Atelier MB

https://lnkd.in/eYqcXzy4 There is an opportunity to provide 560,000 - 670,000 new homes in England by repairing and repurposing existing historic buildings....... These are staggering figures. Here at Atelier MB we have a lot of experience in repurposing existing historic buildings for commercial use and residential use. Its what we love doing, and we do it well.    Often the barrier to commencing these developments is viability, so it would be good to see some policy change, and perhaps the age old issue of VAT removal on refurbishment and regeneration work of this nature.    Whilst repurposing historic buildings definitely adds significant value and produces some of the most desirable spaces on the market - not to mention the huge sustainability benefits,  the upfront costs and logistical issues can result in increased financial risk for developers over and above that posed by wholly new build developments. We don't see the large house builders clambering to convert the mills do we?! But these produce some of the most in demand residential properties on the market. Equally, we are no strangers to the vacant space above retail units across our high streets. Heritage Action Zones and Townscape Heritage Initiatives can play their part in reducing these risks, and to facilitating combined approaches to unlocking this accommodation. But they need to be more widespread, and arguably more ambitious when it comes to integrating residential property into our high streets.    If you have one, or several of these underused properties, please do get in touch. We offer a feasibility service, and work with a series of trusted partners to explore property potential and give much needed advice to assist in the regeneration of these properties.

Opening the day at the Manchester Stand. #MIPIM

Interesting start to #MIPIM at the pre-conference Housing Matters. The panels discussed the challenges of providing affordable housing within the framework of increasing bureaucracy and local opposition.

Pleased to be attending MIPIM again this year. Looking forward to meeting new and existing contacts and obtaining some further insights into the future plans for Greater Manchester, London and beyond.

I was delighted to be involved in the architect and planning dept. ‘Roundtable’ discussion with Trafford Council this morning. Thank you for facilitating Rebecca Coley Laura Rushton Julian Baker The mood was collaborative, and there was a general consensus that the new Trafford Design Code can be used as a tool to raise the design bar of new developments in the borough, and hold all sides accountable. We talked about the financial value of good design, the benefits to the client of using an architect (time, improved planning process certainty, and value), but also the need to strategically masterplan large areas to ensure a variety of designers are used to foster the creation of characterful places. Now let’s get round the table with the rest of the local LPAs please….RIBA North West #urbandesign #valueindesign

NEW INSTRUCTION Repurposing empty churches is a nationwide challenge in the UK. We are excited to be finding a new future for this Grade II listed example, sited in Cheshire. #apartments #listedbuilding #repurposing #church

In for planning! This brownfield site has lost some of its historic character, forming a gap in the characteristic continuous frontage of Chester Road, Old Trafford. Atelier MB are bringing life back with 33 new-build apartments and private gardens, reinstating the front building line and respecting the existing scale and materials of the area.    Working closely with engineers, we’ve designed measures to minimise energy consumption and carbon emissions, introduced gardens and balconies to make the most of the daylight and topped off the residential block with photovoltaic panels on the roof. A short stroll away from city life with ample public transport on hand, the location has enabled a shift away from car dependency with cycle storage and gardens in place of vehicle parking, providing a healthier and greener place to live. Curtins Tyrer Ecological Consultants Ltd   DEP Landscape Architecture Magnitude Quantity Surveyors Ltd P 4 PLANNING LTD

We had an excellent inaugural Women in Architecture Manchester event in Manchester last night. Thank you to all the speakers - especially keynotes Dr Lucy Montague and Rebecca Coley A few key takeaways: A general theme of getting your voice heard - and those of all potential stakeholders. ‘Don’t sit in an echo chamber’ Danny Crump, was relevant on many levels - not least of which the formation of and consultation by the design team itself. We discussed leading by example, creating inclusive environments from the design studio to the community engagement process. How to foster confidence and ambition, whilst acknowledging the undoubtable benefits of experience, and being aware of your blind spots and biases (we all have them!). ‘We don’t know what we don’t know’ Fiona Hunt. Dr Lucy Montague extolled the benefits of influencing government policy by getting involved in calls for evidence. Rebecca Coley gave an honest, entertaining and inspiring talk about the often hidden challenges that women in particular face in the industry, and how widespread Imposter Syndrome really is. And of course we talked about the benefits of mentoring, whatever stage in your career. Be that group, or 1:1. ‘Listen more’. Kwame Ohene-Adu Whilst this years mentoring scheme gets underway, from the talk in the room last night, Women in Architecture UK will be expecting a lot of applications from Manchester in the autumn! Thank you to all the Women in Architecture UK team, including Yamon Kyaw Eleni Stathi, and also panellist @KarolinaOlszewska.

A look into how we are reproducing missing covings at our listed building project in Newton Street. The original is carefully measured and a metal jig used to replicate the profile. Five layers of plaster with hessian and timber lath inserts later....and a perfect match is created! We love the traditional processes involved in restoring historic buildings and the end product is very satisfying to see.