gillespie yunnie architects.

2005-2012.

Intro.

Founded in 2005 we are now a fi rmly established, award winning practice. While we continue to grow, our passion for affordable, design-led architecture still drives us as strongly now as it did on day one. The range and breadth of our experience continues to evolve as we work on ever more diverse and challenging project types. This review aims to illustrate some of the work we have completed to date with a sample of the projects currently under development. We hope you fi nd something you like.

gillespie yunnpragmatic | creative |passionate | sustainable |fresh thinking | award winning | innovative |contemporary | sensitivefriendly | reliable | fl exible |hard working | ambitious.

illespie yunnie architects |pragmatic | creative |passionate | sustainable |fresh thinking | award winning | innovative |contemporary | sensitivefriendly | reliable | fl exible |hard working | ambitious.

Mills Bakery.Mills Bakery has been a hugely signifi cant project for Gillespie Yunnie over the years. It gave us our fi rst RIBA Award, our fi rst Housing Design Award and our second RIBA Town & Country Award. It has also given us exposure to a fantastic range of commercial clients from Urban Splash and Plymouth University to Loungers and Prezzo.

Residential.

Constructed between 1825-31, Royal William Yard is now considered one of Britain’s most important groups of historic military buildings. Designed by Sir John Rennie as both a factory and supply depot, this new mixed-use community forms a major component of Plymouth’s urban renaissance. The quality of our previous work on Clarence and Brewhouse has been recognised by numerous design awards and Royal William Yard is featured in the English Heritage book ‘Shared Interest’ which showcases exemplary, heritage-led schemes from around the country. The completed project has received an RIBA Award for Architecture 2010, a British Housing Award 2010, and a Green Apple Environmental Award.

We have worked closely with Urban Splash to create innovative, viable solutions within the constraints imposed by this Grade I Listed building and the changing economic market. In addition to 6000sqm of commercial space, the building now houses 87 apartments. These units range from 35sqm ‘micro’ apartments to spacious penthouses with external terraces. Clustered around central atrium spaces, these new living spaces are clean and contemporary utilizing a simple palette of walnut, glass and white surfaces to contrast with the rough textures of the existing fabric.

This was a challenging building with a complex brief. We developed an effi cient circulation system to maximise the use of existing stair cores and planned apartments to exploit the natural assets of the building. Kitchens and bathrooms are located at the rear of the apartments(backing on to corridor risers) to allow natural day light to fl ood the perimeter living spaces. A fi re engineered solution and the use of domestic sprinklers has further afforded us the freedom to design fl owing, open plan layouts overlooked by generous mezzanine levels.

Commercial.

Constructed between 1825-31, Royal William Yard is now considered one of Britain’s most important groups of historic military buildings. Designed by Sir John Rennie as both a factory and supply depot, this new mixed-use community forms a major component of Plymouth’s urban renaissance. The quality of our previous work on Clarence and Brewhouse has been recognised by numerous design awards and Royal William Yard is featured in the English Heritage book ‘Shared Interest’ which showcases exemplary, heritage-led schemes from around the country.

We have worked closely with Urban Splash to create innovative, viable solutions within the constraints imposed by this Grade I Listed building and the changing economic climate. In addition to 87 apartments, the building also accommodates some 3000sqm of offi ce and commercial space. Located at ground fl oor level around the perimeter of the building (as Brewhouse), offi ce spaces also occupy the three deep fl oor levels of the southern ranges fronting Main Street.

While bars and restuarants animate the waterside frontages, offi ce suites are clustered around a dramatic internal atrium space (right). This void has been carved out of the original concrete structure to bring daylight deep into these formerly dark and gloomy spaces. In addition to enlivening these spaces, it also acts as social focus to the diverse range of new inhabitants who share communalfacilities. A bold red service pod houses lifts, wc’s, kitchens and shower rooms and forms a graphic backdrop to the atrium. Its clean lines and palette of glass, render and steel contrast with the rough textures of the existing fabric.

The fl exible, individual suites are now home to an eclectic mix of tenants including Plymouth University’s Fine Arts Department, the MOD, Hoare Lea and Positive Purchasing.

The NextChapter.Royal William Yard looks set for an exciting future. The vibrant portfolio of restaurants and commercial tenants continues to grow as work progresses on the conversion of New Cooperage. We have designed gallery spaces for Slaughterhouse, which hosts the prestigious British Art Show, while proposals evolve for the creation of a cultural centre in Factory Cooperage and boutique hotel in Melville.

carpenters at fi rst fl oor level over.

Urban Splash have now commenced work on site to convert 1100sqm at ground and fi rst fl oor levels as offi ce space for a single occupier. A further 500sqm will be created at ground fl oorlevel to accommodate a mixture of small commercial and retail units.

New Cooperage.

The next building to be redeveloped at the Royal William Yard is New Cooperage. It was completed in 1899 as a consequence of the Naval Ordnance Department taking control of Factory Cooperage adjacent. It is a simple, neo-classical granite building that used to accommodate coopers at ground fl oor with joiners and

The existing fabric has a raw, industrial feel that is being carefully conserved. The design of the new elements is simple and contemporaryusing a palette of glass, bold coloured surfaces and painted steelwork which contrast with the rich patina of the historic stonework. An air source heat pump will be installed

to heat and cool the building.

The building is due for completionin the spring of 2012.

Slaughterhouse.

New gallery spaces have been created within Slaughterhouse to host The Hayward Gallery’s ‘British Art Show 7’ exhibition.

Factory Cooperage.

Proposals are under discussion for the conversion of Factory Cooperage to house a new cultural centre.

OldwayMansion.The re-development of the historic Oldway Mansion site in Paignton represents the next major regeneration project for the practice. This ambitious commission includes the refurbishment of the Grade II* Listed mansion and adjacent Rotunda to create a stylish boutique hotel and spa together with the sensitive insertion of new family housing and visitor facilities within the grounds.

Oldway MansionPaignton.

The redevelopment of the historic Oldway estate in Paignton represents a major regeneration project within Torbay. Following a successful bid process, we are continuing to work closely with Akkeron, Torbay Council and English Heritage to fi nd the most appropriate solutions for this sensitive site.

As part of the development it is proposed to convert the Grade II* Listed mansion and adjacent Grade II Listed Rotunda and stable complex into a stylish boutique hotel and spa. The imposing spaces at fi rst fl oor level will be retained for restaurant and function use while the upper fl oors and adjacent buildings will be converted to hotel rooms and suites.

Continued public access to the extensive grounds and landscaped gardens remains a priority. Listed as Grade II in English Heritage’s ‘Register of Parks and Gardens’, a rigorous maintenance regime will be introduced together with improved amenity, sports and arts facilities.

The extensive landscaped gardens and grounds are Grade II Listed in English Heritage’s ‘Register of Parks and Gardens’. Public access to the estate will be enhanced with proposals to create improved amenity, sports and arts facilities. Small pockets of the site will be further developed to create discrete clusters of contemporary family housing around attractive courtyard and landscaped external spaces.

Family housing located within the grounds.

Our 4B’s:BuildingsBoatsBoardsBikes.

OneArts Centre.Over the course of just fi ve months we have worked with Plymouth Arts Centre to transform and re-invigorate their much loved Looe Street home. Timed to coincide with the opening of the British Art Show, we have designed new reception and bar spaces around a double height void to visually link the various gallery and social spaces. Inclusive access has also been provided for the fi rst time.

TwoHouses.Residential work has always been a favourite at Gillespie Yunnie. Recently we have been lucky enough to be asked to design a series of one-off houses for private clients. Often challenging in planning terms, these sites have presented fantastic opportunities for us to explorecreative solutions to stunning locations. We have illustrated two here to give you a fl avour.

AncarvaMillbank, Cornwall.

Ancarva sits on the banks of Millbrook, a large creek on the Tamar estuary. The new building has been orientated to take full advantage of sweeping panoramic views while nestling below a gently rising hillside behind. Full planning permission has been granted for this sensitive site following detailed negotiations with the Environment Agency over fl ood issues.

The timber and render-clad building sits on a concrete plinth that rises out of the earth to echo the rocky lowtide foreshore. Simple living spaces are fronted by large expanses of glazing and open on to protected balconies and a full roof terrace. Deep roof overhangs protect the interior spaces from excessive solar gains duing summer months while allowing natural daylight to fl ood inwards. In response to the building’s isolated location and restricted vehicular access, heating and hot water will be provided by air source heat pumps.

A large glazed entrance is approached from the north through the existing mature plantation trees. This punched opening frames a dramatic view of the sea beyond and leads through into a large, open plan living space fronted by long expanses of glazing that spillout onto the main terrace.

Sea GlimpseWadstray, Devon.

This crisp new three bedroom housesits alongside the main approach to Dartmouth behind a densely forested screen on the Wadstray Plantation. To the rear, the site opens out to providedramatic, sweeping views of the South Hams towards the coast and Start Point to the south.

The upper level overhangs the terrace below to protect the interior from excessive solar gains during summer months while allowing natural daylight to fl ood inwards. Three bedrooms, each with their own terrace and en-suite, are contained within the distinctive black timber clad ‘hoop’

that hovers over the self contained brick annex. Heating and hot water will be provided by ground source heat pumps.

ThreeSchools.Despite what ever else we’re working on, there is nothingquite like completing a new school building. Always challenging, these jobs have taught us how to keep things simple and focus on the key objectives. We are proud of what we have achieved at these schools and continue to work with the staff on future projects.

Churston FerrersGrammar SchoolBrixham.

We have now worked with Churston Ferrers Grammar School on number of projects including The Cube and proposals for a new performing arts centre.

The Cube provides the school and local community with a large learning resource centre at ground fl oor and specialist IT / humanities classrooms over. Additional accommodation includes seminar spaces and staff offi ces. The new building is located on a prominent site adjacent the main school entrance and is linked to the existing buildings by means of glazed link.

Integral to the design of the building are its passive environmental systems. Natural ventilation and night cooling are provided by a Passivent system which comprises window mounted intake louvers and roof mounted extract terminals. The system is electronically controlled by sensors which react to changes in temperature and CO2 levels. Night cooling during summer months is made possible by internally exposed concrete fl oor and roof soffi ts which act to store excess heat during the day. Cooler night air is passed over the warmer concrete to cool the building ready for occupation the next morning. Elsewhere, the building has been orientated to maximize the penetration of natural light while deep roof overhangs and brise soleil prevent excessive solar gains. North facing facades have smaller window openings to reduce heat loss during winter months.

We have also completed a feasibility study for the construction of a new Performing Arts Centre . This proposed new building will provide a fl exible auditorium to seat 200, dance and drama studios plus teaching and practice spaces for music. Assessed as ‘excellent’ by Offsted in all areas, this exercise was intended to generate fresh, exciting ideas and assist the school in approaching potential funding sources.

Externally, the simple distribution of spaces is refl ected in the massing and composition of the elevations. The long glazed corridor fronting the building allows penetrating internal views and an immediate understanding of the primary functions. A deep overhanging canopy and vibrant graphics signify the main entrances while providing shelter for break-out activities. The hierarchy of internal volumes is further reinforced by varying internal ceiling heights across the reception foyer, the studios and the main auditorium. This main auditorium is given further prominence by high level glazing to the front elevation which could be backlit at night to produce a glowing, luminous effect. Large expanses of glazing and a simple palette of materials refl ect those of The Cube and the original school buildings.

Above: The CubeRight: Proposed Performing Arts Centre

Mount StreetPrimary SchoolPlymouth.

We have worked within the existingconstraints of this tight urban site and limited budget to deliver two new extensions which have transformed this vibrant, high achieving primary school. The fi rst block provides the school with a new entrance, reception foyer and Children’s Centre while the second accommodates two new classroom bases with shared practical, cloakroom and balcony spaces. In contrast to the gloomy, introverted spaces of the existing buildings, these new additions are light fi lled, airy and spacious. Externally, both extensions have been clad in cedar with contrasting panels of vivid green render and deep roof overhangs to shelter functional external break-out spaces.

We have integrated large areas of glazing to ensure high levels of natural daylight coupled with deep overhangs to prevent glare and excessive solar gains. We have also provided a ‘low-tech’ natural ventilation system to the teaching spaces using tilt / slide external screens to control the internal fl ow of air which can be exhausted at high level via mechanically operated roofl ights to the rear of each space. Materials have been selected for their green credentials and graphic quality.

Coombe Dean SchoolPlymouth.

Our two completed projects at Coombe Dean aim to demonstrate that it is possible to deliver exemplary, modern, low energy teaching spaces with modest budgets.

The new English department has been designed as a compact single storey building to house six new classrooms and staff offi ces about a central spine corridor. Our aim was to design a simple, inspiring and innovative building to enhance the learning experience of the pupils. Natural ventilation and high levels of daylight have been incorporated within the design. A deep roof overhang and solar shading blinds control glare and solar gains. Elsewhere, a ground source heat pump provides the building’s heat while a wind turbine has been erected to generate electricity suffi cient for the building’s operation. The building has been designed to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard and has received grants from the Low Carbon Buildings Trust and EDF.

The second project, the refurbishment of a typical 1970’s block, has created a stylish, contemporary arts department and college style ‘commercial’ catering facility. Both elements have been enthusiastically received by staff and pupils. A new open plan studio and classroom spaces have been located around the naturally lit perimeter of the building. A new gallery space and IT ‘pod’ sit centrally within depth of the plan. A vibrant green resin fl oor fi nish and bold graphics have been used to help give the department a strong identity within the school.

In following section we illustrate four very different approaches to fulfi lling our clients’ green aspirations. These range from the creation of one of country’s largest Net Zero Carbon communities to hydro turbines, green roofs and pre-fabricated timber panel systems from Europe.

FourGreen Highlights.

Cricklepit Mill Exeter.

The Grade II Listed Cricklepit Mill building sits within the Cricklepit Conservation Area beneath the Roman city walls. Its signifi cance lies in its social and historic value and is a rare surviving example of a large water mill within an urban context.

The conversion of the Mill and a sensitively designed extension now house a new headquarters and interpretation / education centre for Devon Wildlife Trust. We have worked closely with both English Heritage and Exeter City Council on this small but technically complex project from initial feasibility stage through to completion. The quality of this work has been recognised with numerous awards including an RIBA Town and Country Award for ‘Best Workplace’ and a ‘Highly Commended’ RICS award for ‘Conservation’.

The new building incorporates a range of innovative structural solutions including FCS certifi ed timber throughout, lime concrete and lime washed walls, a green roof to reduce surface water run-off, adjustable solar shading louvers and a leat harvesting system to feed wc’s. A new micro turbine sits alongside the historic mill wheel, generating all the electrical power for the building. Following a ‘post construction’ BREEAM review, the building has achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating.

leisure and community facilities.

We were commissioned by Linden Homes and Affi nity Sutton to look at creative solutions for the conversion of the existing buildings totaling over 11,000sqm. As one of the largest Net Zero Carbon developments in the

GraylingwellChichester.

The former Graylingwell Hospital site is a classic Victorian asylum, in echelon formation, designed by Sir Arthur Blomfi eld. Set within mature parkland, these Queen Anne style buildings form a central core to the ambitious regeneration of the site to create 800 new homes with arts,

country, the converted buildings will need to achieve an EcoHomes ratingof ‘Excellent’.

We have provided sensitive yet creative solutions to offer a rich mix of unit types which range from small, ‘affordable’ apartments to large family

houses. All are designed to create light, contemporary living spaces with impeccable green credentials.

Full planning permission has now been granted and work continues on the production of working drawing packages.

Works Department Buckfast Abbey.

We were originally asked to look at the feasibility of a series of projects for the Abbey of which this forms Phase 1. It is proposed to demolish and replace the existing ‘Works Department’ buildings with purpose built new accommodation on the current site. This will include new workshops, studios, storage space, welfare facilities and administration offi ces.

Central to the brief has been the Abbey’s desire to create an environmentally responsible solution that remains sensitive to its historic surroundings. Our response has been to design a series of smaller, fl exible buildings around the perimeter of an inner ‘service yard’. Each building refl ects a pragmatic response to the different activities within but together create a coherent ‘family’ of forms. Located at the edge of the main abbey site on the wooded banks of the River Dart, the walls and roofs of each building will be monolithically clad in cedar shingles to form a soft, naturalistic edge against the tree line. In contrast, the administration building will be clad in copper to mark the transition into the main monastic enclave. It will be linked to the adjacent St. Anthony’s building by means of a new stair and lift extension over the mill leat behind. The new buildings are constructed in cross-laminated timber panels with large expanses of glazing to fl ood the interiors with controlled natural light.

Construction will be complete by summer 2012.

the site mediates between lush fl ood meadows to the south and college buildings to the north. Our approach was based on PassivHaus principles to design a low energy building offering the opportunity to achieve long term carbon savings whilst minimising the need for ‘bolt-on’ micro generation technologies.In addition, the building has been

Somerset Wildlife TrustTaunton.We were invited to take part in a design competition to develop proposals for a sustainable headquarters for Somerset Wildlife Trust. It will include an administrative hub with additional social,community and outreach facilities.

Located in the north-east corner of Somerset College’s Taunton campus,

designed to accept future upgrades that will enable ‘Carbon Neutral’ or ‘Zero Carbon’ status to be achieved.

Architecturally the building sits low in the landscape against the fl at fl ood meadows with simple timber clad elevations. Visitors are swept into the building via an intermediate courtyard

garden with axial links through to the landscape beyond. The offi ce spaces are arranged around a further ‘secret’ internal courtyard from which rises a gentle grass bank up on to roof level. Here, a generous, fl exible social space (dubbed the ‘Hide’) sits beneath deep roof overhangs framing sweeping views out over the landscape and roof garden.

www.gyarchitects.co.uk

www.gyarchitects.co.uk

CreditsPhotography.

Jonathan Moore www.jonathanmoore.co.uk

Paul Groomwww.paulgroomphotography.co.uk

Simon Keitchwww.simonkeitch.com

Joaquim Borenwww.joaquimboren.com

Visualisation.

Uniformwww.uniform.net

Shove www.shovemedia.com

gillespie yunnie architects. The Lower Tweed MillShinners BridgeDartingtonDevonTQ9 6JB

Tel/Fax01803 86001001803 864929

info@gyarchitects.co.ukwww.gyarchitects.co.uk