YMCA projects:

We were engaged to work for the YMCA for a number of years.

We worked on a number of projects throughout the southeast, from minor alterations /refurbishments, feasibility studies and general building maintenance and estate management.

These are not necessarily projects of architectural merit, but ones which have both an immediate and lasting positive impact on the communities in which they are based. Through these projects and other community/charity works that I have undertaken, I hope to have ‘given back’ to those who have not had the privileges that I have had.

YMCA site, Loose, Kent. >2006

new build leisure centre £5.6m and 110 new build houses and flats.

http://www.maidstoneymca.org.uk/

The rebuilding of a sports based community centre on an suburban site, the facilities include:

6 court hall, crèche, community hall, fitness suite and an outdoor all weather pitch.

The centre sits beside a residential development based upon the ‘home zone’ concept. The scheme had to knit into an existing housing neighbourhood and ensure that the new centre did not impinge upon the privacy of its existing neighbours.

West Kent YMCA: Ryder House,Tunbridge Wells.

The extension and internal refurbishment of Ryder House:

a supported housing facility in the centre of tunbridge wells: 34 flats

https://www.facebook.com/WestKentYMCA/?locale=en_GB

The proposals provided additional and upgraded accommodation to the existing two/three storey building, the new works bringing a new lease of life to a tired facility.

Commissioned by YMCA england a registered social landlord. the building was accredited a BREEAM rating of VERY GOOD.

The existing 1990¡®s building is located over a railway tunnel and any redevelopment is restricted by any additional loading onto the tunnel. The proposals utilised a lightweight composite timber construction and recycling as many building materials as possible.

The design was developed with close liaison with the tenants and staff of Ryder House, with public presentations and community involvement.

Ryder House is sited in an inner city site which required a sensitive response to the needs and rights of adjoining neighbours. A complex partywall agreement was drawn up including a prolonged negotiation with railtrack regarding construction over the railway tunnel. Rights to light are a particular design constraint in inner city developments, BiM modelling enabled us to develop and demonstrate the most efficient scheme within the complicated restraints of the site.

The building was fully occupied during the eight month construction period, the entire building was encapsulated in a temporary structure whilst the roof was removed and an additional storey was added.

The building work was completed in October 2011 and opened by His Royal Highness,The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO.