A residential development of 14 houses within the town, replacing redundant industrial premises for Summerfield Developments.
This private school wished to construct a new junior school adjoining their existing campus. Due to the site constraints this resulted in a design on two floors, with classrooms and corridors wrapping around a central double height hall, which forms a focal point of reference. Separate smaller scale areas were created for the nursery.
This classroom block at Castle School in Taunton was occupied less than 15 months after we were first appointed. Working with The Castle School, Somerset County Council and the contractor Pollards in a true spirit of partnership we were able to agree the brief, design, obtain Planning Approval and construct the building in that time. This has resulted in a Music & IT Department in addition to 9 general classrooms. The building was required to give flexibility in future layout and employ sustainable principles of construction.
Coates Electrographics occupy a large site in Radstock and, following relocation of staff from South East England and continued expansion, there was a requirement to provide new purpose built offices on the site.
The site, originally part of the coal mining industry prevalent in the area, needed to be cleared and checked for old workings before construction of the new building could commence. Included in the works was the formation of an improved access road and major car parking facilities.
The Library in Glastonbury had been operating out of cramped and inappropriate accommodation which could not be extended or altered due to its listed status. Consequently, and following a competitive tender, interview and presentation, the Practice was selected as part of a team, to design a new Library and attached Citizens Advice Bureau.
The Library and CAB were to form part of a new building which was also to contain new offices and facilities for an enlarged area Social Service department. The brief also called for a building with separate and clearly identified entrances and welcoming in appearance.
The Library and CAB occupy the majority of the ground floor with the Social Services offices on the first floor over. The Principle entrance to the Library is designed to be immediately apparent when approaching from the town centre and to be impressive in nature.
Design for a new Church with distinctive entrance and striking internal spaces, forming part of the Galmington Local Centre.
Taunton Rugby Club relocated to a new out of town location. We were involved with extensive planning negotiations on the site within the flood plain and adjacent the main railway line. Facilities include changing rooms, a large function room, smaller sponsors room, members bar and associated facilities, together with a spectators stand.
A new village hall on a green field site on the edge of the village. As well as a multi purpose hall, facilities were included for the local play group. The siting required careful planning to ensure it fitted into the tree screening.
Design of a multi purpose indoor sports hall with specific facilities for indoor hockey and handball.
With the school, we carried out research and visited other buildings in the country to ensure this was a regional ‘centre of excellence’ for handball, volleyball and fencing.
The building includes fitness centre, changing rooms, fencing salle, viewing gallery, club and classrooms.
We obtained Planning Approval and the project was constructed under a design and build contract for which we were the Employer’s Agent.
A true community building in the heart of this large residential area, providing a modern church, but with the ability to be used for other purposes. Ancillary spaces allow children and youth groups of all ages to be accommodated at the same time. We spent time with the community at the outset to understand their requirements. The result has been a building that provides a visual and practical focal point for the people.
