McCaren Architecture | News Feed

McCaren Access invite you to breakfast!

How accessible is your businesses to people with disabilities? Do you need to alter your premises or services to cater for disabled people? What can you do to meet your legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010?

In April 2012 Robin McCaren is presenting an Introduction to the Equality Act as part of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Crunchy Breakfast series.

In this informative overview Robin McCaren, Director of McCaren Access introduces the principles of the Equality Act and what these mean for businesses and service providers. With illustrative case studies of good and bad practice, Robin will be dispelling some of the myths of discrimination legislation and identifying the free resources you can use to review your business's accessibility. Come along and find out what the Equality Act means for you.

Robin McCaren is a Consultant Member of the National Register of Access Consultants, and a registered Architect with over 30 years experience in the built environment and considerable expertise in Access Audits, Access Statements and disability-related expert witness work.

Click here to visit the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Crunchy Breakfast web page

People-power in design

McCaren Interiors' latest proposal involves clients, stakeholders and users in the co-design of a new one-stop-shop facility. The project is at a very early stage, so to help the client define the brief and make rapid decisions we proposed a 2-part hands-on workshop. Stakeholder workshops are increasingly popular as organizations recognize the benefits of showing users and customers that their opinion counts. Here's a brief summary of McCaren Interiors' preferred workshop format:

A Briefing Workshop establishes the project agenda and identifies guidelines for the design. Facilitators guide group brainstorming and discussion to determine the specific requirements of the project. These might include (but are not limited to): reception and customer service; public and staff areas; kitchen and toilet accommodation; the IT installation; branding and colours; furniture and fittings; security; storage; safety and Fire Escape; and disabled access. At the end of the Workshop clear guidelines for the design are agreed.

The Briefing Workshop is followed by a Design Workshop - a creative hands-on session that allows staff and users to explore design options for the space. Using large scale Floor Plans, moveable furniture cut-outs, and a selection of flooring, paint and furniture samples, facilitators help the group test and discuss options for layout and styling of the space in accordance with the agreed brief. Issues to address might include (but are not limited to): facilitating disabled access; floor and ceiling heights; differentiating staff / public space; furniture, flooring and paint options. At the end of the Workshop at suitable layout, colour and finishes scheme are agreed.

Spielberg sets sights on McCaren project!

One of our latest commissions involves the refurbishment a farmhouse near Sheepstor, that could become famous in its own right if it features as the backdrop to Steven Spielberg's eagerly anticipated 2012 blockbuster War Horse. In the film, the family home of lead character Albert Narracott was set at nearby Ditsworthy Warren House, and it is likely that Nattor Farm will be visible in Spielberg's scene-setting landscape shots. Filming on location in Dartmoor took place in August and September 2010, and War Horse is due to be released in the UK in January 2012.

Our project brings the redundant farmhouse back to life as a small holding with two traditional stone barns converted into holiday accommodation. Three self-catering cottages within the converted barns will offer equestrian and outdoor leisure breaks, with stabling available for guests' horses. A Planning Application for the proposals will be submitted in December 2011.

Image credit: © Copyright Guy Wareham and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence

Appeal victory for 'hidden house'

McCaren Architecture are celebrating a long-awaited planning victory after the Government’s Planning Inspector granted permission for their design for a contemporary hillside house in Trewarmett on appeal. The granting of permission for a part-buried, grass-roofed house with a spectacular coastal outlook follows a protracted appeal process which saw the company challenge the development boundary within the North Cornwall village and Area of Outstanding Natural beauty.

The site for the proposed house operated as Trebarwith Valley Nursery and Garden centre from 1980 to 2004 and was substantially developed during that time. Despite the former commercial use of the site, in 2001 the line of the development boundary set by North Cornwall Council was drawn through the site in such a way that only a small part of it could house future development.

This meant that a new house on the developable part of the site would not be able to take full advantage of the site’s unique landscape and views. With the support of their client, McCaren Architecture decided to challenge the development boundary and set about designing a home that would have low impact on the landscape, but high impact views and architecture within.

To minimise the effect of the new dwelling on the village, the single-storey house is sunk into the ground with a grass roof over. Neighbours will be able to see straight over the top of the building and continue to enjoy the views they have at the moment. All the design decisions on the project were influenced by the desire to minimise the impact of the new dwelling on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The low-lying building with its green roof will hardly be visible at all from most vantage points, and a landscaping scheme for the lower part of the site improves wildlife habitats and restores biodiversity.

Robin McCaren's Christmas message

"Channel 4's Great British Property Scandal season is a timely reminder that many people will face housing problems this Christmas. The raw statistics highlighted by the campaign make sobering reading - two million families needing housing and nearly 1 million empty homes in the UK - and appear to point to a quick win solution to ease the housing crisis: bring empty homes back into habitable condition and make them available for people most in need.

In 2008 McCaren Architecture were proud to be part of a team involved on an exemplar project which brought a dilapidated Victorian terrace house back into use as two afforadable flats. The environmentally efficient conversion included external insulation and mechanical heat recovery to keep tenants' utility costs down and conserve the environment. http://www.mccaren-aia.co.uk/Architecture/architecture-projects.cfm

To show your support for the Channel 4 campaign you can sign their petition to force a House of Commons debate on the issue.

But action on the housing crisis needn't stop there. As Campbell Robb, Chief Executive of housing charity Shelter has stated, refurbishing empty homes is not the only answer to our current crisis: many vacant properties are in areas where there are no employment opportunities, whilst others are only temporarily empty between sales. There is no doubt that alongside the recycling of empty homes, the UK also needs more new houses at affordable prices.

We can all do our bit by supporting Shelter to help alleviate these issues. This year by sending an email Christmas card McCaren have reduced our carbon footprint, and we are donating the money we have saved to Shelter. Find out how you too can help at http://england.shelter.org.uk/

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"

From Robin McCaren

Luxury riverside house construction underway

Our client has now given the go-ahead for construction of a new riverside home. The 3-storey contemporary dwelling sits on a heavily wooded riverside site enjoying stunning views of the River Tamar. We worked closely with local authority, arboriculture and ecological consultants to ensure that respect for the natural habitat formed the basis of the design.

Concern for the landscape remains paramount during the construction phase, with a detailed plan in place to protect trees and prevent pollution when building work begins.

Interior design for Tavistock B&B

A boutique style B&B in Tavistock for which McCaren Interiors produced design ideas is now open for business. Earlier in 2010 McCaren Architecture undertook a feasibility study for the owners of a property in Tavistock who wished to offer bed and breakfast accommodation in their home. The commission involved looking at various short- and long-term options to extend the property.

McCaren Interiors produced mood boards to provide a departure point for the interior finishes, which the owners incorporated into their own design scheme. Find the B&B online at www.rockmount-tavistock.com

Access to Torquay FC

McCaren Access have recently completed a commission working alongside Kensington Taylor Architects on their proposal for a new grandstand at Torquay United Football Club. Our appointment involved making an assessment of the accessibility of the proposed 1,796 seater stand and associated changing, fitness and media accommodation that will be housed beneath it at ground level. The new stand, which was designed in consultation with the National Association of Disabled Supporters, provides seating for ambulant disabled fans, as well as an additional 19 spaces for wheelchair users and their companions.

Architect in the House

McCaren Architecture will be taking part in Architect in the House, a fund raising initiative between the Royal Institute of British Architects and Shelter that's now in its 14th year. This scheme gives people across the Plymouth area the chance to receive an hour long consultation on any home or design related query. It doesn't have to be Grand Designs! In return for our help, homeowners are asked to donate a minimum of £40 to support Shelter's work with people in housing need.

Marine Building Access

McCaren Access' latest commission sees the company working in close collaboration with the design team on the new Marine Building for the University of Plymouth. The new building will provide state of the art facilities for marine science and technology, including a 28.5m long wave tank in the basement. We have helped to ensure that parking, signage, pedestrian routes, toilets and other facilities will all accommodate students and staff of all abilities.

PURE Spa now open

McCaren Interiors’ latest scheme at City College Plymouth is now complete and opens to the public in May 2010. The Pure Salon and Day Spa provides a fresh, contemporary space in which Hair & Beauty students can hone their skills in a working salon. Walls and floors in neutral colours and durable finishes provide an understated backdrop for some statement features on a metallic theme. These include a bronze beaded curtain screening the washbasins, wall-mounted copper artworks facing the manicure stations and a feature wall clad in textured bronze behind the reception desk.

Riverside dwelling wins Planning Approval

We're delighted to announce that following protracted negotiations, Planning Permission has been granted for a new contemporary dwelling on the banks of the River Tamar. The building has been designed to make the lightest possible impact on the landscape. Slender legs support the building and permit wildlife to use existing corridors on the riverbank. The accommodation above weaves in between the tree canopies preserving the local habitat.

Opening up a stunning view on Plymouth's Barbican

It’s a year since we announced our success in obtaining Planning Permission to add roof terraces to two Sutton Harbour penthouses, and these dramatic extensions are now complete. Our carefully considered design and our efforts in nursing the application through Planning in this sensitive Conservation Area resulted in additions which blend seamlessly with the existing roofscape. For our clients, what was formerly a cramped mansard roof space, has been dramatically transformed into a contemporary ‘crow’s nest’ from which to admire the stunning views across Sutton Harbour and the Barbican.

Chapel conversion now complete

Construction has now completed on internal alterations to a Chapel and Schoolhouse near Callington. The owners approached McCaren Architecture for some advice on how to adapt the building to best meet the needs of their young family. The original conversion, undertaken in the 1980s, had not maximised space or the dramatic impact of the building. Our re-planning gave the schoolhouse a magnificent double-height family room, a remodelled kitchen / living space, and two new bedrooms, all sensitively detailed in oak, stone and slate.

Access to Legoland

McCaren Access’ latest commission has taken the company on an adventure to LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre in Manchester. The new indoor attraction, opening in March 2010, will be located at the Trafford Centre giving weary shoppers an injection of fun. McCaren Access were commissioned to visit the site and make an assessment of the accessibility of the proposed attraction. We have helped to ensure that parking, signage, pedestrian routes and other facilities will all accommodate visitors of all abilities.

Site for sore eyes

With two projects (in Plymouth and Callington) currently on site we think it's important to celebrate this often forgotten aspect of our work. Unlike some architects(!) we don't flinch at the thought of administering projects on site. Apart from the routine weekly site visits, we take an active role in ensuring that the project runs smoothly by dealing diplomatically with client, neighbour and contractor relations to maintain harmony between all parties.

Our role as Contract Administrators is essentially one of quality control and cost monitoring. We ensure that the contractor builds the design in accordance with our drawings and schedules, and we check the Contractor's monthly valuations for accuracy to verify that the cost of the work matches the tender price. Our involvement helps to keep the project on time and on budget.

Access to Community Centres in Plymouth

McCaren Access have been working with the Ministry of Defence on improving the accessibility of their Community facilities. As well as their more visible presence at Devonport Dockyard, the MOD provide a number of community centres and crèches for service personnel based in Plymouth. These important facilities benefit many local people and thanks to McCaren Access they will now be made even more widely available to those with disabilities.

Tavistock apartments win Planning Permission

We’re pleased to announce that our scheme for 10 apartments in Tavistock has been granted Planning Consent. The positive outcome was achieved after careful negotiation with the Local Authority. Our design integrated their concerns with the commercial potential of the site to achieve a design that satisfied both Local Authority and developer client.

Transformation of riverside house now complete

Our recent project to transform a drab and dated concrete bungalow into a desirable modernist villa is now complete. The redesign makes the best use of existing features and provides additional accommodation in a glamorous contemporary style. In response to a brief demanding sympathetic alterations for maximum space gain, we proposed a single storey extension to create a new open plan kitchen and living area upstairs, freeing the downstairs rooms for conversion to 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The new storey provides modern family living space with stunning panoramic views, both from inside and outside on the new terrace.