Featuring: Farm Lane, Standout Features and Air Rights
Driven by a passion for design excellence and a commitment to client satisfaction, we bring visions to life, transforming tomorrow’s landscapes one project at a time.
I’m thrilled to share that we’ve won the
for the Mary Ward Centre!
This is a monumental achievement and marks the first time our work has been recognised by the NLAs. A huge congratulations to everyone involved, especially the phenomenal team at Mary Ward. You’ve navigated the complexities of this project with exceptional skill while continuing to provide essential education and support to your students—no small feat, particularly given the significant funding challenges facing adult education.
As we move through November, the season of reviews and group peer reviews is well underway. By now, most of you should have completed your review meetings and returned your forms to Annie. The feedback from the EOT peer reviews is being compiled and will be shared in the new year.
On a more personal note, we’re celebrating two new additions to our extended AWW family. Congratulations to Jamie Butt and Joe O on the arrivals of their baby boys! I hope both families are doing well, and I’m looking forward to meeting the little ones soon.
Finally, with December just around the corner, our Christmas countdown begins next week. Let’s take the opportunity to celebrate another outstanding year together.
Featuring: Farm Lane
AWW are working with Neilcott to deliver this project, which is commencing on site at the end of November.
Farm Lane, situated in Fulham within the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, is a residential-led development designed to rejuvenate a site formerly occupied by a children's home that had fallen into disrepair. The area is a blend of diverse building types, including a public house, a care home, and various residential properties from individual houses to apartment buildings.
However, the street currently suffers from poor definition, with many structures lacking a clear frontage, presenting an opportunity to create a more cohesive and engaging urban environment. The site's proximity to Fulham Broadway, just a four-minute walk away, enhances its connectivity and potential for vibrant residential use.
The project, which is working towards Passivhaus certification, aims to deliver a sustainable and inclusive development of 31 new homes, with 52% designated as affordable housing. It strives to balance the aspirations of the community by actively engaging with residents and local interest groups, ensuring their voices are heard throughout the process.
The result will be a thoughtfully crafted neighbourhood that meets both environmental and social goals, fostering a sense of community and responsibility.
In designing Farm Lane to Passivhaus standards the focus is on sustainable development; energy-efficient designs that minimise environmental impact and ensure a high quality internal environment for the occupants.
The project aims to deliver long-term benefits, including reduced running costs, enhancing affordability, and making it an attractive option for both buyers and tenants. It emphasises the importance of responding to the needs of active residents and local interest groups, fostering active engagement throughout the process.
Managing the expectations of various stakeholders, the project ensures ongoing dialogue with residents, addressing their concerns and incorporating their feedback to create a built environment that aligns with community values and sustainability goals.
Designed to seamlessly integrate with its emerging context, offering a sustainable and community-focused living environment. Comprising two linked blocks of 3-4 and 5 storeys, the scheme carefully balances the need for residential density with minimal impact on neighbouring properties, prioritising privacy and natural screening.
It features a mix of high-quality homes, a variety of tenures, and communal amenity spaces that foster a sense of community. The development also includes accessible, durable buildings constructed with premium materials, a focus on sustainable practices, and a well-designed landscape.
Ground-floor amenities, including car parking, cycle storage, and refuse facilities, support the residents’ needs.
CLIENT: NEILCOTT CONSTRUCTION
LOCATION: LONDON
01. 02. 03. Planning application submitted for ATS Site, Avon Street. 120 Kings Road fitout under construction and progressing steadily. AWW are developing the feasibility forward to Stage 2 for BBC Bristol.
04. 05. 06.
We’re delivering the shell & core for Regent College. Oct 24 - Q4 2025. Brunswick will provide a Quayside Elevation Study to mitigate visual impact.
Raynes Park has been submitted for planning.
While many design elements emerge from trends and functionality, standout features often arise from the desire to make a lasting impression - blending creativity, innovation, and purpose to elevate a space beyond the ordinary.
Distinctive or remarkable elements in design that distinguish a structure, contributing to its uniqueness, functionality, or aesthetic appeal. These features often serve as focal points or defining characteristics, enhancing the building’s identity and impact.
Affinity has arrived at AWW!
Introducing our new software package that will fully support everyone across the practice with access to design software tools without any need to request a licence or raise IT tickets for access or installs.
What can these new tools do?
- Desktop publishing
- Image creation/manipulation
- Graphic creation
What should I now use?
Affinity Publisher 2
Desktop publishing tool to replace InDesign
Affinity Photo 2
Image creation and manipulation tool to replace Photoshop
Affinity Designer 2
Illustration creation and manipulation tool to replace Illustrator
How will this work?
Ideally all new content should now be created in the Affinity software. There is a wealth of resources available to assist with training.
Affinity Publisher can import InDesign documents, but cannot save them out, so the conversion process is one way. For ongoing documents each team should review and assess if conversion to Affinity will work best or if a short term one off arrangement with InDesign would better suit
Affinity will open and save .psd files so these can be used interoperable with legacy files, obviously the other graphic file formats are also available offering maximum flexibility
Affinity Templates
Head to Staff > Templates > Affinity
On the Affinity Intranet page, you will find some comprehensive learning links to help you as we transition to Affinity. Ask questions!
We also have a Teams channel available where questions can be posted: Affinity Suite at AWW | General | Microsoft Teams. Or ask the testing team who are available to help.
3971 | Empire Wharf RIBA Part 3 Case Study
These projects maximise urban land use without requiring additional land acquisition. This approach is particularly effective in dense urban areas, offering opportunities for new residential, commercial, or mixed-use spaces.
Empire Wharf is an air rights project located at 235 Old Ford Road, London. The development involves constructing eight new residential units atop two existing blocks. The north block accommodates six units, while the smaller south block hosts two units. The primary objective was to deliver modern, high-quality living spaces whilst simultaneously retaining and enhancing the aesthetics of the existing buildings.
The most significant design challenge stemmed from integrating the new structures with the existing roof trusses of the blocks. These trusses required careful planning to ensure structural integrity, seamless design, and minimal disruption to the existing buildings and surrounding areas.
To overcome the challenges, the design team undertook the following steps:
The design involved reinforcing the existing trusses to bear the additional load of the new units. Structural Engineers collaborated with the Architects to refine the designs and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Lightweight, high-quality materials were chosen to reduce the structural load. These materials also provided a modern aesthetic, complementing the industrial-style surroundings.
Extensive coordination with local authorities ensured that the project adhered to planning conditions, including sustainability measures suchas incorporating floating ecosystems along the adjacent canal.
Adjustments, such as terrace consolidations and setbacks, were made to address concerns about bulk and privacy. The layouts were optimised for dual-aspect views, enhancing natural light and ventilation.
The project incorporated biodiversity features, such as custom bat boxes, to enhance the ecological value of the site. Cycling and waste storage facilities were added to meet local policy requirements.
The completed project successfully delivered eight modern residential units, blending contemporary design with the industrial character of the area. Key highlights include:
• Enhanced Aesthetics - The façade improvements and the use of lighter materials created a warehouse-like appearance, harmonising with the neighbouring architecture
• Sustainability Features - Integration of floating ecosystems and biodiversity-enhancing features along the canal demonstrated the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship
• Functional Design - The new units were efficiently integrated with the existing cores, offering lift access and complying with accessibility standards
The Empire Wharf project stands as a testament to innovative urban development, balancing structural challenges, design aspirations, and environmental considerations.
Structural Awards | Constructing Excellence
National Awards | NLA’s 2024
Congratulations to everyone involved, especially the outstanding team at the Mary Ward Adult Education Centre, for envisioning and delivering such a complex project while continuing their vital work of educating and supporting students. This achievement is even more remarkable given the challenging funding landscape for adult education.
The NLAs recognise the best projects across different sectors in the built environment. It celebrates projects of varying scales across London that are making and will make a positive contribution to their surroundings.
The Mary Ward Adult Education Centre project has been recognised once again for its outstanding design at the Structural Awards 2024.
The judges commented;
“
The project is a substantial retrofit and vertical extension which doubled the building size, achieving a complete transformation with significant carbon savings. The before and after transformation is remarkable.”
A massive congratulations to SD Engineers - their meticulous approach and dedication made our vision in Stratford a reality.
After winning the regional round, some of the AWW team attended the Constructing Excellence National Awards 2024 with Legendre UK, representing our incredible ESG portfolio. It was an honour to be recognised alongside such inspiring industry leaders.
We’re excited to shine a spotlight on a valued member of our team, Lauren Lloyd. Read about her passion for design, and her ambition to push boundaries within interior space.
1. If you were to have a dinner party, name two guests you would like to invite.
Louis Theroux & RuPaul
2. Share with us one surprising fact that people may not know about you?
I am getting married in Greece next year.
3. What three items would you bring on a desert island?
Practical things: Massive knife, fire starters, and a sleeping bag.
Impractical things: Music, sunbed, and a tiki bar (with all the appropriate add-ons).
4. What skill would you like to master? I would like to be able to speak another language!
5. If you can visit anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
I would like to visit Southeast Asia. I have never been on a long-haul flight, but the culture and landscapes look amazing.
6. Why did you become an Interior Designer?
I have always been a creative person, a product of both my mum and dad. My dad worked in the construction industry his whole life, and my mum is a stained-glass artist, so I suppose it makes sense! I’ve always cared about the space around me and have wanted to design environments where people can thrive. Ever since my school days, I’ve known this was the path I was meant to follow.
7. What are the most important qualities an Interior Designer should have? Passion, creativity, flexibility, an eye for detail, and the ability to test the limits of a space.
8. During your career, what would you say has changed about the spaces we live and work in?
From an office interiors perspective, COVID and the lockdowns have significantly reshaped office design. Over the past two years, a ‘home away from home’ approach has become central to encouraging employees to return to the workplace. Key features now include enhanced welfare facilities, cozy and flexible meeting spaces, inviting breakout areas, and, of course, delicious coffee. These elements help create a more comfortable and appealing environment that bridges the gap between home and office life.
9. How would you describe your design aesthetic? What is your approach?
I wouldn’t say I have a specific design aesthetic. A crucial part of our work is meeting the requirements of the design brief, regardless of personal taste. It’s all about understanding the client’s vision and ensuring the final design is both timeless and effective.
Ho ho ho ...
It’s that time of the year again! Whether you’re a darts aficionado like Tim, or a total newbie, this event is all about fun, festivity, and friendly rivalry.
Please remember to RSVP by 02 December
The session provided an in-depth look at the latest sustainable design approaches within the evolving construction industry. Key topics included sustainable procurement and the use of innovative materials to support low-carbon designs.
The speakers covered embodied carbon, the circular economy, and the use of healthy materials in the built environment, offering updates on the Bristol market, current policies, regulations, and anticipated future changes.
They highlighted Cundall’s success in reducing embodied carbon, maximising circular approaches on projects, and working closely with clients to prioritise sustainable materials, sharing key lessons and design considerations across building sectors.
The team also showcased Cundall's Low Carbon and Healthy Material database, materials passports, and the new Bristol Material Library, which help clients and design teams explore sustainable material alternatives. Additionally, they introduced the Cundall Carbon Calculator Tool, aligned with the RICS Guidance 2nd Edition, providing an innovative way to measure carbon and circularity while evaluating environmental impacts.
To view the presentation slides please click here
Thank you to Ludo and AJ for sharing their take aways from the briefing.
It was an insightful and engaging experience - a valuable opportunity for people to connect within the built environment field, followed by an informative presentation. I found it very useful, as it contributed to my growing curiosity about the future of architecture.” - AJ
Mark your calendars! Becca’s first Lunch & Learn session is set for 9th January 2025.
Stay tuned for more details, and don’t miss out!
The 1st Lunch & Learn session of 2025 is around ‘Intention Setting for 2025’ and planning together a ‘Wellness Agenda’ for our other sessions in the coming year.
The plan is to give you, the team, the opportunity to shape a meaningful and relevant program to educate and empower you in 2025.
ca Ligh
OJEU & BIDS
• Bath Spa Locksbrook PBSA
FEE PROPOSALS
• Beacon Tower
• Archus
• Thames Water
UPCOMING CPDS
Energystore Ltd - 04.12.2024
Poured Insulation
Bristol Office / MS Teams
Keyfix - 11.12.2024
Non Combustible Cavity Tray
MS Teams
Altro - 15.01.2025
Designing with Inclusivity in Mind
Bristol Office / MS Teams
MILESTONES
Happy Work Anniversaries to:
• David Jarrard - 7 years
• Duncan Taylor - 8 years
• Jason Fowler - 5 year
• Paul Matthews - 23 years
WIP Designing Accessible & Inclusive Built Environments 19.11.2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Virtual fft Western - Speed Mentoring 28.11.2024 18:00 20:30 69 Park Street, Bristol, England, BS1 5PB
WIP CPD Inclusive Language & Conversations
03.12.2024 13:30 - 14:30 Virtual
Happy Birthday to:
• Alice Ravenhill
• Alston Chan
• Dan Perry
• Dragan
• James Tyrrell
• Jeremy Paull
• Lauren Lloyd
• Maciej Markowski
Elson being Elson. Thank you for always bringing a smile to our faces!
Gemma on her trip to New York. The pancakes were Hollie’s recommendation! They look so tasty!!!
A big congratulations to Butty and his partner for welcoming Joshua James to the world.
Olivia’s been hiking, sunbathing, sunset catching and wine tasting her way around Cape Town.
Congratulations to Joe and Jenny, on the arrival of this little ray of sunshine; Adam!
Alston’s Birthday celebrations!
This year, Victoria donated our leftover Halloween pumpkins to St. Werburghs City Farm as food for the animals.
A seasonal visit to the Christmas markets. Word is that the Baileys hot chocolate is a must!
A new update from David Wright’s completed projects at home: he’s converted the old morning room into a library, guest room.
WOW! Incredible photography by Alstonthese stunning shots capture the beauty of Dartmoor!
Deb had an amazing time at the Concurs de Castells; witnessing historic human towers, a cherished Catalan tradition since the 18th century.
Heather’s trip to Scotland offered stunning views that truly looked like something out of a dream. We hope you had a great time!
Irene had a fantastic time at the Bristol Junior Chamber dinner!
Jason attended the Bridgwater Carnival, perhaps with a Diet Coke and gin in hand!
....It never gets old.
Suggested by Maddie
Suggested by Jintao
Suggested by Yanko
Suggested by Annie
Be sure to send in your App Recommendations next month!
