Supporting Local Students through work experience

July 25, 2023

Encouraging younger people to develop their potential is something that we are very keen to support here at gcp. This year we were fortunate enough to support a Year 10 work experience student from a local Secondary School. The student didn’t know exactly the career path that they would pursue so we developed a design task that could be as creative or detailed as the student wanted, the goal is to enjoy the process!

We started by exploring a very initial brief and developing the client in more detail – we found ourselves with surfers who wanted a space closer to their favourite bay in St Ives, where they could retreat after a day on the waves. Given the dimensions of a simple plot we investigated how these surfers might use the space, what kind of areas they needed and what key factors were important to their enjoyment of the space – full height glazing to appreciate the views of the sea was essential! A mood board was created for how the internal and external spaces might look and what materials could be used.

We discussed the importance of space both horizontally and vertically and were very impressed when the student expressed the importance of a dormered roof to take advantage of space at an upper floor. The student did a lot of hand sketching and quickly took to using scaled dimensions. Whilst it was clear that the student was having fun sketching it was obvious that as soon as we showed them a 3D software tool that this was much more exciting! Perhaps because of experience with computer gaming the student very quickly took to modelling the scheme that had been developed in their sketches. They very eagerly took to applying materials, and manipulating the model by pushing and pulling elements to create recessed and projections – and I think you will agree that the design ended up looking great!

We also visited our Henacre development, which is being built by Curo. Due to the project timeline this scheme demonstrates various stages of the build progress, from exposed slab and masonry skins, full height structures with trusses and some final stages of decoration – right the way through to plots that have already been handed over to people living in and enjoying the spaces. We think this helped to realised the use of space between how it looks on paper, the decisions made and the way that the student already understand a liveable space.

Currently there are several years of younger people that have had their journeys displaced by the recent pandemic – it is important to help develop these young minds and help support them on their journey to whatever career path they decide to take, a design task can lead to understanding in many different careers with the construction industry. We look forward to supporting more students next year.

Brooks Dye Works complete! Regeneration at the heart of St Werburghs. Bristol.

October 24, 2022 in Housing, Home Page

Brooks Dye Works sits within the dense Victorian terraced streets of St Werburghs in central Bristol. With an industrial use dating back to the 19th century and its distinctive 39m high brick chimney providing an important landmark for the surrounding area, the site is a key regeneration project in this part of the city. Acorn achieved planning approval for a development of 89 homes, new highways and public open space in 2017 and needed to deliver a complex project with challenging technical requirements. Our previous work with Acorn and our knowledge of this area of the city (illustrated by our completed projects closely adjacent to the site) gave Acorn the confidence to appoint gcp as their Architect for the following stages of the project. Brooks Dye Works has been a major part of our office life for the subsequent 5 years, as we worked closely with Acorn’s design team and Halsall Construction, the contractor delivering the site works at Brooks.

Acorn have high production values and a clear concept for their product, wanting to provide high quality contemporary homes that are attractive, flexible and efficient. These are values very much shared by gcp, and our pragmatic approach, backed up with excellent design and technical knowledge, supported the delivery of this project on multiple levels. Our principal responsibility was in optimising the design and developing the construction solutions to deliver the product Acorn envisaged. In addition, we managed the complex planning implications and discharges required by the planning approval. Our consulting team managed the energy assessment and certification of performance to ensure delivery of new homes that are energy efficient and incorporate renewable energy systems to reduce carbon emissions.

For our team, the project has strong personal connections also – anything you work on continuously for 5 years leaves a mark!

Siobhán Tarr, our Senior Technologist, has led the technical design from inception to completion, applying her knowledge and rigour to all aspects of the design. She says;

“Having grown up in Bristol I am always interested in my city and how the regeneration of different areas enhances my hometown. I have friends who live in St Werburghs and have spent many hours exploring the surrounding streets, so it was great to play a part in the regeneration of this area. I’m looking forward to exploring some higher vantage points to get a different view of the scheme and really see it nestled within the streets I already know. The chimney is a feature I love, it’s fun moving around the area and aligning it with different views of the streets and the new homes. I am so pleased to see residents moving in and making the place their own with the individuality that is so characteristic of the area.”

Colin Powell, Energy Architect at gcp, has managed the planning approvals and consents throughout the project. He says;

“We have always built our business around relationships with people and I was so pleased to work with Acorn again on this project. As a client they take a close interest in every aspect of a project, bringing a clear focus on design quality and practical solutions that I like to think is an area we excel in. I think this is possibly one of the most complex planning approvals I have managed, and keeping track of the different consents, new applications, conditions and discharges has been quite a logistical challenge. The completed project is a credit to everyone involved and as the development matures it will fit seamlessly into the surrounding community and the dense urban character of this part of the city.”

And our joint favourite moment;

“The Brooks ducks and ducklings, who waddled through the construction works on a regular basis, oblivious to the construction activities, making their way to the new Pond in Mina Park. Hopefully the residents will get to enjoy a new duckling family every year.”

Awards:

Residential Development of the Year (Bristol Property Awards 2021);

Small Residential Development of the Year (South West Residential Property Awards 2022)

The Paddock by Owen Faunt, Architectural Apprentice

May 18, 2022 in Housing, Home Page

gcp are passionate about housing and passionate about developing people. The Paddock, is a bespoke scheme of three homes, designed for a small local developer. It consists of three houses set on a piece of open grassland, in an outer Bristol suburb. With an engaged and enthusiastic client, this project has been the perfect case study for the professional practice element of my Architectural Apprenticeship. gcp have actively involved me with every stage of the design process, from a pre-planning application through to construction and beyond. All under the fervent mentoring of two of the practice’s most experienced and expert architectural staff.

International Women's Day.

March 08, 2022 in Home Page

We join the IWD community to celebrate the achievements of our women.

To highlight just a few of these, we have recently welcomed Martina, who has immediately made herself part of the gcp team. Catriona, an Architectural Student, who has also recently joined us from Bath University on a four-month placement, has a passion for creating thriving and sustainable communities. Sarah, our social secretary, has recently summited the final design project of her part-2 qualification at Oxford Brookes University. Completing this all whilst in full-time employment, which is a fantastic achievement!

Century Park - It’s been a long time coming!

June 08, 2021 in Housing, Private Housing, Public Housing

We have been working with Curo Enterprise for over 4 years now to develop former Bristol City Council land in Lawrence Weston and provide 128 new homes. Last week we were finally able to see the project coming out of the ground! Although the view was fairly limited to ground beams, pipes and DPCs, it was a pretty exciting moment for me to see the scheme materialising.

The development is a mix of 2-, 3- and 4- bedroom homes alongside a small number of 1- and 2-bed apartments. The initial brief required us to provide a high-density housing solution without relying heavily on apartments, to create a marketable and affordable development. We were determined from the outset to design not only high-quality homes but also high-quality public space. The development features public open space with dedicated play areas as well as a trim trail; the layout of the terraces and design of surfaces create a safe and attractive community for all. The houses themselves are elegantly designed. We have used simple but sensitively placed brick and cladding details to bring vibrancy to the scheme.

Century Park is one of those special projects for me, having poured so many hours into the initial site planning, design development, community consultation, planning submission, technical design and now construction support. We are so pleased that the homes are already getting a lot of interest from buyers; I really can’t wait to see the final result. Sarah Makroum, Architectural Assistant, gcp Architects.

It is all in the detail.

April 27, 2021 in Housing, Private Housing

The brickwork on Mi-Space’s Oakfield development is amazing. Really attractive bricks have been specified, and bond patterns used that showcase them at their best. There is Flemish bond between paired front doors with the alternating header and stretcher bricks in contrasting colours. The projecting brick detail also features contrasting bricks, which with the sunshine and shadow looks really spectacular. Visitors to the development will also notice that prominent corner plots feature a basket weave pattern which is an eye-catching but quite subtle detail.

gcp have prepared brick setting out details to assist Mi-Space in achieving these really great results.

www.oakfieldswindon.co.uk.

Phase 1 at Oakfield development making great progress.

March 23, 2021 in Housing, Private Housing

Fantastic progress is being made on site where Mi-Space are constructing the Oakfield development in Swindon for Nationwide Building Society. Phase 1 will see the completion of 44 houses, 12 walk-up apartments and the Hub building.

The houses and walk-ups are a mix of open market and affordable units. They are traditional masonry cavity construction of two and three storeys in height, and progress ranges from completion of ground floor slab to installation of first floor joists.

The Hub has a community room on the ground floor and 18 intergenerational apartments, for local affordable housing provider GreenSquareAccord. Construction of the 4 storey concrete frame is now at roof level.

www.oakfieldswindon.co.uk.

The Hub building with phase 1 houses in the foreground.

From the roof of the Hub building, phase 1 houses can be seen to the right with phase 3 to the left and phase 2 in the distance.

2020 Favourites: Brooks Dye Works

December 23, 2020 in Private Housing

“I’ve been involved with the Brooks scheme for about 3 years now, throughout tender design stage to detailed construction, and we are due to handover the first block to the Acorn team before Christmas! It is one of our biggest Revit projects and has been beneficial in developing our strategies, which I am thankful for.

The development is really coming together on site, with the build progress allowing you to imagine the completed scheme. Seeing the finished coloured renders along Southey Street has really made me smile!”

— Siobhan Tarr, gcp

We asked everyone in the office to name their favourite project of 2020. Siobhan has been involved in delivery several of our larger schemes. Her favourite this year has been the exciting scheme in St Werburghs, delivering 105 dwellings by Halsall for Acron.

gcp appointed to deliver 239 quality sustainable homes in Swindon.

July 17, 2020 in Housing, Regeneration

gcp are thrilled to be part of the team delivering Nationwide’s major new housing scheme in Swindon. The not for profit development will deliver 239 quality sustainable homes. The development has been designed as an intergenerational community with a mix of houses and flats, a community room, shared gardens, green spaces and links to the existing neighbourhood. 30% of the properties will be affordable. gcp are working for contractor Mi-Space, who started on site in April 2020. The first homes will be available to view in autumn 2021.

CGIs credit to PicturePlane, Metropolitan Workshop and PRP

Please take a look at the development website www.oakfieldswindon.co.uk for more information.

WFH Diary: Siobhan

April 19, 2020

WFH Log: Day 10

Mood: Slightly peckish.

Attire: Casual dress and slippers, buts its ok because I’m wearing a work cardigan AND did my makeup today.

Thoughts: Very much aware that I am the newbie working in the office of a regular WFH-er and 2 dogs. Even the slightest breath or shuffle seems to mean that it’s time to go for walkies or to eat or to belly tickle (all requirements of my new dog colleagues not partner!)

To do list: Amendment prep for drawing issue next week, check supplier packs, plant cabbage seeds and start consumption of easter egg!

#workfromhome #stayhomestaysafe

Meet the Team: Siobhán Tarr

August 05, 2019

Images taken by Siobhán of her adventures outside of the office

We are incredibly proud that over half of our team have been at the company ten years or more; there are so many benefits to having skills and relationships built over this period of time – we think this makes this office a welcoming place for our new starters and apprentices, many of whom go on to join the ranks (we have a further 4 members of staff in the five to ten year bracket).

Today we are taking a moment to celebrate the work anniversary of Architectural Technician Siobhán Tarr, who has been with gcp for eleven years.

Siobhán works primarily within the technical team of gcp Architects, predominantly within the Housing sector and has an in depth understanding of Design Standards, Regulations and the importance of how these interact with Client Requirements. She has extensive experience of working at technical design stage on a range of complex projects, preparing technical Planning submissions, Building Regulation packages and coordinating Construction Stage information.

She worked and trained within the design team for Sheltered Housing developers McCarthy and Stone for 5 years before joining gcp in 2008. Most recently she has completed her training to become a Domestic SAP and Energy Assessor, joining the gcp consulting team.

---

There is so much I could say about your time here, but I think it would be best if you answered some questions in your own words! So, Siobhán if you weren’t an architectural technician, what would you be?

I really wouldn’t want to be anything else; my friends think it’s weird that I genuinely love my job even if the week is filled with challenges and deadlines.

What’s your favourite project that you’ve worked on to date?

Surprisingly, my favourite project has been Torpoint! This project had a lot of firsts, it was my first large project to manage, first time with a new client, first time with a new in-office team and my first project using Revit. That combined with a very complex topography meant that every day was a new challenge, with something to figure out and incorporate across the drawing package. The end result looked amazing and was really successful.

What’s been your best moment at gcp in the last year? Or longer.

Finally establishing our Revit standards – it took a long time but I’m really happy with what we’ve produced!

So, 11 years is a long time, why do you think you’ve stayed with gcp all this time?

I am not a job-hopping type - I like to settle in, build relationships and then grow – I don’t plan on leaving! I enjoy establishing my expected role and then learning new skills in order to broaden my own development whilst also being able to offer more to the team. The teams have changed a lot over my 11 years which brings new development opportunity which is always really exciting.

Having worked with you for all of that time Siobhán, I found that answer genuinely moving.

Back to the interview … what’s next for you?

I’m hoping to finally complete my chartership and become a Chartered Architectural Technologist – there have been a few stumbles in my application, but I think I’m almost there. Even in just researching the requirements, and joining the CIAT community, I have found so many amazing resources and potential topics to pursue in the future.

Fantastic. If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask a few personal questions now. Tell us what you like to do in your spare time?

Lately I’ve been focussing on hobbies that bring some calm – I enjoy walking my pups, travelling with my boyfriend, occasional crafting and gardening. Currently we are trying to tame our new allotment plot, which I share with my best friend - we are in our first year and every season brings a new challenge, I think we underestimated how long it would take to get established but it’s getting there!

You mention travelling. Favourite place you’ve visited?

There are still so many places to visit but my favourite places so far have been San Francisco and Amsterdam – I love exploring the diverse neighbourhoods and finding weird little pockets of personality! I’ve been to both twice and could visit again – its always changing and is always interesting! My boyfriend travels for work and we just managed to fit in the rooftop tour of the Duomo di Milano which was amazing!

Thanks for your time today Siobhán, I’ve really enjoyed it. I didn’t expect to find your answers so touching. As I know you like your music, could we finish with you telling us your favourite album?

Feeder – Yesterday Went Too Soon, is and will always be my favourite album! Guaranteed to give me pep and make me sing (in my head if at work!).

---

Siobhán has worked on many projects in her time with us including some of our award-winning housing projects, such as the above-mentioned Torpoint.

Her experience includes working closely with contractors on Design-Build contracts and she brings a detailed understanding of the needs of contractors to her work. This has included working onsite in a Design Coordinator role as a part of the contractors team on a complex housing project in Bath.

Siobhán has taken responsibility for developing technical drawing and BIM standards within gcp and is accountable for coordinating CPD events, as well as ensuring the team are kept up to date with Health and Safety matters and emerging office protocols.