Benjamin Robb_ Portfolio

Benjamin Robb

Director of Studio Momo; Goa, India (2011-2015) DRA Architects; UK (2009-2011 & 2015-2017) SM-J Architects; Bath, UK (2017 - 2022) b2 Architects; Wedmore, UK (2022 - present)

Architect

I take inspiration from a design philosophy called Wabi Sabi; a Japanese design philosophy that appreciates beauty of texture, materials, light and space. The philosophy dictates that each design is its own and has its own unique character. Employing the above mentioned principles result in buildings that are in tune with their context, be it culture, place or climate.

Qualifications Bsc Arch, PG Dip Arch, MA IARD (Masters in International Architectural Regeneration & Development). RIBA 3 Professional Practice in Architecture. Architect RIBA ARB

Design Experience

Software Ability

I have a creative and experimental approach to design, with a firm base in construction and technology. I am conscientious, highly motivated, hard working, and can apply myself diligently to the task in hand either independently or as part of a team. I have a passion for traditional building techniques and the use of local materials and skills. For me eco architecture is not just about reducing the carbon footprint of my work but more about designing buildings which are more in tune with their context.

Architecture Conservation Interior Design Landscape Masterplanning Urban Regeneration

Archicad | Autocad Sketchup | V-Ray Photoshop| Indesign MS Projects | Excel Lumion |Cinema 4d Fusion 360

In 2010, I completed an MA in International Architectural Regeneration and Development at Oxford Brookes University; in which I sort to analyse and explore the dynamic interactions between vernacular architecture and bio-climatic principles. I continued this exploration in India and continue to do so in the UK.

Specialisation in environmentally friendly architecture.

In the Press

Architectural Digest | May, 2017 Architectural Digest | Sept, 2016 Viva Goa | March, 2015

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Benjamin Robb | 2008-2023

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Project Restoration Extension New-build

_ Hadspen House | The Newt Hotel

Completion Date May 2019 Role Stage 4 & 5 Architect

Sensitive restoration and extension of 18th century manor house into a high quality retreat hotel. I joined SM-J for satge 4 and 5 of the project and worked with a wide range of consultants to produce working drawing information, fire, acoustic, M&E. Joinery detailing, interior design etc. to help make this beautiful hotel and Spa/

Software Autocad Sketchup

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25 The Circus, Bath

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The brief was to transform the Grade I listed ground floor apartment within one of the most celebrated buildings of British architecture – Bath’s Circus – into a modern and tranquil living environment.

Location The Circus, Bath, UK

In design terms, it is often the projects with an apparently simple finish that can be the most complex, and this space was no exception. I often refer to this project as the Tardis, as we managed to create a completely new kitchen/dining room by moving the bed into a hidden bed pod/bedstee.

Cost & Date £235,000 15 Sept 2019 Role Project Architect

A contemporary nod to the property’s traditional Georgian heritage with bespoke, elegant wall panelling concealing functional rooms and storage spaces alongside a handsome, large-format, chevron parquet floor to create a peaceful, modern space. filled with character.

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Project Grade I Listed Apartment

Software Autocad Sketchup

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Villa Verde

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Villa Verde is a modern interpretation of the IndoPortuguese style of building common in Goa, an extension to the vernacular style, that responds to the climate, context and the changing lifestyle of modern India. A new build 5 bedroom courtyard house constructed using local load-bearing stone techniques modified to incorporate contemporary British detailing.

Role Director (Studio Momo) Principal Architect Location North Goa, India

Through cleverly enhancing the local building details with bioclimatic strategies the house is able to successfully maintain a comfortable temperature, in spite of the surrounding heat. For example, a modified radiant barrier has been used which doubles as a water-proofing layer. A courtyard with a water body and plants create a microclimate that actively modifies the internal temperature.

Architectural Visualisation

I handled the project from conception to completion.

Initial concept design. Gaining planning permission.

Producing a tender package. Contract administration.

As built; View matches the initial architectual visualisation

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Project New Build Residential Courtyard House

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Date October 2015 Cost £250,000 Software Archicad Autocad Artlantis MS Projects

Villa Branco

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The brief was to design and oversee the construction (contract administration) of a 5 bed Indo-portuguese style holiday home in the tourist capital of India, Goa. The villa was designed on the principles of wabi-sabi with the use of natural materials and finishes developed in house.

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Project New Build Residential Courtyard House Location Goa, India

Built from scratch, the villa was designed to reflect the traditional charm of the surrounding vernacular yet remain contemporary and above all act as a holiday home. Value engineering was a big part of the design process as our direct client was a developer who was looking to create a portfolio project whilst remaining profitable. This was the first villa in a series of 3.

Cost & Date £280,000 15 July 2013

I acted as the architect and contract administrator for the new build residential project in Goa, India. During construction I had to be on site at least 3 times a week to ensure work was carried out to a high degree; coordinating with the structural engineer and the appointed contractor.

Software Archicad Autocad Photoshop

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Role Director (Studio Momo) Architect

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A conceptual investigation into the creation of an autonomous bird monitoring station in Cadiz, Spain.

The aim of the project was to create an autonomous living machine to inhabit an artificially manufactured cave, carved out of a south facing cliff in Cadiz, Spain; to act as a fully autonomous bird monitoring station housing monitoring equipment and accommodation for four people. The Project houses a completely integrated, automated system that utilises radiant solar energy as the control to adjust the expansion and contraction of the internal skin in order to moderate the internal temperature. The skin when expanded allows greater air permeability. The structure also relies heavily on mountaineering equipment to secure the structure to the cliff cave thus enabling quick erection and removal.

Observatory

Bird

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To function properly the bird observatory had to be unnoticeable; a chameleon, so as not to noticeable to the birds flying past. The disguise took inspiration from the way in which birds eggs are camouflaged with dappled spots. Through layering glass a dappled effect is achieved along with the illusion of depth.

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Project Conceptual Date March 2007 Location Cadiz, Spain Software Archicad 3ds Max Photoshop

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Hill House, UK

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Current project; A modern steel and wood annexe structure built into the side of a hill to provide ancillary accommodation to the main house. Earth is to be banked over the proposed structure so that the structure appears to be nestled into the hill/bank with a green grass roof.

Date 30 April 2017 Role Concept development Gaining planning consent Technical tender package

I was tasked with Preparing the required information and drawings for Pre-application and on the response of the pre-app preparing the required information and drawings for a house holder consent application.

On gaining consent, I coordinated with the appointed structural engineer and prepared working drawing and specification of material and works for tender issue.

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Project Hill House, Wiltshire, UK

Used Software Autocad Photoshop Illustrator

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Furniture Design

Project Folding Furniture Design

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Studio Momo were tasked to create the interiors to a newly constructed apartment building in Andheri East, Mumbai. The apartment was new but had basic finishes and lacked a kitchen. We were tasked to create an interior design solution including furniture and soft furnishings for the apartment.

Completion Date 12 Dec 2011 Role Design & Construction

I took on the role as designer and contractor for this project, designing and overseeing the construction of bespoke folding furniture and interiors to maximise the use/space of the tiny apartment.

Software Archicad

India's First Knife Edge Pool

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This was the first knife edge pool for Goa and India.

It required the modification and adaptation of the technical components to suit India both in terms of materials and available skills without being cost prohibitive. A knife edge pool enables the water level to be at the same height as the deck. This not only creates a modern sleek look but also gives the illusion the pool has no walls. The sloping front garden and the pool area was raised by approximately 1m (soil compacted in layers of approx. 150mm) to achieve the flat site with a setback retaining wall, and steps to the parking area. The project also required landscaping, planting and the creation of paths and a gazebo.

I took on the role of the architect and contract administrator overseeing the implementation of the design and details to completion.

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Project Knife edge pool & Landscaping Completion Date 08 October 2014 Role Principal Architect Landscape Design Contract Administration Software Autocad

Pavilion

Hillworth Park

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Project New Build Park Pavilion

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DRA architects were commissioned to design and oversee the construction of a lottery funded park pavilion and a workshop/ training centre whilst also acting as the contract administrator for the rest of the proposed works; landscape package (landscape, sports and play areas), restoration of the listed garden pavilion and play equipment. A project manager was employed by the client to manage all parties and organise meetings etc. and a quantity surveyor was enlisted to aid in the design process to maximise the potential of the allotted budget for the pavilion.

Location Devizes, Wiltshire, UK Cost & Date £1,250,725 12th April 2011 Role Part 2 Architectural Assistant; RIBA Stage 0-5

Aviary in foreground

I worked directly with my director to prepare all planning and tender packages attending meeting meetings and overseeing construction.

Software Autocad Lt

External track and gutter detail

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Choroa Island Goa, Restoration

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The brief was simple; the client wanted to retain the character and charm of the existing 200-year-old property set in the backwaters on Goa’s Chorao Island, but cleverly modify the house to feel open and more suited to modern living. We got involved because the client were looking for a Goa-based firm, which was also environment-conscious in terms of practice and approach. This was the couple’s second home and they wanted the space to reflect a comforting, relaxed aesthetics that would be sympathetic with the holiday-vibe of the region.

Project Restoration of Residential Villa

The original house was in a sorry state, submerged underground by about a meter. The main challenge was to restore the decaying building and retain its character whilst updating it to suit a 21st century lifestyle. The house is made up of stone and mud, so the restoration work had to be very carefully and sensitively done. The original footprint of the house had a central courtyard, which is a common element in the south Indian style of architecture, but rare in the Goan-Portugese houses. The courtyard helps to create a micro-climate and is great for light and cross-ventilation in the hot and humid tropical climate. However the original house didn’t have enough light and cross-ventilation, so several openings, doors and windows were added to improve the cooling strategy of the building.

Date 30 March 2014 Role Principal Architect Contract Administrator Software Autocad

Studio Momo worked with locally available skills and materials. Natural stone flooring is used throughout the house. Organic hardwax oil and bees-wax, developed by Studio Momo’s in-house company Chalkbarn, has been used to coat the interior and exterior wooden surfaces.

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Straw Bale House

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This was a new build to an existing residential plot that had previously been demolished. As the straw bale construction method proposed was so unusual it required more involvement and learning from all parties. The proposal was a 4-bedroom thatched house on staddle stones that played to the traditional vernacular of the area. For all intents and purposes once built it looked like a traditional dwelling, blending with the context of Rushall. At the time of completion this was noted as the biggest straw bale house in the UK. I was tasked in preparation of a specification of materials and works along with working drawings for tender issue and assisting in contract administration during construction.

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Project New Build Straw Bale House Completion Date 17 May 2010 Cost £415,000 Role Revised Planning App Tender Information Contract Administration Software Autocad

Permanent Camping

The Hide

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Based on the study of a hide beetle. The permanent camping pod can be closed down during periods of inactivity or when occupied it can be opened up. Once in active mode, the extended wings are designed to catch any prevailing winds and generate electricity for the occupants. A Bathroom, bedroom (located upstairs with window to rear) and kitchen, dining area are all housed within the small hide.

The internal core is constructed with cob that incorporates metal rings which act as guide rails for the thatched metal framed wings (rainscreens). With the exception of the concrete base, the loam for the cob walls can be sourced directly from site.

The permanent camping pod was initially designed for the Samsara Eco Resort proposal.

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Project The Hide Permanent Camping

Date 25 March 2015 Role Architect Concept Development Software Archicad Photoshop Sketchbook Pro 26

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Church

Villa Azul

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Built from scratch Villa Azul has a traditional charm yet remains contemporary. With this villa I explored ways in which to incorporate cost effective eco principles into the vernacular; decompiling the local Goan Portuguese vernacular details and reassembling them with bioclimatic principles. For example; a modified radiant barrier was incorporated into the roof, which doubled as a secondary waterproofing layer.

A modified DPC was also incorporated. The creation of an internal courtyard further assisted the natural cooling, creating a difference in temperature of roughly 8 degrees celsius.

The traditional Goan building vernacular is very similar to the load bearing construction of England so adjusting to and adapting local building techniques was easier and allowed for the translation of British details. By enhancing the local building details, rather than reinventing them, modifying local details so that they perform better are the small steps that have a better chance of taking hold and becoming part of the existing vernacular.

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Project Villa Azul New Build Completion Date 23 June 2014 Cost £280,000 Role Architect Contract Administration Software Autocad Archicad

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Diggi-kër School - Senegal Diggi-kër means courtyard in Wolof, Senegal's most widely spoken language. It also represents the core principle and driver for the design of this school; with the principles of biophilic design in mind we set out to design a school interwoven with open spaces, filled with light, plants and oxygen.

To achieve a biophilic courtyard school we looked to the local Senegalese vernacular architecture of the Bedik tribe and how they utilised clusters of buildings to define the in-between space.

Local available materials were chosen and local construction details adapted to create an aspirational architectural language that reflects Senegalese heritage and culture. Bamboo and clay were chosen as the principle construction materials. The main structure of the classroom pods being a composite of the two. The bamboo is the structural skeleton to which coir (coconut) clay cob is applied. The local materials work together to create a very strong construction detail, enabling the construction of the unique classroom pods.

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Project Diggi-kër School Competition Entry Completion Date Nov 2020 Role Architect Software Archicad Lumion

Ullacombe House - Outbuildings

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Project Residential Outbuildings

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The brief was to create a series of outbuildings to house a gym and party barn/studio, the buildings also needed to appear as if they had always been there, speaking of place and utilise local materials. We chose to create a cluster of stone buildings centred around an inner protected courtyard with views out and across Dartmoor Nation Park, that utilised locally available rubble stone for the walls.

Completion Date Current Role Project Architect

The RPAs of the 4 huge, sweet chestnut trees which lined the edge of the site seemed initially to exclude the heavy vernacular approach. However, through research and consultation with an aapointed arboriculturist we arrived at a solution to build the stone structure on a sunken ring beam over screw pile foundations, which allowed construction over the tree roots.

Software Autocad Sketchup

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Ovington House

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Conversion and extension of a historic house and outbuildings in Hampshire. RIBA stage 0-6. The project involved the complete overhaul of the existing house to rationalise the flow and spatial organization, creating a home that is in keeping with modern lifestyle yet retains the character and charm of the existing house. On the main house I worked as part of a 4-person team, however for the conversion of a series of outbuildings into a party barn, accommodation, new-build gym and swimming pool, I am the project architect.

Project Residential Refurbishment and Extension.

Completion Date House; Jan 2022 Oubuildings; ongoing

Role Architect Project Architect

Software Autocad Archicad Sketchup

Location Hampshire, UK

For the conversion of the outbuildings, I wanted to create a warm roof over the existing truss/rafters, without overly excessive build-up that would otherwise be required for a bat safe detail. This led to creation of an innovative low build-up detail using Tyvek breather membrane that we managed to get approved by Natural England.

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White Model

Photo montage

Architectural Visualisation

Site - Existing

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