Chapel Conversion, Civic Centre & Salop road Photography

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Greenspace Architects ltd www.greenspacearchitects.co.uk

Greenspace Architects ltd is an eco-architectural practice, with extensive experience of producing high quality, low energy and carefully crafted architecture underpinned by sustainable design principles.

Quite simply, we create fantastic places, spaces and buildings that exceed the aspirations of our clients.

Architecture is poetry, buildings are prose

Our approach is based on dialogue and collaboration: we listen carefully to you, our client, to establish a strategic brief, then help develop the brief into a project that will exceed your expectations, bringing our experience to bear to realise the opportunities the brief presents. We encourage you to ‘dream’, to draw-out your true aspirations for your project, then find a way to attain the most important elements for the available funds.

We believe in ‘quality of thought’: we do not just do what we are asked or what is easy, we question everything then take you on a journey to discover the solution through exploration and dialogue. Your contribution is vital to the success of a good project.

“We still wake up every morning and look out of that round window towards the sunrise and have to pinch ourselves!”

Clients, Chapel Conversion, North Wales

Central to our philosophy is the desire that all projects undertaken – whether small alterations and extensions to a house, the restoration of a listed building or a large commercial development - will be sustainable in the widest sense. We aim to increase the energy efficiency – and therefore reduce energy bills and carbon emissions - of existing buildings or create highly efficient eco-friendly new buildings, whilst in all cases improving the look, feel and usage of a building or place.

We are at the forefront of meeting The Retrofit Challenge in the region but ‘Sustainability’ is not just environmental: it encompasses economic and social aspects too, so our work is focused on ‘people and places’, using buildings and the spaces in between to enhance the local environment.

But however efficient or clever a thing is, it will not be sustainable if the users do not love it: it will quickly be discarded. The quality of space, access to sunlight, harnessing of views, links to outdoors, materials and colours -

all must be orchestrated to ensure every day is a delight. Architectural sensibilities should not be sacrificed in pursuit of a technical solution.

Buildings should not be a burden on either you or society: they should be beautiful, low maintenance, low energy and above all: work. The Retrofit Challenge is an absolutely key issue to get people out of fuel poverty and to improve their comfort; this should be used for wider improvements to the environment as a bonus, such as with overcladding existing structures.

Architecture should be of its place and time to contribute to the rich fabric of our towns, villages and countryside. Local materials can be employed on structures developed from – not resembling – local forms and combined with new materials, technical advances and radical ideas to address the issues of the day, such as climate change.

“You employ stone, wood, and

concrete, and with these materials

you build houses and palaces. That

is construction. Ingenuity is at work.

But suddenly you touch my heart, you

do me good, I am happy and I say: `This is beautiful.’

That is architecture. Art enters in.”

Le Corbusier

Greenspace Architects Ltd: Our approach

Chapel Conversion, North Wales

Historic | Conservation | Private Homes | Interior Design | Refurbishment | Retrofit

Location | North WalesClient | PrivateBudget | UndisclosedArea | 140 m²Completion Date | 2014

Greenspace architects were offered an opportunity to transform a deconsecrated chapel into “Somewhere that was both a home and a workplace, somewhere that both respected its original use and function, but somewhere which was also innovative and contemporary.” With the building set into a steep north-facing slope, getting light – particularly direct sunlight – into the 4m high interior was a major goal.

With a continuous design conversation between us, the clients and the very adaptable and skilled builder, together we have achieved the clients’ aspiration of “doing something different”, by transforming the chapel into a spatial and material delight, augmenting the chapel’s historical character with bold contemporary additions.

Having stripped the building back to its walls, a 6m section

of the back wall was removed to open up the building to the south, then a new timber frame structure inserted to create an air tight envelope. Multiple roof lights and dormers bring light flooding into the highly-insulated interior, where a combined air source heat pump and woodburner heating system supplies underfloor heating throughout. Extensive use of oak joinery and LED lighting completes a fantastic interior.

“Somewhere that was both a home and a workplace, somewhere that both respected its original use and function, but somewhere which was also innovative and contemporary.”

Clients, Chapel Conversion, North Wales

“We were interested in doing something

different”

Clients, Chapel Conversion, North Wales

“The project has transformed the

Chapel into exactly what we were

looking for”

Clients, Chapel Conversion, North Wales

“Accomplished through a continuous

design conversation between us, the

clients and the builders”

Kevin Slack

The Hollies, Ellesmere, Shropshire Location | ShropshireClient | PrivateBudget | £285,000Area | 500 m²Completion Date | OngoingConservation | Private Homes | Interior Design | Refurbishment | Retrofit

Greenspace Architects were appointed to bring a derelict Grade II listed home back in to use as a family dwelling whilst improving thermal comfort and reducing its carbon footprint. The property had widespread dry and wet rot following years of neglect, requiring extensive timber treatment and stripping back before work could begin to re-instate modern technologies alongside original features.

Internal wall insulation was introduced to all external walls and ground floor rooms received insulation and underfloor heating where possible. Along with improved loft insulation, air tightness and weather stripping, mechanical ventilation units with heat recovery have been installed to manage condensation and air quality. Existing decorative oak panelling was restored and re-instated along with existing cornices.

Careful consideration and consultation with the Local Authority Conservation Officer was required throughout the project to ensure that the overall appearance and the existing historic fabric were not compromised whilst restoring this locally recognised property as a home fit for modern family living.

1960’s Retrofit House, Staffordshire Location | StaffordshireClient | PrivateBudget | UndisclosedArea | 300 m²Completion Date | 2017Residential | Refurbishment | Retrofit | Private Homes | Interior Design

This project turns a bland, boxy, much extended 1960’s dormer bungalow into a stunning, thermally-efficient modern family house by subtly reorganising the interior and complete over cladding with timber-based panels, zinc long strip and new composite aluminium windows and doors. The principal idea moves the stair to the front and the entrance below the central dormer, creating a double height galleried hall around which the principal rooms and bedrooms revolve. The irregular mis-matched dormers are unified with highly

insulated metal cladding; which projects forward off the general timber cladding. To the rear a strip of sliding/folding doors opens the interior to the large garden via an extended terrace. We produced photo-real images of the exterior and interior from our single Building Information Model to allow the client to fully understand the proposals, drawing fully on our interior design experience to create a crisp modern design that integrates exterior and interior.

The clients wanted a house that wrapped itself around a courtyard, sitting at the foot of a mountain with stunning views down the valley. They regularly hold dinner parties for 20+ people so large and luxurious open plan areas were a requirement

Inspired by the form of the Mountain at the foot of which the site sits, we explored the way in which

mountains are forced up through the ground by tectonic plates. The client wanted an earth sheltered house which exploited the gorgeous landscape which surrounds the site. We gently stepped the structure to follow the landscape, before having the end erupt from the ground; again taking inspiration from the mountains, allowing the master bedroom to look across the green roof, planted in vernacular flora, for

an uninterrupted view.

We sought inspiration from other buildings within the park for materials. The main structure of the building will be constructed from welsh stone which will give the building a high capacity to retain thermal energy; whilst cladding the exterior in vertical larch boards.

Courtyard House. Location | WalesClient | PrivateBudget | UndisclosedArea | 750 m²Completion Date | Pre-applicationResidential | New Build | Landscape Architecture | Private Home | Interior Design

Modern Extension, Buckinghamshire. Location | BuckinghamshireClient | PrivateBudget | UndisclosedArea | 250 m²Completion Date | PlanningResidential | Extension | Refurbishment | Private Homes | Interior Design

The bland exterior of the original house offered us the opportunity of a blank canvas. Our scheme works to unveil the buildings character, opening the house up to the garden to make the most of the stunning views, whilst transforming the poorer later additions to the rear elevation into a sculptural piece of architecture. The contemporary use of strong and bold materials such as zinc and vertical timber cladding will be a contrast to the render on the original structure.

Further to the extension we have remodelled the interior of the house, creating a spacious 4 bedroom family home with a flowing plan that will make the most of the floor area.

New Build House, Bradford on Avon. Location | BuckinghamshireClient | PrivateBudget | UndisclosedArea | 145 m²Completion Date | PlanningResidential | New Build | Private Homes | Interior Design

A project that looks to capitalize on the fantastic views; causing minimal impact on the surrounding environment as to not detract from the landscape. The ground floor consists of an elegant glass box, designed to almost disappear from view as it reflects the carefully crafted land in which it sits. Above this, as if floating, a timber clad box, not too dissimilar from the existing planning approval. The vertical timber cladding mimics the

trunks of the surrounding trees allowing the proposal to meld into the treescape.

The Master Bedroom boasts a stunning covered balcony, framed with angled timber cladding which actively seeks to embrace the view.

Proposed Eco Village, West Midlands Location | West MidlandsClient | PrivateBudget | £ UndisclosedArea | 11.5 acresCompletion Date | Pre-applicationResidential | Master Planning | Landscape Architecture | New Build

This scheme integrates landscape, buildings and energy generation in a single, low impact seamless whole that will be an asset to an existing fragmented village, giving the area the focus and amenities it needs. 74 dwellings are proposed together with a community hall, shop, cafe, live-work and commercial units set within an extensive public realm which includes a village green, and all served by a district biomass CHP plant. The buildings make extensive use of grass roofs which at times sweep down to the ground to become the landscape or public realm features, creating an environment that is a pleasure to be in. The houses make use

of natural materials and local brick to further integrate the development into its surroundings.

“Providing a new village centre and community hub”

Whitchurch Civic Centre, Shropshire Location | WhitchurchClient | Shropshire CouncilBudget | £685,000Area | 800 m²Completion Date | 2014Public | Community | Interior Design | Refurbishment | Retrofit

The £863,000 project was largely funded by Shropshire Council’s Market Towns Revitalisation Programme and Whitchurch Town Council. Our strategy was to give the tired 1970s building a ‘green makeover’, particularly bringing the external spaces into complimentary use with the newly-linked existing halls, making a fantastic indoor/outdoor venue for markets, events, festivals and local/street theatre that is a real ‘event’ on the High Street and a long-term daily attraction in itself.

The contemporary design, which features a public balcony at first floor level, is realised in handmade brick and green oak, ensuring the building will blend with the historic fabric of Whitchurch. Internally, the foyer has been remodelled to create a hub for the council and library services using a central ‘drum feature’.

“The town council is very pleased with

the Civic Centre’s refurbishment and we look forward to

the new community hub providing a unique and

exceptional service to the people of

Whitchurch.”Michelle Wilson, Whitchurch Town Clerk

Hilley Farm, Shropshire Location | Pentre, ShropshireClient | PrivateBudget | £ 1,500,000Area | 2,755 m²Completion Date | Submitted to planningCommercial | Master Planning | Landscape Architecture | Retrofit

This project involved a number of applications for the redevelopment of the existing farmhouse and farmstead buildings. The applications proposed decanting of the current farming operation to a site adjacent to the current buildings which allowed other uses to be considered for the existing farmhouse and traditional farmstead buildings including; housing, holiday accommodation and commercial office facilities. The farmhouse and traditional farm buildings, although

not listed, were considered to be of heritage value as non-designated heritage assets. The farmhouse is a substantial three story house in brick with a slate roof whilst the traditional farm buildings are comprised of traditional brick buildings with slate and metal roofs. The proposal seeks to enhance and sympathetically convert the existing buildings for re-use whilst incorporating renewable technologies such as a biomass boiler to provide heat to the entire farmstead. The

constraints of the layout, window openings and structural form of the brick barns dictate the layouts within: the building nearest the farmhouse – the former milking parlour – lends itself to residential conversion with little structural adaptation. The larger range to the north is to be converted to holiday lets. This section is good at ground floor but has low trusses on the first floor and principally just brick ventilators for openings. The former is overcome with a simple

raising of the central section of the bottom tie beam by about 500mm. Day lighting can be via rooflights and also by placing windows inside the brick vents, on the line of the new insulated lining, for additional light. The part demolished single storey eastern wing is re-istated to provide use as a holiday let, communal area and office building. The existing farmhouse is to be sub-divided to provide four units whilst retaining its original character.

Salop Road, Oswestry. Location | Pentre, ShropshireClient | Yareal Budget | UndisclosedArea | 200 m²Completion Date | CompleteCommercial | Refurbishment | Retrofit

Here we had the opportunity to refurbish a tired Victorian town house from which were previously dull, unintersting offices into a new modern and exciting office space.

Our clients were looking for an impressive space that was both stunning and functional. A large emphasis has been put on creating a new frontage to the rear of the building, forming a welcoming approach.

The contemporary design which features a large and striking oval conference room which has carefully been painted in sympathetic colours and fitted with high end Hermann Miller office furnishings; to give a sleek and stylish finish to an already crisp interior.

McFour Offices and Yard, Prees Heath Location | WhitchurchClient | McFourBudget | UndisclosedArea | 1005 m²Completion Date | 2017Commercial | New Build |

This proposal is for a new office,truck workshop and plant yard development for a civil engineering firm. For the office building we have taken the concept of a long linear layout together with the south facing monopitch idea for photo voltaic solar panels and developed this into a rational planand ‘extruded’ section using a 30° pitch on the front and 10° pitch on the back allowing a row of north facing roof lights to bring light into the spine corridor and

offering some natural ventilation. The structure has been designed using insulated Beco blocks with a SIPs panel roof, but a number of construction methods could be accommodated. Cladding to walls and roof is proposed as TATA steel’s Colour Coat Urban standing seam steel cladding with 156m2 PV panels integrated into the roof in a series of clusters; natural western red cedar cladding is proposed on the north and east elevations to soften the impact

on the neighbouring residential property. We have shown varied window arrangements to enhance daylighting and views, together with further roof-lighting to the deep-plan spaces; we have also placed large glazed areas in the meeting room spaces providing views across the fields. For the workshop we proposed a fairly standard steel portal frame structure with 6m bay size and 5m wide x 6m high doors, the building takes form and styling cues from

the office building to create a ‘family’ relationship between the two, especially important given the workshop’s proximity to the highway. The south roof slope oversails the ridge to create a similar effect to the section of the office building, incorporating rooflights on the steep north-facing slope. Materials compliment the office building but will be drawn from more industrial products such as single skin profiled cladding and a robust brickwork base.

Enigma Cafe Location | Shrewsbury Client | PrivateBudget | UndisclosedArea | 125 m²Completion Date | Pre-applicationCommercial | Extension |

This scheme explores the extension of an existing cafe, nearly doubling its size. It was designed to have a spacious indoor seating area with a small kitchen on one side and a servery on the other. We have extruded the mono pitch roofline along the new extension which will house an array of photo-voltaic panels. The project turns a bland cafe into a sleek rendered box, accented with the bright colours

of the interior furnishings and the warmth and natural tranquillity of indoor and outdoor planting. The bright social space will be accentuated by the aroma of freshly prepared, traditional Indian roadside food, creating a comfortable and familiar environment.

Housing Developments

Commercial | New Build | Residential | Landscape Architecture | Master Planning

We have extensive experience of development appraisals, pre-app enquiries and securing planning permission for mixed-use and residential schemes on a variety of sites. We can help realise the potential of land, with proposals underpinned by sustainable design principles, where often the energy strategy is as important as the number of units that can be accommodated.

We focus on place-making, where the quality of the environment created - regarding the pedestrian user as the most important - makes schemes on sometimes controversial or sensitive site more acceptable. We present these through a range of graphic techniques, from hand-drawn sketch layouts full of promise, through 3D and coloured layouts to photo-real CGIs of the proposed scheme.

The Greenspace Team

Outside our office: The Old Town Hall, Ellesmere

What We Do

Creating fantastic places, spaces and buildings

Project Sectors

RESIDENTIALOne-off Low/Zero Carbon Low Energy Houses

Retrofit projects for carbon reduction & energy efficiency

Barn, chapel and redundant building conversions

Housing developmentsStudent Housing

COMMERCIAL

Hotel and Leisure developmentsOfficesRetail Mixed Use

PUBLIC

Schools/EducationCivic/Community facilities.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Listed BuildingsChurches Country House Estates

Sustainable ArchitectureConservation ArchitectureRetrofit/Energy Efficiency DesignRefurbishment/Conversion Planning Applications Interior DesignUrban DesignStrategic MasterplanningFeasibility StudiesDevelopment Appraisals

We use a large range of software to add a high level of finish to our designs, allowing you as a client to experience the atmoshpere your building will create, before it is even built.

These include:RevitAutocad3Ds MaxPhotoshopInDesignSketchup

Services

Formerly Design Director for the North at Capita Symonds Regions, principally involved with the multi-disciplinary education teams working on bids and delivery of BSF schools and academies, in September 2010 Kevin set-up Greenspace Architects Ltd with the late Robert Netherwood in Ellesmere, Shropshire as an eco-architectural practice specialising in sustainable design. He set-out to create fantastic spaces, places and buildings with sustainable principles at the core of the firm’s work.

Kevin has thirty years experience – fifteen at Principal Architect/Director level - across all fields of architecture and interior design and a variety of procurement paths with values up to £50m, principally focused on Residential, Hotel & Leisure, Mixed-Use Regeneration and Education sectors but encompassing commercial, healthcare and retail. Kevin has achieved BREEAM Excellent, Code

for Sustainable Homes level 6 and EcoHomes Very Good on a number of projects. In 1993 he won a Distinction from the Royal College of Art for his MA studies in ecological architecture. In 1998 he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts for his work in sustainable design and art & architecture.

Whilst managing the business Kevin maintains a strong concept design/feasibility role, together with design team leadership and direction. With his experience as part of a construction and development group he also has a demonstrated ability to meet the design and informational requirements on complex large-scale phased developments. Kevin is married with five children and is keen mountain-biker.

Kevin SlackMA(RCA)(Dist) BSc(Arch) BA(Hons)(Int.Des) FRSA RIBA

Chartered Architect | Interior Designer | Director - Greenspace Architects Ltd

Fellow, Royal Society of Arts (FRSA)Corporate Member, RIBA and Registered Architect

Diploma in Professional Practice (Honours), Architectural Association Member, Chartered Society of Designers Interiors Category C2 (MCSD)

MA Architecture, Royal College of Art, London [Distinction]BSc Architecture, Polytechnic of North London

BA[Hons) 3D Design [Interior Design], Manchester Polytechnic [Class:2.1]

199819941993-199419931991-19931989-19911983-1986

“Good design starts with a conversation and a pencil”

Kevin Slack

Kevin’s career includes designing city centre apartments (top left), a 1000-bed sustainable student scheme (top right), and hotel projects such as the interiors of the 5 Lakes Hotel and Country Club, Essex (left below) and a 5-star boutique hotel and spa on the North Wales coast (right).

James Bennett

MArch Dip Arch BA(Hons) int RIBAChartered Architect | Conservation Accredited Architect | Project Architect

Geraint Edwards

2014 Chartered Member, RIBA and Registered Architect Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice2007-2009 MArch(Hons), University of Liverpool School of Architecture2003-2006 BA[Hons) University of Liverpool School of Architecture [Class 2:1]

Katrina joined Greenspace in 2012 and fulfills a range of roles covering Finance, HR, PR and generally making sure everything is running smoothly.

She has a wealth of administration experience, in both the public and private sectors, and has recently completed an Open University degree in Business Management. Away from Greenspace Architects, Katrina is a keen on running and gardening.

In 2010 Anne, along with Robert and Kevin, established Greenspace Architects. She now works within the office under her own practice where she is designing several housing extensions in London. Anne is also registered on the Lichfield Diocese’s list of approved architects, and is responsible for a number of ecclesiastical projects.

Outside of architecture, Anne acts as a Minister Responsible for Pradoe Church, as well as being a doting grandmother. Anne is also a dedicated gardener and can be regularly found tending her allotment - keeping the office supplied with a wonderful variety of fresh fruit and vegetables.

2013-2016 BA(Hons) Birmingham City [Class 2:1]

Will graduated in 2016 and was aiming to gain experience from a young but growing practice.

He has always had an interest in sustainable design and this is what he one day hopes he can specialise in. Will has been able to work on wide variety of projects in his short time at Greenspace and is keen to acquire a coherent understanding of eco-friendly design and gain a detailed insight into how a design develops from a concept idea to form a carefully crafted piece of architecture.

Will enjoys playing football regularly and has always found sport to be a significant part of his life.

2012-2015 BSc(Hons) Sheffield Hallam [Class 2:1]

Jake is a young, enthusiastic architectural assistant who graduated in 2015. Prior to this he gained experience in a small practice in Cannock.

Since joining Greenspace Architects, Jake has been involved in several housing projects. Keen to express his ideas and his strong interest in sustainable design, Greenspace has given him the opportunity to continue to expand his knowledge and gain vital experience.

Jake enjoys cooking and playing Ice and Inline Hockey.

Geraint graduated from Liverpool School of Architecture in 2009 and joined Greenspace Architects in 2010 - becoming a project architect in 2014 following the successful completion of the RIBA North West Diploma in Professional Practice. Prior to joining Greenspace, Geraint gained a wide range of experience working on large scale Residential, Education, Commercial, Masterplanning and Leisure projects at all stages of the design process.

Geraint has been responsible for overseeing a number of completed projects within the office, including a chapel conversion in North Wales, and residential retrofit project in Cheshire. Geraint believes in making every project he works on the best it can be, and is passionate about providing our clients with fantastic spaces to enjoy.

Outside of architecture, Geraint is a keen DIY enthusiast and has recently renovated a house in Wrexham for his young family - gaining some valuable hands-on experience.

Following his move to the area, Geoff joined the practice in October 2015, having spent the previous 22 years at Lathams Architects in Derby.

Geoff has a total of 38 years office experience, having trained in a house builders design office and then as a technician in several practices in the Leicester area, before joining Lathams.

At Greenspace, Geoff uses his considerable technical experience and interest in construction to help the practice deliver specifications and detailing without loss of the architects design intentions.

Geoff is keen on gardening and landscape design, cooking and food, designing and making scale models, and photography.

Since graduating in 1997, James joined Rodney Bellamy Associates, becoming a Chartered Architect and also an associate by 2001. James was principally involved with residential, ecclesiastical, commercial and retail projects, with a focus on conservation and sustainable design. This has involved achieving AECB Silver Standard for a series of barn conversions and also undertaking

work on many listed buildings, including the Grade II* listed Pell Wall Hall, the last domestic project by distinguished architect, Sir John Soane. Work on various church projects has involved Quinquennial Inspections, re-ordering, re-roofing and extensions.

Since joining the team at Greenspace Architects Ltd in May 2013 as a project architect, James has worked on a variety of schemes including housing developments on sensitive sites, works to listed buildings and small commercial projects. In 2014 he completed the RIBA Conservation Course and has been involved with the responsible retrofit of existing housing stock, attending several seminars on the subject.

James is married with one child, he is a keen sportsman, being a member of his local running club and regularly

entering races across the West Midlands.

Corporate Member, RIBA and Registered Architect Masters in Architecture, University of Huddersfield

Graduate Diploma in Architecture, University of HuddersfieldBA[Hons)International, University of Huddersfield [Class:First]

200120001995 - 19971990 - 1994

Anne Netherwood

Katrina Chalk

Office Manager

Jake Vogtländer

BSc(Hons)Architectural Assistant

B.Arch BD RIBAChartered Architect | Conservation Accredited Architect

Senior Architectural Technician

Geoff Rhodes Will Haynes

BA (Hons)Architectural Assistant

1978-84 Leicester Polytechnic HNC

MArch(Hons) BA(Hons) HNCChartered Architect | Project Architect

www.greenspacearchitects.co.uk

Greenspace Architects ltdThe Old Town Hall

The SquareEllesmere

Shropshire SY12 0EP01691 623889

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