2020 Favourites: Durdham Down Tower

December 02, 2020 in Regeneration, Christmas2020

“Known to generations of Bristolians as simply ‘The Water Tower’ this iconic landmark is located at the highest point in Bristol on Durdham Downs. gcp has been delighted to continue it’s long standing association with Bristol Water as assist in restoring this massive concrete structure to its former glory and taking in some breath-taking views in the process.”

— Jeremy Pilling, gcp

We asked everyone in the office to name their favourite project of 2020. Jeremy has chosen the refurbishment of the 1950s water tower for Bristol Water.

Iconic water tower to get a face lift

March 26, 2019 in Industrial & Process, Commercial & Retail

Durdham Down Tower is known to generations of Bristolians simply as the Water Tower. Built in 1954 for Bristol Water it stands at the highest point for miles around and is due for a major overhaul later this year. gcp has been appointed to design and co-ordinate the refurbishment which comprises extensive concrete repairs externally and lining internally as well as reroofing, improving access and safety for routine maintenance. A substantial amount of telecoms equipment will be relocated to scaffold during the works which will last 16 weeks and complete by November. This is the latest of a number of projects gcp has carried out for Bristol Water over the last twenty-five years.

David Murray John Building, the Number One Wonder of Swindon

December 11, 2018 in Commercial & Retail, Public Housing

David Murray John tower block above the Brunel Centre

A feasibility study to explore potential redevelopment options for the David Murray John Building, an iconic 21 storey 1970’s tower block in the centre of Swindon situated above the Brunel Shopping Centre. Known as the Number One Wonder of Swindon, originally designed and built by the local authority, the building has over 3,500 sq metres of office accommodation on floors 2 to 13 and 72 flats from floors 14 to 21 flats. The office accommodation has been vacant for several years, the cladding has come to the end of its economic life and the services installations needs a major overhaul.

The study investigates a range of interventions including complete recladding and a wide range of alternative uses. The report sits with the council awaiting further instruction.

Spencer and Norton get new lease of life

November 29, 2018 in Public Housing

gcp are working for specialist contractor Rateavon on this is an external restoration project for two early 1960’s Bristol City Council tower blocks in sight of St Mary Redcliffe. This scheme includes window replacement, new roofing and complete redecoration.

Working within the constraints of two adjacent conservation areas, colour options to change the identity of the blocks away from established colour palette normally associated with affordable housing in the city have been carefully considered and discussed with the council’s conservation and planning officers before offering then to residents for comment.

Spencer and Norton are the 6th set of tower blocks we have worked on in the city since 2015 and over that time we have developed a detailed understanding of the issues associated with refurbishing these iconic buildings.

A planning application will be made before end of 2018 and works started October 2018 and are scheduled for completion by November 2019.

Spencer House from Bedminster Bridge roundabout

Avonmouth Community Centre Asset Transfer

November 27, 2018 in Community & NFP

Avonmouth Community Centre proposed ground floor plan

Housed in a former Victorian primary school, Avonmouth Community Centre is a well used and much-loved community facility on the edge of Avonmouth Docks.

In line with council policy the management team were invited to bid to transfer the ownership via community asset transfer. With financial support from the Port Communities Resilience Fund the community association appointed gcp Chartered Architects to prepare a feasibility study to investigate the potential to increase revenue streams and secure existing tenancies for this popular community centre.

gcp devised a phased development plan that allowed for the progressive refurbishment as capital grants became available. Detailed design work are due to commence in the New Year.

Completion: Waste Transfer Depot, Gossington

December 08, 2016 in Industrial & Process

Tercon Ltd have just completed a new domestic waste transfer station for Stroud District Council at Gossington. The project involved the construction of a new 1,200m2 high bay sorting area with a single storey office facility. An existing transport workshop on the site has also been refurbished as well as the completion of an extensive external works package. gcp chartered Architects supported Tercon Ltd through the construction phase of the project which is due to be open for business in the new year.

Completion: 155 Aztec West, Bristol

December 08, 2016 in Commercial & Retail

After: what the building looks like now works are complete

gcp Chartered Architects would like to congratulate Rydon Construction on the successful completion of Cat A+works at 155 Aztec West, Bristol. The project was managed by BNP Paribas Real Estate for the institutional owner. The project involved replacement of all windows and mechanical and electrical services as well as the introduction of a new shower area. The entrance has been greatly enhanced with the addition of a new entrance lobby extension with a new boardroom at first floor.

High Rise Finalist

July 19, 2016 in Housing

Twinnell House, the high rise tower block refurbishment gcp have been working on for Mears and Bristol City Council, has been shortlisted in the INCA Awards 2016.

This builds on past success for gcp, sps Envirowall and Woodman Brothers - this team won The Insulated Cladding Awards (INCA) in 2014 on the highly commended Junction 3.

Twinnell House, a stones throw from INCA 2014 winner J3, is nominated for Best in External Wall Insulation, Domestic Refurbishment, High Rise. The winners will be announced in a London Gala Dinner in October.

Read the INCA Press Release here.

Listed Refurb Setting New Standards

July 05, 2016 in Housing

Architects image of Cambrian House, Clevedon

Cambrian House on Wellington Terrace, Clevedon, is being fully refurbished using a combination of traditional materials and the latest technology to create a modern home for the 21st century.

The house has an integrated but separate fully fitted guest suite at lower ground floor. It boasts four generous reception rooms, a new kitchen diner, three bedrooms (master on suite) at ground and first floors and a large attic bedroom.

This Grade II listed Georgian house with its striking modern extension overlooks Clevedon Pier and Severn Estuary. Currently on site with occupation for Christmas 2016.