THE BRIEF

As the last stop to Antartica the client was looking for a solution for both residents of the island but also tourists and visitors stopping off. We were tasked with creating cost effective, environmentally conscious interiors and exteriors using materials that would be resilient to the weather conditions which are very inhospitable at times and with a need to be lightweight for transportation costs. A tight budget was imposed and a need to create a neutral housing scheme alongside a billionaires playground experience with the stand alone, off grid sky lodges.

THE SOLUTION

To maintain the ethos of the location, we needed to visit the islands and see why the buildings looked they way they did and what had been learnt over the centuries with regards to the materials used and the environment. The population was small and the community very close in spirit. The lack of imposed planning and access to materials for both initial construction but also maintenance resulted in a very simple, but unique rhythm to the buildings and their look. Neighbours working together to ensure each plot works alongside the next. A primary set of colours alongside neutral white cladded buildings. Architecturally a move from Victorian brickwork (not out of place in areas of the mainland UK) through corrugated panels to more modern cladding systems of Cedral. The interiors a modest, clean but modern approach targeting the youth and more mature aspirations. Following design styles common the UK housing market, but simplified to approach for shipping of materials.

THE RESULTS

Still in construction, the houses and cabins are still yet to be unveiled. The design and approach were rigorously analysed for cost feasibility and target aspiration approval. A resounding acceptance of both elements leads the way to further work with the client group.

THE BRIEF

Having worked alongside Ramside Estates for over 20 years, we were tasked with helping the client redefine their very successful main business by developing a new area of accommodation and flexible experiences. Using a growing trend on the market, the client was keen to capitalise and create a new set of ‘treehouses’.  From the ‘battleship’ houses for upto 12 people to a more boutique experience of an A Frame for up to 4 people. The main element and a much used cliché – the client wanted the WOW factor. The key, to create an immersive experience you would not find at home. Each treehouse was to have a different interior.

THE SOLUTION

We nestled unique shaped structures within the woodland to the boundary of the site and clad them in materials that complimented the backdrop and deliberately but slowly age. The interiors of the Battleships became flexible hire spaces allowing different sized groups and function uses from small weddings to team building weekends. The spaces escapist with champagne luxury. From Emperor fur covered beds, to dual showers and hot tubs on the balconies with high end integrated kitchens with chefs for hire for a personal party. The landscaping became the interior and elevated walkways lead you into a timber clad get away.

THE RESULTS

With occupancy levels near 90% a majority of the time, the client has commissioned a further 28 to be considered and developed.

THE BRIEF

The brief from John Adamson was to transform the old Grade Il listed Hope Inn pub into a beautiful restaurant serving bistro style food and fine wines, with 10 rooms in the coach house at the back of the building, and a pub at the front that is welcoming to guests, locals and travellers alike. This project was to have a lot of character. With the name ‘The Impeccable Pig’ we were to make this one standout from the crowd in Sedgefield and feel warm and inviting to clientele.

THE SOLUTION

Working within a listed building within a sensitive conservation area made expanding the venue into a commercially viable venue challenging and pushed both the boundaries of the architecture and fabric of the existing building. Exposing the previous existence of the structure allowed hidden features to be explored and enhanced, giving rise to a mid-level exposed fireplace, lending itself well to the village pub feel we were keen to maintain.

We commissioned Amy Dover to illustrate him for the brand identity as a well-travelled, Victorian gentleman in the form of an “impeccable” pig and form three huge portraits of him. We created human characteristics for him, and a tone of voice for the project that flows through every piece of the customer journey.

THE RESULTS

The results were an interesting space with unique features, including three commissioned artworks, a horseshoe shaped bar, glazed atrium, bespoke marble floor, vintage leather ribbed oval seats, marble tables, a canopy of olive branches and fairy lights, emerald green drapes, black wrought iron balustrade with gold highlights and polished brass rails, 14-seater dining mezzanine area with suspended canopy of wisteria, a handmade table and an imported French mural.

THE BRIEF

Carolyn and Charles Graves invited us to advise, in competition with others, on the new look of the bar for the old family home, come hotel. The main bar within the recently extended venue was starting to look tired. The hotel, up against the stiff competition, had managed to maintain its high occupancy levels by integrating a successful spa, function room and brasserie to its offering. However, the appeal to the next generation of visitors meant a new approach to the food and beverage rooms within the main body of the hotel. With an air of class and sophistication, the level of service and dining offering was exceptional. The presentation of these services, however rather tired.

THE SOLUTION

We looked to create an escapist, timeless cocktail bar where pre-dinner drinks and afternoon tea could be enjoyed in a sumptuous, opulent environment. Traditional fielded timber panels with original oil paintings of the Lakes, accented with modern crystal chandeliers and an aged brass counter top were strong features of the room. The original peat bog fire surround, filling one wall was brought back into use with a renovated grate and fire back.

Richly upholstered deep buttoned modular seats were placed side by side in the bay window, on wheels to allow them to be moved around – looking out into the gardens or into the room. They could also be moved away from this area together with the petal-shaped European velvet sofas. Giving the room layout great flexibility.

THE RESULTS

Covers are now increased with a raised Champagne booth nestled into the corner of the room, which has a vista across the full room and into the garden through the tall stone bay windows. The traditionally crafted timber bar with aged brass crinkled front and top, matching the integrated brass table lamps, provide both more seating and a view to the large selection of gins, whiskies and Champagnes. An elegant place to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

THE BRIEF

THE SOLUTION

The space itself was too small for what the client required and for how a traditional fish and chip shop needs to work. The back of house area far larger than the front of house area. Having worked within the industry for many years with different operators we understood the operation. First we needed to extend the property, a challenge and concern of the client. They wanted to use all the space for the customer. An honest discussion brought realisation into the actual need for the supporting spaces. Employing a leading chef in the North East compounded the result.

After we worked the back areas and ensured we had sufficient covers to maintain the business model commercially, we then looked at the interior. Stepping away from trends and what was in fashion (what is in fashion goes out of fashion) and looking towards the raw nature of the operation and unique food offers within the restaurant, we opted for a simple colour pallete and honest use of materials with longevity in mind. Recycled fishing boat timbers were used for counter faces, upgraded marine lighting rehomed. Newly formed cast concrete raised floors were polished with a seashell fossil aggregate and sweeping trowel effect to mimic waves were used. The new roof extension timberwork exposed and protected and workings of the mechanical left exposed.

THE RESULTS

Alongside the popular produce provided by skill full team, the award winning space is still fresh and has stood the test of time. Aside from occasional fresh paintwork to the exterior due to the salty, corrosive weather, the space is untouched.