BAS Mooarc has been named as joint winner of the biennial Guernsey Design Awards 2012, with top design honours for Etoile Du Nord shared with Les Prevost Farm, designed by CCD Architects.

Some 50 local projects were entered for the awards in November last year and later short listed to 11 projects. The panel of judges were equally impressed with both finalists and decided two residential properties should be joint winners of the overall accolade.

Etoile du Nord was created from an existing bungalow overlooking Vazon Bay from La Rue du Hamel, Castel and designed by architects Jamie Falla and Caroline Shortt. Contractor Joe Moriarty and Son Ltd was also credited for their significant contribution to the project and received the Norman Piette Contractor’s Award recognising craftsmanship of construction.

The Awards Ceremony was held at the Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts last Friday. Jamie Falla said “We’re very honoured to accept this award. Etoile du Nord was a challenging project from concept to completion, but the generous clients and the co-operation and hard work of the planning department meant the project was a great success.”

Please refer to the following links for further information:

http://www.guernseydesignawards.com/2012-winners/

http://www.sustainableguernsey.info/blog/2012/05/guernseys-architectual-prowess-on-show-at-guernsey-design-awards/

Following the success of La Concha at the Guernsey Design Awards 2003, BAS Mooarc are once again in the running for the Guernsey Design Awards 20102 with three private residential projects shortlisted: Les Bardeaux, Le Portelet and Etoile du Nord.

The Awards seek to recognise exemplary architectural work that enhances our built environment and demonstrates high quality of design, sustainability and consideration of client needs.

The overall winner and commendations, as determined by the Design Awards judging panel and People’s Choice award will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on May 11th 2012. See http://www.guernseydesignawards.com/ for further information.

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.

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.

Following our recent success at this years RIBA Downland Prize the Guernsey Press published this article over the weekend (26/11/11).

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.

Our Cornwall Manor House project has been submitted for planning approval. BAS Mooarc has prepared a proposal to significantly improve the energy efficiency of this historic manor house through the use of insulation, double glazing and renewable energy technologies, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the building.

The proposal also involves the replacement of an existing extension in order to create a new family space which has strong links to the garden and views of the magnificent Cornish landscape. BAS Mooarc are working with Interior Designers, Collective Studio to refurbish and reinstate the original Georgian features of the property, with any new additions reflecting the artistic flair of our client and respecting the historical nature of the property.

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.