Somerset House

Commercial

The balance of commercial design & community engagement.

Project Description

Renovation and roof extension of the existing Somerset House office building in Bristol.

The renovation aims to modernise the building while enhancing its visual appeal and functionality, contributing positively to the local commercial landscape.

Details of Our Work

Our team was commissioned by Architects Stride Treglown to produce Verified Views of Somerset House, a 1960s office building earmarked for refurbishment and an additional floor.

Our key tasks included:

1. Visual Development: We created design-led Verified Views, including AVR3s, to demonstrate how the new materials and extensions would enhance the building’s appearance.

2. Photo Integration: Our work involved blending photographs of the existing structure with a 3D model that accounted for the proposed changes.

3. Stakeholder Consultation: We provided visualisation of the proposed development to support the project team’s engagement with local residents and other stakeholders, ensuring that details of the project were clearly understood.

Capturing photos from residential homes posed a unique challenge, requiring us to seek permission and navigate the constraints of various window types in properties that included Edwardian homes. Our team’s dedication to respecting homeowners and making their experience comfortable was paramount throughout the process.

  • Location
  • Canygne Road, Clifton, Bristol
  • Client
  • BEGG (Nominees) Ltd
  • Collaborators
  • Architects – Stride Treglown


Somerset House Existing and Proposed Verified View


Challenges

The technical challenge of creating accurate external views included:

  • Developing a rendered model that accurately reflected the existing structure with the proposed modifications.
  • Adjusting for real-time elements such as light reflections and the removal of obstructive vegetation from views, which required numerous iterations to achieve an authentic representation.

Conclusion

Our thorough investigations and visual representations contributed to planning permission being successfully obtained in 2023.

The project has been noted for its innovative approach in blending new designs with pre-existing structures while prioritising community concerns.

This case study demonstrates the importance of considering the perspectives of surrounding residents in urban renovations and preparing high quality visualisations to communicate the impacts of change. Engaging with the community not only builds trust but also leads to mutually beneficially planning outcomes.

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Jacobs Lodge Retirement
Jacobs Lodge Retirement

Living with Banbury's Heritage

Project Description

Jacob Lodge Retirement represents a transformative development featuring 78 one- and two-bedroom retirement apartments. Encompassing a landscaped area with a sloped embankment and screening mitigation along the northern boundary, the design integrates an avenue of street trees for natural screening, balancing aesthetic appeal with the needs of residents and surrounding developments. 

The project is located on the site of the former Buzz Bingo Hall hall on Bolton Road, which has now transitioned transformed from commercial use to a vibrant residential community. This redevelopment is expected to contribute over £600k annually to the local economy and support approximately 147 jobs during and after construction. 

Objectives

Our main objectives of the project included: 

– Securing Planning Permission: Assisting in obtaining planning approval for the development. 

– Marketing Support: Providing marketing CGI imagery for hoarding around the construction site and promotional use. 

Key Activities

– Conducting site photography during winter and summer, in context with neighbouring properties.

– Provide extensive verification information to ensure accuracy, allowing planners to view an unbiased representation of the design.

– Working closely with the client, , and Landscape Architects James Blake Associates, to ensure cohesive design integration.

– Addressing the key challenges related to seamlessly integrating proposed materials and architectural features within the existing streetscape, particularly in relation to the adjacent grade II Listed building, Trelawn.

Challenges Overcome

The project faced several challenges, most notably ensuring that the proposed building design integrated well with the historical context of Banbury. The successful integration required careful consideration of surrounding heritage assets, which was accomplished through detailed design reviews and informed by Verified View representations. 

  • Location
  • Babury
  • Client
  • Churchill Living
  • Collaborators
  • James Blake Associates


Jacobs Lodge Retirement Proposed Winter AVR3 Verified View

Jacobs Lodge Retirement Existing Winter View

Jacobs Lodge Retirement Existing Summer View

Jacobs Lodge Retirement Proposed Summer AVR3 Verified View


Final Thoughts

Being part of this initiative was rewarding, not only for enhancing the local infrastructure but also for contributing to the well-being of future residents. The project illustrates how effective collaboration and attention to architectural detail can lead to successful planning outcomes.  

The work we completed for the Jacob Lodge project also underscores the importance of using Verified Views and CGI for both planning verification and promotional purposes. 

This case study highlights how thoughtful planning and design can come together to create a meaningful impact in communities, while also showcasing our capability to meet the needs of the architect in showcasing their designs in the best possible light. 

Conclusion

We are delighted that the project received planning approval, allowing construction to commence in 2024. The successful use of CGI imagery based on Verified Views highlighted not just the proposed development but also how it would enhance the local environment.

Being part of this initiative was rewarding, not only for enhancing the local infrastructure but also for contributing to the well-being of future residents. The project illustrates how effective collaboration and attention to architectural detail can lead to successful planning outcomes.

The work we completed for the Jacob Lodge project also underscores the importance of using Verified Views and CGI for both planning verification and promotional purposes.

This case study highlights how thoughtful planning and design can come together to create a meaningful impact in communities, while also showcasing our capability to meet the needs of the architect in highlighting their designs in the best possible light.

Key Benefits

– Provides essential retirement housing in proximity to local amenities. 

– Replaces a dated commercial structure with high-quality residences, revitalising the area. 

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