Author: Kevin Davis

Cathedral Square: Developer Salmon Harvester has arranged a study tour with “Revo” that takes in the development here. This is open to WSCA members and more information can be found at: https://www.revocommunity.org/eventspages/study_tour_worcester

A group of 27, including architectural practitioners and others with an interest in the industry, gathered at the entrance to Cripplegate House on the evening of Wednesday 13^th May, to take part in the Worcestershire Society of Chartered Architects “Retrofit Ramble”.

The evening was kicked-off by Kevin Davis at DJD Architects, who explained the works that had been undertaken at the St John’s Towers for “Fortis Living”. It was interesting to hear how the structural render system had to be tied back to the concrete frame of the buildings due to the condition of the existing brickwork cladding the towers, and how the Planners had originally wanted the towers to be finished in a brown render! Kevin told us how all the works were undertaken whilst the building was fully occupied, and it was a great treat to be able to visit the “Sky Lounge” and take in the fantastic views across Worcestershire.

The group were then shuttled down the 14 storeys in the lift, and set out to ramble to “Riverside”, where the University of Worcester had offered the use of the lecture theatre for the group to congregate. Phil Kavanagh, from KKE Architects, gave a short presentation to explain the retrofit works that had been undertaken at Riverside in converting it from a car show room and servicing facility, to the specialist arts and sports facility that it is now. It was interesting to see how well aligned the two uses actually were, as few changes to the planning of the building were required, and works were predominantly related to cladding, insulating and interiors.

Phil also showed slides to explain the refurbishment works that had been undertaken at St Dunstan’s, to give some background for the final visit of the Ramble. There was an interesting discussion regarding the decision to over clad the signature original brickwork, justified on several levels. The building needed additional insulation and, whilst it would have been possible to insulate internally this would have eaten into the precious floor area. As the condition of the brickwork was not in good condition and the college were interested in giving the building a new identity, the decision was made to apply insulation and render to the outside. Phil also explained how the engineers had undertaken thermal modelling to predict solar shading requirements.

The group had a look around “Riverside”, visiting the café area and sports observation room that overlooks the sports hall, before rambling over Sabrina Bridge to the college. The Head of Estates kindly showed the group around the various learning spaces, including the Hair and Beauty areas that are all open to the public on a day-to-day basis. The Art and Design Studios on the top floor were of particular interest to the group, where the original steel roof trusses and north lights were retained and have been exposed, along with the building services. To conclude the ramble the group were invited to visit the roof, before retiring to the café area where the college had kindly provided tea and coffee refreshments.

Many thanks to the Worcestershire Society of Chartered Architects for organising the evening, along with DJD Architects, Fortis Living, KKE Architects, the University of Worcester, and HOW College, for making it possible.

Restoration of the Ledbury Master’s House commenced in 2012 and is due for completion this summer. Painstaking work to repair the beautiful structural timbers, some of which are over 400 years old, is almost complete. Works have been taking place inside a huge scaffold tent erected over the entire building, though this veil is due to be removed soon. More information, including a project blog with some very interesting photos of the process, can be found at:

http://ledburymastershouse.blogspot.co.uk

The Worcestershire Society of Chartered Architects arranged an exclusive visit, guided by the Architect from Butler Hegarty and Site Manager from Speller Metcalfe, the Contractor who has been responsible for the delivery of the project. This was a fantastic opportunity to find out about the restoration process that has been taking place, and explore this gem of a project!

Speller Metcalfe kindly sponsored the visit, so there was no charge.

On Friday 12th September WSCA visited St Catz, Oxford for a tour with Barrie Juniper.

This was followed with a visit and look around Niall McLaughlin’s Bishop Edward King Chapel.

Wednesday 26th June 2013, 7.00pm

A joint event by RIBA Worcestershire & Worcester Civic Society for visit and talk by John Christophers of Associated Architects on the new Michael Baker Boathouse, King’s School, Worcester.  This was a RIBA Regional Award Winner.