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.
September 2017
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.
August 2017
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
We are delighted that RNIB Redhill has been shortlisted for the Health Future Projects Category of the World Architecture Festival Awards. So we will be off to Berlin to present it to the judges later this year. 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 wider community.
July 2017
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
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
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!
July 2017
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.
June 2017
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
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
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
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!
May 2017
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.
May 2017
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
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.
April 2017
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
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
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.
March 2017
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
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!
March 2017
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.
March 2017
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
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
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
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.
January 2017
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
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
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
Our festive image this year is 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.
It has been an important year for us. Thanks to everyone for your support in 2016. Seasons greetings and best wishes for 2017 from everyone at GSA.
December 2016
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.
December 2016
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.
December 2016
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
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
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.
November 2016
Our design for RNIB, Redhill, Surrey appeared in the prestigious AJ Architecture Tomorrow Exhibition at Olympia on the Wed 19th – Fri 21st October, as part of the MIPIM UK event at Olympia, London.
The project was also shortlisted for the overall winner of the AJ Architecture Tomorrow award.
October 2016
Our design for a new public square and retail space that creates an attractive new arrival experience for Carpenders Park Station, has been submitted for planning. It is part of the first phase of The South Oxhey Initiative - a town centre revival scheme in partnership with Three Rivers District Council, Home Group & Countryside.
The design overcomes major challenges – from existing underground services, overhead power cables and reorganising modes of transport to create a more inviting and pedestrian-friendly space. It injects a new energy through a series of new buildings, and a high quality public realm.
October 2016
RNIB, Redhill, Surrey features in the AJ. Our scheme was selected to appear in the prestigious AJ Architecture Tomorrow Exhibition at Olympia on the Wed 19th – Fri 21st October, as part of MIPIM UK.
The exhibition selects schemes that will shape the the future of the built environment in the months and years to come.
October 2016
The final phase of the highly successful Oakgrove Village development in Milton Keynes has just been submitted for planning.
This phase will provide 73 distinctive new homes - 25 houses and 48 apartments. The new homes are located in the north of the site adjacent to the Ouzel Valley Country Park – enjoying close proximity to the new neighbourhood centre and acres of green, open space.
October 2016
Directors Ruth Staneby and Christine Goldsmith have been elected as fellows of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).
A core value of the RSA is that all human beings have creative capacities that, when understood and supported, can be mobilised to deliver a 21st century enlightenment.
October 2016
We have enjoyed a visit to our completed projects in Milton Keynes and Birmingham. We met our clients to find out how things are going and to see the transformations that have taken place. It's great to walk around our built designs and to know that the projects have been successful. We can learn a lot for our future projects.
Afterwards it was time for a fast paced treasure hunt around Central Birmingham - we are still not sure which team won! All gathering together at the final destination on Birmingham's Walk of Fame for a delicious meal.
September 2016
We are delighted that our design for RNIB Redhill in partnership with the RNIB and Countryside is shortlisted for best Housing Project in the Sunday Times British housing Awards.
The Sensory Trail links through the whole community - helping to provide an integrated environment that can be enjoyed by all - regardless of whether they are visually impaired or not!
August 2016
Our masterplan for up to 350 new homes at Church Farm, Wavendon, Milton Keynes has been granted outline planning approval. The new homes will be set within a landscaped framework which sensitively creates a transition from ‘town’ to ‘countryside’ at the edge of Milton Keynes.
The masterplan draws upon the unique site features to create a strong sense of place, and a network of distinctive character areas: • The Gateways • The Northern Village • Parkside • Wildlife Corridor
August 2016
Our richly landscaped rural housing scheme for Nine Ashes has just been submitted for planning. The scheme is for 12 high quality houses that derive their character from the historic buildings in the area.
We developed an animated wall concept - drawing upon references from local agricultural buildings. The buildings form a pair of courtyards defined by red brick walls with black weatherboarded, pitched roofs peeping over the top.
August 2016
Our competition winning masterplan for the regeneration of 3 estates in Harlow will replace outdated post-war bungalows that no longer meet Decent Homes standards. The development, a partnership between Countryside, Home Group and Harlow Council is coming out of the ground on site.
“This major regeneration programme, when completed, will meet our promises to residents to provide more and better housing and to regenerate Harlow. Providing new housing opportunities, improving local people's quality of life and transforming areas like this are all vital to building a better Harlow.” - Cllr Tony Durcan
August 2016
Corio Bermondsey providing 167 news homes is progressing swiftly on site.
This is the article from Evening Standard Homes & Property last night.
August 2016
We are delighted to be appointed to design the first retail phase of the South Oxhey Initiative. This is a town centre regeneration scheme, near Watford, for Three Rivers District Council, Home Group and Countryside.
The design for Station Square will create an attractive new arrival space, including new shops and offices, and new public square and transport interchange.
July 2016
Sometimes the most sustainable regeneration option is to refurbish existing buildings and extend their lifespan, whilst keeping the existing community together by allowing residents to remain in their homes during the works. This is the case for 107 social housing dwellings at Wilmcote House, Portsmouth - currently receiving a new lease of life.
The building is being retrofitted to the Passivhaus EnerPHit energy efficiency standard; improving the performance of the existing building fabric & ventilation to provide a more comfortable internal living environment for the residents - and reducing their future energy bills. Associate John Pratley is currently taking forward the project on site.
July 2016
The Ouzel Island house designs for Crest Nicholson at Oakgrove Village, Milton Keynes are shortlisted for the Housebuilder Awards 2016. Ouzel Island enjoys a delightful setting with views over the Ouzel Valley Park.
We have created exciting, aspirational and contemporary new homes for Milton Keynes. The houses are light, airy and spacious - with infinity gardens overlooking the parkland. We hope that people really enjoy living in their new homes.
July 2016
Our contemporary design for The Gardino at Beaulieu, Chelmsford has been chosen as a finalist for Best Design for 3 Storeys or Fewer at the House Builder Awards.
A series of themed ‘Gardens’ create a landscape focus to the scheme, contrasting the urban terraced frontages with a leafy, green outlook.
July 2016
Associate Andrew Needham has been leading many of our successful mixed-use, residential, retail & commercial schemes. He demonstrated his design flair and a cool head for problem solving on RNIB Redhill (recently shortlisted for the Housing Design Awards 2016) – a site with a challenging brief and topography.
Since then he has driven forward Beaulieu Square, Chelmsford and Broadbridge Heath, Horsham – delivering vibrant neighbourhood centres for significant new housing schemes. He is now taking forward the designs for Station Square town centre regeneration at South Oxhey near Watford.
June 2016
Our Beaulieu masterplan featured in the Daily Mail this week “It’s as if suburbs are having their day in the sun again". Beaulieu, Chelmsford is leading the way. It is a large-scale project on 604 acres. Along with a planned 3,600 homes, there will be schools, community centre, plaza, nursery, shops and a new train station.
‘We see it as the power of community,’ says Graham Cherry, chief executive of Countryside, which is behind Beaulieu. ‘Residents want facilities and services where they live and factoring them into the development at the start takes the pressure off the local area.’”
June 2016
Our project at for the RNIB and Countryside Properties at Redhill is a best practice case study for Pioneering Enabling Development.
Director Manoher Matharu presented the scheme to delegates from the HCA & Design For Homes to explain our successful process.
June 2016
Associate John Pratley has recently rejoined GSA where he will become our sustainability champion.
His skills in the fields of environmental consultancy, refurbishment and Passivhaus greatly widens the range of specialist services that GSA can offer.
June 2016
GSA have begun designing the final phase at Oakgrove Village - a new mixed-use district for Milton Keynes incorporating residential, retail and education uses in a generous landscaped setting. It has transformed the Milton Keynes property market - offering new types of homes not previously available.
Following a successful Outline Planning approval, GSA has designed the subsequent Reserved Matters applications including the Neighbourhood Centre. The highly successful ‘Ouzel Island’ concept is being developed for this phase - with an iconic collection of 4 & 5 bedroom detached homes, maximizing views across the Ouzel Valley.
June 2016
GSA are designing up to 400 new ‘build to rent’ homes for Dorchester Group and Taylor Wimpey as part of a new town centre in Hampshire.
GSA are developing a new model of medium density PRS, which could be replicated across other town centres. These aspirational homes and facilities offer households a new lifestyle choice as a real alternative to home ownership.
May 2016
We are delighted that our pioneering scheme for an integrated community at RNIB Redhill has been shortlisted for the Housing Design Awards 2016.
Contemporary homes cascade and rise with the natural topography, whilst the public realm is designed as an exciting sensory experience for all residents – be they visually impaired or sighted.
May 2016
Work on the phase 1 of Arborfield Garrison is continuing, and the first dwellings will be released for sale at the end of May. The proposals include 113 dwellings – 65 houses and 48 apartments - within a beautifully landscaped lakeside setting, setting the benchmark for other phases moving forward.
This image is of the ‘gateway’ apartment buildings - which have large floor-to-ceiling windows offering spacious rooms that are bathed with natural light. All dwellings are designed using ‘Garden Village Principles’.
May 2016
The next WISH Breakfast Briefing will be entitled 'Do More, Stress Less' by speaker Hazel McCallum, Moving On Up Coaching.
Wednesday 1 June 2016 8:00 am - 10:00 am at our London Office.
May 2016
Park Central has been awarded the Placemaking Award at the National Property Awards. Our project with Crest Nicholson Regeneration, BCC & WM Housing Group delivers innovative and sustainable buildings and spaces with a genuine mix of uses, tenures and character areas.
Regeneration on a large scale needs to satisfy housing needs whilst creating design that delights and lifts the spirits. This once troubled area of Birmingham has been transformed into a highly desirable place to live.
April 2016
Our design for Oakgrove Village, Milton Keynes, features in ‘Design. The Key to a Better Place’ published by The Sunday Times and the British Homes Awards.
The feature makes reference to the generous, light and flexible space created within these house designs. The layout also provides high quality green space and landscaping as a setting for the new homes.
April 2016
A ground-breaking service marking the start of construction on site of the new Community Centre at Beaulieu, Chelmsford, was conducted by the Bishop of Bradwell. It will be the place of worship for Beaulieu Church - a new congregation of the Church of England.
The centre will serve the people of Beaulieu Park and Beaulieu, and will be managed by Beaulieu Community Trust. It will be the most accessible centre for those with mobility difficulties in the city of Chelmsford.
April 2016
The planning committee at Three Rivers District Council has voted unanimously in favour to grant planning consent for our scheme at South Oxhey. This regeneration project, with Home Group and Countryside, will deliver 514 new homes, approximately 5,000 sqm of town centre uses, and a new market place and public square.
South Oxhey has previously caught national attention when it featured in Gareth Malone’s TV series ‘The Choir III: Unsung Town’. The choir has brought about a positive transformation. The masterplan will do the same for the physical environment.
March 2016
Work on the first phase of the Arborfield Green development has started on site. The proposals include 113 dwellings – 65 houses and 48 apartments - within a beautifully landscaped lakeside setting, setting the benchmark for other phases moving forward.
This image is of the attractive new homes, designed to Garden Village principles, overlooking parkland to the east - which have large floor-to-ceiling windows offering spacious rooms that are bathed with natural light.
March 2016
We have just gained a planning approval for the neighbourhood centre at Broadbridge Heath, Horsham.
The scheme will provide 7,400sqft of retail space including a food store, plus a nursery and new parish office facilities.
February 2016
In early Spring every year, great crested newts journey to their traditional breeding ponds. This happens at Oakgrove Village, Milton Keynes. To help them we have created a Wildlife Corridor - a wide linear park extending through the development, from the Ouzel Valley to their ponds in Middleton.
This Wildlife Corridor supports a rich biodiverse habitat; incorporates a network of footpaths; and provides valuable visual amenity. A range of building types creates an animated frontage to the park. Dwellings will rise in scale from two and three storey houses up to four - six storey apartments at key focal points.
February 2016
The Beaulieu Park master plan provides a generously landscaped setting for Henry VIII's former palace at New Hall, Chelmsford. Beaulieu Chase is one of the first character areas to be built of the 3,600 home masterplan.
The linear park provides the opportunity for a bold parkside frontage of repeated gables and generous roof terraces. Earlier this week we went to site. Here is a progress photo of the first parkside houses on site.
February 2016
Our courtyard housing design at Grange Walk, Bermondsey has just appeared in the Homes and Property section of the Evening Standard. The scheme delivers a high density urban scheme, without the need for high rise. It therefore fits in well with the streetscape and townscape of its surroundings.
The development is named 'Corio' – reflecting the area's past as a centre of the leather trade. This part of Bermondsey has recently undergone a renaissance – as part of the Bermondsey Spa masterplan.
January 2016
Countryside, Home Group and Three Rivers District Council are working in partnership to regenerate the town centre at South Oxhey, near Watford. Our design has been submitted for hybrid planning. It will create 514 new homes and 5,000 sqm of shops, with a new square and better links to Carpenders Park station.
Richard Cherry, chief executive of Countryside’s partnerships division, said: “Our vision is to create an integrated and well-designed new neighbourhood with high-quality housing for South Oxhey and we will do that in close partnership with the local community.”
January 2016
The long list of selected schemes for the RIBA competition ‘New Homes for Neighbourhoods’ has been announced. The competition supports Brighton & Hove City Council’s Small Site Strategy initiative – calling for innovative housing solutions for small development sites.
Our design for Rotherfield Crescent, Hollingbury has been long-listed. We designed a courtyard scheme of affordable homes facing onto a communal productive garden. The innovative house designs allowed focused, long views of the city, between existing houses.
January 2016
We are currently working on the beautiful Grade II Listed Tudor House, at RNIB Redhill. It will be fully restored and converted as a Community Hub comprising offices, training facilities, café and multi-purpose spaces.
This building fits within the ‘sensory landscape’ masterplan for the 6 ha RNIB Redhill site. The design employs best practice sensory design principles to ensure that both sighted and visually impaired people can fully enjoy their surroundings.
January 2016
Reflecting upon 2015, it was a fruitful year for GSA. We worked on some great projects – gaining detailed planning permission for 1,500 new homes and 1,355 sqm of retail, community and education space.
We hope that 2016 will be an even more successful one for everyone we work with!
January 2016
Thank you to everyone who has supported GSA over the last year. We wish you a merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year.
With best wishes from the new Directors – Graham, Christine, Manoher and Ruth; and all the staff at GSA.
December 2015
Two of our projects – Grange Walk, Bermondsey and Kidbrooke Village Phase 6 have been selected to appear in NLA’s forthcoming exhibition - New Ideas for Housing. This exhibition explores what needs to happen in the capital to improve the speed, scale and quality of housing.
The exhibition will run from 15 October to 17 December 2015 at the Building Centre, 26 Store Street, London WC1E 7BT. Entry is free.
December 2015
The first phase of the Arborfield Green development was unanimously granted planning approval this month. The Committee was impressed with the positive public consultation process and the layout and design of the dwellings, all designed using ‘Garden Village Principles’.
The proposals include 113 dwellings – 65 houses and 48 apartments – within a beautifully landscaped lakeside setting, setting the benchmark for other phases moving forward. The striking lakeside houses have generous balconies and roof terraces, maximising views towards the lake through the trees.
November 2015
Central Plaza, Birmingham has been shortlisted as a regional finalist for the 2016 Civic Trust Awards. This richly landscaped scheme provides 132 new homes in a pair of residential buildings.
Over the last 16 years – since we started work on this estate regeneration project – we have seen such a transformation. The parks have been such an important part of the new character of the area. This design allows the park to flow uninterrupted right through the middle.
November 2015
Oakgrove Village, Milton Keynes has been shortlisted for the category of ‘Planning for Housing Growth – 1250 homes or fewer’ in the Planning Awards. This award celebrates outstanding achievement in planning work by all the key players in the planning system.
GSA has created a popular new community within Milton Keynes incorporating 1100 residential dwellings, a neighbourhood centre containing shops, a cafe and bank, a community facility and school, all within a generous landscaped setting.
October 2015
We are delighted to announce that Oakgrove Village, Milton Keynes has won a Sunday Times British Homes Award – Best House Design in the 50+ units category. The award, which champions best practice in design, specification and craftsmanship in house design was awarded to GSA with developer Crest Nicholson.
Oakgrove Village features a wide range of contemporary house types from 1 and 2 bedroom apartments to 5 bedroom detached houses. The ‘Ouzel Island’ features distinctive bespoke house designs set within a landscaped setting, with extensive views over the beautiful Ouzel Valley.
October 2015
We are delighted to announce that we have 4 new Directors at GSA. The long-standing management team: Graham Kime, Manoher Matharu and Christine Goldsmith, joined by Ruth Stanesby, are perfectly placed to continue the success of the practice.
The new Directors have over 60 years of combined experience between them and George Gardner will continue to be involved as a consultant. This is an exciting and energising time for GSA as we continue to provide an excellent service to our loyal clients whilst diversifying our portfolio and embracing new opportunities. Here’s to the future!
October 2015
We hosted a successful WISH event (Women in Social Housing) on 7th October at our office, where guest speaker, Teresa Borsuk gave an insightful speech on ‘Women in Leadership’. This was one of many informative and engaging events that WISH host throughout the year and provided an opportunity to network with women who operate in this sector.
It was a pleasure to invite fellow WISH members to our office – the Sons of Temperance Friendly Society, a Grade II Listed building. The conference room was the perfect venue to host this event with its double height space and hipped clerestory roof. We’re not sure that the 'teetotalist’ society would approve of the amount of wine consumed!
October 2015
Our design for Kidbrooke Village Phase 6 (a regeneration project in South London) was selected to appear in the prestigious AJ Architecture Tomorrow Exhibition.
The exhibition ran at London Olympia from the 21st – 23rd October 2015, as part of MIPIM UK.
October 2015
Park Central, Birmingham has been shortlisted for the category of Regeneration Scheme of the Year at the Inside Housing Top Sixty Developments awards.
Over the last 15 years an incredible transformation has taken place at the former Lee Bank Estate. The Park Central mixed-use regeneration scheme provides attractive new homes set around half a kilometre of high quality urban parkland.
September 2015
Oakgrove Village, Milton Keynes has been nominated for the category of Best House Design in the Sunday Times British Homes Awards. This award champions best practice in design, specification and craftsmanship in house design.
Oakgrove Village features a wide range of contemporary house types from 2 bedroom mews and courtyard houses to 5 bedroom detached houses. The Ouzel Island features distinctive bespoke house designs set within a landscaped setting, with extensive views over the beautiful Ouzel Valley.
September 2015
Work is progressing rapidly at Oakgrove Village in Milton Keynes and the next phase has just been launched. ‘Ouzel Island’ is an iconic collection of 18 exclusive 4 and 5 bedroom detached homes with views across the Ouzel Valley.
Generous balconies and roof terraces accompany large floor-to-ceiling windows offering spacious rooms that are bathed with natural light.
September 2015
A pioneering residential scheme of 102 new homes in Redhill, Surrey, which will integrate community housing for blind and partially sighted people with homes for private sale, has been granted planning consent. This joint venture between Countryside and the RNIB is the first of its kind in the UK.
The development includes a wide range of community facilities within ‘The Hub’ and a sensory garden, which was a Gold Award winner at the Chelsea Flower Show. High quality placemaking, legible design and landscaping replace traditional wayfinding tools such as handrails.
August 2015
We are delighted to be selected for inclusion on L&Q’s new Architectural Services Framework. We have worked together before on exciting and innovative London projects including Westway Beacons in Acton and the mixed-use Dairy Close scheme in Parsons Green.
We look forward to working together on many more successful projects.
August 2015
GSA’s design for the regeneration of the BAC housing estate in Harlow has just gained unanimous approval from the planning committee. The proposal will completely transform the estate, which has become run down, currently suffering from ‘rat runs’ and lacking natural surveillance.
The new layout will provide 343 new homes in a series of attractive streets. Two public squares will form the centrepiece of the regeneration. Gareth Crawford, Home Group’s head of development, said: “This project will transform the area, and enable residents to move from outdated 1960s homes into modern well designed energy efficient properties.”
August 2015
Central Plaza, Birmingham has just won a Built in Quality Award. The 132 apartment scheme set in high quality parkland was nominated by Acivico Building Consultancy; recognising the high quality work and co-ordination of the construction stage team.
The project was described as West Midlands’ most inspiring apartment construction project for 2015.
July 2015
A stunning shot of GSA’s Park Central development fills the front cover of the new RIBA Publication ‘Design – The Key to a Better Place’. This book highlights award winners in the 2014 British Homes Awards, in which Park Central won Development of the Year. This is the latest in a string of awards for Park Central since its conception 15 years ago.
This mixed-use regeneration project containing nearly 2000 homes, shops, offices, a health centre and a school together with 8 acres of parkland provides a quiet urban oasis in the heart of central Birmingham.
June 2015
The planning application for the regeneration of the BAC estate in Harlow has been submitted. The scheme replaces 218 temporary bungalows with 343 attractive new homes in a traditional network of streets, squares and courtyards.
The scheme creates a series of distinctive character areas. This will support a balanced community and promote a townscape that is inspiring and beautiful, yet functional and safe.
June 2015
Plans to regenerate South Oxhey, near Watford, are moving forward apace. It has been announced that Countryside Properties, Home Group and GSA have won a competition for the design of a vibrant mixed-use scheme comprising 500 new homes, and 36,000 sqm of community facilities and retail space; and a new market square.
“In marked contrast to the existing development, our introduction of conventional, popular street layouts and urban block sizes brings to the townscape a compelling logic. It is at once safe, vibrant, urban, intimate and sustainable.” - Graham Kime (Associate Director). CGI by Future Realities.
May 2015
We are pleased to find out that our Kidbrooke Village Phase 6 scheme, for 713 new houses and apartments, has been shortlisted for a Housing Design Award. These awards recognise excellence and best practice in residential design.
At Kidbrooke, in South East London, we have produced a contemporary design that sensitively deals with transitions in scale and building next to a Conservation Area; whilst providing a wide range of modern and exciting dwelling types.
May 2015
Our regeneration project – Oakgrove Phase 2 in Milton Keynes, is being featured as one of the best practice case studies by Building for Life. Building for Life 12 currently uses a ‘traffic light scheme’ to assess design quality and sustainability issues.
Oakgrove Phase 2 achieved 11 greens and 1 amber – a really exceptional score and just a whisker off the ultimate ‘Diamond Status’!
April 2015
What a month – three major projects receiving planning approval in rapid succession! Our design for Phase 6 at Kidbrooke Village, South London delivers a fantastic mixture of family homes.
From generous apartments overlooking the new park, to 5 bedroom townhouses in landscaped streets and squares, this scheme offers real choice of high quality new homes.
March 2015
Our design for the Bath Whispa Rail, monorail and cable car system, has made it into the RIBA Imagine Bath Exhibition. A modern intervention to the historic cityscape, it directly links between Combe Down and The Circus. Gliding along in near silent glazed pods, users would benefit from a unique perspective of the city and reduced car dependency.
A new ‘Avon Exchange’ at the centre of the route would transform the area adjacent to the Railway Station and River Avon into a transport hub. New mixed-use development and a Riverside Square would bring activity and life to the waterfront with opportunities for employment and revenue generation. The exhibition runs until 22nd March 2015.
March 2015
We are delighted to announce another planning success at Beaulieu Park in Chelmsford. Beaulieu Square neighbourhood centre in Chelmsford has just received planning approval. This is a truly mixed-use development delivering 1,355 sqm of retail and restaurant space, including an anchor foodstore.
Plus a nursery, community centre, health centre and 34 apartments, all set around a landscaped square and events space.
March 2015
Permission has been granted for 184 new homes, ranging in size from 1 bedroom flats to spacious 5 bedroom houses.
These bold, contemporary homes enjoy a beautiful parkland setting, and will help to set a high quality benchmark at Beaulieu.
February 2015
This month we submitted a detailed planning application for a pioneering scheme in Redhill, Surrey on behalf of the Royal National Institute of Blind People. The proposals are for a new integrated community where blind, partially sighted and sighted residents live side by side.
Contemporary homes cascade and rise with the natural topography, whilst the public realm is designed as an exciting sensory experience for all residents. A Grade II listed Tudor House will also be converted and extended into a Community Hub, comprising staff offices, training and educational facilities.
December 2014
Planning Permission for Phase 4 of Oakgrove Village, Milton Keynes was granted on December 23rd 2014 under the Planning Officer’s delegated powers.
What an achievement – obtaining planning permissions for 574 new houses and apartments (in 3 reserved matters applications) in under a year!
December 2014
Central Plaza is now complete and all the new residents have moved in. The park now flows right through the middle of Central Plaza – allowing public access from one end of Park Central to the other.
All in all the feedback has been phenomenal – attaining the highest scores for resident satisfaction.
September 2014
We are delighted that we have won planning permission for this 167 mixed-tenure apartment development in Grange Walk, Bermondsey, London. Grange Walk achieves a very high density, without needing to go taller than 7 storeys, and whilst retaining more than a quarter of the site as high quality landscaped amenity space – above basement car parking.
Triangular terraces are used to create dual aspect apartments – more than 2/3rds of the apartments are dual aspect. This also animates the street facades. Work now starts apace to prepare the construction drawings.
September 2014