gcp visit Edinburgh

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It was back in 2020, when former director, Colin Powell moved to Edinburgh from Bath to fulfil a family dream of living in Scotland. A global pandemic, three years and many successful projects later a small group of the gcp team embarked on a mini-office-trip to pay him (and magnificent Edinburgh) a visit.

Our trip started early on Friday morning with a 7am flight from Bristol International Airport, landing us in Edinburgh just as the day was beginning to break. An atmospheric mist settled over the streets as we took the bus into the capital, finally splitting to cast glorious sunshine over the gothic city once brunch was over.

That first morning was for exploring – the Botanical Gardens, Modern Two, quaintly cobbled streets and an independent-makers-market inside a church were some of the sights taken in before we headed to our meeting place of Edinburgh Castle for a group experience.

We battled the crowds to take in the beauty of the sun soaked city from upon high. The breathless, panoramic views were worth being squeezed like sardines through the entrance and once inside the settlement it was peaceful with lots to look at.

There might have been a pint (or two) consumed afterwards in an quirky little pub and many thousands of steps clocked up on the step trackers.

Day Two started off with pastries and coffee (for those of us who didn’t have breakfasts at the hotel or AirBnB) and meeting Colin at the bottom of the Royal Mile, for a walk that started in a graveyard and ended in a café.

We took a meandering route, soaking up amazing views and the lovely streets of New Town. There were surprising pockets of nature to be discovered in the West End, all sprinkled with history, stories, anecdotes and interesting facts from Colin. We caught up as we walked, taking in what felt like an entirely different city to the day before.

Everywhere you turn in Edinburgh, there is something for your eyes to feast upon. Each street looks like it could be a scene in a film or the setting of a novel; I found myself saying “it’s beautiful, no this is beautiful” more times that I can count. With Autumn just at the edges of the trees and the weather zig-zagging between smokey skies and blinding sunshine, I felt like we really got the best it could offer.

After our tour we were armed with knowledge of the best bookshops in the city and filled with the most delicious toastie I’ve ever eaten it was time for a well-earned rest. Another 15,000 steps clocked in on the tracker, there were a few free hours (an amazing entrance-way in the National Portrait Gallery, yoga, a chapter of my book, a glass of wine) before we met again for a lovely dinner.

Colin surprised us all with some hand-thrown tea bowls (he has taken up pottery since moving to Edinburgh); and we finished the evening in a wine bar, chatting about our trip so far and sharing our go-to karaoke songs.

By Sunday, there was still more to do and by now, my fitness tracker was wondering if perhaps my watch had been stolen by someone who walks much more than I normally do. Today was Arthur’s Seat for some, bookshops, people watching and coffee for others. Signed-First-Editions, origami book pages, museums, galleries, parks, fountains, a fancy new shopping mall – we made the most of our last, long day, squeezing in as many of the sights as we could, before heading back to Edinburgh Airport for dinner and a late flight back to Bristol.

 

Join gcp!

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Want to join gcp?

We are recruiting here at gcp Chartered Architects. If you are ready for a new challenge, we have several opportunities for design professionals to join our team in Bristol. You will need to be organised, proactive and keen to make a difference. Do you know anyone who might be interested?

Please click on the relevant title for more information.

Senior Architect RIBA

Senior Technologist CIAT

Meet The Team: Hazel

It’s been a while since we’ve added any new employee anniversaries and this week we have two to celebrate. First up is Hazel Momberg, celebrating one year with gcp.

Hazel joined gcp last year as an Architectural Technologist to support projects at tender and construction stages, manage project delivery, and assist the coordination across project teams.

In previous employment with GAPP Architects & Urban Designers as a Senior Architectural Technologist for six years, Hazel worked primarily within the hospitality sector, leading projects for luxury safari brands such as Singita and Helios Lodges Company Ltd.

Hazel has experience in all stages of an architectural project including and not limited to concept initiation, design development, construction documentation, site supervision and project management. More recently, Hazel has focused on the delivery of housing developments with particularly stringent deadlines, where precise and rigorous coordination across the project team is vital to meet client targets.

Hazel has completed an APS Accredited Principal Designer Course, allowing her to support all projects under the current CDM2015 Regulations. With a keen eye for detailing and passion for the built environment, Hazel has also recently qualified as a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

Morning Hazel! Lets start with an easy one: what inspired you to pursue architecture?

I grew up in a creative family, and because of this have always enjoyed drawing and making things. In school, I developed a passion for problem solving through subjects such as Maths, Science and Technology. Architecture allowed me to combine these two fields of interest into one career path. Designing creative solutions for complex problems is something that sparked my attention at the time, and still does today.

What has been your favourite project to work on at gcp, so far?

St Peters Close in Plymouth has been a very rewarding experience because it is the first project I’ll complete from start to finish in the UK. The development focuses on providing accessible accommodation to enable residents to stay in their homes even as their life needs change.

You have a visible enthusiasm for Architecture but if you weren’t an Architectural Technologist, what would you be?

I wouldn’t mind being a National Geographic Photographer in an exotic rainforest, pursuing the perfect shot of some endangered creature with David Attenborough by my side (big dreams).

Nothing wrong with dreaming a bright future. What have you already achieved that you are proud of?

Keeping my houseplants alive!

On a serious note though, taking the leap to leave my home country, South Africa, to work in the UK was challenging, but in turn a rewarding experience. It has allowed me to develop my passion for architecture in new ways as well as make valuable new friendships along the way.

We’re really pleased you came here. You are positive and grounded member of the team. What’s been your best moment working at gcp in the last year?

One of the best things about working at gcp is the great social environment amongst colleagues. It’s for this reason that I enjoyed the gcp weekend away in Devon where we made some unforgettable memories together.

gcp’s annual staff trip to Devon

Hazel now runs our Events Team, so expect more unforgettable socials in the future!

Moving away from work, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Nothing beats a good road trip to one of UK’s AONB for a long hike and some time spent in nature. Photography is a hobby of mine, so I’ll often take my camera along for the ride too.

To finish up, I normally ask interviewees to tell us something we might not already know about you?

I can play the piano and flute.

gcp are a musical bunch! Might there be an office band in our future?

Thanks for your time today Hazel, we love celebrating our staff anniversaries and getting to know people a little better. To finish up, is there anything else you would like to share?

My favourite quote: ‘The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.’ - Nelson Mandela

Perfect. Keep any eye out on our blog for more staff anniversaries, coming soon.

Bristol International Student Centre: Complete

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gcp has just completed a much-needed facelift to the Bristol International Student Centre, a charity that offers accommodation for international students neighbouring Bristol University.

Improvements were needed to maintain the Centre’s HMO licence. gcp reconfigured internal spaces to meet current standards and specified upgrades to ensure safe escape routes from the first floor bedrooms, including lining the existing ceiling to provide better acoustics and fire protection. The work has resulted in increased flexibility for BISC and privacy for the residents.

We are incredibly proud of the outcome, having given the building a new lease of life and assisted a fantastic charity in offering the best possible accommodation to provide a home away from home for international students.

We worked closely with contractor Creative Construction and were incredibly impressed by their attention to detail and ability to tackle unexpected issues arising on site.

Neat Lane Phase 2: Designed & Delivered

Images used with kind permission from EG Carter & Co Ltd. Photography by Candid Pictures.

We are proud to have designed and delivered the second phase of development at Margaret Bondfield Close, Pilton, alongside EG Carter & Co Ltd for The Guinness Partnership. This phase provides an additional 20 dwellings, bringing the scheme to a total of 33 much-needed affordable homes on land provided by Michael Eavis. The homes are well rooted in their context, having been expertly crafted by EG Carter with local stone also provided by the Glastonbury Festival founder. Phase 2 was opened by non-other than Gary Lineker but, unfortunately, there was not a crisp in sight.

We wish the owners and tenants all the best in their wonderful new homes.

Poster image above, by gcp and below, gifted to client.

Visit the Neat Lane Project Page for more information on this project.

gcp's annual trip to Devon

When it comes to work-life balance, taking time off to bond with your colleagues can be a refreshing and rewarding experience. This is why this past July, gcp took the opportunity to go away on a weekend retreat to Devon. It was an unforgettable adventure filled with camaraderie, laughter, and a delightful exploration of this stunning coastal region.

Our adventure began on Friday afternoon, leaving the office early so that we could all enjoy a delicious meal and a couple drinks at the local pub in Welcombe, the Old Smithy Inn. When bellies were full and pint glasses empty, we made our way to our cozy seaside accommodation to settle in for the night.

Morning: Devon’s Natural Beauty

Day two began with the delicious smell of freshly baked croissants and a healthy spread of fruits and cereals for breakfast, and of course, some good coffee. We then strapped on our walking shoes to enjoy a scenic hike along the coastline to Speke's Mill Mouth Waterfall. The views of the waves, combined with the fresh Devon air, made it an ideal spot to enjoy pasties, quiche, and each other's company.

“The beautiful Hartland Clifftop group walk was spectacular and Phil’s BBQ, absolutely delicious!”
— Tim O

Afternoon: A Cyprus BBQ

How fortunate we were to be treated to a BBQ by Phillip Baker inspired by his life in Cyprus. Succulent lamb, spiced meatballs and Greek salads were just a few of the items on the menu. As the sun went down, seated at a long table in the garden, we ate and drank to our hearts content.  

“My favourite memory was sitting chatting in the garden with everyone, with the sun shining and the smell of the BBQ going”
— Esther S

Morning: Farewell, until next time.

Sundays are for rest, and that is exactly what we did to end of the weekend. With legs a little tender from our long walk the day before, we enjoyed a few boards games before sitting down to our last meal together in the garden. This time, it was Tom Mellor our host who cooked up a hearty stew. With hearts full thanks to a wonderful weekend together, we said our farewells with high hopes to do it all again next year.

Macmillan Coffee Morning Success!

On Monday 2 October, gcp hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning bake sale at our office in Warmley. We had some delicious cakes and treats baked and bought by our team and enjoyed by the Corum offices. It was a great chance for the staff to get involved in a worthy cause and amazing to see how many people came out to have a try of the efforts. A huge thank you to all those who got involved or donated, we are delighted to have raised over £200 and will look forward to smashing this total next year.

Customer Satisfaction Survey Results 2023

To support our ISO9001 & ISO14001 Quality & Environmental Management System Accreditation, gcp run a Customer Satisfaction Survey every two years. This feedback helps us with our commitment to continuous improvement and enables us to tailor our services to the current needs of our clients.

Thank you to everyone who recently responded to our Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire.

A few highlights from the responses:

  • 93% of respondents are very likely to recommend us to a colleague

  • 96% of respondents are “very satisfied” with gcp

  • 82% of respondents say we “added value” to their project

  • 75% say we are “high quality”

  • 96% of respondents say we are “reliable”

  • 72% say the quality of our advice and support is “excellent: I felt gcp cared about me and my needs” with the remaining 28% responding “good: a knowledgeable, professional service”

If you missed out on giving feedback, you can still do so by emailing your contact at gcp. If you would like an in-depth project feedback session, please let us know. We would love to take learning from any recent schemes to improve our future solutions.

If there are any current projects or queries we can help with, do not hesitate to get in touch.

Sunny brickwork at Oakfield

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A few weeks ago we jumped at the opportunity to take a few snaps of Nationwide Building Society’s Oakfield development in Swindon as the sun made a rare appearance. We spent some time appreciating the details which really make this scheme sing. The variety of brick detail, brick bonds, and brick specification gives each terrace a unique character whilst at the same time creating a strong identity for the 239 home development as a whole.


Part of our role as delivery stage architects is to facilitate efficient construction. We painstakingly set out each brick configuration to limit the number of cut bricks required and therefore minimise waste. Which makes seeing the fantastic results all the sweeter!

 

For more info about the scheme, click here

 


Complete: Westbury Swimarium

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Sarah Harris and Rick Johnstone, of the Swim School Ltd, came to gcp with a challenge: to design and deliver their ‘Swimarium’ in Westbury, Wiltshire. Being a retrofit of a former warehouse made the brief a little unusual.  The pool itself had already been procured, leaving the challenge of accommodating the ancillary facilities and plant in the remaining space.

The pool occupies approximately a 100m2 footprint, within a building that has a 230m2 gross internal area. Necessary accommodation also included: An entrance hallway, an accessible wc, 2 changing rooms, a viewing gallery, lockers, a plant room, a chemical store, raised teaching walkways and compliant escape routes; making the spatial tolerances are extremely fine. 

gcp undertook all the design work from the initial feasibility study through to concept, planning and technical design stage. The warehouse underwent an extensive thermal and structural upgrade, with half the roof accommodating solar pv panels. gcp also supported the construction team throughout, with the design calling for some unique detailing around the piled pool slab, teaching walkways and external walls. All credit goes to the contractor, Hill Project Management, who ran the build stage diligently and professionally, under significant time constraints.

Recently we were also pleased to be invited along to the grand opening. With a long waiting list and thousands of satisfied customers, we hope that this will be one of many more Swimariums to come!

Planning Awarded: Staunton

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Planning granted by Forest of Dean District Council for a development of 20 affordable homes in Staunton!

gcp is working with Two Rivers Housing to redevelop a site currently used for sheltered housing. The existing 1960s buildings provided poor quality accommodation and did not meet the standard of homes that Two Rivers aim to provide to their tenants. Following consultation with remaining residents, it was decided to redevelop the land so that better quality homes can be created. The design proposal by gcp, which was granted planning consent last month, will provide a mix of accommodation including bungalows, flats and houses. Whilst continuing to provide homes for older tenants, the scheme will create a more mixed community that reflects the nature of surrounding homes and local housing need. The new homes will feature renewable technologies including heat pumps and solar panels to reduce carbon emissions and provide low energy costs for tenants.

Supporting Local Students through work experience

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. 

gcp's Philip Baker takes team on Medieval Tour through Bristol's Old City

At gcp Chartered Architects, we make a special effort to spend together outside of the usual 9-5 office hours. As part of our June social get-together, Philip Baker took us on a Medieval Tour through Bristol's Old City where we learnt all about the area's fascinating history and how our city came to be.

It was only fitting for the tour to begin at the Bristol Bridge. Bristol, previously known as 'Brycgstow', meaning the "meeting place at the bridge" in the old Saxon language.

St Peters Church

Only a few minutes away, Phil led us to our first stop, St Peter's Church. Before the war, the area was Bristol's main shopping centre, but sadly the area was heavily bombed and mostly destroyed. Fortunately, the shell of the ruined church was retained as a memorial.

Bristol Castle & Sally Port Doorway

Standing at the Round Pool, we looked over Castle Park where the Motte and Bailey Castle once used to stand. Constructed in 1088 on the narrow piece of land between the Frome and Avon River, it was built to control access to the town and announce the new ruler of the country, William the Conqueror.

Making our way through the Park and down to Sally Port, we gazed through the steel gates that lead to a hidden series of steps. These were cut into the rock to allow a garrison of troops to exit the Castle during a siege and allow them to attack the enemy from the rear.

St James Priory

Weaving through the city centre along roads that follow the River Frome down below, we made our way to St James Priory Church. Dating back to the 12th century, this is the oldest Church in Bristol that is still in daily use. Here we were treated to a private tour by one of the very knowledgeable staff members. Through the years, the building has transformed to adapt to the changing city around it, as you can see in the sketch below.

A tiny hidden Church, many more stories, and Part 2 to follow…

The final stop on our tour was the hidden historical gem built on and into the remains of the old Town Wall, St John the Baptist Church, better known as St John on the Wall. Using a large, ornate key to pry open the great green entrance door, Phil lead us within. Here we gazed upon the beautiful stained glass windows, the magnificent church organ, and even had the opportunity to climb the tiny staircase up the clock tower.

We have only been able to retell but a few of the many wonderful stories Phil shared with us about the Medieval Town in the heart of Bristol. Watch this space for Part 2 of the tour which will take place later this month.

gcp Seminars: Passivhaus / Retrofit / Whole Life Carbon

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At gcp we know that the growing terminology around low carbon housing is confusing and practical implications on development can seem unclear. As early advocates for Passivhaus and low carbon design, we want to help our clients explore how high quality and sustainable housing can be achieved.

We offer seminars on Whole Life Carbon, Passivhaus, Net-Zero and Retrofit. Please let us know if you would like us to drop by and talk with your team!

t 0117 967 6286

e mail@gcparch.co.uk

Planning Awarded: Walwyn Gardens

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After a two-year wait, Walwyn Gardens has been awarded full planning permission and due to start construction this year.  The retrofit scheme includes demolishing and replacing existing leaking courtyard access walkways with contemporary, thermally improved communal access routes.  All windows and doors will be replaced as well as a new colour palette introduced to the reclad corridor elements.

gcp Shortlisted for Novers Hill Design Competition

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gcp are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted in the Novers Hill Design Competition and will move forward to Stage 2 of the process. Below we share some of our process and considerations when appoaching a new scheme.

Background

Goram Homes, in partnership with the Bristol Housing Festival, launched a design competition on 2nd March 2023 for a new housing development in Knowle West.

Situated just off Novers Hill, the brownfield site bounds the ecologically significant Western Slopes, with fantastic views over Southwest Bristol.

Having previously worked with Goram Homes to report on and reduce their whole life carbon emissions, we jumped at the chance to produce a sensitive, low carbon exemplar design for the Knowle West community.

Our Process

Context is always important, but especially on such an ecologically significant site. Our process started by analysing the site from an ecological, social, geographical and historical point of view.

This allowed us to identify the areas which could be developed whilst limiting any negative impacts on existing habitats. The brownfield elements of this site offered an obvious development opportunity due to the level topography and lack of ecology.

Taking the developable area, we could carve out service routes and ancillary spaces, leaving the most suitable areas for the proposed dwellings.

Working with a concept massing allows many ideas to be tested at a site-wide level to investigate their suitability. We took this opportunity to adapt the form to better make use of the site’s natural resources such as sunlight and views.

Retaining a connection between Knowle West and the Western Slopes was a key part of integrating this development into the existing community. To encourage this, we chose to slice through the massing to form a physical link between the wonderful green spaces and the wider community.

Creative stacking of gardens allowed us to achieve the required housing densities without damaging any further green space. This stacking also made the most of natural daylighting and views.

Our Team

We selected a competition team with a wide ranging but complimentary skillset to efficiently deliver this competition entry.

  • Part 2 Architectural Assistant: Matt Taylor

 

The core team of Matt B, Matt T and Owen developed our design under the excellent stewardship of Sarah. Regular concept discussions between the core team allowed for speedy testing and evolution of ideas. Concepts were then presented to the wider office during several design reviews in our pin-up space, which helped to hone the proposal and focus the mind.

Holistic Design

We pride ourselves on being able to take projects from the first sketch all the way through to delivery. Part of this is thinking ahead and making sure we consider the detail within the big picture. Whilst this was a Stage 1 design, we wanted to ensure that buildability, sustainability and affordability were all considered to ensure smoother development as the design progresses. It is much easier to design in efficiency at an early stage than try to adjust a poor design further down the line.

In developing our submission, we considered:

  • Whole life carbon emissions by improving thermal performance, choosing low carbon materials and maximizing solar gains

  • Materials to allow for ease of construction, minimal ecological disruption and easy airtightness

  • Going beyond biodiversity net gain by retaining as many habitats as possible, enhancing existing grasslands and planting trees/vegetation to offset carbon emissions

  • Net Zero emissions in operation through an efficient form, fabric first design and large solar PV arrays

  • Affordability by eliminating unnecessary junctions/details, minimizing energy/running costs and reducing the overall building mass.

The Submission

Detailed site analysis and holistic design allowed us to generate an accurate impression of how the development could look.

Planning Submitted for Aerospace Engineering Company

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gcp have recently submitted for planning consent a scheme to extend and reimagine the McBraida factory building at Bridgeyate near Bristol. McBraida plc have operated at this plant supplying precision machined parts to a domestic and an increasingly important international aviation market.

Over the last 30 years, as the business expanded, the original brick factory unit has been expanded in piecemeal fashion without any fundamental re-planning of the production space, or strategic view to the future. Consequently, the site is now operating at significantly below optimum efficiency due to the resulting cramped conditions. Likewise, the industry shift into computer aided design and manufacture requires an expansion in office area to accommodate these increasingly desk based manufacturing processes.

Driven by overseas sales success and the lack of space at the Bridgeyate plant, in 2013 the business opened a second production base in Poland. This is a purpose-built modern factory unit with an efficient layout and high levels of staff satisfaction with the workspace environment. It is equipped with all facilities expected of a modern engineering production plant including offices, laboratories, testing facilities, meeting rooms and a client presentation suite. There is a stark contrast between the highly efficient McBraida Polska plant and the somewhat dated, inefficient, sub-optimal accommodation at Bridgeyate.

The proposed extensions will envelope most of the existing factory and will give increased production area, storage, new offices and staff facilities to a high modern standard. The public image of the McBraida works will be transformed from its current anonymous appearance. The intended design aesthetic is ‘modern industrial’; appropriate for the company’s business although to a higher specification than a standard industrial unit. The public-facing façade of the building will express the forward-looking aspirations fitting for this high technology company.