News

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  Futurebuild Best Practice Case Study

  Here is a photo from the site visit to Mundon Road, Maldon – it was a best practice case study site visit, as part of Futurebuild. This is a pilot scheme for Moat Homes housing association. The aim is to vastly improve the energy performance of existing homes.

  This is done by developing insulated over-cladding through the EnergieSprong whole-house retrofit model – to suit the UK’s existing housing stock. This is a really worthwhile innovation – it will have huge benefits for both the residents and the planet!

  March 2019

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  450 New Homes Approved Under Delegated Powers

  GSA’s design proposals for Gallows Hill have received reserved matters planning approval under delegated powers. GSA were the lead consultant working with the L&Q team to provide 450 homes – from 1-bed apartments to 5-bedroom family houses, with 40% affordable homes spread throughout the site.

  All the homes are designed using modern methods of construction, while incorporating attractive, site-specific local vernacular features. The scheme creates distinctive character areas formed around existing and proposed areas of landscape – centred on a 0.5km long tree-lined green corridor, providing long views to historic Warwick.

  Read more

  March 2019

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  Featured At Futurebuild

  Associate John Pratley attended Futurebuild on 7th March, where he was promoting our EnergieSprong retrofit pilot project for Moat Homes - currently on site in Maldon, Essex. The Dutch-inspired EnergieSprong concept is a model that enables the deep whole-house, net-zero energy retrofit of poorly performing existing homes -by utilising the money

  that would have been spent over the next 30 years on fossil-fuel guzzling energy bills and repetitive, low-level building maintenance cycles. In the afternoon, Moat Homes and ENGIE UK gave a tour of the Maldon site to other potential EnergieSprong customers from Germany, The Netherlands, France and the UK to check on the build progress.

  March 2019

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  Moving Into Beaulieu Square

  We are always interested to hear about the people who move into the homes that we design.

  So we liked the article on Beaulieu Square, Chelmsford in last night’s Evening Standard Homes & Property.

  Read more

  February 2019

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  Better Design For Better Places

  We have heard that Beaulieu, Chelmsford has been used as a best practice case study at the Better Design For Better Places Conference held by the government (MHCLG).

  We designed and co-ordinated the masterplan, one of the first residential phases and the neighbourhood centre for the joint venture between Countryside and L&Q. Photo Credit - Countryside

  Read more

  February 2019

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  Are you in the driving seat?

  We really enjoyed hosting the February WISH (Women in Social Housing) event at our offices. It was an uplifting and frank panel discussion entitled “Managing your career strategy - Are you in the driving seat when it comes to managing your career?”

  We benefitted from hearing about shared experiences and looking at ways of taking forward your own career path in the direction that you want to. Thanks to the panel and the audience for a lively, honest and helpful discussion.

  February 2019

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  Net-Zero EnergieSprong Retrofit Pilot

  GSA associate John Pratley gave a presentation at the Institute of Engineering & Technology in London this week; talking about the latest progress of our net-zero EnergieSprong pilot retrofit for Moat Homes in Essex. We have been working closely with ENGIE UK contractors & their suppliers to co-ordinate the design of the pre-fabricated components

  for the external wall & roof insulated over-cladding & ‘plug-in’ energy-pod – containing heat pump, hot water storage, MVHR heating & ventilation kit – all to minimise the disruption to residents who will be living in their homes during the retrofit works. GSA will be providing further updates at the EnergieSprong stand at Futurebuild 5-7 March.

  February 2019

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  Beaulieu is a Planning Excellence Finalist

  Beaulieu Phase 1, Chelmsford has been named as a finalist in the Excellence in Planning for Homes (large schemes – 50 or more homes) at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2019.

  In Phase 1 GSA designed beautiful homes overlooking gardens and a linear park, and also a thriving new neighbourhood centre with attractive homes above shops, cafes and community buildings. The winners will be announced on 24 April 2019.

  Read more

  February 2019

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  Station Square Pavilion

  We were delighted to see that the Station Square pavilion is nearing completion at South Oxhey. The building was designed to sit between major services easements beneath the square. Can't wait to see who will move in!

  This is part of the wider regeneration of the town centre - a joint venture between Three Rivers District Council, Countryside and Home Group. The square provides a new arrival space from Carpenters Park Station.

  January 2019

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  The Homes England Framework

  A joint venture between Tibbalds Planning & Urban Design & CampbellReith has been selected by Homes England for its 2019-2023 Multidisciplinary Panel. It is one of 20 specialist teams joining the panel set up via the OJEU process to provide Homes England and other public sector bodies with rapid and cost effective access to housing professionals.

  The Tibbalds CampbellReith JV stands out for bringing together smaller & mid-sized firms, including architecture, planning, engineering, project management, and landscape architecture practices, to provide the technical coverage of a large organisation with the responsiveness and flexibility of SMEs. GSA is pleased to be part of the team.

  January 2019

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  Planning Approval at Arborfield Green

  Our design for 110 new homes and a small neighbourhood centre at Arborfield Green has received unanimous approval at planning committee. This is part of the wider regeneration scheme to transform the former Arborfield Garrison near Wokingham into a garden village.

  The new homes will enjoy views over landscaped, green spaces and a convenient location next to the proposed new primary school. The design reconciles complex constraints, including flood protection, SuDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage System), an existing stream, mature protected trees and the location of the new bus route.

  January 2019

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  Stevenage Regeneration Nearly Complete

  Photos from the site visit for the Park Place, Stevenage team. This regeneration scheme will provide 202 new homes in the town centre.

  The South Block (Mulberry House) is almost complete, but the ground floor is still under construction. 80% of the homes in the South Block are now occupied. The whole project including the North Block (Boston House) is due to be complete in the next couple of months.

  January 2019

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  Review of 2018

  Looking Back On 2018 we have been privileged to work on some very exciting and rewarding projects. Thank you to everyone who worked with us and supported us throughout the year.

  We are determined to make 2019 even better!

  January 2019

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  Seasons Greetings

  We are a creative and talented bunch at GSA. This year our Christmas image was created by our staff, through a competition. The winning entry was this image designed by Mauro Mosca – Christmas at Arborfield Green, Wokingham.

  The wider proposals will include 2,000 new homes, 2 schools, a District Centre, and generous areas of open space. New homes are spacious, light-filled and open plan for modern family living, all within a high quality landscaped setting.

  December 2018

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  Planning Submission At Gallows Hill, Warwick

  Our design for 450 new homes at Gallows Hill has been submitted for RM planning approval. This is a key strategic site in L&Q’s expansion into the Midlands.The new layout and architectural language create a series of distinctive, local character areas formed around the existing & proposed landscape – centred on a 0.5km long view to Warwick Castle.

  The design provides a wide range of homes across the development – from 1-bed apartments to 5-bed family houses, with 40% affordable housing spread throughout the site. All these new homes are designed to utilise L&Q's pre-fabricated construction methodology, while incorporating local, site-specific vernacular features.

  December 2018

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  Tudor House Conversion Starts On Site

  Work has started on the next phase of RNIB Redhill - the conversion of the Grade II Listed Tudor House into the RNIB community hub.

  This part of a joint venture with between Countryside and the RNIB will result in specialised accommodation for up 50 residents and 77 new luxury homes on the site, which will be sold on the open market.

  Read more

  December 2018

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  Northern Gateway Design Code Approved

  Our Design Code for the Northern Gateway at Arborfield Green for Crest Nicholson Regeneration has been approved by Wokingham Borough Council.

  This is the 4th Design Code GSA have produced for Arborfield and focuses on a key part of the Garrison site that incorporates 3 residential parcels, a primary school and neighbourhood centre. We are continuing our work with Crest to secure reserved matters planning approvals at Arborfield Green into 2019.

  December 2018

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  International Property Winner

  Congratulations to all the team led by Countryside and L&Q, at Beaulieu, Chelmsford, for winning two International Property Awards.

  Beaulieu triumphed in two categories – Best Residential Development and Best Mixed-Use Development. Photo Credit – Countryside.

  Read more

  December 2018

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  Tiddington Approval

  We are delighted that Oak Road in Tiddington, near Stratford-Upon-Avon was unanimously approved at planning committee last night. The scheme will provide 60 new homes with a community focus, clustered around a series of 3 attractive new greens. This will make a handsome addition to the village.

  The client, L&Q Counties, provide high quality homes accessible to local communities outside London, across a range of tenures. The buildings will progress rapidly on site – through the use of a timber-framed panel system. The factory techniques are so efficient that the structural frame for a house can be fabricated in 45 minutes!

  November 2018

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  Welcome to Chelmsford

  Chelmsford has been a popular place to live since Roman times. In 2012 it became a city – as part of the celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

  We were pleased to see a photo of our house designs at Beaulieu within the Evening Standard Homes & Property this week.

  November 2018

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  Bright Horizons At Beaulieu

  We are delighted that the Bright Horizons Day Nursery and the Kip McGrath Education Centre at Beaulieu, Chelmsford have opened their doors now, welcoming children of all ages, from babies to teens.

  This will be a great asset for the wider community. Image credit - Countryside.

  October 2018

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  Groundbreaking at South Oxhey

  Yesterday we attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2 of the South Oxhey town centre regeneration. It was a good opportunity to see all the progress that has been made so far, and to celebrate the success of the partnership between TRDC, Countryside & Home Group.

  Phase 2 will deliver 174 new homes, 7,857sqft of retail space and a new market place.

  October 2018

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  Arborfield Green - Submitted For Planning

  The latest phase of Arborfield Green Garden Village has been submitted for planning. Our designs for Crest Nicholson include 110 new homes – a mix of apartments and houses - and a small neighbourhood centre to the north of Biggs Lane.

  The wider proposals include up to 2000 new homes, 2 schools, a District Centre, SANGs, allotments and sports facilities. New homes are spacious, light-filled and open plan for modern family living, all within a high quality landscaped setting.

  October 2018

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  Beaulieu - Backdrop for Placemaking Debate

  At the Countryside Alan Cherry Debate. Nice to see our project Beaulieu, Chelmsford feature as the backdrop for the discussions today!

  Among the topics for debate - How can councils and home builders work together to combat potential nimbyism in areas of high housing demand?

  October 2018

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  A New Setting For Historic Kingsfield

  Our scheme for Bellway to develop part of the North Kent College campus has been submitted for planning. The site has an interesting place in history. In 1895, Martina Bergman-Österberg located her women’s Physical Training College here (then a house called Kingsfield). The game of netball is credited as being developed here.

  The proposals include 156 new homes – a mix of houses and apartments, inspired by the architecture of Kingsfield House. The development is centred around The Green - a large landscaped area providing a new setting for Kingsfield, which will be sensitively converted into apartments.

  September 2018

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  Planning Success At Devonshire Place, Grays

  We have achieved planning consent for 102 new homes in Grays, for our client Bellway Homes. The proposals include a mix of apartments and houses and transform the site that sits within a former quarrying area of the town, close to the NuStar fuel storage facility.

  Grays in Essex is a town with great potential, close to scenic country parks and the River Thames, yet within convenient commuting distance of London. We worked closely with the Bellway team to turn around the planning application in 2 months!

  September 2018

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  Ready To Take On Anything!

  This year we went to Warwick Castle for our team building event. It was an enjoyable day, in a wonderful historic setting.

  We had training in archery and the art of sword fighting. And now the team is ready for anything!

  September 2018

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  British Homes Awards Finalist

  We are pleased that Beaulieu is a finalist in the Best Placemaking category at the British Homes Awards.

  The character of the architecture and landscape, working together, give a strong sense of place. The first phases - including the neighbourhood centre are now complete.

  Read more

  September 2018

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  Harlow Architectural Design Awards - Shortlisted

  We are delighted that our design for 2 Iceni Square has been nominated – a group of three-storey, four-bedroom houses in the Atelier neighbourhood where a mix of interesting contemporary designs, which include terraces and flats, have been composed to provide both a distinctive architectural flavour and a sense of integration.

  The awards team describe the townhouse as “This house has both pleasing overall proportions and a combination of details that complement each other nicely so that the design works well whether you are looking at it standing back or close up.”

  Read more

  September 2018

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  Station Square Takes Shape

  It’s great to see the first businesses moving into Station Square, Carpenders Park. This retail area and public square form part of the first phase of the South Oxhey Initiative.

  This is a joint venture between Countryside, Home Group and Three Rivers District Council to regenerate the town centre. At the same time the first 84 town centre apartments are under construction.

  Read more

  August 2018

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  Beaulieu Community Centre Opens

  We are delighted that the Community Centre at Beaulieu is now open. It is an important element of our mixed-use neighbourhood centre design.

  The community centre has a wonderful double height space - which can be used for lots of purposes. We can't wait to see the programme of events coming up! (Photo credit - Countryside)

  July 2018

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  BHA Best Placemaking Shortlisted

  We are delighted to see that Beaulieu has been shortlisted in the Best Placemaking category for the 2018 British Homes Awards. Further to the development of our design for the wider masterplan for 3,600 homes to the north of Chelmsford, we have designed two of the initial detailed phases of the Development – Beaulieu Chase and Beaulieu Square.

  Now completed, these initial phases of the scheme are setting the tone for further phases of the development and have created a place with a real sense of character. New build homes are set within generously landscaped avenues, linear parks and public garden spaces - alongside private amenity space including both gardens and external terrace space.

  July 2018

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  Zero Energy Retrofit Pilot For Social Housing Provider

  GSA have been working with ENGIE Regeneration - developing the EnergieSprong near net-zero energy retrofit pilot for social housing provider Moat Homes in Maldon, Essex. GSA associate John Pratley gave a presentation to prospective residents as part of a customer engagement workshop at the local community centre.

  We have submitted a planning application for 6 homes. GSA designed the holistic proposals using our in-house Passivhaus modelling capabilities to energy-prove the design process. “The project is exciting and the finished result looks really smart but the best bit has to be the expected savings on energy costs” - Ms Edwards - Resident

  July 2018

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  Beaulieu Success At Planning Awards

  Congratulations to the Beaulieu team for the win in the Infrastructure Planning category of the Planning Awards. It was a successful night -also scooping highly commended awards for Partnership Working and Best Housing Scheme (500 homes or more).

  Picture credit – Countryside.

  Read more

  June 2018

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  Access All Areas

  “When it comes to designing for adults, young adults in this case, you have to make sure it reflects somewhere they want to live in. It’s not a nursery or a school — you want it to feel like home so you have to be using colours that reflect that kind of environment.” – Manoher Matharu, director

  Manoher was talking about our design at Redhill for RNIB. Find out more about inclusive design in George Kafka’s article for Blueprint this month.

  May 2018

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  Wilmcote House Passivhaus Case Study

  “Estate regeneration was already a thorny issue before the Grenfell Tower fire, involving complex debates around whether to refurbish or demolish. Tragic events at Grenfell almost a year ago further complicated the issue, leaving many questioning the future of some of the UK’s mid-twentieth century estates, specifically those constructed using the

  non-traditional materials and designs of the public housing boom.” – Josephine Smit We are helping to address this. At Wilmcote House, Portsmouth we have been upgrading the external fabric performance to achieve Passivhaus EnerPHit. Read more about our refurbishment project in Josephine’s article.

  Read more

  May 2018

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  Osterberg’s Legacy At The Heart Of New Development

  Part of the North Kent College campus is being sold for residential development (to raise funds for a new teaching building). The site has an interesting place in history. In 1895, Martina Bergman-Österberg located her women’s Physical Training College here (then a house called Kingsfield). The game of netball is credited as being developed here.

  Our proposals include new houses and apartments, centred around The Green - a large landscaped area which lies at the heart of the development. It also provides a new setting for Kingsfield, which will be sensitively converted into apartments. A public exhibition has been held to consult upon the proposals.

  May 2018

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  Double Celebration - Planning Success in Stevenage

  We are delighted to receive two planning approvals in one week for our designs at Park Place, Stevenage. Here are some site photos of our town centre regeneration work currently on site. The recent approvals relate to:

  12 Park Place - a 9 home scheme for MBU Capital adjacent to our current Park Place project which responds sensitively and adds to the modernist conservation area. St George's Car Park cladding scheme - creating a visual screen for the benefit of the new residents of Park Place that will look towards the car park, utilising perforated metal panels.

  May 2018

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  Devonshire Place Submitted for Planning

  Grays in Essex is a town with great potential, close to scenic country parks and the River Thames, yet within convenient commuting distance of London. So we were delighted to be appointed to transform this development site within a former quarrying area of the town.

  We have just submitted a planning application for 102 new homes (a mix of houses and apartments) at Devonshire Place. We worked closely with the Bellway team to turn around the planning application in 2 months!

  May 2018

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  Westway Beacons - Performance Evaluation

  Congratulations to Paddi Clark who graduated with Distinction in her MSc in Environmental Strategy from the University of Surrey. Her dissertation explored the potential for using Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) in UK social housing using GSA's Westway Beacons as a case study.

  Westway Beacons was the first U.K. Housing project to incorporate ATES which uses the heat naturally stored in the aquifer to provide low cost heating and cooling, thereby minimising residents’ fuel bills and helping people out of fuel poverty.

  May 2018

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  Not The Back End Of A Bus

  We noticed an advert for our apartment scheme at Grange Walk in Bermondsey on the back of a London bus in Greenwich.

  Far from looking like ‘the back end of a bus’ - the scheme is an elegant courtyard design that strongly addresses the urban context and surrounding streets.

  Read more

  April 2018

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  The Changing Face of Stevenage

  Our twin mixed-use buildings at Park Place, Stevenage, town centre regeneration are progressing well on site. The scaffolding has been taken down revealing the profiled aluminium cladded façade.

  Projecting window frames and flat aluminium panel inserts are being installed, as balconies are clad, awaiting glass balustrade inserts to the sides. The “bookends” are finished with Corium brick slips whose lustrous finish changes throughout the day and in differing light conditions!

  Read more

  April 2018

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  South Oxhey Residents Move in

  Residents are moving into their new homes at Hallowes Crescent and Maylands Road, South Oxhey. This is part of the South Oxhey Initiative – to regenerate the town centre, achieved through a partnership between Countryside, Home Group and Three Rivers District Council.

  Construction of Phase 2 will start in Spring 2019 - providing a further 174 homes. With completion on these properties expected by spring 2020.

  April 2018

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  Raising Density Without Raising The Height

  Recently there has been increasing interest in the alternatives to tall buildings. We thought that you might like to see progress photos of Grange Walk (Corio) in Bermondsey – which is currently on site.

  This scheme for Linden Homes and Wandle housing association provides 167 mixed-tenure apartments (including wheelchair homes) in a mid rise courtyard scheme. Although it is only 4-7 storeys high, responding to its context, it achieves 305 dwellings / HA or 859 habitable rooms / HA.

  Read more

  April 2018

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  A Bold New Quarter For Central Milton Keynes

  GSA with Crest Nicholson have been selected by MKDP to design a prestigious new mixed use quarter overlooking Campbell Park and the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes.

  Campbell Park Northside will be developed jointly with Urban Splash and Places for People and will contain up to 1,500 new homes, together with retail, restaurants, offices, a hotel and community space. GSA's winning design incorporates existing trees and hedgerows in a linear park connecting the town centre with the Grand Union Canal.

  March 2018

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  Passivhaus Proof - Addressing Fuel Poverty

  The MHCLG held their "Addressing Fuel Poverty" Workshop in Portsmouth this week, using our Wilmcote House Passivhaus EnerPhit social housing retrofit as a case study. We heard presentations from Portsmouth, Exeter and Southampton City Councils sharing their experiences of providing energy-efficient homes and refurbishing existing housing.

  After the Workshop, GSA Associate John Pratley helped lead the building tour - including a look inside one of the recently refurbished maisonettes, where we witnessed first hand the thermal benefit of a Passivhaus home:- a pleasant, draft-free internal temperature of 20C (with the outside a chilly, windy –1C). All achieved without the heating on!

  March 2018

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  Progress At Beaulieu

  Beaulieu will provide a vibrant new district for Chelmsford offering inspirational architecture and landscape. The design is inspired by the area’s rich heritage – set around the majestic New Hall School, formerly King Henry VIII’s Tudor palace, and its estate parkland. The development is conceived as a series of individually designed neighbourhood

  Chelmsford's MP Vicky Ford has been on a tour of the latest updates to Beaulieu. Here she is shown visiting Beaulieu Square - our design for the neighbourhood centre.

  Read more

  February 2018

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  Unanimous Approval For Mindenhurst

  The first phase at Mindenhurst was unanimously approved at Committee last night - great news for CALA Homes and GSA. The scheme for 215 new homes, ranging from 1 & 2 bed flats up to 5 bed detached homes, sets the bar high for the redevelopment of the Princess Royal Barracks in Deepcut.

  This is part of a wider plan to deliver 1,200 new homes, a school & village centre. Work will now start on site to deliver much-needed homes sitting within a beautiful woodland setting, with many enjoying views across the Village Green or parkland.

  Read more

  February 2018

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  100% Approval Rate At Arborfield

  Our Design Code for Parcel M at Arborfield Green for Crest Nicholson Regeneration has just been approved. We have a 3 out of 3 success rate at Arborfield!

  This code focuses on the Cricket Green character area, right in the centre of the masterplan, close to the new Park and District Centre. The document guides the design of the intimate courtyards and lanes forming a sensitive transition to the existing houses next to the site.

  February 2018

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  Beaulieu Is Open For Business

  Our design for the community hub at Beaulieu, Chelmsford is reaching completion on site. The supermarket and shops are now open for business.

  The hub will also provide a new health centre, community centre and with new homes above. Photo courtesy of Countryside.

  Read more

  February 2018

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  Arborfield Green District Centre Exhibition

  Thank you to everyone who supported the public exhibition showcasing the proposals for the new District Centre at Arborfield Green. We are currently working with Crest Nicholson to produce a Development Brief. This was our chance to share initial ideas with the public.

  The centre will be located alongside the new school, and will bring together a vibrant mix of amenities for the community including a food store, shops, food & drink outlets, community and leisure facilities.

  January 2018

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  Making People-Friendly Towns

  This year it is 40 years since Francis Tibbalds founded our practice. His holistic approach to placemaking is still enshrined in our practice today. Director Christine Goldsmith is rediscovering his work through his wonderfully illustrated book ‘Making People-Friendly Towns’.

  Through the course of this year she intends to visit locations featured in the book, and photograph them. Seeing if the qualities that he valued have survived and how change has affected these places. Starting with London!

  January 2018

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  Wilmcote House Features In RIBA Journal

  In refurbishment projects, squeezed budgets are often torn between the demand for better fire safety measures and improving energy efficiency in tower blocks.

  But Wilmcote House, Portsmouth shows that needn’t be the case. GSA associate John Pratley recently spoke to RIBA Journal about his experience.

  Read more

  January 2018

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  A Spectacular Start to 2018

  Happy New Year from everyone at GSA! We wish you a happy and successful new year in 2018.

  This is the spectacular new years fireworks display from our office on Blackfriars Road.

  January 2018

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  Looking Back On 2017

  We have been privileged to work on some very exciting and rewarding projects in 2017.

  Thank you to everyone who worked with us and supported us throughout the year.

  December 2017

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  Seasons Greetings!

  It’s been another busy year for GSA with our portfolio of diverse projects continuing to grow. This includes South Oxhey where we received unanimous planning approval for Phase 2 of our Masterplan (comprising 500+ homes, 50k+ sqft retail, along with the new Market Place and Station Square).

  Construction is progressing rapidly - so it won’t be too long before everyone can enjoy a cup of mulled wine at the real Christmas Market!

  Read more

  December 2017

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  Progress At Beaulieu Square

  The design team braved the winter weather to visit Beaulieu Square, being built by Kier contractors just outside Chelmsford. The mixed-use Neighbourhood Centre containing shops, apartments, a nursery & community centre provides the communal facilities for the 200 new homes at Beaulieu Chase for Countryside and L&Q.

  Our taxi driver from Chelmsford station has already used the new Sainsbury’s Local store, and we all sampled the delights of the Churchills Fish & Chip shop for a well-earned hot lunch. The first residents will be moving in to their new contemporary apartments early next year - all with generous balconies overlooking the parkland.

  Read more

  December 2017

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  Mindenhurst - Scenes At The Exhibition

  Ruth Stanesby and Hannah Shopland joined the CALA team to explain the scheme for 215 new homes, ranging from 1 & 2 bed flats up to 5 bed detached homes, at the Mindenhurst public exhibition. This is the first phase of the redevelopment of the Princess Royal Barracks in Deepcut.

  This is part of a wider plan to deliver 1,200 new homes, a school & village centre. The new homes will sit within a beautiful woodland setting, with many enjoying views across the Village Green or parkland. Retention of many mature trees with additional high quality planting sets a high benchmark!

  Read more

  November 2017

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  Taking The Stage At World Architecture Festival In Berlin

  RNIB Redhill was shortlisted for the Health Future Projects Category of the World Architecture Festival Awards. Director Manoher Matharu presented the scheme in Berlin 15-17 Nov. It is a really uplifting story - RNIB in partnership with Countryside are creating a truly inclusive & pioneering residential environment.

  The scheme will deliver housing for people with visual impairments side by side with open market sale homes. All homes are linked by the sensory trail to The Hub where the RNIB staff are based. This allows RNIB clients varying degrees of independence and a chance to fully participate in the community.

  Read more

  November 2017

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  Community Initiative Success At Park Central

  We built a great relationship working with the residents, Optima, and Crest Nicholson at Park Central. We worked together to regenerate the Lee Bank Estate in Birmingham over a period of roughly 15 years.

  It was a very positive design and development process – leaving all parties feeling very proud of what had been achieved through partnership and collaboration together. The most recent accolade is Finalist for Best Community Initiative in the Housebuilder Awards.

  Read more

  November 2017

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  High Performance Housing Retrofit

  Associate John Pratley took part in a very informative 2-day study tour in the Netherlands looking at the innovative Dutch Energiesprong zero-energy, housing retrofit approach.

  GSA are currently looking at a number of potential Energiesprong pilots for UK Housing Associations with our Wilmcote House Passivhaus Retrofit clients Keepmoat Regeneration, part of the ENGIE energy and services group.

  November 2017

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  Unlock Your Network with WISH

  We had an inspiring WISH (Women in Social Housing) London RegionBreakfast Briefing at our offices this week. The topic was Effective Utilisation of Social Media presented by Paul Monteath, Director at the Digital Co.

  Paul specialises in digital strategy, where he has delivered a number of pioneering integrated campaigns. He was able to inspire us to tell our stories...interestingly!

  November 2017

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  Topping Out At Park Place

  Thanks to MBU and Ashe Construction for inviting us to the topping out ceremony at Park Place, Stevenage. The final steel was successfully craned into place. Now work on the external envelope can start.

  The practice of "topping out" a new building can be traced to the ancient Scandinavian religious rite of placing a tree atop a new building to appease the tree-dwelling spirits displaced in its construction. Fortunately this is a town centre regeneration project!

  Read more

  October 2017

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  Unanimous Approval For South Oxhey Town Centre

  South Oxhey is no longer the Unsung Town – as it was named when it appeared in the BBC series The Choir. The process to revitalize the town centre is well under way – the first housing sites are nearing completion and the new shops and public square at Carpenders Park Station are progressing on site – whilst maintaining public access at all times.

  The planning application for the second phase has just been granted planning permission. This gives the green light for 174 mixed tenure homes, shops and a new market place.

  Read more

  October 2017

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  Residents Move In At Harlow

  We are delighted to see that our work at The Briars (BAC), Harlow, now called Atelier, is coming to fruition. This week the first Home Group tenants moved in. We wish them a very happy future in their new homes.

  Working with Harlow Council, Countryside & Home Group we designed a low rise scheme based on a traditional network of street and squares. Consultation with the community told us that this was what was wanted. The challenge was to design an attractive high density scheme at low rise. This was the first of Harlow's priority estates to reach viability

  Read more

  October 2017

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  Transforming Barracks To Woodland Homes

  We are delighted to have been selected by CALA Homes to design the first phase of the redevelopment of the Princess Royal Barracks in Deepcut – now known as Mindenhurst. This first phase contains 215 new homes, ranging from 1 & 2 bed flats up to 5 bed detached homes. This is part of a wider plan to deliver 1200 new homes, school & village centre.

  A reserved matters planning application will be submitted imminently, with construction potentially starting early in 2018. The new homes will sit within a beautiful woodland setting, with many enjoying views across the Village Green or parkland. Retention of many mature trees with additional high quality planting sets a high benchmark!

  October 2017

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  Future of London Diversity Pledge

  We have joined an impressive list of companies and organisations that have signed up to the Future of London Diversity Pledge.

  “London’s diversity is its biggest asset”, according to the GLA, offering a competitive edge internationally and among industry peers. New voices can also bring fresh ideas and perspectives - just what is needed now!

  October 2017

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  Completions At Hayling Place

  The first residents at Hayling Place have moved into their new homes. These family homes neatly infill the vacant site of the former Jet Pub.

  This site is the is the first part of the wider South Oxhey town centre regeneration in partnership with Three Rivers District Council, Countryside and Home Group.

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  September 2017

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  International Refurbishment Conference

  John Pratley and Alex Baines will be talking about Wilmcote House, Portsmouth at The International Refurbishment Symposium at The IET, London on Friday 15 September.

  They will be explaining the design process and delivery on site of this large scale Passivhaus retrofit project.

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  September 2017

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  Unanimous Approval for Arborfield Green

  Our scheme for 79 new homes in Parcel U2 of Arborfield Green has received unanimous approval at planning committee. This is part of the wider regeneration scheme to transform the former Arborfield Garrison near Wokingham into a garden village.

  Many homes will enjoy views over the Lake, and the retention of mature trees, with additional planting adds to the attractive landscaped setting. The design reconciles complex constraints, including flood protection, SuDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage System), an existing sewer, mature protected trees (TPO), and the location of the new bus route.

  August 2017

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  Appointment At Arborfield Green District Centre

  We are delighted to be appointed by Crest Nicholson on the district centre at Arborfield Green near Wokingham. This is part of an overall masterplan to redevelop this former garrison into a garden village.

  It is anticipated that the new district centre will contain a mixture of town centre uses including an Early Years Centre or nursery, community centre, health centre, apartments, office / employment space and retail space including a food store.

  July 2017

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  A New Market Place for South Oxhey

  We have just completed the architectural design of Phase 2 of the town centre regeneration at South Oxhey (phase 1, including the Station Square is currently on site). This will deliver 174 new homes across a mixture of tenures and 730sqm / 7,850sqft of retail space facing onto a new Market Square (designed by Philip Cave).

  The masterplan relocates the existing market place closer to local transport links and Carpenders Park Station, which should help to revitalize the market by encouraging more footfall, and making it sustainable in the long term. The space is also a gathering space that will be used for the annual summer fair and Christmas event.

  July 2017

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  From Garrison To Garden Village

  Great to see the first houses at Arborfield Green completed. They set the bar high for the further 2,000 homes that will transform this former garrison site into an attractive garden village centred around lakes and mature trees.

  The design promotes wellbeing, with many homes enjoying views over naturalistic parkland – providing a rich habitat for humans and wildlife alike!

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  July 2017

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  Making an Entrance

  Here is a preview of the new entrance to Beaulieu urban extension in Chelmsford, it is now peeping over the hoarding. It will create an attractive entrance into the new masterplan, as well as catering for the needs of the local community. This block contains spacious duplex apartments above a row of new shops and a food store.

  We will keep you updated as the mixed-use buildings in the neighbourhood centre reach completion.

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  June 2017

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  Speedy Planning Approval In Ockendon

  Phase 3 of Arisdale Avenue, South Ockendon (on the Former Ford Works), has just got planning permission. This includes 113 new homes (a roughly equal mix of houses and apartments) arranged around a new central park and play area. A wide range of house types and apartment blocks creates a diverse and sustainable neighbourhood, providing choice.

  The design work was developed in a very short 8 week programme. Our team were able to provide the intense effort and focus needed to make this project a success. So much so - the entire application was determined in 5 weeks!

  June 2017

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  Keeping in touch

  At South Oxhey, town centre regeneration project, there is a process in place to engage with the community. There is a Community Board, regular updates can be found in the newsletter and on the project website. At the weekend the public exhibition to update everyone on progress was attended by over 150 people.

  Even the hoarding has been designed to give the public viewing areas so that the progress can be seen - it makes a real difference. On the central site, the structure for the first residential apartment buildings are going in at the moment, and work is just starting on the new Station Square.

  June 2017

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  Arborfield Green – Parcel U2 Submitted for Planning

  A planning application for 79 new homes in Parcel U2 of Arborfield Green has been submitted. This is part of the wider regeneration of Arborfield Garrison. Many homes will enjoy views over the Lake, and the retention of mature trees, with additional planting adds to the attractive landscaped Garden Village setting that new residents will enjoy.

  The design reconciles complex constraints, including flood protection, SuDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage System), an existing sewer, mature protected trees (TPO), and the location of the new bus route for residents.

  May 2017

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  At The Centre Of The Community

  The Community Centre at Beaulieu will be a thriving multi-purpose resource providing a wide range of services, activities and meeting spaces for people of all ages. The building has been designed to be flexible to support all these uses.

  The Community Centre forms part of the wider Beaulieu Square neighbourhood centre – which is currently under construction on site. We are delighted to see it all taking shape. Not long to wait!

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  May 2017

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  What a Transformation!

  Our award-winning estate regeneration project at Park Central, Birmingham is nearing completion on site. The Sales Suite is being converted back to an apartment.

  So we were really delighted when Crest Nicholson gave us the model. It now has pride of place in our conference room. Please click the link below to see photos of the finished buildings.

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  May 2017

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  New Lease of Life for Former Ford Plant

  We have just submitted a planning application for Phase 3 of Arisdale Avenue – the masterplan to redevelop the Former Ford Works at South Ockendon. This includes 113 new homes (a roughly equal mix of houses and apartments) arranged around a new central park and play area. The new masterplan provides better pedestrian and vehicular connections.

  A wide range of dwelling types will create a diverse and sustainable neighbourhood, as well as an attractive, varied streetscape. The parkside homes have generous full height windows and bay windows – making the most of views. The colour palette references the original colours of the Ford Escort Mexico that was built at the site.

  May 2017

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  Park Place, Stevenage Starts on Site

  Our scheme to transform Park Place, Stevenage has commenced on site, with completion due in late 2018. Carefully considered adaptive re-use and extension of the existing buildings, will provide 202 town centre homes and over 20,000 square feet of retail space; helping to revitalise the town centre and acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration.

  The design honours the rational structural grid of existing buildings and re-utilises existing stair cores, maintaining an honesty and connection to the modernist legacy of Stevenage, but with new life and vitality. Totally refurbished and extended retail units at ground floor address a high quality landscaped central parade.

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  April 2017

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  Successful Start in Harlow

  The team are celebrating a successful launch for the first phase of Atelier in Harlow. This is an estate regeneration scheme working in partnership with Harlow Council, Countryside and Home Group. It replaces run down prefab bungalows with contemporary houses and apartments.

  It is part of the council's Priority Estates programme - the first to achieve viability and be built. A great milestone for the future of the town!

  April 2017

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  Need Some Proof?

  GSA is rare: we have delivered masterplans as fully functioning built environments. We are able to combine understanding of the place with a design ideology. We create design visions that are aspirational and transformational. We test and support our design objectives with practical knowledge and rigorous viability assessment.

  We were able to assist at Arborfield Green Garden Village by testing and adapting the existing masterplan for 2,000 new homes and a neighbourhood centre. Helping our client Crest Nicholson to take forward their strategic plans for the site.

  April 2017

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  Site Visit from Anglia Ruskin University

  Architecture students from Anglia Ruskin University on a tour of Beaulieu, Chelmsford. Director Graham Kime, who has been involved with the project from the masterplanning stage, gave a presentation and was on hand to answer questions.

  The students visited the neighbourhood centre which is under construction, and the first residential phase, which is now complete.

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  March 2017

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  Regeneration Wins in Birmingham

  Birmingham City Council are amongst those awarded a share of the government’s £32 million estate regeneration fund.

  We were delighted to see our award-wining estate regeneration design for Park Central, Birmingham used as the illustration on the Placemaking Resource website.

  March 2017

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  Find Wilmcote House in the RIBA Re-Use Atlas!

  We are delighted that our Passivhaus Retrofit project Wilmcote House, for Portsmouth Council, appears in the RIBA Re-Use Atlas by Duncan Baker-Brown.

  The book is a great read – we would recommend it!

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  March 2017

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  Appointment for Next Phase of South Oxhey

  We are delighted to be appointed to work on the next phase of South Oxhey town centre regeneration, working in partnership with Three Rivers District Council, Countryside and Home Group.

  The scheme will deliver mixed-use, mixed-tenure regeneration and a wide range of different dwelling types from one bedroom flats to 4 bedroom townhouses. The focus of this phase will be a new market place and events space.

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  March 2017

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  The Best Place to Live

  Finchampstead, Berkshire features in The Sunday Times Best Places To Live Guide. Judges assessed the whole country to decide on the definitive top locations. Criteria included jobs, exam results and broadband speed, to culture, community spirit and local shops. The judges combined statistics with their own experience of the shortlisted places.

  Amenities such as local pubs, ease of transport and the range of attractive property were assessed to ensure the chosen locations truly are places where families can thrive. Our work at Arborfield Green, which is designed to Garden Village principles, will contribute to the choice of high quality homes in the area.

  March 2017

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  Beaulieu Square Progress on Site

  This aerial photo shows progress at Beaulieu Square in Chelmsford. This is one of the first phases of the masterplan for the Beaulieu urban extension.

  This neighbourhood centre will provide a 600sqm community centre, 1,175sqm retail space, including an anchor food store, a health centre, nursery, restaurant & 34 apartments. The buildings are arranged around a public square and events space.

  February 2017

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  A Bold New Public Square for South Oxhey

  Our design for Station Square, South Oxhey has received unanimous approval at planning committee. The scheme was the result of a collaborative process - developed in partnership with Three Rivers District Council, Home Group and Countryside.

  The new Station Square will deliver 16,000sqft of retail and commercial space, and will completely transform the existing public square making it more accessible and pedestrian friendly.

  January 2017

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  Icon for Estate Regeneration Forum

  We are delighted that our work at Park Central forms the poster for the Estate Regeneration Forum.

  The Housing Forum begins 2017 working with DCLG and GLA discussing the Estate Regeneration National Strategy and the London Mayor’s Good Practice Guide.

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  January 2017

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  Hallfield Estate Gains Planning Approval

  GSA have obtained planning permission and listed building consent for our client CityWest Homes for a package of building environmental improvement works to be incorporated into their on-going landlord maintenance programme across the grade-II listed housing estate designed by architect Berthold Lubetkin Hallfield Estate near Paddington, London

  The estate houses over 2,300 people in 650 flats. The range of environmental improvements include increased ventilation, upgraded space heating and improved insulation and moisture control of the external building fabric - all to work within the heritage constraints of the listed building status and to be implemented with residents in place.

  January 2017

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  Delegated Powers Approval at Oakgrove

  Our design for the final phase at Oakgrove Village has been approved by Milton Keynes Council under delegated powers – again! Phase 5 features 73 dwellings - a wide range of contemporary house types from 1 and 2 bedroom apartments to 5 bedroom detached houses.

  Continuing the theme from the highly successful previous phases, the ‘Ouzel Island’ features distinctive bespoke house designs set within a landscaped setting, with great views over the beautiful Ouzel Valley. The new homes will be located in close proximity to the new neighbourhood centre and acres of green, open space.

  January 2017

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  A Look Back at 2016

  Looking back at 2016, it was an eventful year. We worked on a wide range of design projects - covering town centres, community buildings, housing and public spaces. This encompassed projects of all sizes, in urban and rural contexts.

  We are increasingly able to offer a sustainability perspective for our clients - we are now able to provide Passivhaus design services. We have greatly enjoyed the richness and variety of these projects and we look forward to what the new year will bring. We wish everyone a successful and happy new year in 2017.

  December 2016

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  Marcel Maag Immortalises Our Office!

  Our festive image for 2016 was of our office near Waterloo. The image was drawn by architect Marcel Maag, who was a full-time member of the practice for many years.

  Now he helps us out with beautiful artwork like this. A real master!

  December 2016

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  Park Central is a new DCLG Regeneration Case Study

  Our work at Park Central, Birmingham is a case study in the new DCLG Estate Regeneration National Strategy Case Studies. Over 1,600 new mixed tenure homes, centred around a new park, have been built. And retained, refurbished tower blocks provide a further 400 affordable homes.

  Residents, the wider community, the local authority and other stakeholders have been closely involved throughout the estate renewal process. The project was based on a strong and flexible masterplan that has created a sense of place and responded to market fluctuations throughout the 10-year programme.

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  December 2016

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  Groundbreaking at South Oxhey

  The town centre regeneration scheme at South Oxhey has reached an important milestone - the groundbreaking at Central South Oxhey.

  The scheme will deliver over 500 homes and approximately 5,000 sqm of retail space and town centre uses.

  Read more

  December 2016

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  Passivhaus Estate Regeneration

  Sometimes demolition isn't the most sustainable way to achieve estate regeneration. GSA associate John Pratley led the tour of Wilmcote House, Portsmouth.

  John explained the construction principles of this large scale Passivhaus retrofit project - showing all stages of construction through to completion.

  November 2016

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  Unanimous Approval for Stevenage Regeneration

  Our design for 202 new homes, and 2,000sqm of retail space in the centre of Stevenage has just received unanimous planning approval at committee. Park Place is set to deliver much needed mixed-use regeneration in this part of the town centre, and heralds wider urban renewal in the area.

  Aspirational, open plan apartments overlooking the Town Centre Gardens, above an attractive, contemporary retail environment at ground level, offers a positive urban lifestyle choice in Stevenage. The scheme partly converts existing buildings, and extends them upwards and outwards to maximise their potential.

  November 2016

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  International Passivhaus Open Day

  GSA hosted tours of our Passivhaus EnerPHit social housing retrofit of Wilmcote House in Portsmouth on Friday 11th November 2016 as part of the International Passivhaus Open Days event. CEPH Designer and GSA Associate John Pratley provided tours of the completed dwellings.

  The event offered the chance to see different parts of this complex retrofit at different refurbishment stages under construction - all with residents in-situ.

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  November 2016