RRA Architects (RRA) is a medium-sized RIBA Chartetered architectural practice founded in 1986, with principal offices in Gloucester and Hereford.
RRA Architects May 2018 - Current
Project Designer
- Project lead on a high end residential project from concept to construction
- Leading both the design and Construction team from briefing to construction under mentor-ship of my directors
- Managing multiple projects at different work stages from conception, planning, to building regulations and technical and on site
- Good relationships with clients, consultants and contractors
- Responsible for issuing fee proposals and meeting clients at the briefing stages
- Submitting planning applications and listed Building consents
- Attends networking events for construction industry and talks and site visits.
Ravensbourne University 2013-2016
Student
• Graduated with a 2:2 degree
• Vital part of a small team, where together we successfully organised three end of year degree shows at three different sites for two combined courses.
• Learnt to become creative designer who has developed entrepreneurial and professional skills in communication, visualisation and representation.
- Skilled with parametric and computer generated designs using the latest techniques for designing structures and rapid prototyping.
• Skilled in hand making modelling Rhino, AutoCad , Adobe InDesign, Photoshop
Mark Powles Director at RRA Architects
T 01242 269 374
Oliver Smith
Assosicate at RRA Architects / My Mentor
T 01242 269 374
T: 07736550981
E: sarahjanebonner@icloud.com
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire UK
Architecture BA Honours
Ravensbourne University, London 2:2
A- Levels, St Peters RC High School
Art B, Product Design B, Media Studies B
Central St Martens
Interior Design Portfolio Course
GCSEs St Peters RC High School
RRA is a limited Company that has projects across, but not defined to, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire. The scope of projects vary from private residental new-build houses, large residential developments to commercial properties such as offices, salons, educational and ecclesiatical buildings.
The variety of project sectors and project sizes is considered to be a key factor in the company’s longevity and ability to survive economic downturns. For instance, it was the smaller domestic projects that kept the practice busy during the recent national lockdowns where most larger commerical projects were put on hold or cancelled.
2013-2016
2011-2013
The practice currently employs fourteen full time members of staff and one part time member, twelve of which are architectural staff and the rest are admin staff.
2012
Diagram of Team dynamics:
Maths B, English Languages B, Literature A, Science Religious Studies A*, Art B, Textiles Design A, Product Design A
Vectorworks Rendering Sketch Up Model making Adobe Suite Microsoft Suite
Travelling, Skiiing, Gardening, Interior Design
I began my career in Architecture working as intern at RRA Architects in May 2018 and soon took on a years placements at the firm. Five years on I am an established member of the team and work as a Project Designer.
My roles include leading projects through the RIBA stages from initial design concept through to on site completion. This involves liasing with clients to develop a design and through to planning. Leading and forming a design team to take the project through building regulations and in some projects through to on site.
Through my years of experience at the practice I am now of the position to be able to mentor junior members of the staff and take on more independance in my projects and design.
LOCAL RESOURCES
From surveying the site and its surrounding contents gained a better sense for the area and an understanding for what Brixton has to o er. Although the area is predominately residential it also provides well in entertainment, cultures and retail. The area is continuing bringing all sorts of generations and cultures to the community. think its an ideal spot to add to the entrainment industry but also to include an education factor as this it is lacking. A planetarium would be something new and exciting to the area that would bring more tourists in as well as providing for the current community, including local schools.
My primary objective for this project was to invigorate a site and its surrounding area, breathing new life into it. I aspired to transform a space with lots of heriatge, creating an immersive destination that would not only captivate the local community but also attract visitors from across London.
My design aimed to cater to a broad amount of people, to tourists, amateur astronomers, school trips, and those seeking leisurely enjoyment. The ultimate goal was to contribute to the community by introducing stimulating prospects and fostering a stronger sense of unity. Paying homage to the legendary musician David Bowie, a native of Brixton, I named this project “Life On Mars,” after one of his iconic songs.
The centerpiece of the site would be an planterarium incorporating both the existing Grade II listed building and a new futuristic construction. While respecting the historical significance of the building, my approach was to retain and preserve the picturehouse and its notable features, whilst contrasting the old and new elements.
Overall, my aim with the Life on Mars project was to create a dynamic and awe-inspiring destination, combining the allure of cinema with the wonder of a planetarium, providing visitors with a celestial journey. that would revitalize the site, enrich the local community, and leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
After surveying the site and its surroundings, I gained a better understanding of Brixton and what it has to offer. It is primarily a residential area, but it also provides entertainment, cultural experiences, and retail options. Brixton attracts diverse generations and cultures, making it an ideal location to enhance the entertainment industry while addressing the lack of educational offerings. Introducing a planetarium would bring novelty and excitement to the area, attracting more tourists and benefiting the local community, including schools.
The site can be easily accessed to from across London as it is in a hotspot for di erent modes of transport with walking distance to seven di erent bus tops. Giving access to twenty di erent bus routes travelling to Central , East and South London. It is also a walk away from Brixton underground station which has the Victoria and Northern line. As well as Brixton train station for the south-eastern service. Oval square is situated just by the A23.
The site can be easily accessed to from across London as it is in a hotspot for di erent modes of transport , with walking distance to seven di erent bus tops. Giving access to twenty di erent bus routes travelling to Central East and South London. It is also a walk away from Brixton underground station which has the Victoria and Northern line. As well as Brixton train station for the south-eastern service. Oval square is situated just by the A23.
The site can be easily accessed to from across London as it is in a hotspot for di erent modes of transport with walking distance to seven di erent bus tops. Giving access to twenty di erent bus routes travelling to Central , East and South London. It is also a walk away from Brixton underground station which has the Victoria and Northern line. As well as Brixton train station for the south-eastern service. Oval square is situated just by the A23.
The site can be easily accessed to from across London as it is in a hotspot for di erent modes of transport with walking distance to seven di erent bus tops. Giving access to twenty di erent bus routes travelling to Central , East and South London. It is also a walk away from Brixton underground station which has the Victoria and Northern line. As well as Brixton train station for the south-eastern service. Oval square is situated just by the A23.
The site is within Brixton Conservation Area, located in the heart of Lambeth. It includes Oval Square, home to the Ritzy cinema. Oval Square has a mix of architectural styles from different periods, dating back to the 1870s. The area aims to preserve the character and appearance of 19th century commercial development on Electric Avenue, Atlantic Road, Market Row arcade, and street markets, which are longstanding community features of Brixton.
The site can be easily accessed to from across London as it is in a hotspot for di erent modes of transport , with walking distance to seven di erent bus tops. Giving access to twenty di erent bus routes travelling to Central East and South London. It is also a walk away from Brixton underground station which has the Victoria and Northern line. As well as Brixton train station for the south-eastern service. Oval square is situated just by the A23.
The site can be easily accessed to from across London as it is in a hotspot for di erent modes of transport with walking distance to seven di erent bus tops. Giving access to twenty di erent bus routes travelling to Central , East and South London. It is also a walk away from Brixton underground station which has the Victoria and Northern line. As well as Brixton train station for the south-eastern service.
Oval square is situated just by the A23.
The site can be easily accessed to from across London as it is in a hotspot for di erent modes of transport , with walking distance to seven di erent bus tops. Giving access to twenty di erent bus routes travelling to Central East and South London. It is also a walk away from Brixton underground station which has the Victoria and Northern line. As well as Brixton train station for the south-eastern service. Oval square is situated just by the A23.
TRANSPORT
The site can be easily accessed to from across London as it is in a hotspot for di erent modes of transport , with walking distance to seven di erent bus tops. Giving access to twenty di erent bus routes travelling to Central , East and South London. It is also a walk away from Brixton underground station which has the Victoria and Northern line. As well as Brixton train station for the south-eastern service.
The site is highly sustainable being located in London, a hotspot for transport links.
Oval square is situated just by the A23.
The site can be easily accessed to from across London as it is in a hotspot for di erent modes of transport , with walking distance to seven di erent bus tops. Giving access to twenty di erent bus routes travelling to Central , East and South London. It is also a walk away from Brixton underground station which has the Victoria and Northern line. As well as Brixton train station for the south-eastern service. Oval square is situated just by the A23.
The site is walking distance from Brixton Tube Station, which houses two tube lines, Victoria & Northern line. Making it easily accesible from across London and further when connecting the extended rail network.
LIFE ON MARS 11
The site is also within close proximity to many bus stops, giving access to twenty different bus routes This is ideal for a museum or potenital attraction for Brixton.
LIFE ON MARS 11
LIFE ON MARS 11
For my overshadowing study of my site and it surrounding contrast, I looked at four particular di erent dates from the year these are including summer sol, the longest day of the year (21.06) and winter sol, the shortest day of the year (21.31).
As part of the design development for this site I had to consider the impact that any new structure would have on the surrounding buildings and community. This involved looking at the existing sun path and overshadow on my site and the surrounding buildings so that I could keep it into consideration through my design development what effect a new storey would have on buildings to its west.
For my overshadowing study of my site and it surrounding contrast, I looked at four particular di erent dates from the year these are including summer sol, the longest day of the year (21.06) and winter sol, the shortest day of the year (21.31).
This way I can see the biggest contrast of lighting throughout the day, as well as get the general idea for throughout the year. The west side existing entrance facings onto the open oval square space is where the sunlight reaches best throughout the day & year. Sunlight also reaches the south facing part of the site but the light is partially obstructed by the taller residential buildings towards the evening time. The north facing side of site, where the existing auditorium lays, is the darkest part of the building, facing away from the sun rise surrounded by obstructed buildings, day light does not reach throughout the year.
The west side existing entrance facings onto the open oval square space is where the sunlight reaches best throughout the day & year. Sunlight also reaches the south facing part of the site but the light is partially obstructed by the taller residential buildings towards the evening time. The north facing side of ite, where the existing auditorlum lays, Is the darkest part of the bullding, facing away from the sun rise surrounded by obstructed bulldings, day light does not reach throughout the year.
This way I can see the biggest contrast of lighting throughout the day, as well as get the general idea for throughout the year. The west side existing entrance facings onto the open oval square space is where the sunlight reaches best throughout the day & year. Sunlight also reaches the south facing part of the site but the light is partially obstructed by the taller residential buildings towards the evening time. The north facing side of site, where the existing auditorium lays, is the darkest part of the building, facing away from the sun rise surrounded by obstructed buildings, day light does not reach throughout the year.
From this overshadowing study It has made me to consider using the rooftop space of my site to optimize the sunlight throughout the day and year. As well as making the most of the south facing side as currently the wall is just brick.
From this overshadowing study It has made me to consider using the rooftop space of my site to optimize the sunlight throughout the day and year. As well as making the most of the south facing side as currently the wall is just brick.
This overshadowing study has made me consider the rooftop space of my site to optimize the sunlight throughout the day and year. As well as making the most of the south facing side as currently the wall is just brick.
Location: 51.4922, -0.1178
Location: 51.4922, -0.1178
Location: 51.4922, -0.1178
Location: 51.4922, -0.1178
Altitude: 25.0m above mean sea level
Altitude: 25.0m above mean sea level
Altitude: 25.0m above mean sea level
Altitude: 25.0m above mean sea level
therefore take into consideration the e ect of rainfall and wind will have on the building. With Global warming it is also now vital as a young designer to respond to climate data and future predictions. The thermal design will likely be a ected
therefore take into consideration the e ect of rainfall and wind will have on the building. With Global warming it is also now vital as a young designer to respond to climate data and future predictions. The thermal design will likely be a ected
therefore take into consideration the e ect of rainfall and wind will have on the building. With Global warming it is also now vital as a young designer to respond to climate data and future predictions.
therefore take into consideration the e ect of rainfall and wind will have on the building. With Global warming it is also now vital as a young designer to respond to climate data and future predictions.
The thermal design will likely be a ected
The thermal design will likely be a ected
Brixtons nearest climate station is located in Greenwich Park. From looking at these rainfall maps it is apparent that the capital London has a significant amount of rainfall during the year. It is also evidential for the driest month of the year. The average annual temperature is 15.3 °C in Lambeth, with the highest being 23.4 °C in the month of July and the lowest being 2.7 °C in February. The average annual rainfall is 557.4 mm with it highest average in August of 54.3mm. The current predicted average temperature rise due to global warming for the UK is around 2.C by the middle of this century.
autumn Winter Spring
autumn Winter Spring
When designing my building I must therefore take into consideration the effect of rainfall and wind will have on the building. With Global warming it is also now vital as a young designer to respond to climate data and future predictions. The thermal design will likely be affected by increases in temperature and increases in extreme events of wind and rain.
This precedent study helped with my design developement for the planetarium, they helped elstablish the design parameters and modes of operation that the form of the Planetaruium could be.
All five chosen precedents were of striking design which is something that I wanted to achieve in mine. I was particularly inspired by the structures that would intersect with the roofs in both the Pathe Foundation and the Intoversum buildings.
It also helped with my research into the laser technology required for the screening rooms as well as spacial consideration within a planetarium, having not been in many before myself.
The Peter Harrision building by Allies and Morrisons was my favourite that I drew inspiration from. I was lucky to be able to visit it and watch a screening as it was located in Greenwich, not far from university. I loved that the orientation of the bronze clad cone was in parrallel to the earths axis and the design was unique to the latitude of the observatory.
Designed and constructed based on the modules equilateral triangle. The building form is symbolically structured around the gures of the triangle, rhombus, hexagon & circle in an evolution from simple to complex. The hemisphere dome is 20 metres in a diameter and coated inside with aluminium sheets which serve as the screen.
5 oors, 6 staircases and a 20 diameter circular room with 250 seats
A building to House and preserve the cinematographic Pathes art, for the new headquarters for The Foundation Jermone Seydoux- Pathe. The building replaced two existing buildings to create an organic structure named as a “creature” for a 70-seat screening room and offices for the foundation located in Paris, France.
The new structure responds to the restrictions of the site whilst also being symapathetic to the sites history as the facade on the avenue des Gobelins has been restored and preserved.
The site constraints have been addressed in this design though respecting the distances with the surrounding buildings and improving the neighbours access through natural light and ventilation
This project is similar to my site where there is a lot of history to be preserved and an contrasting structure will show the evolution of the history whilst responding to site restrictions.
A 120 seated digital laser planetarium in Greenwich park. It opened in may 2007 soon after the Baker street planetarium announced its closure. The planetarium uses Digistar 2 software with blue red and green lasers and grating light value technology to create a 4000 pixel strip. The planetarium is housed inside a 45 ton bronze clad truncated cone tilted as 51.5 to the horizontal of the Greenwich mean time laser. The cone is tilted in such a way that a groove drown up from the centre of the south faces lies parallel to the earth axis of rotation while the north face points towards the zenith and the truncation is parallel to the earth equatorial plan, making the design unique to the latitude of the observatory.
BY ARCHIVIEWMCinema meets planetarium, a pop up movie theatre known as Intoversum, it was the idea from an astronomy professor, Edwin Valenly. Its a space that makes science more accessible to the general public. Exactly 93 panels of corten steel distinguished by its orange colour, more used to construct the curved outer skin of the building. Jack Van Der Ralen the head architect of this project found his inspiration early on, by using techniques normally used in ship building, monocoque method and by searching for appropriate recycled methods.
THE LONDON PLANETARIUM, BAKER STREET
BY G.WATTS
Opened by Madame in 1958 on the site of an old cinema that was destroyed in the Second World War, the planetarium seated an audience of around 330 beneath a horizontal dome approximately 18m in diameter. Inside, the chair were arranged in circles, tilted back to face you towards the hemispherical ceiling. With the lights dimmed, a complex projector emulated scientifically-accurate views of star constellations and planets. In 2006 the Planetarium was re-branded and renamed the Star Dome.
Here the concept progresses from a simple dome to a geodestic structure as I wanted to make more of an impact on the street scene and surrounding area. This structure would be more visible to see when approaching the building and act as an monument. Decorative towers and corner features are seen in the Brixton Conservation area key characteristics.
Through these sketches I explored the users journey around the museum and their celesial experience.
I created a scaled model of my proposal for the planetarium to translate the key design ideas into built form. I built the existing site first which helped with my design development in the project by being able to explore the the potentials of the project as well as the possibilites of different solutions for my chosen site.
I used a range of techniques and material; laser cutting machine for the external detailing and a 3D printer for the geodesic dome and structural elements. The massing model of the neighbouring Tate Library could be removed to reveal a sectional view through the building deomonstrating how the structure worked.
COMMENTARY
Given more time on this project I would develop these visuals further with materials and textures
EXPLODED STRUCTURE ISOMETRIC
Exploded Axonometic to demonstrate the structural elements of the proposal, including custom steel columns, geodesic dome and grid shells.
SKY LIGHT GRID SHELL
STEEL SQUARE BEAM
SKYLIGHT GLASS
INVERTED DOME
GLASS BALCONY
STEEL COLUMNS
SQUARE BEAM
SEATING SUPPORT STRUCTURE
CURVE BEAM
GEODESIC DOME
STEEL GRID SHELL STRUCTURE
GLASS
ROOF SUPPORT
The finalised section through the site, demonstrating the suspended dome and techonic geodestic dome and supporting steel structure.
Named the “Tree House” this dwelling is located in the Cotswolds and surrounded by trees which helped influence the design. The scheme was a part two storey front extension, part single storey side extension, two additional zinc clad dormers and extensive remodelling to the internal layout. RRA Architects were appointed by a private client to see the project from initial concept designs through to RIBA stage 7, on site & Handover.
My role began after the survey stage where I developed conceptual designs through plans to a 3D model. I Prepared the planning set of drawings and was the acting agent on the application. Following completing the technical drawing package for a Tender Procurement route I then lead the project though to RIBA Work stage 7. I liaised with the design team and contractors to see the project through on site as contract administrators. This was my second project that I seen through to completion which has been great for my personal development in technical knowledge and experience with contract administrator roles and general on-site experience.
The new location of the staircase solved the circulation issues identified in the brief, it is the focal point as you enter the house.
A bespoke staircase cituated underneath the glass atrium. An open tread staircase, with a central spine and oak treads. The glass balastrade fixtures on the treads are concealed with oak caps.
The open treads on the stairs were chosen to keep views out to the garden and keep the space feeling spacious.
Here I demonstrate my knowledge in the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to the human needs and scale through detail design of a staircase and the consideration of how it will look and feel. Designed to link the hallway to the outdoors through the open tread design.
The final set of rendered visuals show the full evolution of the project, they helped the client visualise the proposal.
Following the Post planning submission meeting and appointment by the client I produced the Tender Set of drawings detailing the proposal to be priced by contractors.
These drawings were also submitted as a Building Regulation set of drawings to Building Control and approved in accordance with the current Building Regulations.
The drawings included general arrangement floor plans, Sectional technical drawings and specifications of materials and finishes.
Throughout the project development on site I would visit the works to check the progression, documentating my visits with photographs.
During the site visits I carry out visual inspections to the work to date and flag any concerns with the conctractor.
I would often meet the client on to talk though the proposal and make design decisions such as a walk through on the M&E layout to ensure the client was happy with the drawing and whether they wanted any amendments making prior to first fix on the electrics.
After contract completion we visited site to carry out a inspection and from this complied a snagging list of items to be touched up on by the contractor. We will return again in October 2022, 12 months after contract completion for a final inspection on the works, after this the final 2.5% rentention will be released to the contractor.
This project is a first-floor extension to create a new, spacious two-bedroom flat in Gloucester city centre. The extension is on top of an existing single storey concrete structure that was vacant for some time, which has now been redesigned as a Salon for the client. I have worked on this project from Conceptual design through to now, stage 4 technical design where the project is shortly due to commence on site.
There were many site constraints that had to be carefully considered from the initial design phases. This includes the impact that the proposal would have on its surrounding buildings due to the urban density being located within the town centre.
Heritage standards had to be met through a listed building consent application and the conditions that followed it as the site shares a boundary with a grade 2 listed building. The site is also within proximity to several notable historic buildings, including Gloucester Cathedral, therefore It was imperative that the use and design was viable to secure the long-term future of the building.
The technical drawings were complex as the new structure is tying into two neighbouring properties and the existing concrete unit uncovered it’s on issues during enabling works, including the uncovering of historic cellars. Building regulations had to be adhered to for both commercial on the ground floor salon and residential in the first-floor apartment which was a learning curve for me understanding the different requirements. There was also a difference in the energy values that had to be met between the existing unit and the new build apartment.
Throughout the construction of the project, I assisted with on-site queries from the contractors and made regular site visits up until its completion in February 2023,
The site is located on a highstreet within a town centre. There is a dense urban enviroment with a mix of uses within a close proximity of each other such as offices, residential and commerical.
I had to consider the impact that the proposal would have on the surrounding buildings, particularly the daylight impact due to the additional storey we were adding to the site. A daylight assesment was carried out through a 3D model and shadowing survey.
EXISTING WINTER DAYLIGHT
PROPOSED WINTER DAYLIGHT
EXISTING SUMMER DAYLIGHT
PROPOSED SUMMER DAYLIGHT
PROPOSED ELEVATIONS
This project is single storey self-build located in Red Marley, Forest of Dean. The site is located with the grounds of a main house, a grade 2 Listed two storey house built in the early 19th century. The vacant site was previously known as “the Oaks” due to its previous use of Tree Orchard.
I developed the brief with the client, a young family, though initial meetings. The clients had a key eye for design as they aspired for Scandinavian style self-build with a contemporary edge.
Sustainability and Ecology were key considerations within this proposal. The self-build would be a low carbon house though renewable energy’s harvested through solar panels and ground source heat pumps. It was proposed to increase the biodiversity on the site with the reinstatement of the apple orchard and planting of new wildflower meadow.
Unfortunately, this project didn’t gain planning permission even with the principal deciding factor due to it being located out of the settlement boundary. An Appeal for the application was submitted but to no avail.
The site for the new build was located in the grounds of Playley’s Place, a Grade 2 listed building in Red Marley, Forest of Dean.
Through a site anaylsis, constraints were identified as overhead cables were spotted. After further investigation, two of the cables were high voltage which meant they could not be built in a 3M radius of. This site plan highlights the areas which cannot be developed in, it also helped with establishing the orientation of the new dwelling.
The layout is principally comprised of three elements that are connected, each responding to orientation, the site, and the family’s needs.
The bedrooms are positioned together in a separtare wing with large feature windows looking across the meadow.
The ultiliatarim rooms are placed centrally within the plan that will be lit through rooflights. The rooms separate the kitchen / dining to seating.
A double sided fire place and pocket doors allow the living space to meet the clients brief of a cosier room by being enclosed but gives tham the option tor feel more spacious area by opening into the seating area.
PROPOSED GROUND FLOOR PLAN
PROPOSED ROOF PLAN
PROPOSED ELEVATIONS
The objective of this project was to design a new family home for a private client situated in Gloucestershire. The allocated site for fell within the amenity space of their existing residence.
The primary focus of the design was to optimise the breathtaking views of the Malvern Hills, while also ensuring minimal impact on the neighboring properties to the south. Guided by these principles, the layout of the site was established and a scheme for a single storey dwelling was developed which was positioned and set back the property as close to the boundary as possible, providing panoramic vistas from every area of the house through the ‘U-shape” design layout.
A combination of local materials, such as masonry and vertical timber cladding were proposed to seamlessly integrate the new building into its surrounding . This selection not only harmonises with the context but also guarantees the longevity of the design. The materials were chosen to weather gracefully over time, blending the structure with the natural environment.
As part of the design proposal, vaulted mono-pitch ceilings enhance the overall sense of space within the home. These ceilings not only contribute to a visually striking aesthetic but also serve a practical purpose by allowing an abundance of natural light into the space. The combination of the vaulted ceilings and large windows work in harmony to establish a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding environment, while also providing a heightened feeling of openness and expansiveness.
Working closely with a planning consultant, this project recently gained planning permission from the Local Planning Authority, with no required changes. I look forward to detailing this project and the techincal design.
