M house moves toward final completion

The M House is a collaboration with Moohus and is reaching the final stages of completion. The existing timber frame barn structure has been retained and a modern 4 bed wing addition has been added which bounds a large south facing outdoor living courtyard/garden.

The existing structure was initially propped which allowed a strip foundation and the necessary damp proofing to be installed to bring the dwelling up to a habitable level. High volumes of external insulation aim to bring the house up to Code for Sustainable homes – Level 4/5. The entire external structure is self draining to the perimeter which allows seamless detailing of the Sweet Chestnut timber rainscreen cladding.

Modern technologies including solar heating, whole house ventilation, LED lighting and heat pump generated underfloor heating assist in delivering a comfortable family home with large open plan living and entertaining spaces.

Re-interpretation of an English beach house

BAS Mooarc completed a feasibility study for a potential new-build dwelling in North Devon. An initial concept diagram offers a re-interpretation of an English beach house. The east west route provides gallery space and a zone for storage and services, whilst the north south route focuses on framing views, overlooking a protected courtyard and the spectacular landscape of Saunton Sands.

Pre-application discussions in progress for listed Guernsey farmhouse

BAS Mooarc recently carried out a feasibility study for alterations and additions to a listed farmhouse in Vale, Guernsey. The scheme comprises a basement and two-storey extension to the rear of the property. Pre-application discussions are currently in progress with the Planning Department.

Guernsey Brewery Proposals under consultation

 

On behalf of our client Comprop (C.I.) Ltd, BAS Mooarc submitted a planning application for the former Guernsey Brewery site in December 2011. The Redevelopment of the former Bucktrouts Brewery and surrounding site, offers a compelling community, civic and architectural opportunity. The proposals include the following:

• A master plan for the whole site including significant improvements to the public realm and seafront walk.

• Retention of the familiar form and character of the existing ‘Old Brewery’ Building through faithful reconstruction and retention of important features.

• Residential development comprising 37 units of accommodation with associated covered, secure car parking. The units are distributed between the front site fronting South Esplanade and the rear site running along The Strand.

A public exhibition was held last month at Les Cotils, which provided an opportunity for the public to review the proposals in more detail and to discuss issues directly with key members of the design and client team.

The Environment Department are currently reviewing the proposals and consulting with interested parties.

BAS Mooarc wins remodelling category of the RIBA Downland Prize 2011

Last night (Tuesday 15 November) Jamie Falla and Caroline Shortt of BAS Mooarc Ltd, based in St Peter Port were announced as the winners of the Remodelling category of the RIBA Downland Prize, the Royal Institute of British Architects’ small projects (under £1.5 million total cost) prize for architects in south east England.

Jamie and Caroline’s submitted project, the remodelling of a house at Castel was one of the six winners out of 70 entries submitted. Simon Cottell, also of Bas Mooarc was shortlisted for his remodelling and extension of a house at Torteval.

The remodelled bungalow at Castel has been transformed into a house and nestles into the hillside overlooking Vazon Bay. Its stepped form, layered use of local materials and partial green roof are designed to merge into the landscape. The spectacular views are captured at every opportunity, with a specially-engineered glass façade providing impressive vistas from the kitchen and the double-height living space.

Jamie and Caroline were presented with the Prize by Harry Rich, RIBA Chief Executive at a ceremony held at RIBA headquarters in Portland Place, London.

The RIBA Downland Prize celebrates the added value that an architect brings to a relatively small project, and the ‘chemistry’ between architects, clients, contractors and suppliers of successful buildings.

Last year Jamie Falla won the Alteration/Extension category of the Downland Prize, for his integration of old and new elements at Le Foin Bas, a house overlooking St Brelade’s Bay.

The Downland Prize 2011 is sponsored by Ibstock, which has sponsored the Prize since its inception; and by The Rooflight Company.

The winners of the Downland Prize 2011 are:

Overall Winner (sponsored by Ibstock)
Ben Willcox and Chris George, Lewandowski Willcox, Eton: Private house, London

Winner, Education
Nicholas Sherwood, TKL Architects LLP, Winchester: Yellow Dot Nursery, Southampton

Winner, Religious building
Jim Garland, Jim Garland Architects, Emsworth: St Mary’s Church Room, Chiddingfold, Surrey

Winner, Remodelling
Jamie Falla and Caroline Shortt, BAS Mooarc Ltd, St Peter Port: Private house, Castel, Guernsey

Winner, Sustainability (sponsored by The Rooflight Company)
Mark Pellant and Abi Torr: House in Lloyd Close, Hove.

In addition, an architect was commended for his project:

Commendation, New House
Guy Hollaway, Guy Hollaway Architects, Hythe: Private house, Folkestone.

The winning projects can be viewed here.

All 19 shortlisted projects are in an exhibition which is available to tour the south east.

Mont Havelet team celebrates topping out

With the final steel framed structure now constructed at the top most floor of Mont Havelet, all involved with the project have recently come together for the topping out celebrations.

The building has received all its windows, including delivery of the curved glass, craned to the top floor in two pieces, ultimately making the building weather-tight.

Works are continuing externally with the cladding items being installed, including limestone and granite, and internally, the fit-out is well underway.

The project will provide three residential apartments, each of which have fantastic views out to the East, over the valley and over-looking Castle Cornet.

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