5plus architects 2011
5plus architects
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Architecture
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Masterplanning
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Interiors
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Graphics
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Branding
Foreword – Neil Tague, Insider
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5plus Architects – Phil Doyle and Jon Matthews
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Pollard Street, Manchester – John Barrett
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Travelodge, Manchester Arena – Lucy Brackenbury
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The Hive, Manchester – John Crellin
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Manchester Airport – Phil Doyle
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Unity Square, Nottingham – Michelle Fuller
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A380, Manchester Airport – Kieran Gilman
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Conversations – Carly Grice
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Voyager, Manchester Airport – Nina Haylock
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Cross Street, Manchester – Claire Jones
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Mixed Use Masterplanning – Jon Matthews
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Trafford Council – Paul Norbury
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Overseas House, Manchester – Jack Penford-Baker
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Trafford Council – Ciarán Shields
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Residential Led Masterplanning – Adam Thornton
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St. Peter’s Square, Stockport – Rhys Westacott
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Credits
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Foreword
Neil Tague - Insider
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Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the Got a tired-looking 1970’s building that’s
high, landlords now have the opportunity to
last six months, you can’t help having noticed
not letting or can’t find a buyer – have you
transform some older spaces and make them
that ‘The Age of Austerity’ is officially upon us.
considered doing something like this? This
pay. The Hive may be the last completed new
fringe-of-town retail site – now there’s more
building in Manchester city centre for a good
No more shall we light our tea-break cigars
development in the area, have you considered
while yet, so what can be done with the built
with £50 notes. Sad, but we’ll just have to
that? Good architects are finding work by
stock the city has?
muddle through.
being creative, engaging property owners in
Of course, architects and the wider property
discussions about what can be achieved and
The 5plus story is interesting to those who’ve
being bold.
followed the fortunes of the industry in recent
industry has been learning to cope with the
years. The team has been involved with
new economic realities for the last two or
What does the next year or so hold? A
some eyecatching and commercially astute
three years. As far as design goes, there are
reality check as those developers and local
schemes that have been winners in a market
no longer shimmering glass towers, but let’s
authorities with big masterplans and schemes
where losers have been burned badly.
face it, hardly any of them got built anyway, or
try to come up with something that can work.
were ever likely to.
Certainly, with little or no money available
Good design doesn’t add value because
for new development, the skilful redesign of
people will pay a higher rent to be in a smart
existing space will play a massive part.
building – it will add value because a good-
The world continues to turn and for the
creative minds – and surely the best architects
looking building will let more quickly. That’s
should all have enquiring, creative minds
Manchester in particular is facing a shortage
– everywhere you turn there are possibilities.
of grade A office space, but with demand still
always worth keeping in mind.
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5plus Architects
Phil Doyle and Jon Matthews
‘This is Manchester, we do things
differently here...’
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Our Culture. Over the last few years we have
commissioned for. This does not have to
Airport to cater for the Airbus A380. We
experienced an economic environment so dire
mean that you are generalist – rather it means
completed the Manchester’s greenest
that it has not previously been witnessed or
that you apply specific thinking to a specific
speculative office and developed our skills into
experienced by any living or practicing architect.
project. This approach works in a small studio
a wider breadth of work.
where experiences and knowledge are shared
What used to be normal is no longer normal.
– where ideas are created, informed and
We have continued to adapt and 5plus has
nurtured. It is the collective whole, therefore,
emerged stronger, better skilled and more
In this context it is worth remembering that
that is the most important part of 5plus.....5
capable of dealing with the ongoing challenge
architecture has always been about people;
directors, a great team, great clients, plus of delivering quality buildings in lean times – the people that use buildings; the people that
great consultants.
a true “post recession” design practice.
people that design buildings. When we thought
In early 2008 when the writing was on the
We are immensely proud of the collective
about producing a book to demonstrate our
wall as to the future of the UK economy we
skills, endeavour and the sheer force of will
work, our ethos and our values it was an
collectively sought to take this “good architect”
of our studio that has led us to this place, at
obvious thing, therefore, to let everyone in our
philosophy into new arenas. Eighteen months
the beginning of 2011, where we stand at the
entire studio do the talking.
on and we had designed the UK’s largest
beginning of the future...
commission buildings and, as importantly, the
Further Education College on the former
Our approach is based on the simple notion
Boddingtons Brewery site and were designing
that a good architect is a good architect
the UK’s first carbon neutral airport arrivals
regardless of the building type they are being
building and helping to adapt Manchester
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‘Making’
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Pollard Street, Manchester
John Barrett
‘King cotton’
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Walking the routes from the city centre to
New Islington and Albion Mills have already
This is what it’s all about.....understanding a
Ancoats, it’s not hard to imagine that this now
started the change process, with further
site, its context and having the confidence to
fragmented city edge was once the hive of
regeneration sure to follow as the Metrolink
design something that is informed by its place
industry upon which Manchester was built;
brings a better connection with the city and
but confidently looks to the future. A modern
Cottonopolis, the birthplace of the industrial
East Manchester. It’s all about understanding
contextual interpretation of a significant
revolution. The remnants of the cotton trade
your strengths and bigging them up.
setting with the confidence and attributes to
are everywhere; old warehouses, mills and
chimneys; Loom Street and Cotton Street.
contribute positively to its place.
For Pollard Street, as a part of the new
Ancoats, its about understanding its
Genius Loci architects like to call it, a
The regeneration of such a special place needs
place within its context and ensuring new
derivative from Roman times meaning
to be sensitively addressed with spaces and
opportunities are met and exceeded.
protective spirit of the place. Something we
buildings of suitable urban scale and gravitas.
have tried to underpin here, Genius Loci:
The industrial context is a rich one, with an
New buildings are purposefully confident,
inspirational edge to the scale and detail of the
reverential to the existing but inexcusably
built environment and social context.
about the new. Boldly occupying space but
benevolent in allowing permeability and a wider
People round here are rightly proud of
connection with neighbours and key urban
where they come from, Ancoats is typically
spaces. It’s all about the announcement of the
Mancunian – a place unlike anywhere else buildings on Pollard and Great Ancoats Street,
and they know it.
but with a space for enjoyment inbetween.
Ancoats, Mancunia.
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Travelodge, Manchester Arena
Lucy Brackenbury
‘The cream of Manchester’
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Distinctive branding. Basic, not cheap
architecture can challenge the preconceptions
Colours, cladding, metal work have all been
accommodation. Rowdy weekend revellers.
of standard corporate design templates.
inspired by this world renowned process and
‘Sleep Tight’.
Due for completion in Autumn 2011 its 200
branding, creating a playful and attractive
bedrooms serve not only as a stand alone
scheme in the heart of Manchester.
Travelodge owns over 390 hotels across the
structure but will act as a catalyst for the overall
UK, Ireland and Spain and prides itself on
Boddington’s masterplan scheme.
being the fastest growing budget hotel group
across the country.
The nearby MEN Arena draws in over 1 million
visitors per year so it is hoped that the scheme
Acting as a nodal point within the development,
will be a notable, familiar haven for revellers
it will knit various elements within the urban
visiting the arena. The distinctive branding
Located in premium spots in and around all
realm into a whole, creating a vibrant 21st
has been reinterpreted whilst still adopting
major towns and cities, the hotels have to
century recreational venue.
the Travelodge colour scheme presenting a
provide a cost effective and efficient service
modern, fresh take to punters.
for business executives, families and even the
An elegant, simple and timeless design the
most boisterous of hen and stag do’s! Taking
hotel addresses Great Ducie Street within a
Travelodge, Manchester Arena demonstrates
this into consideration, many of the Travelodge
double height reception space that varies from
how practical, inclusive and attractive building envelope and internal fit out, by
the current Travelodge template. It celebrates
design can be integrated into standard
nature, have to be robust and standardised.
the rich industrial heritage of the site and
commercial design.
conceptually has been developed from the
Our project for Travelodge, Manchester
process of brewing Boddingtons Bitter, the
Arena, shows how high quality contemporary
‘The cream of Manchester’.
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The Hive, Manchester
John Crellin
‘Getting a kick’
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The Hive; an innovative, sustainable, flexible
Positioned within the Stevenson Square
With an ever increasing demand for energy
office development. The design ethos
Conservation Area the arrangement of the
conscious design, The Hive is designed to
is manifest in a simple arrangement and
building’s mass and materials reflect the tough
reduce capital expenditure and life time cost.
architectural order. Complexity is restricted to
urban context and Victorian DNA. As a catalyst
This passive strategy marks the design as an
subtle moments of detail.
for regeneration and growth the building
innovation in the current market and secures
demonstrates a movement for development
the building’s future success as a market
outside the city’s commercial core.
contender and attractive Manchester address.
followed and as a project architect I delivered
Arrangement and scale of materials are in
It is the first of what I hope will be a series of
the building to practical completion in line with its neighbours. A simple, flexible and
buildings that represents an holistic approach
February 2010.
kickable building.
to modern workplace office design in city
It has been a fantastic career experience
Sustainability is at the heart of the design.
structure, services and building fabric whose
from developing sketch concepts with David
With a BREEAM Excellent rating, the building
coordination and architectural language is
Partridge and Tony Giddings (Argent Group)
and its spaces are carefully arranged around
elegantly ordered in a simplicity that is clear
to the coordination of technical details on site
a naturally ventilated servicing strategy, with
and honest.
with Bardsley Construction.
exposed concrete slabs providing thermal
As an Architectural Assistant I started working
on the project in 2006. Professional exams
centres. Manifest in a seamless integration of
mass and 15M wide floor plates promoting
Simplicity and elegance do not happen The building is situated at the heart of the
optimum cross venting. The building expands
by chance.
city’s creative hub – The Northern Quarter.
and contracts. It breathes.
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Manchester Airport
Phil Doyle
‘Macro to micro and back again’
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A five year framework offers the opportunity to
carbon building can be delivered to a budget;
than a corporate waiting room, aimed solely at
develop a mutually rewarding client/consultant
we have helped create a strategic argument
the business market, a key component of the
relationship based around a set of common
that the airport centre is also city centre and;
Escape brand was to create a space where
goals. Sounds simple and is simple – it just
we are developing a customer experience that
both business and leisure passengers can do a
requires time and effort to understand who is
is improving all of the time.
number of things: play, eat & drink, relax, study,
your client, what are their objectives and an
read, meet in private, be entertained.
inherent belief that no job or project is above or
Which project was the most important?
below you – it’s all part of the journey.
Depends who you speak to but probably the
The Escape Lounge signature is clearly
next one!
identifiable. It is intended to be; akin to a
Over the last two years we have undertaken
clubhouse; informal but smart; inherently
an array of projects with Manchester Airport
Our first delivered project was the new “Escape
flexible to suit individual passenger needs Group ranging from a staircase reconfiguration
Lounge” – a first for us, a first for the airport and
and moods; inspired by its users.
to the development of the masterplan for the
a first for the people that depart through T1.
entire airfield. Not everything we have designed
There is a celebration of local artists, local
will ever be built, a lot of it will not win an award
The lounge is intended to make flying an
heritage, local materials, local manufacturing
(although some of it should) but, at some point,
enjoyable experience by creating a space
and local industry. The space subtly reflects the
every project has allowed us to learn something
that creates real choice – the ability to choose
humour, quirkiness, quality and experiences of
new. Amongst other things, in return we have
what you want and when you want it. As
what it means to be ‘Northern’, offering a big,
contributed to the airport’s branding and
an alternative to many traditional executive
warm and relaxed ‘Welcome’ to all passengers.
wayfinding; we have challenged the way a zero
lounges which are designed as nothing more
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Unity Square, Nottingham
Michelle Fuller
‘Making a statement’
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It has always been an aspiration of mine to
Square brand identity is an exception, and
relating directly to the strong connections the
develop the business into a creative studio,
embodies our ethos of quality design and how
site has to the rest of Nottingham.
encompassing, architecture, masterplanning,
5plus approach branding and graphic design.
interiors, graphics and branding.
A brand is far more than just a logo, it is about
The Unity Square identity was developed
a 3600 experience, a collation of different
The recent recession has allowed us
alongside our architectural scheme proposals
elements coming together to create the whole
the space and time to develop the non
and every aspect of the identity, from fonts,
experience and brand. Imagery, colours,
architectural aspects of the business correctly.
colours and imagery have been designed to
texture, culture, people, experiences and
incorporate Peel’s aspirations for the scheme.
knowledge encourage you to identify with the
brand. In this case Unity Square!
In developing a brand identity the process is
very similar to developing a building, taking a
The Identity, marketing material and website
brief from a client and interpreting this in a fun
all adopt our philosophy and refer directly to
A successful brand gives you the opportunity
and creative way.
the site. The ‘sq’ within the brand is positioned
to increase awareness and build loyalty and
on a slight angle thus reflecting the overall
trust within the brand. It can also assist with
masterplan of the site.
navigation through a site or series of sites; can
We have delivered many branding schemes –
communicate the quality of a series of schemes
one in particular is Unity Square in Nottingham.
We created a fresh and individual identity for the
and also help people engage with individual
All too often a brand identity for an architectural
scheme. Even the stock used on the marketing
projects. We are doing this with Taylor Wimpey,
scheme is a result of an after thought and never
brochure was embossed with a cord effect,
where we are the custodians of all of their site
truly reflects the scheme, or the brief. The Unity
with the lines running through the document,
promotional material for the North West.
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“From first thing in the morning to
last thing at night Unity Square is the
place in Nottingham to work, socialise
and enjoy.”
A Day at Unity Square
15:00
› Break which turned into
informal meeting.
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spinning class.
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Grabbed a smoothie en-route to
office from Juice Bar.
9:00
› Quick sprint across the Square.
› Dropped off bag and coat
before hot desking to
check emails.
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Views across city impressive.
10:30
› New local ‘Green Business’
launch in the hotel conference
centre across the Square.
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Grab a latte from the coffee bar
on way back to the office.
Take meeting on the 4th floor
terrace while the sun is shining.
13:00
› Off to the Westfield to buy
17:00
› Drop off dry cleaning.
› Meet friends in the pub around
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a birthday present. Good to
have all these shops on your
doorstep.
7:30
› Tram to work.
› Short walk to gym for
Grab some coffees from
vending area.
Pick up sandwich from Unity
Square foodstore.
the corner for well earned beer.
Catch late afternoon sun on
the terrace.
18:20
› Just a short walk to the station
to catch the 6.28 train home.
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A380, Manchester Airport
Kieran Gilman
‘End of the pier’
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Manchester airport, the UK’s busiest regional
Airbus A380; this new arrival was scheduled to
methods of construction were selected airport and news of the Emirates scheduling
land at the airport on the 01 September 2010.
and delivered to help ease the procurement
their prestigious Airbus A380 scheduled process.
direct flights into the city, opening the city to
The main scope of the works was to provide a
further opportunities.
new roof covering to the whole of the existing
Project delivered, on time and on budget
pier, to construct a new link bridge with two
and to the high expectations of both MAG
The challenge.....to renovate an existing
number air bridges, including a new lounge
Developments and Emirates.
terminal which has seen a number of
and an internal fit-out to the whole of the
transformations over the years, and afford
departures and arrival segregation.
its passengers a journey and experience to
remember the bright lights of Manchester.
On top of all this, demanding co-ordination
The concept may sound so simple, but
between old and new, was the concept of
certainly one of the most challenging for these elements being spread into varying
both MAG Developments, and the design procurements and tenders during its peak
and construction teams.
summer period.
Pier B constructed in the 1960’s, situated
The construction programme was tight, if
within Terminal 1 of Manchester Airport, was
not vertical, for some of the team members.
recently strategically master minded to be
However, collaborative, inherent belief and
the gateway of the eagerly awaited Emirates
trusted experience meant that all relevant
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Conversations
Carly Grice
‘Minding the gaps’
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We talk a great deal and to as many people
Spinningfields and Piccadilly Place and the
grids and poor relationship with the external
and as widely as possible. Largely because
future of the spaces and buildings left behind.
environment. We’re raising expectations and
you never know what’s going to come
Their value is not diminished but they need to
finding value wherever we can.
out of a conversation with a colleague,
compete with an entirely different market place.
client, influencer or consultant. By asking
We know those beautiful stalled projects are
questions we get to know more about what’s
We have looked more closely at refurbishment
going to come back but in the meantime we’re
happening in the industry and where the
of some great buildings which, in more
fixing the buildings that have been left behind.
appetite for development sits. Through those
salubrious times, a development appraisal
conversations we generate ideas and draw
would have called for demolition and
influence from the friends we’ve made in the
replacement with a fabulous new building.
industry over the years.
Now a much greater proportion of our work
is about finding the essence, the best bits of
We’ve moved on from the disappointments of
the existing building and unpicking, extending,
the beautiful, stalled projects and undeveloped
re-cladding and lifting standards and levels of
sites and, undeterred, are forming a longer view
functionality and energy efficiency.
of how the city can be shaped.
We work with a strong understanding of how
Recent chats have looked at the migration
people occupy spaces to resolve how current
of commercial occupiers from the traditional
working environments can work with buildings
commercial core to developments like
with low floor to ceiling heights, small column
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Voyager, Manchester Airport
Nina Haylock
‘Voyage of discovery’
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Virtual offices and multiple locations is the
to embrace innovative and creative design
Level 2 will accommodate professional
way forward for fast pace, creative, digital and
ideas. The design created private offices but
serviced offices, varying in size, let on an media based businesses. Central locations
allowed companies to access much larger
easy-in / easy-out basis.
and transport links are fundamental for this
front of house areas than they could normally
type of business destination.
afford such as meeting rooms, 24/7 business
The design concept of ‘The Cloud Lounge’
club lounge, a library and chill out areas.
and ‘Clear Blue Thinking’ was devised to
Voyager at Manchester Airport is one of these
enrich the interior experience, allowing for
buildings in the ideal location adjacent to the
This exclusive location would offer social office
branding and way-finding opportunities to
transport interchange. The excellent transport
spaces for new ways of working; enabling
integrate with the architectural forms within
connections available at Voyager include bus,
people to take time out, sit down on a sofa,
the building. Due to a fast construction
train and coach links, and covered walkways
read, have an informal discussion or just get
programme and the need for future flexibility,
from Terminals 1 and 2. These valuable
some head space.
fixed elements were reduced and replaced
transport links from Voyager into Manchester,
with off-site pre-fabricated elements where
and to the rest of the world, make Voyager a
Located directly off reception will be the
possible. Illuminating furniture and feature
desirable location to create a business centre
business club lounge with associated meeting
lighting were supplied in the way of Soft Block
for fast growing and moving companies who
facilities for virtual office users and mobile
Walls and Cloud Suspension Lights. These
want a step up to expand their horizons.
workers that establishes itself as a flexible, emulate a white glow enhancing the desirable
24 hour location with drop in services and effect of ‘The Cloud Lounge’ and adding a
The interior design scheme at Voyager was a
Wi-Fi. Members use this as their office when new dimension to the user experience.
fast paced project with clients who were eager
it suits their travel plans.
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Cross Street, Manchester
Claire Jones
‘Getting cross’
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Originally built as office accommodation for
This allowed the building refurbishment
brought life back to the streetscape and
a bank in the 1920’s, 22-26 Cross Street has
to commence, without which there is no
allowed a sensitive refurbishment of a 1920’s
undergone numerous interior fit outs over the
doubt that the building would have remained
office building.
years to suit the needs of various occupiers.
unoccupied for some time.
It subsequently lay derelict for many years,
The key to successful renovation of this period
lying in a frozen state in time, papers and files
building, for us, was to work with the building
of previous occupiers could still be found on
and retain as much of that existing character
the office floors. The remnants of poor and
and charm but not replicate in a pastiche
insensitive fit out works evident, fit out works
manner. New intervention ought to be just that
not worthy of such a prestigious shell.
– fresh, new and modern, whilst respecting
The supermarket, friend or foe?
as much of the existing features. In doing so
The original refurbishment proposal was, like
it has restored its relevance to the city centre,
many, originally intended to be a speculative
regained its rightful place on the high street
office development, however the onslaught of
and contributed to the re-invigoration of the
the recession forced it to be put on hold until
existing fabric of the city.
a pre-let was secured and allowed funding to
be released. The project gained momentum
Say what you will about the big players within
in 2010 when a major food retailer expressed
the food retail industry; once blamed for the
an interest in the ground floor retail space.
decline of the UK high street, here they have
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Mixed Use Masterplanning
Jon Matthews
‘Keep calm and carry on’
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Political change, policy change, RDA’s communities throughout the UK. Developers
(RIP), localism, LEP’s and cuts. How do are both testing the policy water and
we advise clients how to spend their money
getting their ducks in a row. Our experience
wisely and create meaningful environments
suggests this is a good time to get on with
against this backdrop?
the work. Employment creation, sustainable
communities and social development are all
Councils are watching their backs and Central
still relevant.
Government has created a regeneration
policy void. Confusion guaranteed. Each local
We are working on various masterplans
authority is interpreting change in different
prepared for Peel Holdings throughout the
ways. The only consistency is our own design
UK. Together we are leading the direction
agenda. Our response is to carry on as
of BREEAM excellent communities. We are
normal. The instruments we use – elegance,
creating models of mixed use carbon neutral
simplicity and commercial nous – are relevant
communities with hard core commercial
whichever political party sets the agenda. Our
credentials. The two go hand in hand and
work is bigger than this.
don’t happen by accident. We are setting
flexible frameworks with 20 year lifespans.
The living hell of the last few years won’t
Our ‘long life loose fit’ approach fits perfectly
last forever. There is a change afoot. Our
with the ‘local’ and the ‘national’. It’s time to
masterplanning team are designing new
move on.
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Trafford Council
Paul Norbury
‘Transformers’
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In 2009 we entered into a developer led
many other aspects to the scheme that make
from those who will occupy their desk full
competitive dialogue process for Trafford
it very exciting for us:
time, to the most transient users who will only
Council’s “Long Term Accommodation
use the building on an occasional basis. The
Project” (LTAP). The council were creating
A listed Town Hall on a landscaped setting;
floorplates are flexible to allow for changing
a Transformation Team and by far the most
a sunken garden and three landscaped
work patterns and our space planning
significant project in their programme is
courtyards; a restaurant and a coffee bar; a
creates an efficient but varied and interesting
providing the new workplace for the council
customer services centre within a complex
arrangement of users and departments.
at their Town Hall. Our team, led by Shepherd
reception; a semi circular council chamber
Developments, was successful and we
with significant heritage value; conference
This is supported by break out, individual
had secured a diverse, exciting but very
facilities; training suites; an internal ‘street’ and
work rooms, project areas, meeting rooms,
challenging project for our new studio.
a new 40,000ft2 open plan office building.
kitchenettes and the restaurant and coffee bar
The LTAP must bring about a transformational
It’s not everyday a project comes along
change in the way the council work. This
that encompasses so many different facets
involved re-using the Grade II listed Town Hall,
of design – architecture, masterplanning,
This is all underpinned by a very high
demolishing a 1980’s office extension and
interiors and graphics.
aspiration for reducing energy use and
which make for a much more social, dynamic
replacing it with new office accommodation.
and holistic working environment.
creating a highly sustainable building for the
The new building will incorporate a number of
Council’s future. The new development will
The focus is on creating a modern, flexible,
‘worksettings’ tailored to a range of users in
achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and be EPC
sustainable working environment but there are
the open plan accommodation. These range
‘A’ rated.
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Overseas House, Manchester
Jack Penford-Baker
‘Over here son’
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Architecture is transitioning away from
The transition is most apparent at university
a new level within the practice. The design
the drawing. Since the introduction of the
level of the profession. Having recently
process orientated around a series of models
computer to the workspace the medium and
graduated, the requirement for 3D modelling is
generated in-house, focusing on three façade
style have changed, but the tradition hasn’t.
‘an absolute’. Plan, section, elevations are only
options, worked up from start to finish in 3D
However, the art of 2D is dissolving, and 3D
present to show that relevant traditional skills
Microstation. The change in design process
modelling is stepping up to take its place.
are learnt. The majority of students only ever
helped us to instantly comprehend the visual
created rudimentary drawings throughout the
effect our designs would have both individually
Previously used only as a descriptive tool
design process, 3D models took centre stage
and contextually, resulting in a remarkably
to explain work, it is now seeping into all
as a way of communication for all aspects of
quicker design period.
elements of the design process, making
the building, accumulating in an evolutionary
line drawings redundant. The complexity of
timeline of the building’s form and relation to
The final design solely evolved through
models essentially means that the building
its context.
three-dimensional modelling, giving us, as a
can be built in it’s entirety in 3D form. As a
practice, an insight into the future of design
result, information can be extracted whenever
At 5plus Architects we recognise the
creation in architecture and a head start on
needed, helping to make a more precise and
importance that 3D modelling has in the
the inevitable transition.
quicker process. Designing through a three-
world of architecture, and the transition to
dimensional platform offers a new approach
complete 3D design is beginning to appear.
to the understanding of the built form,
Overseas House, a recent refurbishment
immediately informing one of true relationships
scheme in the centre of Manchester, took on
between space within designs.
the elevated importance of 3D modelling to
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Trafford Council
Ciarán Shields
‘Our community’
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We understand that the key to a successful
Better interaction between the building and
In doing all of this we have re-discovered an old
renovation of this listed building, is for us to
the public is required. By introducing new
friend and revitalised a significant civic building
work with the building and retain as much of
facilities such as a restaurant, coffee bar,
for the benefit of the people of Trafford.
that existing character and charm, but not
meeting rooms, conference rooms and
replicate in a pastiche manner.
customers service facilities, the public will
be able to use and interact with their Town
We have carefully acknowledged the existing
Hall. They will also generate extra revenue
internal character of the Town Hall but by
for the council which is critical in the current
opening up a few selected areas, we will
economic climate.
create a Town Hall that responds to the needs
of its users and visitors better.
Other interventions to upgrade the Town Hall
include, two new passenger lifts which will
This will help with the council’s
improve vertical circulation, new IT equipment,
transformational change ambitions.
lighting, full DDA access and hearing loop
systems. Although most of the external fabric
A key decision was to set the floor level of
will remain as existing, the most significant
the extension at the same level as the Town
interventions will be new terraced areas to the
Hall. By then locating much of the reception
restaurant and coffee bar. New ramps at the
facilities we begin to bring people into
main entrance will improve access for all.
currently underused spaces.
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Residential Led Masterplanning
Adam Thornton
‘The local’
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The housing market has, on the one hand,
Sometimes this is about repairing communities,
in Stockport, Trafford and the Ribble Valley
been hindered by massive uncertainty, whilst
improving connectivity and providing the right
during November and December alone.
at the same time remaining stable by the
balance to make an existing area thrive. In
simple need to have a roof over your head.
other areas we are challenged to think about
Our experiences since forming 5plus have
whole new communities, with the need for
been varied. In Kent we have met with the
Everyone needs a place to live. The shift from
not just housing or office, but a vibrant mix.
Local Authority, and whilst the planning
owner occupier to rental and back may ebb
The village green; the local public house, the
department were unsure of direction, the
but the UK dwelling model has been driven by
local district centre. It is becoming increasingly
members of the economic regeneration team
the desire to own your own home. And, whilst
clear that it will not be the public sector that
could see the local benefit of job creation and
the value of housebuilders shares have fallen
will be delivering these over the next decade.
improvement to infrastructure offered by the
catastrophically to 10% of their original value
Regeneration must wash its face commercially.
private sector. Closer to home, the strength of
since 2007, the average house in the UK has
only fallen to around 93%.
feeling at some public consultations has been
The uncertainty of policy, the abolition
strong enough to warrant hiring security to
of region spatial strategies, the need for
protect the design team if necessary.
Although there has been a lot of focus on
sustainable homes will all become subject to
the numbers, percentages and statistics,
localism, and no one is quite sure what this
We enjoy the challenge of taking our ethos
residential led masterplanning has to focus
means yet. ‘What a pickle’. In the meantime
of place creation and applying it in a local
on the need to provide for the communities of
we enjoy engaging with communities, with our
context for the benefit of the community, the
the future.
studio undertaking community consultations
local authority and the developer.
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St. Peter’s Square, Stockport
Rhys Westacott
‘Speculate to accumulate’
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St. Peter’s Square was conceived during
essential that we don’t just design for now.
a thriving market. It was developed and
We design for the future.
constructed during the close down and
completed amid the near collapse of the
A speculative commercial development must
construction industry.
be in control of its space, able to adapt, and
designed for unforeseen occupiers. Spend the
In hindsight, not the greatest time to certify
budget in the right places, do what’s right for
the Practical Completion of a shiny new
the building, its location and its profile.
commercial development – and a speculative
development at that. A commercially focused
To attract such occupiers, add a well
product will always win.
designed habitat, a generous amount of
sustainable credentials and a bargain price
There are key ingredients required in order to
tag. It’s not the luck of the draw; it’s our
produce a successful building, or at least give
commercial awareness and our ability to
it a fighting chance in this brutal market. We
foresee a changing market. It doesn’t happen
don’t do empty buildings.
by accident.
With occupier’s eager to relocate to premises
St. Peter’s Square became the new home of
offering lower rents, reduced overheads
Sky TV in Stockport. Occupied in 2010, less
– which allow their business to thrive – it’s
than 12 months after completion.
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Credits
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Design: 5plus 85
Music: On and loud Furniture: Vitra
Chub: McVitie’s
Hours: Long
CAD: Microstation
Awards: Loads
Photography: Jason Lock Photography
5plus
Argent (Andy Marshall)
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5plus
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53N : Argent : Alanis : Aldar Properties PJSC
: ION Equity : Isis Waterside Regeneration
Russells Contractors : Sainsbury : Salmon
: Allied London : Ancoats Urban Village
: IVG : J Sisk & Son : JLL : Knight Frank
Developments : Shepherd Developments :
Company : API : Arcadis AYH : Argent
: Laing O’Rourke Group : Lambert Smith
Space Developments : Spaceworks : Taylor
Group : Arthur Cox : Artisan : ARUP : ASK
Hampton : London Borough Of Lewisham :
Wimpey : Telereal : Tower Gate Developments
Developments : Aviva : Baker Hollingworth
London Borough Of Southwark : Maplewood
: Trafford Council : Travelodge : Treasury
: Balfour Beatty : BAM Properties : Bank Of
Developments : Man Diesel : Manchester
Holdings : Trinity Hotels : Trintech Group : UK
Scotland : Bardsley Construction : Bellway
Airport Group : Manchester City Council
Land And Property : Vision Development Co :
Homes : Bluemantle : Bovale Developments
: Manchester College : Manchester Ship
Wates : Worthington Properties :
: Braidwater : Bruntwood : Buro Happold
Canal Developments : Marriott International
: Capita Symonds : CBRE : CEG : Central
: Marshalls : McAlister Holdings : Mcinerney
Salford : Christal Group : Colliers CRE :
Developments : Moran Hotels : Morley
Countryside Properties : Cre8 : Creative
Fund Management : Mott MacDonald :
Space Management : CTP : Credit Suisse
New East Manchester Ltd : Nikal Property
: Cushman & Wakefield : Cyril Sweett Ltd
Developments : Northern Group : Overbury
: Daisyhill Properties : DTZ : Development
Group Plc : Peel Holdings : Pierse Contracting
Securities PLC : Ford Campbell : Fulcrum :
: Pinsent Masons : PPG Metro Ltd : Property
George Wimpey : Grangefield Estates : G+T :
Alliance Group : PRUPIM : Rammon Group
GTMS : GVA Grimley : Hammonds Solicitors
: Realty Estates : ROK Group : Rope Maker
: Henderson Global Investors : Hibernian
Properties : Royal & Sun Alliance : Royal
Insurance : ISG : Indigo Planning : Investec
London Asset Management : Royal Mail :
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5plus architects
5th Floor
Grange House
17-27 John Dalton Street
Manchester M2 6FW
t. +44 (0)161 834 0552
f. +44 (0)161 839 8083
www.5plusarchitects.com
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www.5plusarchitects.com