Showtime!

Work on the School extension in Derby is developing well. The project is currently being worked up into a tender package of information. We are currently developing the detail of the front facade that includes a curved concrete beam supported on concrete fins to allow full height windows to the first floor and recessed doors opening into a Common Room on the ground floor that overlooks the school sports field.

Overall site model

Detailed facade design

We are also working on a further classroom block project that is at a much earlier stage. We are currently developing feasibility models of the scheme that includes a central social space and links a hard playground area at ground floor to soft landscaping at the north of the site, accessed from the first floor level. On either side of the social space, two blocks provide additional classrooms and teaching resources spaces over two floors.

Classroom block development model

We're also attending a few of the architecture school end of year shows in the next few weeks. The University of Sheffield show opened last Friday and had on display a number of good models, particularly from a second year project for a U-boat visitors centre, which included rotating sections of the boat to allow views from all angles. 

Nottingham University show opens tomorrow evening and we're looking forward to seeing the finished work from students who have been tutored by Rob, Dan and Andy from the office this year. And we're also hoping to get along to Sheffield Hallam University Creative Spark exhibition, particularly to see some work by Emily who completed her RIBA Part 1 work experience at our office and is now completing the Part 2 course at the university.

The office is getting into the Summer of Sport - Rachel was one of the 27,000 participants in the London to Brighton bike ride last Sunday raising money for the British Heart Foundation. In two weeks time Andy is completing the second of 3.5 marathons he is running this year, this time over some hills in the Lakeland trials marathon. So far he has raised over £350 for Cancer Research UK - if you can help him to reach the £400 mark before the next race, you can sponsor him at www.justgiving.com/AndyThomas1979.

Growing ideas

We've been working on a concept design for a potential new project this week, developing ideas in the office in a number of evening workshop sessions in which we produced a number of sketch models. We can't say much about the project at this stage, but we've really enjoyed the process so far and fingers crossed we'll be developing it further in the future!

We've also been developing the garden plans for Ashgate Croft ILU. The school's preferred garden design came from Emma Cheyne, an architecture student at Nottingham University who attended the workshop day at the school last month. Having just completed the second year of her studies Emma met with us yesterday to discuss how to take the project further. Hopefully we will have a landscape layout plan to pass back to the school soon, and we can then begin to implement the scheme over the school's summer holidays.

As the weather improves a couple of projects are moving towards starting on site. A new house in Fritchley now has a contractor appointed who is gearing up to start works over the next couple of weeks, and a church hall extension in Derby has returned from tender. Hopefully the Client will be in a position to appoint a contractor soon with the intention to start works shortly. We're looking forward to seeing a few of our details being built!

Fireplace construction detail for new house in Fritchley

Picture window detail for new church hall in Derby