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100 Days of Lockdown at BrightSpace Architects

— 7 July 2020, posted by Jack Lodge


100 Days of Lockdown CE Web v3

With it being over 100 Days Since Lockdown, the team here at BrightSpace Architects have been as busy as ever whilst remote working. From designing luxury, bespoke homes, to working on technical drawings for an iconic recording studio, remote working has allowed us to continue delivering for our clients.

Here is a little preview of what we have been up to over the last 100 days:

Sigmat Georgian House Type

Bespoke Luxury Homes Made from Sigmat Steel Frames

During lockdown we were extremely excited to work alongside loyal clients, Sigmat, to design a range of bespoke luxury homes that benefit from less than two weeks on-site build time. Using a steel frame for the structure and solid, concrete slabs for the floors, Sigmat are looking to set a new standard for high-quality, customisable, steel frame houses. 

Over the last few weeks, Mark Amey, David Evans and Charlotte Hubbard have been working with Sigmat to produce three standard steel frames in 350m2, 445m2, and 660m2 with a variety of architectural finishes in contemporary, Georgian and a hybrid style. Through offering a range of optional extras, potential clients can then customise each house as they wish, providing the perfect bespoke home to suit individual preferences. 

Visit the Sigmat website for more information.

First Planning Approval in Lockdown for Camberley

A landmark moment for BrightSPACE Architects back in May when we received our first lockdown planning approval for a new-build, luxury retirement development in Camberley, Surrey for Renaissance Retirement and Riseden Limited. 

We began working on the project back in 2017 and the full planning application was submitted back in June 2018 after very positive pre-application feedback from Surrey Heath Planning Authority. The development will bring 61 one, and two-bed apartments, within walking distance of Camberley Town Centre. 

For more information, please see the project profile here.

Construction During Lockdown – Hatfield Car Park

One of our first sites to start during lockdown was at Hatfield in Hertfordshire, where a 420-space multi-storey car park is currently under construction. With works on site starting at the beginning of June, Bourne are currently prepping the ground and getting the attenuation tanks and drainage installed, ready for the steel frame. 

Hatfield Car Park is an exciting project that will pay homage to the history of the aviation industry and the effect that it had on the town with iconic aircrafts featured in its cladding. Planning permission was granted by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council back in February 2020 and construction is anticipated to be complete by the end of the year.

Virtual CPD with Ashton Fire Engineers on MS Teams

During lockdown, we had the pleasure of attending a virtual CPD with Ashton Fire Engineers, a little different to sitting around the round table in our design space, but nonetheless another prime example of how working from home has evolved in the past few months. As well as brushing up on our knowledge of Building Regulations Part B and methods of proactive design for fire safety, it was a great afternoon seeing a bunch of familiar friendly faces.  

Planning Submitted for Bespoke Home in Branksome Park

The team here at BrightSpace Architects have been working on a bespoke New England inspired house in the beautiful surrounding of Branksome park in Dorset. We think this modest property bucks the trend for maximising the amount of development on a site in favour of a more restrained proposal that closely relates to its landscaped surroundings. 

Expressed feature gables sit in front of large vaulted internal spaces that will provide a wow-factor that is in keeping with the luxurious, exclusive character of the area. Designs were worked up as we headed into lockdown and we submitted in March. We are currently awaiting the planning decision from the local council.

Designing a Luxury Waterside House

As architects and designers, we dream of working on bespoke projects where we can get as creative as possible. Over the last few years, we have been fortunate to work on this stunning site, and having fine-tuned the proposal to take on board pre-application comments received from the Planning Authority, we are currently liaising with the AONB Officer and the Planning Authority. We are looking to submit a full planning application in the very near future.

Winter Gardens MMA Planning Approval

Winter Gardens went to planning committee on the 21st May for the Minor Material Amendment (MMA) Application. Members of both the BrightSPACE team, and the wider project team, watched live from home as the committee was broadcast live on YouTube – a first for us all. 

Having previously gaining first outline, then full planning approval, this application covered design changes and development, incorporating amendments to unit types, parking, and arrangement of the commercial uses. The committee went late into the evening and approved the application. We now continue with the technical design with a view to start on site early next year – exciting times ahead for Bournemouth!

The Future of Remote Working

A few weeks prior to lockdown, we all got together to learn the ins and outs of Microsoft Teams, which, when combined with Zoom and Skype, has ended up revolutionising the way that we run and attend meetings. 

Although it was primarily enforced due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we have experienced so many benefits from using these programmes daily. From being able to host instant, virtual meetings, to having the ability to screen share at the click of a button, MS Teams has been a pivotal turning point in allowing us to work remotely. Overall, this has enabled more meetings to take place, with increased coordination. It has also started to replace traditional phone calls, with webcams increasing personal connection and screen-sharing allowing more clarity in discussion.

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