Downley House CLT erected

The cross laminated timber (CLT) structure of Downley House, fabricated by Eurban in Switzerland,  commences on site this week. The CLT was CNC machine cut complete with door and window openings and penetrations for services, and brought over to the UK in lorries.  This modern method of construction is growing more popular over here in the UK, and its easy to see why.  Its sustainable, strong, flexible and the entire structure for a house like Downley can go up in a few weeks.

Southwark Park Primary School Phase 1 Complete

Phase 1 of Southwark Park Primary School including underpinning and repair work to the existing Victorian buildings, with a contract value of £1.47m, is now complete.  Phase 2 is under review in consideration of the current financial and political climate.

Work starts on Downley House site

Work started last month on site for Downley House, the private house in the South Downs designed by Birds Portchmouth Russum. The ruined wall of the old house was repaired and the ground was cleared in preparation for the foundations to be poured.   Rural idyll and caterpillar diggers, as big a part of summer as strawberries and cream.

Birds Portchmouth Russum present housing scheme to Jersey Architecture Commission

Birds Portchmouth Russum were invited by their long-standing associate, the Jersey-based architect Richard le Sueur, to collaborate on the design of a housing scheme on a cliff-top overlooking the Atlantic on the coast of Jersey. The design is in sympathy with the harsh but beautiful cliffs of the South Jersey coast, and was inspired by the strata visible in the rocks. The conceptual proposals were presented to the Jersey Architecture Commission, Jersey's design review body.

Downley House receives Planning Permission

Birds Portchmouth Russum's scheme for Downley House has been granted Planning Permission. The new house will nestle in a valley, screened trees and the ruined wall of the existing building. The house will be clad in natural, locally sourced stone and timber. Birds Portchmouth Russum won the competition to design the house last year.

Ythan Lodge

We have just started an interesting new project - the expansion and refurbishment of Ythan Lodge, near Loch Lomond in Scotland. Ythan Lodge is a beautiful mid-century modernist house with panoramic views to Ben Lomond, but over the years it has fallen into disrepair.  It will not only be restored but the new proposals will transcend the existing to exploit the beautiful aspect.  We're calling the new improved concept 120% Ben Lomond.