Gillard Associates News

REMODELLED COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TONMAWR

Fri, 27 May 2011 15:46:16 +0100

We have just submitted a planning application for a remodelled community centre in Tonmawr, near Pontrhydyfen.

The building was designed to be very sustainable using the latest in green technologies. But that is what you would expect of a project from GA, and its not special for that reason.

The most rewarding part of the job for us was to have been involved with the local community whose existing building has literally ‘worn out’, in the words of Trevor Williams, secretary of the Dan-y-Coed Residents’ Community Association.

The illustrations above show the public consultation process where most villagers turned up to express their views on the new design, shown above right.

They gave the project a thumbs up and it is hoped that the planning authority add their support to a scheme which will provide a new multi purpose hall suitable for the local user groups...and not least for the famous male voice choir of which Trevor is a member.

We hope Catherine Jenkins, their patron, approves!

Alan Gillard TALKS at GREEN SKILLS WORKSHOP

Thu, 12 May 2011 16:12:43 +0100

Alan Gillard was invited to speak at an event organised jointly by British Gas and Applecore Design, the company responsible for selling Graphisoft Building Information Modelling software in the UK, at the newly opened Green Skills Workshop in Tredegar.

The seminar was attended by practitioners and academics keen to gain an insight into the newly launched environmental modelling software ECODESIGNER

Gillard Associates is at the forefront of the ‘BIM Revolution’ - all of our projects are designed, presented and documented on Archicad software which is probably the most advanced of its type in current use.

As an ‘Archicad Evangelist’ Alan regularly gives presentations for Graphisoft illustrating how his practice makes use of the software and in particular how his projects and clients benefit from a seamless workflow starting at concept stage, through scheme design, through to documentation and tender.

PRINCIPAL GIVES UP DAY JOB TO MAKE FORTUNE AS TV CHEF

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:47:43 +0100

Alan Gillard appeared on ITV’s Britain’s Best Dish last night. He cooked a starter dish of mussels in beer sauce with brewer’s hearth bread.

John Burton-Race, one of the three celebrity judges, told Alan to give up his day job and take up breadmaking...and he wasn’t joking!. He said he would pay good money to eat bread of that quality. Jilly Goolden said the dish was “very grown up” but lacked a bit of sweetness. Ed Baines disagreed - he thought the dish was satisfying and the bread was excellent..

Contrary to the flow of the programme the Pembrokeshire guest house owner clinched the heat with her far more exotic mussels in white wine.

The programme can be watched on the ITV player for 30 days but the pictures here give a flavour of the experience - which was a great way to spend a birthday weekend.

GA WELCOMES NEW OFFICE MANAGER

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 15:23:17 +0100

When you phone Gillard Associates the chances are you’ll be greeted by Maria Thomas, our new office manager. She is a bit camera shy (which is why we haven’t got a full ‘mug shot’ ) but is looking forward to getting the practice on a firm footing as far as the administration is concerned. We’re really pleased to welcome her aboard!

BEACH HOUSE IN SOUTH WALES: PREVIEW

Wed, 1 Dec 2010 10:20:56 +0000

We have just completed the design for a new luxury beach house for a private client in south Wales.

The very prominent site requires a landmark building of exceptional quality and we are delighted to have been commissioned for this project following a limited competition.

The building will be constructed of reinforced concrete, clad with a mixture of copper sheeting and generous insulation will be very energy efficient. The extensive south facing glazing will provide terrific views across the dunes to the open sea and at the same time provide good passive solar gains.

The building is expected to start on site in 2011.

Alan Gillard speaks at Glass House DEBATE IN Chapter Arts

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 18:00:30 +0000

Alan Gillard was invited to be a panellist at an event held today in Chapter Arts Centre organised by the community led design charity The Glass House.

Alan’s interest in community design and his experience in working with a variety of community groups on both new build projects and refurbished buildings enabled him to be a useful contributor at the event which was entitled

“The Sustainable Community Building: New Build vs Refurbishment ”.

Sophia de Sousa, director of The Glass House writes:
“The second debate in our lively and informative series took place at Chapter in Cardiff. With a diverse audience and experienced speaker panel the debate highlighted many key themes and discussion points regarding the sustainability of the community building which our panel and audience enjoyed deliberating. Kelvin Jones and Marco Gil-Cenvantes brought their first hand experience of being involved in a new build and refurbished community building and frankly discussed the successes and pitfalls of each. Along with Alan Gillard, Gillard Associates Architecture and Design and David Tyler, Community Matters, we were able to explore the sustainability of the community buildings from varied perspectives. We captured the key themes which were raised and will be updating the blog shortly.”

GA Student Architect is a Vegetable!

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:26:29 +0000

AT GA we like to support community led projects. Luke Davies, a post graduate student working with us this year, went the extra mile for his chosen group the Canton Community Gardens by dressing up as a red pepper to encourage votes from the public for the Lottery Funded ‘People’s Millions’ project.
As a result of his efforts (and with a little help from an aubergine, two daffodils and a bumble bee), the group won £37,000 of funding which will be used to create and upkeep a community garden at the Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff.
On the right you can see a picture of Luke in more conventional attire, and the illustration above shows how the garden may develop now that funds are in place.

GA MOVE TO No 2 Cathedral Road Cardiff CF11 9RZ

Mon, 1 Nov 2010 17:16:30 +0000

Due to redevelopment of our old premises in Park Place, we have moved to new offices in Cathedral Road.
Clients and suppliers will no longer have to negotiate three flights of stairs as we are located on the ground floor.
We have limited parking space available so please call before driving to make sure we can accommodate your car.
The railway station (Cardiff Central) and bus station are only 10 minutes walk.

Our full contact details are as follows:
Gillard Associates Architecture and Design
No2 Cathedral Road
CARDIFF
CF11 9RZ
Tel 02920 229133

PLANNING CONSENT FOR CONTEMPORARY HOUSE IN OLD LLANTWIT

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:42:51 +0100

In association with DPP Planning Consultants, we recently won a planning consent for a sensitive housing scheme in Llantwit’s old town.

The site had been the subject of two failed applications previously by other architects who had failed to appreciate and respond to the sensitive location adjacent Plymouth House, a Grade 2 Listed building.

The approved design, allow key pavilion with open plan south facing living space and a two storey bedroom wing, allows the Listed building to pre dominate. The new building features an ‘energy wall’ which, if linked to a low temperature underfloor heating system and heat store, could provide a very low energy home for a buyer interested in pursuing a sustainable lifestyle.

The clients are delighted with their permission and have now put the site up for sale with Savills Cardiff.

GA appointed by GWALIA GRWP

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 21:18:30 +0100

Gillard Associates are delighted to have been appointed by GWALIA Housing Association Ltd to help in the development of affordable housing on a site in Powys.
The site is difficult, being on a steep slope adjacent to the Brecon Beacons National Park, but we are looking forward to the challenge of designing accessible homes on a hill.

FLOATING OFFICE AT SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:46:21 +0100

The Floating Office was taken down by transporter to Southampton this week to be displayed at the boat show. It attracted a lot of interest and looked pretty cool on its pontoon amongst the super yachts. Wish I could have one!

HOME FOR THE ELDERLY IN RHIWBINA

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 13:02:03 +0100

Every architect likes to get a commission for large projects, but we get a lot of pleasure in working on small stuff as well.We are pleased to have obtained a planning consent for a client who is looking to provide care for her aged mother in a new extension.
The design is low key but will ensure privacy and independence in a suite of rooms with plenty of daylight and views into the garden. We also think of the carers - the house will be remodelled and replanned to make sure that they have private space for themselves.

NEW CONTEMPORARY FAMILY HOME GETS CONSENT

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:37:45 +0100

This design for a funky new family house on a green field site in the Gower was heading for a planning refusal until we asked for an independent review of the project by the Design Commission for Wales.

Even though the DCW did not agree with all of the design decisions taken (see review) the verdict was that the building was a good one and should be built.

We accept that the layout is rather quirky but this is a result of the particular needs of the client and the nature of the site. (We also think it looks great but let us know what you think).

The planning authority removed their objections to the scheme and granted consent.

The verdict of the DCW was probably pivotal in the LDA’s decision being positive and we appreciated the opinions of the panellists in their critique.

The project is due to go on site in spring 2011.

FLOATING OFFICE STEALS THE SHOW!

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:39:02 +0000

The Waterspace floating office Mk II was a popular exhibit at the Ideal Home Show. The organisers built a special moat to float the vessel which was also used as a media centre by the BBC.
Deborah Meaden from TV’s Dragon’s Den visited the FO2 and was very complimentary - perhaps Waterspace Ltd will appear on the show soon!