A walk to my friends daughters nursery opens the door to a fantastic design challenge.
On
a recent weekend break we arranged to meet friends who regularly share summer holidays
with us. This was very exiting for their four-year-old girl, who was desperate
for me [‘sillyman’] to pick her up from nursery. I thought this was to be the
highlight of the weekend, and although it was spectacular to be shown around by
my little friend, and find that I needed no introduction to any teacher or
child.... as they all knew ‘Sillyman’ was calling that day! [For clarification
my adopted term of affection suits me to the ground... I am a man and I am more
than a little silly.... especially when there are children to be entertained
and amused.]
What
I had not expected was Dad of four
year old asking me advice on how they best select an Architect for altering and extending their Victorian Semi ‘d’ house
which they had moved into about a year previously.... This question raised more
questions than answers as I needed
to know everything!
The
bottom line is that the house they have is just fabulous, a house for life, space for the
youngsters [and the adults] to grow up in and spread their wings. Great living
and sleeping accommodation over three floors. Good garden space to front side
and rear. Prime access to shopping amenities schools and transport... and not a
bad Rugby Club!
The
problem was the ‘back of house’. The kitchen and utility space on the north
wall is small with lots of shape changing and lack of clarity. The ambition is
to clear the single storey ‘back of house’ and redesign the kitchen and utility
areas form a 'HEART' of house. A
central focus for all the family and for all ages.
I
had ‘retired’ [hurt] from architecture. For many years I had no ambition to do
any architectural stuff, other than for my own pleasure. The description of
what was wanted set me on fire. I just could not wait to start sketching ideas
and developing concept designs that might tick the families needs.
The
following morning, at the hotel breakfast table.... the enthusiasm turned into
random sketches which led to brainstorming options for the design.
We
snuck back to our friends house on our way back home and, not to be outdone by
the total lack of survey gear.... I paced out the site with my size nine willies
and plotted a plan on a soggy piece of paper, as the snow storm blew in.
The
process of the design was just so fresh and enjoyable.
Some
weeks after this, we had a meeting, at our local restaurant, and I unveiled my concept designs. The whole buzz of making a
presentation and the nervous anticipation of the ‘client’ reaction at the point
of reveal. Very exiting.
I’m
pleased to say they were delighted with the concepts and the form of the
building.
After
a period of gestation and feedback the design has evolved and the planning
stages are ready for development and approval. [Oh, and my wellie boots oversized the amount of space available!]
It has been an extraordinary privilege to help in the process of procurement and it
will be interesting to know if my wee friend will reflect on the house she
grew up in, as a place that ‘Sillyman’ helped designed, but she will, I am sure, remember the
laughter and joy of our silly games, magic tricks and paddles in the foam of
Tiree.
The contemporary glass and steel extension has a way to go before the 'opening ceremony'..... but I have been invigorated and refreshed by high-jacking my pals question about 'appointing an architect' and abducting their brief as my own.
The contemporary glass and steel extension has a way to go before the 'opening ceremony'..... but I have been invigorated and refreshed by high-jacking my pals question about 'appointing an architect' and abducting their brief as my own.
Thank you the Moos.
May your paper, and your silliness, never run out.
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