16 new units, providing over 15,000sm of new employment space are under construction at this brownfield site adjacent to the A41 near Aylesbury.
The units offer a mix of scales, clear internal heights, yard depths and floor areas with flexibility built into the design to allow for the combining of multiple units if desired by the occupier. Boasting various green credentials such as electric vehicle charging, photovoltaic panels, high performance materials, 15% rooflights, low air permeability, the scheme is considerate to the environment and reduces the occupational carbon footprint. The landscaping works also comprise a sustainable drainage system (SuDS), including a new wildlife pond.
A time-lapse camera has been set up on site so the progress can be followed through this link.
A new 135,000sf building for Walker Logistics Ltd, incorporating warehouse space, office facilities and a public museum, was recently granted planning permission by West Berkshire Council. Early consultations with the local authority were key and, following the approved outline consent in 2021, the design has evolved and developed to provide a high spec logistics facility that will also showcase artefacts of significant local importance/ value within an aircraft museum.
Set in an AONB the external colour palette has been carefully selected so as to echo the natural greens and greys of the surrounding context, including the existing Walker Logistics premises to the south. External arrangement of the site took into consideration the access, manoeuvring and parking of the historic WWII Dakota aircraft, as well as a detailed landscaping design to further shield the building from nearby viewpoints. The proposals set out to increase the range of accommodation available for employment, whilst minimising the impact of the development on the neighbouring residences and offering a positive contribution to the Membury area.
After completing two weeks of work experience with us here at Cornish Architects, the big question is; does Dillon, a third year student of Westminster University, still aspire to become a fully qualified architect? Has stepping out of the study room and into a working practice affirmed his expectations or cast doubt?
This is what he had to say:
“As a part 1 student it’s easy, when you think of architecture, to think of someone in a room all day with nothing but a computer and mouse or in some cases a pencil, protractor and drawing board, creating endless plans and sections. However, the past 2 weeks have taught me that it’s much more than that, and my time at Cornish Architects confirmed that in ways one simple paragraph won’t do justice.
The main thing that was highlighted was that the skill and dedication involved is second to none. Intricate details that otherwise wouldn’t be noticed when looking at a building would need to be refined and redrawn until they were of the standard being demanded from this practice. However, more than that, the teamwork and feeling of community in the office environment for example, make being an architect that much more rewarding. Collective tasks such as working to send off a tender package in time, whilst also ensuring the high standards are kept, were all experiences that taught me what it was actually like to be in this industry.
It was clear to me that the reality of being a practising architect is much more challenging then I had imagined, from the directors to the architects everyone is always occupied, leaving no dull moment in this career. These past two weeks have allowed me to see the more technical aspects of architecture, moving away from the more creative and unhinged approach to architecture in part 1.
Being able to see the different stages of a building, from a concept to a fully built structure, have allowed me to see how rewarding being an architect can be, despite the workload and responsibility that comes with it. Having said that, this makes my ambition to continue to pursue architecture even more apparent. The feeling of seeing your work go through these different stages and finally seeing something you worked on come to fruition is something I aspire to achieve in the future.
So, to everyone I met at Cornish Architects, thank you for the great experience. I have learnt so much regarding what is involved in being a practising architect and will take this new found knowledge onwards as I continue to develop in this industry.”
With the new year often comes new beginnings, and so we are delighted to announce the appointment of our two new directors Simon Mascarenhas and Rebecca Phythian. Simon and Rebecca have been integral members of the practice throughout their time at Cornish Architects and we are pleased to congratulate them as they settle into their new roles.
Over his 7 years at the practice and throughout his career, Simon has developed a wealth of experience within the construction industry. His profound knowledge and attention to detail has led to the smooth running of many of our successful projects. Simon’s infectious personality is also at the heart of the Cornish office culture, he has already shown promising leadership skills and inspires the design team on a daily basis with his dynamic ideas/creative thinking.
Rebecca has been with the practice since her final placement year and has a strong understanding of Cornish values and principles. Throughout her time with Cornish, she has developed robust client and consultant relationships. Rebecca has been pivotal in pushing innovative design and has been instrumental in the development of practice’ marketing and design software.
After many years with Cornish Architects, Chris Smith and Liz Dabell are retiring from their director duties but will continue to be involved with the practice as consultants. Their experience, expertise and personal touch have proven invaluable at Cornish and we are grateful to them for building the practice up to what it is today and for all of the guidance they have provided along the way. We are pleased to say they will continue to maintain contact and provide support moving forward.
We are excited to see where the new leadership takes us as we continue to deliver high quality projects for all our current and future clients.
Following the successful completion of Catalyst Phase 1, Albion Land have now secured reserved matters approval for Phase 2 and Phase 3.
The consent grants the development of nine high quality units within the well-connected business community. The design remains consistent with the first phase retaining the project’s key defining elements such as feature canopies and rainscreen cladding to ensure continuity throughout the site. Double height entrance spaces and full height glazing within flexible office areas help to provide a high-quality working environment.
These final phases will complete the Catalyst development and fulfil the client’s aspirations to provide a sustainable community for knowledge based high tech companies.
The terrace of four units, designed and built for Legal & General, was handed over earlier this year. Working alongside project managers Hollis and contractor Marbank Construction, Cornish took the project from tender through to completion.
The warehouse units range in size from 250m2 (2700sf) to 350m2 (3750sf), with accompanying office accommodation on their first floors. The development fills in the final plot of land on the Lineside Industrial Estate, and its modern contemporary look has a prominent position by the estate entrance. Constraints included the site backing onto railway land, which required Network Rail approvals and careful consideration of their needs throughout design and construction, as well as close regard to the existing operations on the estate.
Taking advantage of its position on the sunny south coast, the building has PV arrays supplying power to the four units, and areas of soft landscaping provide greenery and shielding from surrounding roads.
We are excited to announce our move to our new premises in the heart of Farringdon!
Still only a stone’s throw away from Chancery Lane but now even closer to Farringdon Station, our new office is situated on the second floor of 27 Greville street. With changes to the way we have worked over the past few years, we are thrilled to have found a space that matches our current and future ambitions.
Thanks to a smooth moving process, we are up and running as normal and are ready to continue to offer the high level of service our Clients and consultants have come to expect.
We look forward to having you here soon!
Our new address is: 27 Greville Street, London, EC1N 8SU
We would like to introduce our newest team member and qualified Architect Nikye! With diverse experience and knowledge across the construction industry, she is a valuable addition to our practice.
Nikye has settled in well and we are excited to see what more she can accomplish with current and future projects.
Our most recent staff night out involved a test of coordination and composure as the team took to shuffleboarding at London Bridge’s Electric Shuffle.
Competitive spirits came out in full swing as we battled it out to win points for our teams. It was a tight game up until the end but ultimately there were a few dark horses that stayed cool calm and collected to sweep up the win.
There was a lot to discuss afterwards, including a screen malfunction that some say, ‘rigged the scoreboard’, as we finished the evening with drinks in the sun at the Vinegar Yard.
