ADG:
Special Projects
Special Projects
A project may be ‘special’ for a variety of reasons. It may be in a unique location, have a very specific end-user or may be particularly visible or sensitive in nature.
These projects will often require the designer to work collaboratively with consultants and specialists. They will sometimes necessitate liaison with multiple user groups and the wider public, involving the production of engaging visualisations to communicate ideas. These projects can be challenging and require innovative thinking based upon intensive research. We love to be stretched and are always up for the challenge.
Viaduct Business Units
ADG were given a brief to develop outline proposals to utilise the unused archways of an active railway viaduct, by installing removable business ‘pods’. The requirement was quite specific, the pods had to be totally separate to the bridge and be easily removable to allow for future survey and maintenance of the stone structure on a ten-year cycle.
The design solution considered the offsite construction of lightweight steel-framed pods that could be assembled from three or four large sections capable of being transported by lorry.
These would each have a chassis with heavy duty casters that would allow them to be rolled into position under each arch and connected together internally. A shroud section would cover the necessary void between building and arch, and a raised walkway would allow for the level transition between the adjacent carpark and internal floor level.
The proposal remains a potential opportunity.
Dawlish Warren Visitors Centre – Competition
The brief was to develop a building that would provide a variety of facilities for visitors and users of the country park. The site is very sensitive, both visually and from an ecological perspective, being adjacent to dunes, beach and estuary habitats, providing a fantastic environment for migratory birds.
The proposal utilised recycled shipping containers to form the main structure and accommodation, some clad and disguised, others left visible and used as storage for water sports equipment. The form was intended to create a dynamic, simple but sculptural insertion into the marine landscape, related to the sea whilst sustainably re-using an end-of-life man-made product.
The competition was never concluded, and the project was not taken any further, but the proposal remains an intriguing proposition.
Columbarium
A columbarium is a room or building with niches for funeral urns to be stored. ADG took part in a limited competition to design such a space for a specific site. The response required research into an area of after-life design that is rarely seen in the UK.
Two proposals were brought forward, each with a different ethos. One was designed to be more suited to larger sites and would create tranquillity and contemplation. The other could be scalable and suited to smaller or more complex sites with level changes.
The second option is currently being considered for an established sloping site and we hope to be able to bring the detailed design forward in due course.
Micro Holiday Accommodation
ADG were commissioned to design a scheme to replace the aging cabins of an existing holiday park in Cornwall.
The proposed designs provided a range of cabin sizes that made allowance for the varied and sometimes steep terrain and for the inclusion of nature. The smallest 2 person units would sit on stilts with sleeping accommodation on a mezzanine. Medium sized units were designed to be as compact as possible and hence were based on a simple cube form, again set on legs above the terrain. The larger units would be more traditional in design but again make the most of any available space.
All units had to respect the presence of bat species and were designed to reduce light spill as far as possible, either by orientation or through the use of shutters and carefully located glazing.
We also considered the constructability and how the units might be assembled in larger sections and from pre-assembled panels.
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Interested in working with ADG? Feel free to get in touch to discuss your next project, whether that’s creating a new place, space or graphics’ project, we’re happy to have a chat.