Category: Journal

We recently had the exciting opportunity to experience another of our projects in virtual reality!

Our private client used Manchester-based architectural visualisation company Our Studio to create a VR model of terracotta house. With a VR headset we were able to view both the exterior and interiors of the building in virtual reality and move through 20 locations in the site and building.

The VR model proved to be a very useful tool within the design process as the clients were able to make final design decisions after being able to experience the space. We found the level of detail in a white card format was just right for this stage of the design and the next phase for the model will be adding of the colours & texture.

This is definitely something we would really like to give clients the option to incorporate into the design process in future projects.

 

 

 

 

 

This fantastic interior model was done by Anna for our hough house project!

We find modelling a really effective way to communicate design ideas. This model shows the proposals for the interiors of a pool and spa facilities with a feature concrete ceiling and roof lights.

The ATA team are really pleased to announce that this month we gained planning approval for our proposal near Marie Louise Gardens in Didsbury, Manchester.

Our aim was to minimise the impact of the design on Marie Louise Gardens whilst complementing the existing building. We are particularly excited about the resulting design; a contemporary house built with high quality traditional materials.

 

Click here to view the project page

 

Our project on Knutsford Road in Wilmslow is officially under construction!

We are big fans of these tumbled buff bricks from Wienerberger.

The quick photos below from our recent site visit show the exposed brick on the interiors of the extension. It was great to see the opening for the roof light and how effective it will be!

 

 

FoundHER

Annabelle was invited to speak at Manchester Town Hall at the FoundHER event, arranged by Albright to celebrate female founders of businesses.

High profile speakers such as the amazing Joanne Roney, Manchester City Council CEO, Marilyn Stowe, Stowe Family Law & Renee Elliott of Planet Organic all took part.

The morning started with Annabelle, Kate Orr, (Love Laura) and Tarryn Gorre (Kafoodle) discussing the ‘Lightbulb Moment’ – the moment when they each founded their businesses and what motivated them to set-up. Rachel Haugh of Simpson Haugh progressed the discussions on the second day as a panelist of a feature around the longer story of success and avoiding possible pitfalls in business.

A fascinating two day event – Thank you Albright

https://www.facebook.com/mcrislive/videos/1731860340447434/

 

A great visit with everyone from ATA to the Maggie’s Centre in Withington, Manchester this morning. Designed by Foster + Partners, it is the first of Lord Norman Foster’s projects in his home town and a beautiful place to spend time.

As drop-in centre for patients and their families suffering the effects of cancer we could only guess how much hope and comfort this building and it’s amazing staff must bring.

On the doorstep of Christie’s Hospital we found the front door firmly propped open. There is a breather space in the entrance which is welcoming and leads to the heart of the building -the generous & fresh kitchen and dining area. The island is where most initial conversations with a visitor begin much as in a home and the analogy to an over-sized home continues with large sitting rooms all with open fires for the winter and bright yet comfortable spaces for relaxing, sleeping or conversation all year round. All of the five staff have desks at first floor level along a long narrow mezzanine which shares a physical connection with each open space and a visual connection through high level windows with each therapy room. A 360 garden wraps the building and all of it’s many transition spaces that sit half way between inside and outside with green, voluminous planting the best part of which is the vegetable garden and the greenhouse at the building’s nose.

It was a fascinating experience to be able to visit the facility and yet another reason to be grateful that we live in this great city.  Thanks to Manchester Architects for co-ordinating.

www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-manchester/

 

A fantastic year for us at Manchester Architects Annual Awards with three projects resulting in 5 Runner Up awards – as we were added to the categories for President’s Choice and Small Project of the Year

All in all a wonderful evening with the esteemed Richard Murphy, an architectural hero, who was the sole judge for the awards.

Will be visiting him soon for that cup of tea in his fantastic new home.

Presidents Choice – Unbuilt //  Small Project of the Year // Commercial – Built // One off house – Built // One off House – Unbuilt

…Another great Manchester Architects event!

 

Sketching an urban streetscene with Georgian frontages for a new opportunity to replace a large section of the streetscape which has previously been built in the 80’s in a mock brick style.

Fingers crossed the job gets the go ahead

Annabelle has been approached by the RIBA to attend Portland Place, London each quarter to assist the RIBA and to represent small practices in the North.

In addition to extending Annabelle’s  network to London this is great news for developers and private clients as our practice gets the best promotion, support and opportunities from the very prestigious architectural body RIBA.

“Small practices make up 75% of practices in the UK… they are not static, they are the future of both small and large practices… our cherished emerging talent.”

RIBA is working hard to become more ‘relevant’ – to support both practices and individuals in the best way they can to achieve and excel. Topics since joining include Client Briefing documentation, Brexit, Pensions & Contractual updates.

Future posts will relay topics on an ongoing basis – if any support is required please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

RIBA Small Practice Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Friday we had a great afternoon out of the office hosted by seven_limes for an afternoon on individual potters wheels throwing pots.

Hopefully when we get our lovely creations back from the kiln we will have around 10 new unique sake cups for our studio… in all shapes and sizes!

…Genuinely can’t recommend it enough for a work treat – we loved it!