News

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  Delegated Power Approval

  Planning permission using delegated powers was given this month for 180 dwellings at our Oakgrove development in Milton Keynes. This represents the next phase of this exciting new development.

  Phase 2 incorporates some unique dwelling types that challenge conventional thinking on volume housing industry projects. Free-flowing open plan ground floors combine with double height dining rooms and staircases designed as pieces of contemporary furniture to create a spectacular effect.

  December 2013

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  Idiosyncracy – high density housing at medium rise development!

  Working with Linden Homes we submitted a successful competition bid for this fantastic site in the heart of Southwark, London. We are delighted to say that we have been advised of our preferred partner status.

  Our design concept explores how innovative, idiosyncratic building typologies can achieve high density at medium-rise. The challenge is now on to design this 160 dwelling apartment scheme to detailed Planning Application stage before the summer.

  December 2013

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  As simple as BAC!

  Working with Countryside in and HOME Group we have been selected as the preferred design and development team for the urban renewal project at Briars, Aylets & Copshall estate in Harlow.

  Our competition winning concept was philosophically underpinned by the idea of re-democratising public space. Using the same land split as the existing, we propose to put good quality townscape around a new public realm that is morally owned by the citizens it provides for.

  October 2013

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  Competition Win at Kidbrooke

  We are delighted to share the news that after an invited competition we have won the appointment from Berkeley Homes to design Phase 6 of Kidbrooke.

  Our concept is to develop an ideology led approach to the townscape transition and architectural language. We are looking forward to the coming months where we will be designing between 700 and 800 new houses, apartments and duplexes.

  October 2013

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  Z13 Phase 1 - Chameleon Completion

  Affectionately known as Z13, the first phase of this 130 dwelling development arranged as two 'mini-towers' has reached completion. Designed to allow a park to run through the centre of the development and over the car park, the design is an innovative 3 dimensional response to a steeply sloping site.

  The delivery has remained true to the concept. Clad in a beautiful ‘chameleon’ metallic cladding, the building constantly changes appearance throughout the day. Private amenity space and dual aspect ratios are significantly higher than expectations. A truly aspirational development.

  September 2013

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  The Rising Star!

  Gemma Garner has been promoted to Practice Manager. After joining us as an accounts assistant in 2007, Gemma quickly showed her versatility in managing other office disciplines vital to an architect’s studio.

  This resonates with GSA’s model of ‘growing talent from within’ and we are delighted for her. With typical good humour and directness Gemma said: “I’m thrilled, but what took you so long?”. Now now Gemma, its not the speed, its the distance that counts!

  July 2013

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  Birmingham’s fault line gets a makeover

  We have been appointed by Crest Nicholson to design a major new residential & commercial development in Birmingham City Centre. Situated directly over the Birmingham fault line and heavily sloping, the site needs some innovative 3 dimensional thinking.

  Our concept for the development will create a new character area with a podium garden. It will bridge the fault line and resolve the levels issues to deliver a viable development of 300 much needed homes and employment space in the City Centre.

  July 2013

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  New Role Model for RNIB Healthcare

  GSA has been appointed to design a new building typology for the Royal National Institute of the Blind. It’s role is to fuse clinical excellence with long term residential care. This has resulted in a ‘Halls’ building typology that also functions as a communal multi-functional space.

  The design helps to dramatically reduce emergency response times and makes a hospital ward into a home. The building provides care-residents with the best facilities possible and care staff have been provided a building that is ergonomically proven to increase clinical performance.

  June 2013

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  Local Centre opens with a Waitrose

  The on-going success of the Oakgrove regeneration project at Milton Keynes took an extra boost this month as we opened our first Waitrose store as part of the Local Centre. Designed as an integral part of this mixed use scheme it creates a distinctive character area within this highly successful development

  Waitrose will be in good company. In addition to around 1,000 dwellings they will have Fired Earth, Costa Coffee and Metro Bank as neighbours. All designed as an integrated Local Centre.

  May 2013

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  Time for Temperance!

  At the end of April we moved into our new studios on Blackfriars Road. The building was formerly the UK headquarters of the – now dissolved – Sons of Temperance Friendly Society.

  Graham Kime said: “We are doubly lucky; Not only did we get appointed to carry out the refurbishment of this delightful building, but we also decided to move into it!”. A light touch refurbishment of the Grade II Listed building blends historic features with modern office requirements.

  April 2013

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  A Sensory Experience in Surrey

  This month we carried out a public consultation exercise that proved a little more demanding than most. In addition to the general public, specific needs of the blind and partially sighted needed to be taken into consideration.

  The consultation went well. There was a positive engagement with the concept that when designing a sensory experience for partially sighted people, one enhances the quality of the environment for everyone.

  April 2013

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  Social Glue for Strategic Developments

  Countryside Properties has appointed us to design this showpiece Local Centre at the entrance to their Beaulieu Park regeneration project. A vibrant mix of uses includes shops, restaurants, cafes, a community centre, a health centre, a nursery school and residential.

  Our concept is to create a 'visitor attraction' that functions as a stand-alone retail & leisure centre but also integrates well with the surrounding community. The architectural language will reinforce the distinctive sense-of-place and contribute to a delightful experience where it is a pleasure to spend time and money!

  April 2013