Addressing issues faced by first time buyers, Kube² is a playfully inspired scheme of stylish and affordable apartments, priced at under £70,000.
To tackle the constraints of limited space on the site, a 2 storey strip of jauntily arranged, colourful square-shaped pods have been positioned above a row of lower integrated garages, making full use of the land available. The quirky designs include 22 one bedroom apartments and a further 10 studio apartments incorporating space saving design devices and clever interior planning, ensuring the spatial capacity of each unit is utilized to a maximum.
The eye-catching proposals have been designed by DKS Architects on behalf of property development company Kube² and will be built on the former site of SD Print and Design based on Martinet Road.
'Out of the box' was the design brief for a contemporary dwelling located on a narrow end of terrace plot on the High Street in Boosbeck.
DKS's design for the 2-storey dwelling is reminiscent of the De Stijl movement (early Dutch modernism) based on the Schroder House in Utrecht, Holland (1924), using basic geometry with bold statements of colour.
The design of the 2 bedroomed house is an inspired interpretation of Modernist design principles. The living accommodation is 'upside down' (i.e. living up/beds down) to maximize views via an 'invisible' glazed corner while living, dining/kitchen areas are accessed via a feature glazed entrance complete with glazed walkway and a roof garden.
The current property is a large brick built period farm house set within a large exposed plot at the corner of a farmed field. Attached to the farmhouse are a variety of underused adjoining out-buildings arranged around an east facing courtyard.
DKS Architects brief was to extend the current farmhouse and utilise the out buildings but also attempt to provide an open plan contemporary family space that would lead out onto a large secluded courtyard with an aspect that benefits from uninterrupted views across farmland towards the Yorkshire Moors.
Following a thorough analysis of the existing buildings DKS identified that the best design solution would be to retain both the farmhouse and the two storey barn to the north of the plot and demolish the remaining single storey outbuildings. Having opened up the space around the house the opportunity was then taken to link the two existing buildings together with a fully glazed, dual aspect open plan entertaining space offering a contemporary style to contrast with the existing buildings.
DKS Architects has been chosen to design a state-of-the-art business park in Stokesley.
The scheme is intended to encourage more companies to operate from the North Yorkshire town with each building designed to the individual needs of the client.
Office space is commonly designed speculatively, with most clients having to make do with what’s available. All companies operate differently, so when it comes to finding the right building, one size does not fit all.
This new expansion of the Stokesley Business Park gives companies the opportunity to be involved in the design and layout of their own buildings, making sure they get more efficient office space specific to the way they work.
Earlier this year, DKS Architects won the prestigious Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) award in the commercial category for the design of Armstrong Richardson’s innovative offices in Stokesley Business Park.
Due to the success of their own building, Armstrong Richardson the land owner has employed DKS to master-plan a further development by designing over 8,000sqm of commercial and industrial buildings on an adjacent site.
The buildings will be built using a consistent palette of materials and will be designed with a boulevard layout of landscaping running through the centre. Early indicative designs show a variety of contemporary style office buildings plus an area of separate combined office and warehousing.
Construction is anticipated for February 2009 with the first units expected to be up and running by Autumn/Winter 2009.
Centrally located within the picturesque village, this existing ½ acre site currently consists of rundown farm buildings and grazing land and already has planning permission for conversion and new build housing.
DKS Architects were commissioned to look again at the approved scheme to see if a better, more contemporary approach might be adopted. The plans show innovative designs to renovate the existing farmhouse, convert two derelict barns and build three striking contemporary properties to the rear of the site.
DKS worked with neighbours and the Parish Council to replace the original, unpopular scheme with one that responds to the very steeply sloping nature of part of the site.
At the front of the site the traditional architecture reflects the appearance of the Conservation Area. To the rear, the modern design rivals anything you might find on Grand Designs, while vastly reducing the impact on neighbours.
As well as incorporating many environmentally friendly building materials, the new build properties are built into the sloping land with a fully glazed south facing wall enabling each building to reduce heating costs through passive solar gain.
The large flat roof of each contemporary house will be planted with a sedum green roof to reduce the rate of water run-off and include new technologies for harvesting and recycling rain water.
Trade-mark DKS design philosophy and styling has informed the plans of a new student accommodation building, standing up to 6 storeys high and incorporating up to 200 student pods and a bar/café, replacing the existing derelict student bar and nightclub, The Rocket.
Addressing issues of sustainability, the position of the building is key to the design allowing easy access to both the railway network and the university.
DKS's role was to undertake both feasibility and the complete planning design combined with project managing other consultants including archaeology, transportation and ecology. As the proposed development is located within a Conservation Area, the Practice's planning consultancy work included an assessment of both the market conditions for a new hotel and a design appraisal of the existing and proposed buildings.
The final scheme proposal is for the demolition of the original building site to make way for a distinctive contemporary scheme divided into two facilities – a replacement 25 bed boutique hotel and thirty eight luxury apartments.
The endeavour is for a strong, modern, mixed-use development in a prominent location to enhance tourism/visitor accommodation in Seaton Carew while providing high quality apartments with open views across the seafront.
The proposed 50no. en-suite bed nursing home has been designed to be sympathetic to its rural surroundings incorporating traditional materials such as timber and stone.
It has been positioned to retain as much of the existing buildings as possible for the easy decanting of residents.
The new home provides south facing bedrooms overlooking the surrounding countryside, in-house training rooms for staff, an enclosed courtyard garden and improved access.
In response to the brief issued in June 2008, we proposed a set of integrated ideas to re-connect the shore road, the beach and the town centre, all aimed at effecting a dramatic change in the perception and reality of a day at Redcar Beach.
A key part of our proposal was the ‘spine’, extending from the eastern end of the central activity area to a new square at the west end of the esplanade. It was designed to create a new signature structure on the esplanade and accommodate several key functions including lighting, seating and shelter along the esplanade walk, toilets and rentable beach-huts in the summer months.
Another central part of our proposal was a new multi-function enterprise building to act as a focal point along the esplanade. Easily accessible from town, esplanade and beach it would be the point of arrival and orientation for visitors as well as a place to have a coffee and go to the loo!
The building was to be a flexible exhibition and performance space and our drawings showed it set up with a temporary tent structure over the new square to form a summer auditorium.
By means of a short length of road closure we suggested creation of some new, traffic-free public realm around the enterprise building to extend the flexibility of the building itself and to host an outdoor performance and events space, seating and soft landscaping.
We suggested sculptures out into the sea at measured distances so you could stand on the new esplanade and measure visibility in the fog!
Our scheme also included new physical and visual connections from the High Street to the esplanade, new traffic controls to allow better and safer pedestrian use of the esplanade and a new ‘park-and-ride’ facility on the esplanade.
Our entry was one of three shortlisted finalists.
The competition brief called for a highly adaptable, demountable, contemporary building to host Renaissance Towns and Cities Events.
Our pavilion was designed to stand alone, be connected to support modules (kitchens, toilets etc) or become a temporary extension to an existing building.
It could present itself in its own enigmatic livery or adopt the graphics of its host event.
It could be a roofed outdoor space with no walls, a bright indoor gallery or a sober debating chamber.
It could advertise itself with an engaging lack of modesty or become a ‘black box’ backdrop.
In short, it could host the main event or be the main event itself.
Within the £650k budget set by the competition and using a combination of modern, lightweight materials (aluminium & PVC Coated Textiles) and more traditional elements (timber & plywood) we produced a set of transportable, re-cycleable components, capable of arriving and leaving within a week without leaving a mark.
Our pavilion was designed to pack neatly into two standard shipping containers to be able to reach all parts of the country with a minimum of fuss and expense. The two containers themselves would become key parts of the structure, creating a rigid ‘portal frame’ in two directions at both ends of the building so core structural stability wouldn’t be an issue. It also meant that we wouldn’t need bracing cables or guy ropes, useful when you can’t put spikes into concrete car-parks or the lawns of listed buildings.
The “Home Zone” forms one part of the master plan for a major mixed-use redevelopment of the north bank of the river at Stockton-on-Tees which runs between the Princess Diana Bridge and David Lloyd Leisure Centre. It is envisaged that around 200-250 “family” homes will be provided on this 3.4hectare part of the overall 23 hectare site.
The intention is to extend / connect Stockton Town Centre into this overall area and reconnect this development land with the river frontage.
The competition challenged us to reshape the future of family housing by asking us to take a fresh look at the family home and produce innovative ideas for flexible / adaptable housing types to accommodate the “family unit” in all it’s various forms ie newly-weds, small / med / large families, single parent families, grandparents and so on. Think 1,2, 3 and 4 storey max
The “Home Zone” aims to assemble these newly-designed units into a community with a strong architectural identity, create a desirable place to live, connect to all of the criteria stated in the Brief and essentially, maximise it’s relationship with the River.
A mix and variety of spaces for living, playing, meeting and gazing. We are creating town centre density with a sense of place, maintaining a clear hierarchy of public communal and private spaces. Our high quality flexible and sustainable house designs respond to the unique opportunities presented by the riverside setting.
DKS are working with a number of stakeholders to design an entirely new concept in extra care where a wide range of care levels and dependancy can be provided in one facility to foster a longe standing sense of community.
DKS are currently exploring the development potential of a number of potential devlopment sites across Scunthorpe.
DKS provided lead masterplanning and architectural design services on threee sites over a 2 year competitive dialogue process to renowned developers ‘First Base’ on the UK’s largest residential regeneration programme outside of London, set up to deliver 2,400 new homes over 19 sites.
Freight depot - A former railway site on the fringe of Gateshead town centre the DKS led design solution centred around the creation of a pedestrian boulevard linking the quayside to the Metro station within a self sufficient CSH Level 5 site with on site anaerobic digestion heat & electricity production.
Bensham - Brownfield housing sites within a network of existing terrace housing. DKS designed new terrace housing with a landscaped pedestrian frontage and secure car parking to the rear.
Birtley - A lower density rural site designed to make use of extensive SUDS and landscaping to create a genuinely ‘green’ alternative to standard spec housing. A masterplan was produced that enabled home zones to provide vehicular access but still identified opportunities for play spaces and permeable pedestrian routes.
DKS assisted GSK in their bid to design a highly sustainable new office HQ and Biopharm facility
DKS are working with Montpelier Estates to progress a mixed use development located in Park Royal, a business estate that covers over 260 hectares, considered as the ‘economic heart’ of London. the scheme currently consists of a mixture of healthcare, retail, offices and housing.
DKS were appointed to undertake a masterplan of the existing school site to identify opportunities for reducing surplus space and identifying opportunities for remodelling following the demise of BSF.
DKS undertook a strategic review of the existing school sites facilities and within 2 weeks presented the SLT and governors with a phased masterplan which would address various issues:
1. Aesthetic enhancement – address dated appearance
2. Safeguarding issues – address extensive circulation
3. Surplus space – Using BB98 produce schedules of area and usage.
4. Circulation / DDA – address lack of circulation
5. Extended schools - Improve access out of hours
DKS produced a feasibility study and identified 4 potential phases of development including relocation of the entrance, creation of a new visitor car park, a new secure boundary, removal of surplus buildings, optimum location of new lift and ramps to offer maximum benefit.
Working in a design team led by a national contractor, DKS produced outline feasibility proposals for a £5m secondary school rationalisation and a £2m new build enterprsie centre for the Stockton On Tees Borough Council’s Academies bid.
Thornaby Academy refurbishment & Post 16 business Hub
DKS undertook an analysis of the existing school’s constraints and opportunities and proposed to locate the new Post 16 Business Enterprise and ICT hub at the most exposed part of the school and form a new entrance plaza to also serve the existing academy.
Working with the academies vision and brief to create a dynamic welcoming building, DKS produced a building concept that took inspiration from their ‘flight’ logo and expressed it in the proposed roof form.
Post 16 enterprise Centre, Freebrough academy.
Linked to the existing academy building by a pedestrian boulevard, DKS produced a simple cost effective yet proposal to house all of the proposed enterprise activities. With workshops to the rear and shop units to the front the building was designed to connect the academy to the community and encourage entrepeneurship.
DKS produced a fesability design for a new replacement 2FE Primary School in the City of York.
Our design needed to resolve several key development constraints including a flood plain site, existing school remaining operational during construction, incorporating a retained part of the existing school and vehicle / pedestrian circulation issues.
We developed a part single/part two storey solution with a compact and efficient floor plan, zoned to enable convenient management of out-of-hours extended use of the school’s facilities by the community.
A double-height atrium was located at the heart of the school which provided a centrally located resource area with direct access from all classrooms and an important area for informal social interaction across all age groups.
The school was designed with both flexible and adaptable capabilities and the design was reinforced with a strategy for sustainability and energy efficiency which included using the school building as an educational tool for the children to learn from
DKS are currently undertaking a Concept Study for a leading biopharmaceutical group to develop a new manufacturing facility on an existing site in China.
The facility is required to meet the regulatory requirements in USA, EU and China and will comprise the manufacture of a range of dosage forms.
The Concept Design study will encapsulate the essential requirements of the facility and the information produced, in terms of outline design, site feasibility study and initial cost estimate will enable the Executive Board to make an informed decision on the capital investment and how to proceed with the future direction of the Project
We anticipate working closely with a local Chinese design institute on completion of the concept design phase who will be responsible for ensuring that the design development is verified and chopped in compliance with PRC regulations.
As part of the client team, DKS provided design and management input to the development stages of a first class business park at the heart of “New Dubai”. The role involved advising the client on all architectural related design issues and working closely with the lead design consultants.
The DMCC (Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre) Business Park is designed as a mixed use commercial, retail and hotel development located just off the main Sheikh Zayed Road and close to the impressive Dubai Marina.
The Project was one of the first in the UAE to utilise the PPC International Project Partnering Contract for design and construction and has been designed to incorporate green building principles to meet the new UAE standards using the LEED system.
The 13.8 hectare site will create a total built-up area of over 550,000sqm, including the landmark 37 storey DMCC office tower, a 34 storey hotel, and eight medium-rise office buildings arranged around a large central landscaped park. Unusually, the Hotel tower will be split horizontally to create a “dual” hotel with a 5 star 150 bed executive hotel complete with rooftop pool constructed over a 4 star 300 bed hotel, with both hotels sharing certain facilities.
Parking for the scheme is contained within the basement and podium levels, providing space for over 6,000 cars underneath the central landscaped area.
‘Complete Football’s aim is to be the UK leader in providing Training and Development Centres for Football for all, regardless of age, gender, ethnic group, social background or ability level.’
DKS have obtained planning approval for a new football Training & Development Centre for Complete Football to promote grass roots football in the city of Liverpool. The site is located within Walton Hall Park close to the Liverpool and Everton Premier League football grounds and adjacent to the County and Schools FA facilities which already exist within the park. The facilities will include a new clubhouse providing changing and administration facilities, bar / cafe overlooking the main pitch, meeting rooms and floodlit outdoor artificial football pitches which are designed to the latest FA size requirements for children’s football development.
The site would be available for the use by both the general public and local teams without the need for membership. In addition to football development the centre aims to support community sports provision, establish recreational facilities for disabled athletes and to work with the local police to encourage community development through sport.
A 70 bed mixed Low and Medium Secure residential development.
DKS are working closely with Montpelier Estates, to provide a full service delivering detailed co-ordinated working drawings and site liaison to deliver this complex project.
The project comprises two accommodation blocks together with an amenity and recreation building. All have been arranged to form a fully enclosed secure landscaped courtyard.
The project is being delivered using a partnering contract.
St Edward's is an old brick-built school located on a tight urban site with limited external play space.
Over the last 40 years, the school has been expanded with a number of flat roof extensions which has resulted in classrooms accessed from dark enclosed corridors. Additionally there are three classrooms located within an ageing stand alone prefabricated building.
DKS were asked to look at replacing the pre-fabricated classrooms and to provide a new 4-classroom block. A scheme was developed to build these new classrooms over a number of the flat roof extensions and in doing so, increase the external play space available to the school for the creation of a new landscaped garden area.
Building over the existing extensions gave the opportunity of punching through the roof into the enclosed corridors to create a double height internal glazed atrium which would be used for circulation and small group teaching areas.
This approach has re-vitalised the existing accommodation and ties both the old and new classrooms together to form an exciting, bright, open teaching environment.
With a tainted reputation for anti social behaviour problems and poor quality housing the decision was taken to demolish the existing housing as it was not of a sustainable design that could be refurbished.
DKS analysed the existing urban grain and identified a number of key routes through the estate which needed to be enhanced, strengthened and connected to ensure the existing neighbourhood are well served by the new estate design. The decision to run a boulevard through the centre will benefit the whole neighbourhood and with the help of hard and soft landscaping and some selective artwork from the local school be instantly transformed from the original identity.
DKS were invited to join a multi disciplinary team led by FHM (Frank Haslem Milan) to produce a masterplan to accompany their bid to secure the construction of 200 new homes and a womens refuge.
The successful scheme consisted of a traditional style arrangement of houses across the estate with proven ‘front to front’ and ‘back to back’ outlooks to ensure security by forcing everyone to use public footpaths running alongside new roads or on a shared surface in the case of the home zone area.
To strengthen the integration of the estate with the surroundings, a significant boulevard of hard and soft landscaping was created through the middle of the estate to improved the amenity and encourage its use as a safe more sustainable option than making car journeys to the local shops.
Following a design competition DKS were selected to develop a Centre of Excellence at an existing hospital site in Middlesbrough. DKS prdouced a comprehensive masterplan which identified a series of new build, refurbishment & remodelling phases.
The masterplan also identified the optimum locations for a new arrangement of buildings which linked together a new 12-bed Low Secure residential facility, 14-bed Eating Disorder’s Unit and a 12-bed Assessment & Treatment Unit.
When complete, the development will provide new and improved facilities to enable the three in-patient wards to offer more appropriate modern facilities for children with mental health problems in a less institutional environment.
DKS were initially consulted to provide design guidance on a self build plot which was being sold with planning permission. It was clear that the clients brief did not match the speculative house design on offer and DKS suggested time be taken to review the clients actual wishes.
The client explained that they were ideally looking for a barn to convert but had compromised on a cleared brownfield site with planning permission as they couldnt find a barn to convert!
DKS approached the LPA with a proposal to construct a 'new' dwelling but in the style of an old barn that had been converted thus giving the client exactly what they desired aesthetically but with the environmental benefits of a new dweliing designed to be as sustainable as possible giving the best possible outcome.
The scheme is now going through the detailed design process and it is hoped that it will be constructed by the end of 2013.
A contemporary infill development of 17 2bed and 5 3bed homes on a brownfield cleared site in Hartlepool.
DKS won a design competition for the redevelopment of a former care home site in the centre of an existing housing estate. DKS maximised density whilst still ensuring the scheme integrated with the existing housing estate by orientating as many houses as possible ‘outwards’ to face the existing amenity areas.
Whilst the budget was constrained, DKS identified a number of affordable aesthetic enhancements to create a contemporary identity but not at the expense of future maintenance obligations. All houses are designed to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and will be marked for market rent, shared ownership and affordable rent.
Appointed under the national 'Scape' framework DKS reviewed and masterplanned the redevelopment of an existing special school following the demise of the BSF programme. With staff and pupils keen to stay on the existing secluded site DKS identified 5 affordable phases of redevelopment to update and improve the existing facilities whilst addressing safeguarding concerns.
Phase 1 consiste of a proposed new two story contemporary sixth form building, remote from the main school to give it its own identity and encourage pupil aspiration to progress to sixth form whilst also encouraging further interaction with the community. The proposed naturally lit and ventilated two story building will provide a community cafe within a double height atrium with classrooms above, plus various sensory, lifeskills and hygiene rooms and covered external terraces including a glass floor to provide a very unique sensory experience.
Improvements to the school also include a new drop off area, a revamped and relocated reception, a larger hall, first aid, medical facilities, PMLD, Sound & Light plus a variety of offices and community spaces located next to the entrance for easy access by external partners.
A contemporary brownfield infill development of 10 2bed and 2 4bed homes on a brownfield cleared site in Darlington town Centre.
DKS became aware of a vacant plot of LA owned land and produced a speculative feasibility scheme for 12 bespoke split level units. Working with their EA, Vela expressed an interest in developing the site for affordable housing and an application was made to DBC for the land purchase.
DKS overcame various site constraints including neighbour opposition, significant changes in level and overlooking but designing a bespoke split level scheme with raised gardens to the 3bed units and gardens over garages to the two three storey end units.
Despite extensive site constraints the scheme was designed to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and secured by Design accreditation using a fabric first approach based around a timber frame MMC solution.
DKS undertook a spatial review of the existing college before identifying a significant remodelling strategy to provide a combined adult learning / college entrance with refurbished facilities.
DKS were initially appointed to undertake a window replacement but questioned the current safeguarding arrangements of the school and suggested ways in which they could be addressed as part of the project. Interest quickly grew in the proposals and soon the college were joined by the Adult Education team to create a unique extended school facility for use by the whole community.
DKS located the new entrance adjacent an existing stairwell and thus created a new double height atrium to welcome students.
DKS then extended the rationalisation to the externals and created a new pedestrian boulevard and a dedicated visitor car park with a separate and secure staff car park leading to the existing staff entrance.
Working in close partnership with the M&E engineers the design team were able to ‘model’ the existing building and ‘test’ environmental enhancements to the fabric to identify ways of reducing energy / carbon use whilst also addressing problems with overheating. http://www.redcaracademy.com/
DKS have undertaken a series of projects for GSK including
O Block
Refurbishment and extension of a disused warehouse to form a temperature controlled storage facility for combustible materials. This project included the provision of insulated overcladding to achieve the best possible U values within the constraints of the existing structure. Extensive Mechanical and Electrical plant was installed to provide a temperature controlled environment. A covered loading dock extension with ramped docking platform was constructed to allow deliveries to be made under cover, and offloaded by forklift into the warehouse. Within the warehouse, a narrow aisle racking system was provided, utilising wire guided trucks, to maximise the storage potential of the building. Office and welfare facilities were also incorporated into the building.
Client – Glaxo Smith Kline, Contractor – Interserve Construction Ltd, Project value - £1m, Contract Period 17 weeks.
Approached by a self build client, DKS Architects were appointed to design two highly contemporary dwellings Working with the steep contours of the site overlooking the river Tees, DKS created a five storey dwelling built into the site with extensive glazing to the south to maximise the view. To the North DKS designed a more constrained yet still contemporary front elevation to respect the character, height and scale of existing properties along Blackwell. Based on a simple re-interpretation of traditional forms, the exterior design of the houses reflects the combined influence of the internal plan arrangement and the sectional response to the topography creating a bright, open, modern home allowing maximum natural light penetration.
Materials proposed included natural stone, through-coloured render to walls and natural slate and zinc to roofs. Large areas of glazing where combined by the considered use of cedar boarding to maintain the thoroughly modern style the client demanded.
As part of the client team, DKS provided design and management input to the development stages of a first class business park at the heart of “New Dubai”. The role involved advising the client on all architectural related design issues and working closely with the lead design consultants.
The DMCC (Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre) Business Park is designed as a mixed use commercial, retail and hotel development located just off the main Sheikh Zayed Road and close to the impressive Dubai Marina.
The Project was one of the first in the UAE to utilise the PPC International Project Partnering Contract for design and construction and has been designed to incorporate green building principles to meet the new UAE standards using the LEED system.
The 13.8 hectare site will create a total built-up area of over 550,000sqm, including the landmark 37 storey DMCC office tower, a 34 storey hotel, and eight medium-rise office buildings arranged around a large central landscaped park. Unusually, the Hotel tower will be split horizontally to create a “dual” hotel with a 5 star 150 bed executive hotel complete with rooftop pool constructed over a 4 star 300 bed hotel, with both hotels sharing certain facilities.
Parking for the scheme is contained within the basement and podium levels, providing space for over 6,000 cars underneath the central landscaped area.
DKS were appointed by the diocess of Middlesbrough to design a bespoke church which has received award winning recognition in the 2010 RCBC Design Awards.
The new church building for the RC DOM is located right next to the existing ps, helping to maximise links with the school and providing a central focal point for the wider community of Guisborough.
Seating approximately 260 people the church incorporates a meeting room and a multi-purpose social area to promote extended use by both school, church and community and provide additional seating area for the larger church services.
The Church has been located on the site to utilise the existing vehicle access, maximises separation distances from neighbouring residential properties and preserve the existing mature tree planting which creates an attractive setting for the new building.
The unusual radial “fan” shape helps achieve maximum interaction with the congregation during services and dictates the physical shape and form of the building, similar to another of DKS’ landmark ecclesiastical buildings, The RC Cathedral at Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough.
High quality materials include slate, buff coloured brickwork, art stone window and door details, dark grey aluminium double glazed windows, stained glass features and a glazed roof and canopy to the main entrance.
A striking feature of the interior layout is the day chapel and baptistery located on the central “processional route” to the altar and enclosed by a curved glass screen wall which can be opened and closed electronically to suit either use as a small day chapel or part of the main church are. The chapel receives natural daylight from the domed roof light feature above and its location represents the ‘journey of faith’ from the entrance into the main body of the church.
DKS Architects were appointed as lead consultants to design and develop the project alongside JH Partners as Mechanical & Electrical Engineers, Glyn Robinson & Associates as Civil & Structural Engineers and Readman Associates as Quantity Surveyors. The building contract was awarded to Clugston Construction following competitive tenders and delivered to a value of £1.5m in 10 months on time and on budget.
The client entered into direct contracts for specialist items of work which included the stained glass windows, stonework, sanctuary furniture and tabernacle, audio visual installations, loose furniture, acoustic panelling and the powered glazed folding screen wall.
The Church has been designed with integrated audio visual and lighting systems which include scene setting controls, an integrated music and speech system and electrically operated recessed overhead projectors and screens.
The project has been designed to achieve optimum energy efficiency using both practical design measures and the use of renewable technologies. The building features under floor heating which is entirely serviced by a ground source heat pump consisting of plastic coils buried in the adjacent school playing fields. Energy efficient and water saving fittings have been specified which, together with the use of natural daylight and ventilation will help minimise the daily running costs for the Parish.
A residential development of 25 no. 3 bedroom houses for rent and shared ownership.
The development is located in a quiet cul-de-sac location in the historic market town of Guisborough. The homes are conveniently located close to local shops and leisure facilities whilst being only a short walk from Guisborough's town centre.
The new 3 bed homes feature a fitted kitchen, double glazing and gas central heating.
Each dwelling benefits from in-curtilage parking and front and rear garden areas.
Future adaptation options - by the incorporation of 'lifetime homes' features and possible loft conversion due to attic type trusses.
Port of Tyne has just received some exciting options for a revamp of their reception area within their existing HQ.
DKS were given the brief to initiate some innovative concepts to redevelop the reception area of the existing HQ reception, coinciding with the rebranding of their existing image.
The three schemes presented all reflect the client brief of: a visible reception desk and combined office, flat screen tv on the wall, visibility from the office into the reception, seating for around 6 people, concealed lift and wc doors from the reception area; all creating a new aesthetically pleasing environment.
Each option varys in shape and form, although the colour scheme has been kept to a minimum making it easily adaptable at any stage if required by the client.
By introducing new materials to the zone such as floor tiles, solid surfaces on the reception desks and contemporary signage and graphics, the area has taken a dramatic facelift.
A major transformation of the existing Acklam Park Club including demolition of the existing single storey clubhouse building, alterations and refurbishment of existing changing block building, including a shower block extension.
A new clubhouse extension will provide a link corridor between the refurbished changing rooms and clubhouse rooms. DKS Interior Designers have designed a fully refurbished and updated clubhouse incorporating a bar, lounges, toilets, new fitness room and new function room facility.
A new tensile fabric feature structure, external alterations, car park extension and new outdoor social areas adjacent to the cricket pitch will complete the transformation.
A 127 bed mixed LSU/MSU secure residential development.
Located on a reclaimed site in central Birmingham of a former flood plain, the project involved extensive reclamation and re-leveling works.
Working closely with Montpelier Estates, DKS providing all detailed drawings to deliver this complex project.
Comprising four accommodation buildings arranged to form a fully enclosed secure landscaped courtyard, and a stand-alone admin and recreation building providing a pre-release environment with semi-direct access from the adjacent public areas.
Springfield House, Stokesley, has been saved from dereliction and lavishly transformed into elite homes as one of the biggest luxury developments the market town has seen.
DKS Architects was thrilled to be appointed to carry out the ambitious £4m renovation, a sympathetic refurbishment of the huge Grade II Victorian building and lodge - and a return to the days of the grandeur of the splendid house and its surroundings.
DKS' vision was to create a high specification, attractive and sustainable retirement community for buyers over the age of 55 – a fast growing market. The refurbishment transformed Springfield House, Springfield Lodge and their outbuildings into 28 luxury apartments and homes. There are one and two bedroom flats and two fantastic penthouse apartments with a private lift!
The DKS designs stayed true to the architectural heritage of the historic building, with restored original features including exposed structural roof beams and sash windows while incorporating all the must-haves of contemporary living, with spacious open plan living spaces, top quality kitchens and en-suite bathrooms.
A 74 bed mixed medium and low secure residential development.
Working closely with Montpelier Estates, DKS provided a full service delivering detailed co-ordinated working drawings and site liaison to deliver this complex project.
The project comprises four accommodation blocks together with an amenity and recreation building. All have been arranged to form a fully enclosed secure landscaped courtyard.
As orthodontic treatment is at the forefront of dental technology, DKS designed a contemporary and vibrant scheme for the interior of the practice to reflect this.
With the needs and comfort of the patients in mind, DKS designed a state-of-the-art treatment suite which incorporates a stylish and comfortable waiting room, air conditioning, private interview rooms for first visits and a hygienist surgery.
DKS Architects were appointed by R&CBC to remodel the existing school to intergrate a new Childrens Centre for extended services whilst also seizing the opportunity to give the whole school a ‘face lift’ and create a more distinctive and contemporary approach.
The new childrens centre was positioned at the front of the school but adjacent to shared facilities within the existing school. The opportunity was taken to orientate the multi purpose space to the south and form a secluded external teaching/play space remote from the entrance.
Within the school the exsiting teaching spaces were analyised and the opportunity was taken through a combination of remodelling and extension to remodel and refurbish almost the entire school making considered use of the very tight budget constraints.
Working in a partnership with Coast & Country and Frank Haslem Milan, DKS undertook a feasibility study to design a bespoke sheltered refuge for women and locate it within a new housing estate as part of a wider regeneration inniative.
To ensure the building remained as discreet as possible the horseshoe shaped building was designed to resemble the end of two street terraces whilst still provding a very secure internal courtyard for children to play whilst being overlooked by the large open plan residents kitchen/lounge.
With the majority of the 12 apartments looking into the central courtyard the facility is consciously designed to give the maximum level of protection and seclusion whilst ensuring that all resdients must pass through the communal lounge and play area.
To encourage community cohesion related stakeholders and partners are invited to use the community facilities such as the large meeting room located just off the main entrance which removes the perception that women maybe vulnerable when 'seen' entering the facility.
In addition to providing a full bespoke architectural service DKS also produced a full interior design service for all spaces including the community areas, communal kitchen and lounge, childrens play area, plus an individual design theme to each flat to create a sense of personalisation.
Through extensive consultation and consideration to colour pyschology a feminine pallette of greens, neutrals and pinks was agreed to create a calming yet warm interior that conveys a welcoming but safe environment.
sfvsrvs\rcvserv
Working in partnership with HBC Building Consultancy DKS undertook a feasibility study to reprovide an existing community facility within the grounds of Redcar fire Station.
DKS identified an option to intergrate the facility with the operational fire station to enable increased community / fire brigade interaction and identify operational savings.
DKS proposed a dramatic refurbishment which split the building in two to maintain security to emergency service operations but create a shared reception and first floor mess / community room overlooking the trunk road.
To ensure all rooms benefitted from natural light and ventilation a new top lit atrium was inserted into the centre of the building to create a two storey atrium within the community area. To also ensure the various meeting rooms and offices which extended to the rear also benefitted from natural light the buildings extension was constructed further back into the site to create a new light well to the centre providing a further break out space.
The project was shortlisted in the 2012 RICS 'Community Benefit' awards in light of the extensive services and benefits it offers to various community groups including YFA, Princes Trust and Duke of Edinburgh.
http://www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/your-area/redcar-and-cleveland/redcar-fire-station/
wevwv
Gento appointed DKS Interior Designers to undertake a full interior design study to enhance the interior of their new build 40 Unit extra care facility in Houghton-le-Spring.
Following extensive stakeholder consultation, schemes were agreed for all communal areas including corridoors, lounges, dining, multipurpose spaces, assisted bathrooms, treatment rooms and a private hair salon.
In addition DKS Architects also produced 4no. themed apartments for the local NHS to use for respite care and short term stay themed around World Cities inc. London, Paris and New York.
DKS worked in conjunction with Curtis Fine Contract Interiors to supply stylish but appropriate furniture to maintain the ‘high end hotel’ style quality look and finish.
DKS responded to both briefs by designing appropriate schemes that took used the psychology of colour and materials to create a contemporary yet memorable interior giving each apartment opportunity to take on its own identity. Each floor was given a specific theme, whilst each apartment entrance door and recess was designed for residents to populate and personalise their space to aid wayfinding for residents suffering from early stage dementia.
Following a design competition, DKS were appointed to design a bespoke, very large and luxurious 'Grand Design' home on a brownfield site in Nunthorpe for a growing family.
In response to the clients brief and lifestyle, DKS designed a house that fit within the limits to development and split into two distinct zones for either family retreat or guest entertaining.
The 'family' zone contains; 3 reception rooms, orangery, 5 bedrooms (each with ensuite), a gym and 10m pool, a double height children's play area, and a 'den' in the roof space overlooking the North York Moors National Park.
In the 'guest' zone, accessed off a full height frameless glass lobby with a spiral staircase, are 2 reception rooms, a bar, games room, office, cinema room and 2 guest bedrooms with ensuites.
Both the layout and the exterior was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic prairie house style of the early 1900s - a long, low building with hovering and cantilvering balconies and roofs which emphasise the horizontal form and provide a modern twist to a traditional house style.
In addition to DKS providing a full architectural service, DKS provided an interior design service designing and specifying bespoke furniture, sanitary fittings, materials, finishes and furniture.
Landscape design of the extensive and complementary gardens was undertaken by Leeming Associates.
Our brief was to create a master plan to satisfy the immediate needs of the two separate on-site Colleges and also plan a strategy for its future development of the whole site with the immediate requirement to design new teaching and social accommodation.
Working closely with representatives of both Colleges, DKS devised a plan to radically rethink the present campus layout and in particular the on-site traffic management issues which were producing daily congestion problems at peak times. By solving this issue we could then create a new centrepiece building and begin to pedestrianise large areas of the campus to significantly improve the safety and amenity of the campus for the students.
The sizing and arrangement of teaching spaces is designed to offer a degree of flexibility to meet future changes to the curriculum and informal social areas were carefully incorporated for the students to meet and relax whilst benefiting from discrete observation from adjacent staff and admin areas.
A Design and Build residential healthcare development consisting of 29 no. en-suite bedrooms on a greenfield site providing privacy and security.
Two connecting two-storey blocks were designed; one providing utility facilities and the other an L-shaped accommodation block.
A feature wall connecting the two blocks created a private courtyard complete with landscaped gardens.
External materials were a subtle blend of facing brickwork complimenting adjacent properties and incorporate feature areas of render and timber boarding.
Winner of the 2008 RICS Renaissance Awards, Commercial Category, the design and layout of the two storey building was informed by feedback from client/designer liaison. Relocation from a tight town centre site to a new industrial estate gave scope to design in response to the specific needs of the organisation, ensuring efficient arrangement of space, from the specifics of product display in the warehouse to the welcoming, contemporary office accommodation for up to 50 employees.
There's a surprisingly playful and dynamic collision of two cube-like structures in the design for Middlehaven's Riverside One Marketing Suite. Challenging the preconceptions of building geometry, the design was the winning entry for a competition initiated by Tees Valley Regeneration and CABE who invited designs from North East based architects under 40 years old.
Immediately suggestive of the larger scale development of linked cube shaped buildings chosen by BioRegional Quintain, the marketing suite is intended to signpost the world class design of the residential properties to be built on the scheme.
As the scheme will be central to the design ethos of Middlehaven, ultimately Britain's largest sustainable carbon neutral community, great care was taken to ensure building methods and materials conformed to the ten principles of The World Wildlife Trust's One Planet Living advocated by BioRegional Quintain. Bespoke, pre-fabricated modules were constructed locally before being erected on site, yhis method of construction allowing for flexibility when the suite has reached the end of its useable life, allowing easy recyclability.
The potential flow of human traffic in public spaces became the inspiration behind the organically designed reception area of the Civic Centre. A naturally interpreted route circumnavigates and creates a central elliptical waiting area, the shape of which is reflected through to the curved perimeter walls. The central area houses both reception counters and private interview rooms which are inward facing to improve visibility and surveillance.
Advocating both openness and informality and moving away from the rigidity and austerity of dated public spaces, the scheme is further impacted by the use of a vibrant palette of colours.
An extension to an existing primary school creating a new Children’s Centre providing wrap-around care for early years children through to Primary school education.
The centre incorporates Sure Start, private nursery and school foundation areas together with offices and parent/community meeting areas and after-school clubs.
The centre is arranged around a landscaped courtyard providing a safe outdoor space for the children and helping to bring natural light into all areas of the building. The children’s rooms spill out to the external areas which provide canopy shading and brightly coloured safety surfaces. A fresh new entrance was created uplifting the arrival in to the school and centre.
Our Interior Designer worked closely with the children and the school project team to design a philosophy for the interiors which would be welcoming and either calming or stimulating as appropriate to the use of the space.
A traditionally styled 68 no. city centre apartment scheme with outline approval to a larger and more contemporary styled 2/3 bedroom apartment block.
DKS worked extensively with Hull City Planners, Urban Design, Conservation and Planning committee members to respect the sensitive conservation area context, whilst still satisfying the clients brief and aspirations for contemporary city centre living accommodation.
To address the scale and appearance of the adjacent (two storey) conservation area, DKS produced a bespoke design which also respected the listed features of the original Fire station building immediately adjacent.
By creating the impression of a number of individual buildings built along the street edge, a gradual transition was created ranging from the two storey existing buildings of the conservation area up to the anticipated six storey contemporary style of the proposed St. Stephens redevelopment.
DKS's brief was to provide new build accommodation for Stratford Primary Care Trust on a confined brownfield site in the centre of Stratford adjacent to the existing hospital. This incorporates administration offices, private practice areas, Dental and Chiropody services together with residential accommodation for 38 EMI beds for elderly people.
A distinctive 'butterfly' dual pitched roof shelters the concrete and Metsec Steel structure which is arranged into two blocks of three and four storeys. Each block, finished in terracotta tiled rain screens and coloured rendered panels, encloses an inner, landscaped courtyard. Both interior and exterior space has been designed to differentiate between both public and private access.
A dedicated dance studio designed within a very tight budget to further strengthen the Nunthorpe Schools growing reputation for dance activities.
The new building is contemporary in style yet sympathetic to the existing school buildings.
DKS identified the most optimum site location for development and designed the dedicated dance studio to comply with national design guidelines including NDTA, CABE, SE and DfES.
The new building uses a combination of natural ventilation and lighting with an additional mechanical ventilation option to maintain suitable environmental conditions as and when required.
DKS were appointed by Northumbria University BIM academy to model all 22 buildings of the city centre campus in 6 weeks.
Once complete the models were inserted into a city wide virtual model and used to produce very accurate schedules and data for the estates department.
In addition to the visualisation opportunities that a virtual model provides the university were able to benchmark the efficiency of the university buildings both in respect of environmental conditions, carbon and spatial efficiency and monitor carbon usage.
DKS were appointed to convert an existing redundant granary barn into a very high specification two bedroom home. Existing features were retained and enhanced to create a very unique interior.
As orthodontic treatment is at the forefront of dental technology, DKS designed a contemporary and vibrant scheme for the interior of the practice to reflect this.
With the needs and comfort of the patients in mind, DKS designed a state-of-the-art treatment suite which incorporates a stylish and comfortable waiting room, air conditioning, private interview rooms for first visits and a hygienist surgery.
With previous experience in both Local Authority and Private practice, Martin formed DKS with fellow partner, Dave Knudsen in 1997. His experience ranges from the individual design of bespoke buildings to the conceptual master planning of large development sites.
With a wealth of experience in all sectors Martin now provides direction on the design of Commercial, Education, Healthcare, Leisure and Ecclesiastical projects, is a member of the Historical Churches Committee and Cathedral Architect for RC Diocese of Middlesbrough.
Dave formed DKS along with fellow partner, Martin Desmond in 1997. He is an experienced designer and team leader, and has responsibilities for the technical output and administration of the practice whilst also being a registered Member of the Association for Project Safety.
Dave has been responsible for the administration of various large Healthcare schemes throughout the UK as well as gathering considerable experience in the Education and Pharmaceutical sectors.
Having worked at various practices throughout the North East, Mark became an associate in 2005 and was invited to become a joint owner / partner in 2007.
Mark undertakes a major role in the design direction of the practice following a concept led design approach in all his work. He also promotes and encourages the practices growing design culture by arranging regular ‘DKS Uncut’ design sessions. Mark specialises in regeneration projects in predominently the residential and education sectors and his experience ranges from from masterplanning of significant housing renewal and regeneration schemes, through to the creation of bespoke contemporary grand designs. In the Education sector Mark's experience includes the design and masterplanning of creative, but affordable early years, SEN, primary and secondary schools, working predominently on refurbishment and refreshing of existing school buildings to address safeguarding and identify opportunities for better teaching
Design competition reconginition includes winning the North-East ‘Architects under 40’ competition initiated by Tees Valley Regeneration and Bio-Regional Quintain for the Marketing Suite at Middlehaven, an RICS award for a new Office HQ / Distribution building plus various local design awards
Regionally Mark also represents fellow professionals as the RIBA Teesside representative.
Andrew has in excess of 25 years experience in the design and construction of both new build and refurbishment projects in various building types across the Housing, Education
With a personal interest in ecology and the mitigation of climate change using sustainable design
As an accredited Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor Andrew is also skilled in ensuring housing projects are delivered to the relevant Code for Sustainable Homes Level. Following a successful bid to the Technology Strategy Board Andrew recently completed an experimental Retrofit project to an existing RSL owned house which set out to reduce the energy consumption of the property by 80% using emerging technologies together with Passivhaus detailing.
DKS Architects has given the AJ a peek at its design for a low-cost, 34-home terrace in Thornaby, near Middlesbrough.
The cheapest studio apartments in the block will go on the market at less than £70,000 and are aimed at helping first-time buyers get on the property ladder.
Backed by developer Kube², the scheme will sit on the site of the former SD Print and Design building in Martinet Road, and will house 12 one-bedroom flats and 22 studio apartments.
Mark Barlow of DKS Architects admitted: 'We know they will not be to everyone's taste, but we believe there will be a number of people in Thornaby who will want to live in something really different compared to a standard flat, and who can see the concept really taking off.'
The proposals are currently out for consultation before plans are submitted to Stockton Council. It is hoped that work could start later this summer.
Described by the Architects Journal as 'Masquerading as a colourful collision between Frank Gehry and Daniel Libeskind', the new marketing suite at the RiversideOne development at Middlehaven has opened.
The 'wacky' competition-winning scheme by local Teesside-based DKS Architects is the first project to be completed within the Will Alsop/Studio Egret West masterplan for the derelict docks site in Middlesbrough.
Inside the £500,000 building, which opened on Friday (4 April), is a large-scale model of FAT's similarly off-the-wall Community in a Cube (CIAC) scheme, as well as a mock apartment.
CIAC will be one of five residential cubes to be built as part of the £200 million regeneration project, which is being backed by developer BioRegional Quintain together with Tees Valley Regeneration.
A LOCAL architects firm is celebrating after winning a prize at the prestigious Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) awards ceremony.
Stokesley-based DKS Architects picked up an honour in the commercial category at the fifth annual North East "property Oscars" event for the design of its client Armstrong Richardsons' offices based in Stokesley.
Delighted Mark Barlow, partner and architect at DKS Architects, said: "To be shortlisted for any RICS award is a wonderful honour, but to win a prize is a truly fantastic achievement.
"The award win reflects the hard work and creativity of everyone at DKS and firmly cements DKS Architects as one the North East's top practices.
"All the partners are extremely proud and hope it gives the whole team a taster for success that will give confidence to go for even more ambitious projects."
As one of the leading practices in the Tees Valley, the firm provides architectural, planning and interior design services across a number of sectors that cover commercial, public sector and residential.
The RICS North East Renaissance Awards are designed to reward the developments that have made the most impact on the region in the past three years and this year's annual gala dinner was held at Newcastle Civic Centre.
A £6million project to merge social and study facilities at two East Cleveland colleges is celebrating a milestone. Askham Bryan and Prior Pursglove colleges in Guisborough last week marked completion of the first stage of the redevelopment of their shared campus at a handing over of the keys ceremony from developers Clugston Construction.
The two colleges took possession of the Priory Centre in Guisborough which will jointly provide classrooms for both colleges, an extended resource centre and a student social area.
This £4m joint phase provides facilities for 16 to 19-year-olds and adult students in the area and is described by Prior Pursglove's principal, Stephen Whitehead, as "imaginative and innovative".
He said: "This marks a new and significant phase in education throughout Redcar and Cleveland.
"I believe that learners across our borough will be far better served by our expanded joint curriculum."
Liz Philip, principal of Askham Bryan College, is also looking forward to completion of the project.
She said: "The building will provide wonderful facilities for everyone in the region and we are pleased that Askham Bryan College will be strengthening its presence in the area.
"Nowhere else in the country have two such successful and different colleges co-operated in this way to create an opportunity to provide such a wide range of courses."
The final stage of the project - the building of an Animal Management Centre - is due for completion in June and the colleges are planning a major open day on June 26 so the local community, prospective students and their parents can view the re-developed campus.
This year's Sandcastle Challenge was held at Sandhaven Beach, South Shields on Friday 4th July 2008. The theme for this year's event was "A Trip to the Seaside" so with that in mind Mary-Jane and Louise of DKS assisted the year 6 children from Southbank Primary School in creating a sunken ship and lighthouse complete with a mermaid and treasure chest. Great fun was had by all and we can't wait for next year!
A historical former workhouse has been reborn as a luxury retirement community thanks to DKS Architects and S4Developments.
Springfield House, Stokesley, has been saved from dereliction and lavishly transformed into elite homes as one of the biggest luxury developments the market town has seen.
DKS Architects, also based in the North Yorkshire town, was thrilled to be appointed to carry out the ambitious £4m renovation right on its doorstep.
And the design team are delighted with the results - a sympathetic refurbishment of the huge Grade II Victorian building and lodge - and a return to the days of the grandeur of the splendid house and its surroundings.
DKS' vision was to create a high specification, attractive and sustainable retirement community for buyers over the age of 55 – a fast growing market.
The refurbishment transformed Springfield House, Springfield Lodge and their outbuildings into 28 luxury apartments and homes. There are one and two bedroom flats and two fantastic penthouse apartments with a private lift!
The DKS designs stayed true to the architectural heritage of the historic building, with restored original features including exposed structural roof beams and sash windows while incorporating all the must-haves of contemporary living, with spacious open plan living spaces, top quality kitchens and en-suite bathrooms.
Jeremy Hutchinson, project architect for Springfield House, said: "This is a significant period building and we were excited and inspired by the challenge of restoring it to its former glory.
"The irony of converting a former workhouse into a luxury development is obvious but only added to the appeal."
"The planning team at DKS had their work cut out convincing some people that the scheme would be a success. However Springfield House will make a great retirement community – it has a central courtyard, a communal building and landscaped gardens that all encourage a more social atmosphere – and is within easy walking distance of the vibrant High Street.
"DKS has been involved in designing developments of this kind all over the UK so it was great to get a chance to do this on home ground."
DKS is an award-winning practice well known for its ability to help gain planning consent for challenging schemes. The company offers expertise in all areas of architectural design, building, planning and interiors.
Senior architect, David Mack, has joined the award winning team at Stokesley based DKS Architects and will be instrumental in progressing the Practice’s ongoing contemporary design-led work.
Previously Design Director at leading Edinburgh Practice JM Architects, David has experience of a range of projects including designing large public and office buildings including Lomond Shores, a striking retail building on the shores of Loch Lomond.
‘David’s appointment as a senior member of the design team expands our in-house knowledge and expertise. David is a skilled architect with a wealth of experience in designing large-scale buildings in areas of heritage and cultural interest,’ said Mark Barlow, partner at DKS.
David lives in Guisborough with his wife and daughter.
AN award winning firm of Tees Valley architects has been chosen to design a state-of-the-art business park in Stokesley.
The scheme is intended to encourage more companies to operate from the North Yorkshire town with each building designed to the individual needs of the client.
‘Office space is commonly designed speculatively, with most clients having to make do with what’s available. All companies operate differently, so when it comes to finding the right building, one size does not fit all, ‘ said Mark Barlow, DKS partner and lead architect for the development.
‘This new expansion of the Stokesley Business Park gives companies the opportunity to be involved in the design and layout of their own buildings, making sure they get more efficient office space specific to the way they work.’
Earlier this year, DKS Architects won the prestigious Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) award in the commercial category for the design of Armstrong Richardson’s innovative offices in Stokesley Business Park.
Due to the success of their own building, Armstrong Richardson the land owner has employed DKS to master-plan a further development by designing over 8,000sqm of commercial and industrial buildings on an adjacent site.
The buildings will be built using a consistent palette of materials and will be designed to a boulevard layout with plenty of landscaped open space. The suggested designs show a variety of contemporary buildings combining office space with warehousing.
Construction is anticipated for February 2009 with the first units expected to be up and running by Autumn/Winter 2009.
A former student union building is set to be replaced with two contemporary apartment blocks
In an ambitious scheme put forward by H&M Properties, the Rocket near Thornaby Railway Station would be pulled down to make way for the eight-storey and six-storey blocks of student flats.
As well as living accommodation, the plans also incorporate communal facilities, including laundry and lounge areas and a bar and bistro area, limited parking and landscaping.
DKS Architects, who designed the buildings, said the existing site could be justifiably described as an ‘eyesore’ with the main view from the station looking on to derelict buildings.
The Rocket, which stands next to Thornaby Town Hall, is disused and boarded up.
‘This project offers and excellent opportunity to provide a high quality design in what could be the most sustainable site within Stockton town centre’ said Mark Barlow of DKS Architects.
‘The site is currently untidy and offers visitors to Stockton a poor impression of the town.
We feel that our design will help to show that Stockton has high quality, modern architecture and is a positive destination for students, business and private investment.
The proposal offers the opportunity to regenerate the site with a high-quality, contemporary development that is well-positioned to serve the adjacent university campus.’
The company said the proposed building closest to the Grade II listed town hall would not exceed the height of the clock tower.
It would ‘neither dominate or interrupt key views of the town hall’ said developers.
DKS ARCHITECTS joined forces with two of the area’s major creative bodies, Teesside University and mima, to celebrate World Architecture Day in Middlesbrough.
On Wednesday 1 October, mima was a hive of activity as first year university students from Interior Architecture and Interior Design degree courses worked with DKS Architects and mima’s education department to create a series of sculptural shelters– without a hammer or nail in sight!
Students had just one morning to design and create urban shelters, using unusual building materials including card, cellophane, aluminium rods and bamboo sticks.
Workshop
On Saturday October 4 at 10.30am, mima will host a family hour led by DKS. Budding designers of all ages and abilities are invited to help with creating a huge snakes and ladders board with a twist. By making models, drawing colourful pictures and sketching some of Middlesbrough's most famous landmarks, the vast board game will be re-created. Which building will be at the top of the ladder?
Lecture
To round up the week’s events, Mark Barlow, architect partner at DKS will deliver a free lecture at mima explaining the design development of his original competition winning idea of unpredictable colliding cubes. The unusual twisted building can be seen from the A66 and is specifically designed to promote what will be the UK’s most sustainable development on Middlesbrough’s prestigious Middlehaven site. The lecture will take place in the event space at mima on Saturday October 4 at 1pm.
DKS ARCHITECTS set the pace for celebrating architecture on Teesside last week. The design-led practice joined forces with Teesside University and mima, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, and initiated several projects to introduce people to architecture and spatial design on the run up to World Architecture Day.
First year university students from Interior Architecture and Interior Design degree courses worked with DKS Architects to create a series of sculptural shelters– without a hammer or nail in sight!
Using unusual building materials including cellophane and aluminium rods, the students had just one morning to design and create urban shelters –a bus stop, a child’s den or a smoking shelter!
On Saturday October 4th mima also hosted a family hour led by DKS where budding designers of all ages and abilities were invited to help create a huge snakes and ladders board with a twist. By making models, drawing colourful pictures and sketching some of Middlesbrough's most famous landmarks, the vast board game was built.
To round up the week’s events, Mark Barlow, partner at DKS delivered a free lecture at mima explaining the practice’s forward-looking work and specifically the design development of his original competition winning idea of unpredictable colliding cubes. The unusual twisted building can be seen from the A66 and is specifically designed to promote what will be the UK’s most sustainable development on Middlesbrough’s prestigious Middlehaven site.
Mark Barlow said: “We are thrilled to be working with two of the major creative bodies in the Tees Valley - mima and the University of Teesside.
“We wanted to create opportunities for people to explore the idea of good spatial and architectural design and to become more aware of the built environment, whatever their age or ability.
“We wanted to shout about good design on Teesside and World Architecture Day seemed to be the perfect time to do so.”
Andrew Mayfield, Senior Architectural Technician / Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor at DKS Architects
How did you get started in the industry?
From school, I went on a fortnight work experience to a local architects practice. Two years later when I left school, I went back and was given a start. I ended up staying there for 20 years!
Your biggest professional achievement:
I've been fortunate over the years to have taken a lead role in some of the major projects in the office, which have delivered a better quality of life for the end users and had a benefit to the wider community. I was also involved in the early evolution of the Lifetime Homes concept, which has now been included in best practice documents such as the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Your biggest mistake:
I once deleted the entire office file system f rom the server. Fortunately, it was on a day when most people were out, and I had done a full backup the evening before. It was a tense few hours while I restored everything from backup tapes.
Best advice you received:
Don't let the 'builders' grind you down!
What do you like most about your job?
Seeing a project through from inception to handing the keys over to the Client at completion. It's satisfying to think that it's your expertise that has resulted in the quality of the finished product. The DKS offices and all of the staff also make a big difference. Having fantastic views of the Cleveland / Hambleton Hills from the office is a huge bonus, and all of the partners and staff really get on well together, both in and out of the office at the regular 'social' events like lunchtime barbecues and karting evenings.
And least?
It's getting increasingly complicated, with more and more regulations and standards to comply with.
What future issues do you see arising in housing?
It's going to be a big challenge to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6 target on a mass 'housebuilder' basis.
Are you making more use of the internet?
Every day. Its revolutionised the speed of researching products and keeping up-to-date with new regulations etc.
Hobbies and interests:
Mountain biking and motorsports.
Favourite holiday destination?
For a long weekend it's got to be the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands. I loved Australia, and the Canadian Rocky Mountain area is fantastic, there's just so much space and so few people.
Coast & Country’s provision of affordable homes to the local community has taken a major step forward with the official opening of a £2.85m development.
Housing Minister Iain Wright opened the show home at Priors Wood in Guisborough, where 25 homes are being built.
Iain Sim, Chief Executive, said: “The opening of Priors Wood is a milestone in Coast & Country’s programme to deliver regeneration and new homes throughout the area.
“This scheme’s importance to the area is demonstrated by the fact it follows a detailed community consultation which confirmed there was an unmet demand for affordable homes in Guisborough.
“We will be providing a range of tenures which will allow a variety of people to fulfil their housing aspirations, whether they prefer to buy or rent, with the homes designed to the highest standard and aimed at the family market.”
Housing Minister Iain Wright said: “Housing is a big issue throughout the whole of Britain and innovative schemes such as Priors Wood are a great example of what is needed to tackle the problems.
“With developments such as Priors Wood, Coast & Country are tackling the problem of supply and demand with high quality, well designed homes which come with the added bonus of affordability.
I am also delighted that the focus has been on high quality and design with the properties build to a excellent specification and I am delighted to have been invited to come along and officially open the show home.”
Construction started in March 2008 and all the houses, which are made up of terraced and semi-detached properties, are expected to be completed by February 2009.
The three bedroomed Ayton show home, which is furnished in a modern contemporary style, has an airy living room leading to a dining area with French doors opening out into the rear garden. The kitchen is fully fitted with a stainless steel oven, hob and hood. There is also a downstairs cloakroom.
Thirteen of the properties will be offered as shared ownership through the company's times4 brand with the rest available for rent.
With shared ownership a householder buys a percentage of the property – which can be anything between 25 and 75 percent - and pays rent on the rest. Further shares can be purchased in stages until the property is owned outright.
Green fields fill the view from the windows of DKS Architects' stylish Teesside office.
The fertile setting seems at odds with the latest government figures that suggest this heavily-industrialised part of Britain has been hit hard by the economic downturn.
Architecture firms are particularly vulnerable to the weakening economy - they suffer from the slump in the property market as well as from the broader credit crunch. In his sunny open-plan office, DKS partner Steve Hesmondhalgh admits the going has been tough - but insists his firm has a strategy to survive. "Lots of our work in the past focused on small scale private developers, but now they aren't receiving as much support and help from the banks and they don't have the confidence to go ahead with developments," he says. "But that's not the case in the public sector. There's plenty of money there and we need to follow it."
So over the past few months, DKS has been concentrating on securing work paid for by public money. It believes that if the government is planning to spend its way out of a recession, then working on schools, hospitals and other public buildings is the way forward.
'Necessary redundancies'
Unemployment in the North East is higher than in any other region in the country, according to figures released on Wednesday by the Office for National Statistics. The outlook for the region looks bleak.
DKS Architects recently had to let go of five staff. The firm, which has been around for 12 years, now employs 27 people. "Things began to change about six months ago - there was a decline in our workload," Steve Hesmondhalgh says. "It got to the point before Christmas where if you didn't make redundancies, people would start questioning your business acumen." He insists however that the outlook is not as bad as many think. "It's all about confidence," he says, firmly. Listening to the radio on the way to work every morning, Mr Hesmondhalgh says he hears "constant depressing news in the financial markets". "You hear the government coming out with new initiatives and criticism from financial commentators on why it won't work," he says.
"Potential clients hear this and it doesn't fill them with confidence." Mr Hesmondhalgh says the media could help ease the crisis by talking up the economy.
'No real recession'
DKS has invested in re-branding and public relations, and claims to have branched out into the more creative side of architecture. According to Mr Hesmondhalgh,companies need to start diversifying if they want to survive. "There's no real recession here, it's a blip, a short-term slowdown which we'll be over by the autumn," he says. "There is a sense of treading water for six months or so but we are looking forward to a bright future."
A DESIGN competition to redevelop Redcar seafront includes a local firm on its five-strong shortlist.
Stokesley architects DKS are the only representatives from our region among the five contenders.
The competition, run by the Royal Institute of British Architects, invited architects and designers around the world to submit proposals to regenerate Redcar seafront, in collaboration with Redcar and Cleveland Council and the Environment Agency.
The brief was for an innovative design to act as a catalyst to develop Redcar as an attractive tourist destination, while helping deliver economic growth and regional identity.
Joining DKS on the list are FL&S landskap/arkitektur of Stockholm, Smeeden Foreman Partnership, Harrogate, Studio 8 Architects, London, and WAP Architects, Sheffield.
Architect David Mack, leading the bid for DKS, said: “The whole aim of this project is to effect dramatic change in the perception and reality of a day at Redcar Beach.
“This is an ambitious piece of work which will deliver real benefits.”
DKS’s proposals cover the shore road, the beach and the town centre. The plans propose new structures, lighting, public facilities, surface treatments, buildings, sculptures and road re-alignment.
All five sets of plans were recently on view in the town as part of a public consultation.
They will now be judged by a panel of experts, who are due to make a final decision in the New Year.
The designs link in to the Environment Agency’s proposed multi-million pound new sea wall project for Redcar.
DKS partner Mark Barlow said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the only North-east representation in an international competition.”
FRESH plans to replace an eyesore building on Thornaby’s Mandale Triangle with student flats have been drawn up.
Last November, Stockton Council’s planning committee agreed unanimously to refuse the application to replace the former Rocket student union building next door to Thornaby Town Hall.
Concerns included the appearance of the proposed building while others questioned if there was a need for the development.
New plans to demolish the Rocket and build 196 student apartments and a cafe bar have been designed by DKS Architects and put forward by agents developed by H&M Properties.
Steve Hesmondhalgh, partner at DKS Architects, said they used the feedback from Stockton Council and Thornaby Town Council to look again at the design.
“The priority is to focus on providing a very high quality scheme that will address the site’s historic setting and tidy up a problem site in the town,” he said.
“If this scheme receives support it could kick-start the regeneration of a far wider area of Thornaby.
“The new design is far more traditional and reflects both the setting of the town hall and the former traditional warehouse and mill properties that would once be found along the waterfront and railway sidings of Thornaby and Stockton.
“We are very proud of this proposal and believe it will enhance and support the existing urban landscape in the town.”
Some people living nearby on the Teesdale estate believe the development could bring extra noise and anti-social behaviour to the area. And Durham University previously questioned the need for more student flats.
In Thornaby town centre, local resident Dill Robinson, 55 said: “If it clears up the area then that has to be better.
“I used to work in the Embassy club there but it closed because there were no houses around there.”
Paul Taylor, 48, also from Thornaby, said: “The newer design looks much more in keeping with the town hall than the previous design.”
An interior designer from an award-winning firm of local architects is celebrating admission as a member to a prestigious UK organisation. Caroline Parkes, senior interior and architectural designer at Stokesley-based DKS architects, has been awarded full membership of the British Interior Design Association (BIDA). She becomes one of only a handful of designers in the North of England to be awarded full membership status to the organisation.
Mark Barlow, partner at DKS said: “Membership to BIDA recognises a high level of professional capability and expertise. This is an accreditation that is highly valued within the industry and Caroline has done incredibly well to secure this recognition.” Caroline underwent a vigorous auditing process, including an in-depth interview at BIDA’s headquarters in London. The assessment panel considered examples of her work from a number of high profile projects including DKS’s designs for Armstrong Richardson’s new head office in Stokesley and also Refurbishment of Cleveland Orthodontics which has currently been nominated for the Dental Awards 2009 under the category 'Practice Design and Interior'.
Mark added: “DKS is quite unique in that we have teams who focus on all elements of a project’s development – ranging from planning and architectural services through to interior design and project completion. Caroline is an integral part of our team and has been involved in many of our key projects. Her membership to BIDA is not only a huge personal achievement for Caroline; it is indicative of the creativity, talent and professional expertise which runs throughout all the work we do at DKS.”
Caroline said: “I am thrilled to have had my work recognised in this way. Ultimately, it is reassuring for clients to see that I have a professional accreditation from a well-respected professional organisation like BIDA. It inspires confidence in clients and provides me with a credible platform from which to develop my career further.”
Coast & Country Housing has unveiled an artist's impression of its Steeple Chase scheme, which is the largest development in the country to receive Kickstart funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
The Redcar regeneration project is to receive £4.5m from the HCA towards its first four phases, which will comprise 141 homes.
Construction work is due to begin by the beginning of October with the first show home due to be open by the end of March.
Iain Sim, Coast & Country Chief Executive, said: "The regeneration of the area will be a major boost to Redcar, particularly in the current economic climate, by providing high quality, affordable, environmentally friendly homes.
"Coast & Country believes it is a substantial achievement to be among the successful bidders in the first ever round of Kickstart grants and, in particular, to be the largest scheme in the country to be awarded Kickstart money.
"As well as supplying much needed homes, Steeple Chase will bring wider benefits as we have set up a working party, in conjunction with our project partners, to look at the provision of local employment opportunities including apprenticeships."
More than £20m in total w ill be invested in Steeple Chase, building 172 homes which will be available for rent and sale.
The development will also include some homes for sale under the government 'Home Buy Direct' scheme which is designed to help first time buyers into affordable home ownership.
Keepmoat has been appointed as the developer which will transform the former Blayberry/Burnmoor area of Redcar. Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East, part of the Keepmoat group of companies, will carry out the construction. Also involved in the scheme is Balfour Beatty Management and DKS Architects.
David Mellor, Managing Director of FHM North East, said: "This scheme is of major significance for the region and will break new ground in the way housing associations develop and provide new homes. We will use our skills in community regeneration to ensure this is a flagship project for both Coast & Country Housing and the North East."
The project will be developed in stages, with the properties comprising apartments, two, three and four-bedroomed houses and two-bedroomed bungalows.
A major new housing development in the Tees Valley designed with solar panels as standard is now being marketed in Redcar. The new homes will be approximately 25 percent more efficient than current building regulations require.
The show home on Steeplechase in the heart of Redcar, where 83 environmentally-friendly properties are being marketed, throws open its doors at Easter, starting on Good Friday (April 2).
The properties incorporate so many green features that householders will make substantial savings on their energy bills compared to less eco-friendly homes.
They are being sold by times4homes, which is the sales arm of Coast & Country Housing, one of the largest regeneration and housing companies in the North East
The homes' green credentials include:
Solar panels on the roof
Highly efficient condensing boilers
Passive Flue Gas Heat Recovery systems which mean the hot air generated by the boiler is used to pre-heat the water before it is heated by the boiler
High levels of insulation
Materials such as the timber frame, cladding and even plaster boards are certified as having been supplied from sustainable sources
Bathroom and kitchen fittings which use less water
Andrew Mayfield, senior technician and sustainable homes assessor with Stokesley based DKS Architects, which designed the homes, said: "The properties are being built to a much more rigorous environmentally-friendly benchmark than stipulated by Building Regulations.
"They are 25 per cent better than what is required and, therefore, householders should enjoy significant reductions in energy consumption compared to properties that only meet the minimum standard."
Iain Sim, Chief Executive of Coast & Country Housing, said: "Coast & Country, which is dedicated to using its expertise and experience to deliver sustainable, mixed tenure housing, has worked closely with the Steeplechase architects and developers to develop homes packed with advanced energy saving features.
"The green credentials of the homes will help keep costs down for the families who will live there, as well as helping reduce the town's carbon footprint.
"These first-class homes, which are being sold under our times4homes brand at Steeplechase, are perfect for a wide range of people including those looking to purchase their first home, growing families, and couples looking for a low maintenance home for their retirement.
"Redcar is an ideal place to raise children because of the substantial investments being made in local schools and healthcare facilities, its access to shops, its road links and the stunning coastline and surrounding countryside."
The homes, which range from two bedroom townhouses to four bedroom family homes, and also bungalows, come with many features as standard.
These include, lockable windows, wall tiling in the bathrooms, an overhead shower in the bath, a choice of units, worktops and tiles in the kitchen - if the selection is made before the contractor places the order - smoke alarms, external security light to the front, turfed front and rear gardens, a flagged patio area and a 200 litre water butt.
GUISBOROUGH'S new £1.5m RC St Paulinus Church - just a month from completion - is going to be a modern marvel!
Canon Michael Bayldon, parish priest of Guisborough and Dean of Redcar and Cleveland, who has helped plan the project for the last 11 years, has given the Gazette a preview of the stylish interior.
Cleverly sited stained glass created by Middlesbrough artist Josie Kyme includes an eye-catching central cross behind the altar.
And the church will be part of a major "green" project, with its heating via hi-tech underground-sourced energy. Heating bills should be similar to the old Park Lane church - even though the new building is twice the size.
A curved glass baptismal area, believed the first in the country, will allow the congregation to view ceremonies from their seats.
Large and smaller community rooms, with kitchen, complete the facilities, with a large car park at the front, bordering The Avenue.
Subtle references to historic Gisborough Priory include facsimile tiles at a shrine to Our Lady of Guisborough and a marigold mosaic at the entrance.
Canon Bayldon, pictured with Bishop of Middlesbrough the Right Rev Terence Drainey who officially laid and blessed the foundation stone for the new Church, who will conduct the first service, said: "This is a very exciting time for me after more than a decade of waiting - and for hundreds of parishioners.
"There's been much hard work. Seating will be for 250."
In its original plan, Middlesbrough Diocese wanted to build a 360-seat church and community building on the site in 2006.
This was refused after more than 100 objections - and a planning appeal was also turned down.
However, Redcar and Cleveland planning committee agreed an amended plan after the height of the church was reduced, and other changes were made including reductions in floor space and parking. Canon Bayldon says the result is even better.
"The new building is a delightful addition to the townscape of Guisborough - a new church and a new beginning," he said. "It's compact, more efficient and an attractive design and will principally serve the local area. It's naturally lit and we've dug up the old playing field and installed the heating equipment, then resurfaced it as a new football pitch."
Upper storey stained glass will light up as the sun travels across the sky. The central back wall cross will illuminate the centre aisle at midday.
The altar and font, made by Matthais Garn, a York stonemason, is from Bedale sandstone. "It's a real community effort," said Canon Bayldon.
Funding will be via community fundraisers and local donations.
extract from Herald & Post 11.10.12
To provide our clients, contacts and partners with instant updates on the work of our Interior designers, DKS have now set up a facebook account as below, follow the links, like us and get instant updates...
To provide our clients, contacts and partners with instant updates on the work of our Interior designers, DKS have now set up a facebook account as below, follow the links, like us and get instant updates...
twitter: @DKSInteriors
From 1st December 2012 Redcar Community College is proud to become Redcar’s very first Academy.The school was encouraged to seek Academy status by the government as a result of its successful Ofsted inspection in 2010 which graded the school as ‘good with many outstanding features’ and its academic progress and achievement sustained year on year.
Although the school was disappointed that it was not able to secure a new school build for the community, the academy is delsighted with its new facelift with a newly re-furbished frontage and innovative partnership with Adult Education, Redcar Academy is determined to strive to further deliver and raise standards for all its student body and provide life-long learning opportunities for the community.
Due to the success of the increasing number of Interior Design commissions DKS interiors have now launched their own website. Click on the link below to find out more!
DKS are celebrating again after picking up a commendation today in the '2012 RCBC Design Awards' for the unique refurbishment of Redcar Fire Station to provide community facilities.
Judges praised the clever reorganisation of the interior to form a physical split in the building between the operational and shared community facilities.