationally renowned commercial hub and tourist destination - and although Dubai is now being affected by the current economic climate, it will perhaps be more of a pause for breath than a downturn. Abu Dhabi, which in fact also has a large number of substantial new developments moving forward, appears to be taking things a little slower, with a longer term vision in the form of a 2030 masterplan and ambitions to be the cultural city of the UAe.

on the environmental front there appears to be a marked difference between its two major cities with Dubai’s air-conditioned, high-rise buildings consuming at such a rate the energy providers can’t keep up and Abu Dhabi pushing forward with plans to build the zero-carbon city, masdur.

however sustainabiity is high on both emirates’ agenda, and although regulations have been in place for some time, it seems that the rulers of the Dubai and Abu Dhabi emirates, and industry, are really starting to take it seriously. LeeD is the more prominant rating, though Bre global has recently launched a customised ‘BreeAm in the gulf’ certification scheme.

the UAe topped the world rankings on per capita carbon footprint according to the WWF Living Planet 2008 report published in october, so the emirates have a way to go yet. Dr rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, UAe minister of environment and Water said in a statement, “reducing our footprint will not only depend on the effective implementation of initiatives but will also require additional actions. this will require time and a coordinated effort.” With BBLB’s knowledge and experience in relation to sustainable design and technologies we are getting involved in the hope that we, and the consultants we partner with in the region, can be part of that ‘revolution’.

focus oN health & safety: CoNstrUCtIoN sKILLs CertIFICAtIoN sCheme

the Partners of BBLB architects view their responsibility for the health,

safety and welfare of all employees - and other people such as clients and visitors who may be affected by our activities - very seriously. the Partners require all employees to follow this philosophy and not to place other business pressures ahead of the maintenance of high standards of health and safety throughout the activities of BBLB.

BBLB seeks to achieve continuous improvements in our health and safety performance, and recently the Partners decided that part of this process would be for all relevant staff to go through the Construction skills Certification scheme - which they have successfully completed. the CsCs was set up to help the construction industry to improve quality and reduce accidents. CsCs is demanded as proof of competence by organisations from across the industry as well as employers, clients and government. the office of government Commerce (ogC) and the olympic Delivery Authority (oDA) are two such government bodies that require all members of the supply teams who are workers or a regular visitor to a construction site are registered on the CsCs scheme.

bblb stourbridge WoRk oN SiTE

6 BBLB news

stAff PROFILesfavourite piece of architecturerichard meiers - museum of Contemporary Art, Barcelona. this is the building I always wish I had designed and strive towards.

why i joiNed the iNdustryAs far as I can remember, and once I was over the train driver and pilot phase of my childhood, I always wanted to be an Architect.

hobbies aNd iNterestsI play a bit of golf but not very convincingly, and I love to ski but not much snow in shropshire! Keep meaning to do my PADI diving course but seem to end up sat in the pool bar instead, though I’m sure I will get around to it eventually.

e.oN, one of the UK’s leading power and gas companies, has recently

taken posession of a new operations and maintenance facility at the robin rigg offshore wind farm at Workington Port, Cumbria.

the project designed by BBLB incorporates an external service area, a sustainable service building and offices with low carbon technologies, including the use of an air source heat pump and recyclable materials.

According to tom Whiting, Project Developer for e.oN Climate & renewables, the e.oN team has been so impressed with the designs for Workington Port, that BBLB has been

invited to prepare designs for future wind farms in other areas of the country. “our internal property department approached BBLB to develop designs for the facility in Cumbria,” he said. “Despite working to a limited specification, BBLB designed an excellent scheme and everyone was very happy with the way it worked. the new building provides a perfect view of the wind farm so that managers and operators are able to look out and physically see which turbines are working, and are located only metres away from the access system. It provides a really good set up operationally.”

mike turner, Director at BBLB, commented, “BBLB is committed to the

ethos of sustainable buildings and we have been delighted to be involved in this important project, producing designs that respond to the corporate message of e.oN Climate & renewables.”

he added, “BBLB worked with the local appointed main contractor, thomas Armstrong Ltd, providing technical support throughout the contract programme helping to deliver the project from conception to completion.”

BBLB has also recently been appointed to provide initial design support for a similar facility for the London Array offshore wind farm.

robiN rigg operatioNs facility, E.oN

simoN joNespartNerBridgnorth office

favourite piece of architectureI like emilio Ambasz and would love a chance to visit some of his work. Kirby hall in Northampton is always a favourite place to visit – part of it is ruins and it’s very atmospheric.

why i joiNed the iNdustryI wanted to do something artistic and I’ve

always been interested in Architecture as my dad works in the industry.

hobbies aNd iNterestsPainting, Writing, reading, Picnics, tea shops, going out and cinema..

holly rowlattarchitectredditch office

BBLB news 7

Printed on 50% recycled paperwww.bblb-architects.co.ukBBLB architects llp

CitY of woLverhAMpton CoLLege

this project is a design and build works contract involving the construction of:

Demolitions and migration of existing facilities have taken place to make available the area for new buildings. Construction has and will take place within the existing and operational campus, which requires particularly careful and considered planning. on completion of the new buildings the existing structures

will be demolished and external works will be completed.

Winning the bid with construction company morgan Ashurst, the main contractor for the scheme, was based on our ability to consider the existing facilities of the college, work to a carefully targeted programme and deliver the buildings in accordance with the college’s objectives and term times.

A key element was delivering the nursery as early as possible to allow them access earlier in the process. this was advantageous financially but also beneficial for health & safety too. the existing nursery continued to operate with no down-time. they moved in over a week-end.

early access has also been possible to the Civil engineering building. Accurate programming has allowed the team to deliver the building to the College for the september term.

BBLB has been able to work in tandem with morgan Ashurst to overcome various logistical issues, not least that the site was a live/operational one and buildings

have had to be built and demolished in a phased and carefully timed way.

the client felt that our response addressed the aspirations the College had for the site and was commercially viable, whilst also taking into consideration the health & safety issues with existing students being based on site.

BBLB’s previous experience with other live sites and working with unusual constraints, such as with the Avon Valley school & Performing Arts College, gave the client the confidence that we could deliver.

Additionally it was important for the College that whichever team won the bid would work in close liaison with client and college representatives to ensure that existing construction students would be allowed to view and access, when possible, the live site as part of their studies, it was utilised as part of the curriculum for part of the year. the Civil engineering block was also operational until decant.

(Images: top and below left & right - Civil engineering Block. Below centre - Nursery Building.)

a new nursery, approximate �floor area 300m2 which is now complete and operationala new construction and �engineering workshop of approximate floor area 4,200m2 this was handed over on the 22nd september this yearand a new sports facility due to �be complete by the end of 2008 of approximate area 1,900m2 and associated grass/all weather sports pitches to be completed spring 2009.

8 BBLB news