PBS Wins Building Excellence Award for Stonebridge

In preparation for taking the project on site we submitted a full and comprehensive set of technical information for assessment. John Kenny the building warrant case officer was very responsive to the submission documents and where appropriate offered guidance and interpretation on various technical standard aspects of the project. This positive working relationship continued throughout the projects’ development on site to completion in the form of exchanges of information and dialogue supportive of the overall project intentions.

In continuation of this spirit of co-operation the principal contractors site agent established a good working relationship with John Kenny to ensure any potential issues of concern were highlighted in advance and the appropriate course of action taken to avoid abortive and/or unnecessary work to ‘make good’. This was a welcomed approach to the management of a project that clearly exemplified the benefits of operating as a project team (including the building control officer) towards a common goal to achieve high standard outcomes.

The project demonstrates several aspects of a sustainable approach to design and construction including for example the use of natural light, green roofs (sedum), use of natural stone and untreated oak cladding, re-using second hand bricks (boundary walls). Beyond the built form of the house this approach extended towards the surrounding landscape and natural habitat of bird and bats including the preservation of existing trees. A site condition and constraint that the contractor addressed in a conscientious manner to avoid damaging healthy trees and minimising disruption to establish wildlife. The boundary tree edge was also a well established land mark within the area and as such could not be treated indifferently. The project is situated within a conservation area which demands a sensitive approach to siting, design and construction.

Good site management was applied throughout the build programme. This included various aspects of operational considerations; delivery and storage of materials, location of site accommodation, health and safety, keeping a tidy access to/from the public road, liaising with neighbours adjacent to the site to avoid unnecessary disruption and inconvenience; a very pro-active approach to public awareness and relations. Material waste during the construction was also kept in check by the principal contractor to make the best use of materials and resources available.

The client was very much part of the build process and was therefore fully engaged with the project as it was constructed. The nature of bespoke design demands a ‘hands on’ approach from clients as a means to fine tune any design issues, particularly during the construction process. On completion of the house responses to its use and visual presence have been very encouraging from the client, visitors and local residence alike. As an aside the project was recently awarded – Winner – in the Dundee Institute of Architects 2010 Design Awards under the Ambassador Award; projects by local Architects out-with Tayside region included entries from Morocco, Boat of Garton, Inverness and Argyll.

The project has also lived up to its expectations as expressed by English Heritage in during the pre-application consultation stage of development - ‘a contemporary design approach that would have the potential to act as exemplars for similar proposals to come forward in sensitive, historic locations and would offer scope to demonstrate the ability of contemporary design to enhance a conservation area’.

The contractors approach to the project recognised the need to maintain a high standard of workmanship throughout the project. The limited range and use of materials specified for the external finishes meant the standard had to be kept consistently high to ensure an overall sense of craftsmanship was achieved. During visits to the site enthusiastic trade contractors would respond positively about the challenges presented by such a unique project and also appeared to be very proud by association having worked on such a project.

The principal contractor attended to the procedural aspects of the project (e.g. notices + information) in a diligent and timely manner consistent with a quality control of high standards. Communication direct or otherwise was very important to the projects success. This avoided any contractual issues becoming difficult or obstacles towards the project aims and objectives. The spirit of a ‘partnership’ process was central to this working relationship.

The house accommodation at ground level provides full access to the surrounding garden and landscaped areas. Significant changes of level were avoided where possible and if necessary, integrated to avoid abrupt changes of ground levels between external landscaped areas around the house.

The project also makes a significant contribution to the public realm beyond. Mill Dam is a well used recreational area for families (relaxing, walking and feeding ducks); the house location provides an opportunity to enhance the site location by presenting a robust and almost castellated form of building with which to address the Mill Dam as the public face of Stonebridge. This particular elevation responds to the remains of Lindrick Castle on the opposite side of Mill Dam thereby establishing a historical reference within the site context.

Fergus Purdie Architect - Jan 2011