www.researchplusdesign.co.uk/

SELECTED PROJECTS AND SKETCHES

Room 106, Roland Levinsky BuildingUniversity of Plymouth, Drake Circus

Plymouth PL4 8AA

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RESEARCH + DESIGN IS A CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY REGISTERED PRACTICEALL WORK PRODUCED BY RESEARCH + DESIGN IS COVERED UN-

DER THE COPYRIGHT DESIGNS PATENT ACT 1988

NEW STREET, 20 ACRE PLACE, CHY AN DOWR AND SEAVIEW JOAKIM BOREN PHOTOGRAPHYDESIGNED AND TYPESET BY THE DOCUMENT PRODUCTION CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH

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We are an award-winning research and design service for architecture, buildings and places including new residential, commercial and cultural projects, contemporary conversions, extensions, self-build projects, alterations to period properties, feasibility studies and architectural visualizations in the Devon and Cornwall areas of southwest England.

We have a growing reputation for our abilities to work with specialized craftspeople and respected artists in the region both on private and community projects.

About Our Work

We propose an architecture for the new low-capital, sustainability focused world – a world of places as opposed to objects and images. Some of our best work has been achieved on very low budgets incorporating built-in furniture, hidden panels, fused glass, lime renders and a range of natural timbers and stones. We try and apply this philosophy to all of our work regardless of size, type, or budget and believe that design with these values should be available to everyone.

WHAT WE DO

“In the new low-capital, sustainability focused context, these issues will be increasingly at the fore: the need for demonstrable value in creation of the built environment; the discipline not to answer every

societal need with an iconic design; the need to propose an architecture of places as opposed to objects.”

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Robert Bedner MCIAT - Director

Based in the United Kingdom since 2001, Robert trained at The School of Architecture Washington University in St Louis and attended classes at the Architectural Association in London. A defining period in his training occurred while working for internationally acclaimed Architect Sverre Fehn in Oslo Norway. Fehn’s architecture proved to be a confirmation of his belief in what architecture could be including the language and vocabulary in which it could be discussed.

In New York, he worked for Architect Philip Koether in a two-man office, on the design of custom apartments on Park Avenue and Central Park West. In addition, the office won an invited competition to develop a flagship jewelry store in one of the last available development sites in the heart of Soho. Along the way he has participated and contributed to competitions and art projects for: Thinc Design and Storefront for Art and Architecture in New York, Renzo Piano and Chaix and Morel in Paris, John Hedjuk in London and Vito Acconci in New York.

Robert lives in Plymouth with his family. Part time lecturer at Plymouth College of Art 2008/9. Mentor for the Sorrell Foundation 2008/2009. Visiting critic at the Plymouth University School of Architecture 2008/2009. Module leader Plymouth University School of Architecture 2010. Robert is also active with the local creative community in Plymouth. Member Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

Contributers and collaboratorsResearch + Design project teams consist of like minded individuals from a broad range of disciplines including architecture,architectural technology,design,fabrication,planning,the arts and the creative industries:

Crystal Hopwood Architectural design, office managementAmity,West Grove,Chy An Dowr, Seaview, Kenmare

Ludovic Bacon Architectural design and presentationPennycomequick, Plymouth Mews, Private residences Newton Ferrers

Julie Landemarre Architectural design and presentationParco Solare Competition, Private residences Newton Ferrers

Giulia Scaramuzzi Architectural design and presentation,website and promotional development Devonport Bandstand,Woodland Terrace,Private residences Newton Ferrers,Parco Solare Competition

Ebony Dodgen Architectural TechnicianDevonport Park Bandstand

Ben TapscottArchitectural TechnicianDevonport Bandstand

Izzy Bascoy Architectural Technician, modelmakingBrentor

Darius Hague

Exhibit Fabrication, Model making

RESEARCH+DESIGN PEOPLE

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INTERIOR DESIGN – 20 ACRE PLACEIN

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A ground floor tenement refurbishment. The failing plasterboard ceiling and wall plaster was removed exposing a remarkable slate shillot wall and pitch pine ceiling joists (originally old ships timbers from the local dockyard).

The Wet Room

The wet room was constructed with natural lime render walls, natural limestone floor and cantilevered shelving and simple affordable fittings. The lighting and extract are concealed. No plastic shower tray, no shower curtain, no tinny fittings this project demonstrates that natural materials and craftsmanship can still be achieved on a budget and that the ritual of bathing is still possible in the 21st century.

The Kitchen

Constructed mostly from existing and reclaimed materials, the kitchen has natural limestone floors, countertop and backsplashes. The concealed lighting and power outlets are integrated with the design. The sink is big enough to fit the largest saucepan. The countertop has been installed at the right height for cooking. Every square inch of storage space is utilized including a disused chimney. A well ventilated pantry has been installed around the corner providing additional storage for fresh water, vegetables, a large unsightly fridge and pet food. The kitchen fittings are simple, affordable and made out of brass, a material that will show time, and age gracefully. A place to make a slow cooked meal.

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CHYAN DOWRRE

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Brief

Initial ideas were for a bedroom with vaulted ceiling, ensuite wetroom, and dressing room to be located at the front of the house. More than adding floorspace and value to the house, the project was very much about staying and living in a place. it was about ‘this is it - this is our home’. The new construction should be integrated into the existing design of the home - ‘seamless’ in execution and appearance from the exterior and contemporary on the interior incorporating natural materials. The design developed from here with considerations and thought given for the site, privacy, noise, outlook and the planning process. The brief was later expanded to include hidden lighting features, the design of built in furniture and a free standing bed.

Solution

A series of sketch studies, and conversations with the Clients pointed towards locating the extension to the back of the house. This area benefits from a beautiful outlook towards the Cornish countryside and is well suited regarding issues of privacy, noise and planning. A walk through dressing area leads to a corner window with built in seating. The corner window looks out toward the countryside and provides a place to pause - put on your shoes. Well crafted timber joinery became an important element of the interior design. American ash is utilized through out and incorporated into the window frames, recessed skirting boards, and doors and was carried through into the design of a bureau, vanity unit and bed.

Sustainability and Design Details

As the design progressed the Clients chose to modify their existing hot water system with a self - installed solar hot water system. The existing gas heating system was extended to include underfloor heating in the bedroom and wetroom. Walls windows and roof all exceed current insulation requirements. Lighting fixtures in the bedroom are located at the wall and ceiling junction behind a razor edged wall fascia - creating optimum effect wtih low cost unseen fittings.The wet room windows are splayed to allow the morning sun to wash across the walls.

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NEW STREETRE

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Brief

Developed from an original design by architect Andrew Dale, the client brief was to design a very small contemporary two storey infill extension - “something special” to an existing 1970s development townhouse. The design was to provide a new children’s bedroom and a multifunctional sunroom to be used for yoga, entertaining, study and as a children’s play area. In addition, a new stair and “seagull proof” stair skylight were required. All of the above to be accommodated in a tiny existing balcony area 2.5meteres by 2.0 metres and in a sensitive historic conservation area of the city.

Solution

The sunroom can be configured in a variety of ways utilizing custom panels that disappear into wall recesses. This space can accommodate yoga and study when closed or entertaining as open or as a children’s play area when partially closed off.

The larch doors, window cills and stair handrails have a clear and tactile finish. The larch cladding will age naturally and gracefully to a silvery finish. An opaque “seagull proof” skylight fills the renovated stair area with natural light. The children’s bedroom has a small secret hatch that disappears into the cladding.

Sustainability and design details

The extension offers a quiet reference to local Elizabethan architecture by incorporating the traditional device of a proportionately cantilevered upper storey, and through a strategy that allows new building work to be distinct but integrated through careful detailing and craft.The sun-room maximises the thermal benefits of winter sunlight. Ventilation is improved by warming internal air in the stairwell by a naturally generated stack effect. All timber cladding and joinery is from FSC accredited sources and procured from renewable stock.The feature internal panels are fireproof, and have been detailed with fire-resistant seals and hidden fireproof hinges.

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NEW STREETRE

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ALAN KING AWARD RECIPIENT 2009

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FLAMEWORKSCO

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Brief

The design of a two storey extension and refurbishment for Plymouths Creative Artists Facility. Flameworks is the largest artist led workspace facility in Devon and Cornwall and houses nearly 24 artists including ceramicists, jewellers, metalworkers, painters and sculptors.The design includes new artists studios and workshop spaces based at the rear of building overlooking Stonehouse creek, and a single storey entrance and office extension in the front of the building.

Solution

Hand-crafted metal and timber elements produced by the artists and craftspeople on site are fixed onto a low cost backdrop of pre fabricated industrial cladding. These elements make up the new openings in the construction that admit light, air, and people to the facility - everytime a visitor or client walks through a door, or opens a window they come in direct contact with these handcrafted elements and a bit more aware of the craft and skill of the artists that made them. A skylit corridor divides the existing building from the two storey extension adjacent to the creek. Visitors can peer down into the existing workshops or enter the new studio spaces with a high level glazed clerestorey. The ceilings of the upper studios are angled to accept the reflections of the sunlight off the water below. Ventilation to the studios is provided through Siberian Larch ventilation hatches theat punctuate the external cladding.

Sustainability and design details

The project incorporates a prefabricated structure and prefabricated and insulated cladding panels in order to minimize the price of the materials and installation time on site. A large portion of the project is onsite construction. All timber cladding and joinery is from FSC accredited sources and procured from renewable stock. Passive solar elements aid heating in the winter and cooling is achieved through a coordinated cross ventilation system.

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PENNYCOMEQUICKCO

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Brief

Operating as a pub until its conversion into student accommodation recently, the site was famous as a stopping off place for football supporters between the train station and the local football stadium. The proposal required the following additional provision:• Student Rooms – 10 rooms, (8 with ensuites, I shared bath and WC)• Shared Kitchen/Lounge Area • Shared External Garden Amenities Spaces with bicycle storage• Shared Laundry area

Solution

The project is located on a major access route into the city centre. The existing rear tenement of the site juts out from its corner location and is unsightly.The new North façade would replace the current unsightly back tenement area with a new contemporary public elevation and entrance. This new elevation and entrance are intended to provide a strong corner for the site and a transition in scale from the adjacent multi-storey housing to the two storey historic pub. The entrance leads to a shared lounge/kitchen at ground level, this provides an important link between the kitchen and dining area with the garden and easy access for those on bicycles. Common areas open out to generous amenity space in the front of the building an ideal area for students socializing. Sustainability and design details

The contemporary and minimal design of the extension provides a clear contrast to the decorative design elements of the historic pub. A 100mm wide shadow gap between the existing pub historic pub and the new contemporary extension further reinforces the distinction between old an new. The building profile of the extension (how the building touches the sky) and the size and shape of the proposed window openings make a quiet reference both to the architecture of the pub and to the local vernacular. The material palette for the proposal consists of rendered masonry walls with clean crisp edges and natural (clear stained) timber windows and doors. The pitched roof is slate tile to match existing and the flat roof is a single ply roofing system. The colour of the rendered walls is proposed to be an off white to pick up existing colours in the existing Plymouth limestone wall that surrounds the site.The project is planned to be highly insulated, use renewable materials where possible and incorporate solar panels and rainwater harvesting.

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SEAVIEWCO

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Overview

Local research indicated that the clubhouse was an amalgomation of a series of extensions and renovations dating back before the 1930’s. The new design demolishes a large portion of the building interiors and facades but retains the majority of the roofs and structural elements of the existing construction. The new design integrates the resulting spaces into a single contemporary construction that responds both to the needs of the Client and reconnects with the views and the landscape.

Design Opportunities

During the initial phases of the project, Research + Design identified a number of design opportiunities. • Two extensions were developed at that incorporate a new entrance/ reception and shop to the front of the building and a new stage, extended kitchen, laundry and wc facilities to the rear of the property. • The buildings connection to its surroundings - the terrace, the landscape and the sea view was enhanced. Places in the building relate directly to places in the terrace and beyond to the views.• Natural materials were chosen that related to the holiday and beach atmosphere of the clubhouse. Cast glass is utilized in light boxes that exploit existing ceiling recesses and lend a natural light and quality to the spaces below. Cedar and galvanized steel fixtures are carried through from the outside to the inside of the building.

Building Costs and programme

As a refurbishment with new build elements, the project has involved many challenges to the design team in terms of maintaining a high degree of quality in a demanding commercial environment where cost control is imperative. In addition, programme considerations have been factored into the design of the project that incorporate the Clients ongoing business on the site both before, during and after the construction. Research + Design are working in conjunction with local Quantity Surveyors Smerdon and Jones to ensure a high degree of cost control from design development through to finished construction of the project.

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Research + Design Projects Interiors 07001 New Road Two storey infill extension D,BR,CA 07004 Acre Place Interior – Kitchen, Wetroom, Dining D 07010 Chy An Dowr Residential extension D,PL,BR,CA 07011 Rising Sun Yoga Studio, residential refurbishment D,PL Residential 06001 Stoggy Extension D,BR,CA 07001 New Road Two storey infill extension D,BR,CA 07002 Dawes Cottage Two storey extension D,PL 07004 Acre Place Interior – Kitchen, Wetroom, Dining D 07005 Newport Street Extension and renovation D,PL 07007 Durnford St Extension and renovation D 07009 Amity Lodge Residential extension D,PL,BR 07010 Chy An Dowr Residential extension D,PL,BR,CA 07011 Rising Sun Yoga Studio, residential refurbishment D,PL 08005 Ashford Extension D,PL 08009 Brentor Road Loft Conversion for two artists D,PL 09010 House 1 New build contemporary Home D,PL Residential Developments 07008 Alma Road Residential development F 08007 Kenmare Eight Flats D,BR 09001 Plympton 1 Four Houses F 09003 Alston Two houses PL 09006 Feniton Two houses PL 09013 Seymour 8 Blocks F Community / Arts 06003 Deep Blue Sound Multi media teaching facilities D,PL,BR,CA 07003 Maker Barracks Renovation historic barracks F 07012 Frontfield Cres. Community Center interior D,PL 09002 Flameworks Creative Artists Faciltiy D,PL 09004 Bandstand Reinstatement of historic bandstand D,PL,BR,CA 09007 Portland Portland Arts Center F 09008 Ocean Ocean Arts Facility F, D Commercial 07008 Alma Road Residential development F 08003 Seaview Extension/refurb of Clubhouse D,PL,BR,CA 09009 Penny Student Accomodation D,PL 09012 Hill Student Accomodation F 10011 QA Terrace Student Accomodation S Feasibility 07006 Pasley Street Flats S Architecture is our response to finding ourselves here, between birth and death. Human life is tied to the planet through architecture. Spiritual questions and meanings are embedded deep in this relationship. We still don’t recognize whats here, the intrinsic meanings associated with fundamental qualities: sky, earth, trees, light, shadow and horizon.

PROJECTS

KEY: S SURVEY F FEASABILITY D DESIGN PL PLANNING BR BUILDING REGS CA CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION