News

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  Site Visit to ‘The Green’, Bordon, Hampshire

  We thoroughly enjoyed seeing site progress at ‘the Green’ with our client BRiCS at the end of last year – a year on from the planning approval for 77 bespoke new homes. The Green enjoys a unique village-like, tranquil setting in the Oxney Quarter, located just moments from the new amenities associated with the Whitehall and Bordon redevelopment.

  The new homes, designed by GSA, look fantastic, and are traditional in design with details like timber porches and gable windows referencing Hampshire's architectural heritage, adding to its village-like ambience. A wide variety of homes will be provided, ensuring an appealing mix of houses and apartments for people at all stages of life.

  January 2025

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  Another Planning Approval at Chilton Woods

  At the end of last year we received unanimous approval for a third RMA at Chilton Woods, Sudbury, on behalf of Taylor Wimpey. Phase 3 is made up of 149 homes, providing a range of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments to 2 to 5 bedroom houses. All homes are designed in line with the approved Design Code to incorporate the local vernacular and materials.

  Phase 3 benefits from a network of high quality open spaces and is sited close to the future mixed use Village Centre and new school ensuring a walkable neighbourhood. All the new homes will benefit from the community district heating system (community heat hub) providing heating and hot water.

  January 2025

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  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at GSA!

  2024 has been another busy year, with several projects reaching key milestones. Our work has taken us far and wide – with sites as far as Truro, Bristol, Ipswich and the West Midlands, plus closer to home in London, Essex, Hampshire, Herts, Surrey and Kent. We thank all who we have worked with, and their contributions to another successful year.

  Our office closes on 24th December 2024, re-opening on January 2nd 2025. We are looking forward to continuing to work on both the current and new, exciting opportunities that 2025 will bring.

  December 2024

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  Final Panels placed at H&F Retrofit

  We're really pleased to see our social housing retrofit for Hammersmith and Fulham Council passing a key milestone, with the final Melius Homes Energiesprong pre-fab, insulated panels being smoothly craned into place today.

  We were able to showcase this latest GLA Energiesprong retrofit scheme to the SHDF team of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on site. Really well done to the Equans site team and a lot of up-front design collaboration between GSA and Melius designers to make this all possible.

  November 2024

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  Planning Permission for Keswick Avenue

  We are pleased to have been awarded planning permission for 6 new homes in Hornchurch, on behalf of our client Mercury Land Holdings. Development of this underused site will provide high quality and much needed family houses in the heart of Hornchurch, close to the town centre amenities.

  The design of each house is a sympathetic yet contemporary response to the local character and will create an attractive addition to the area on this prominent corner site.

  November 2024

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  Westerfield Planning Approval

  Our scheme for Bellway (Essex) in Westerfield, Ipswich has been unanimously approved at planning committee. Our RM application comprises 198 dwellings of mixed type and tenure, and forms the first residential phase of the Fonnereau Garden Suburb neighbourhood, providing much needed new homes, a primary school, district centre and community centre.

  The design, siting and layout of dwellings within the residential parcels has been informed with regard to key design criteria outlined in the approved Design Codes. The new homes have a traditional feel using standard house types - but with a more contemporary language and bespoke apartment blocks close to the new District Centre.

  September 2024

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  Planning Success at North West Kent College

  Our scheme at North West Kent College in Dartford for Bellway Homes has been unanimously approved at planning committee. The proposals see a number of dilapidated buildings in the grounds of the College demolished and 2 derelict buildings converted. In total there will be a mixture of 93 converted and new homes, within a generous landscaped space.

  The proposals include the renovation of the now derelict Kingsfield House, once owned by Martina Bergman-Österberg, a pioneer of Physical Education for Women. Our designs will transform this into the heart of the new community. We are proud to have been part of this exciting scheme, providing much needed housing and helping the College to prosper.

  July 2024

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  Unanimous Approval in Henham, Essex

  Our scheme in Henham, Essex for Bellway North London has received a unanimous vote in favour of granting a resolution to grant planning approval by Uttesford planning committee. Our bespoke scheme will deliver 45 new homes on this village edge location, previously in the green belt.

  The new homes, which are inspired by the local Essex vernacular, create an attractive new first impression of Henham that responds to the rural character of the village. Bellway plan to commence work on site within the next couple of months and hope to have their first residents moving in just in time for Christmas 2025!

  July 2024

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  Exploring London - Summer Trip 2024

  The sun arrived in time for our annual Staff summer trip. This year we had a visit close to home, visiting the new facilities and residential buildings at Battersea Power Station and then taking a boat down the Thames to Greenwich.

  It was fascinating to see how the Grade II* power station has been converted to its new uses, and we all enjoyed the view from the top of the famous chimneys in Lift 109. At Greenwich, it was time to test our problem solving skills with a scavenger hunt, finishing the day with dinner, overlooking the Thames. A great day was had by all.

  June 2024

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  A Visit to Mindenhurst

  We recently visited our completed scheme for Parcel 2B at Mindenhurst, Deepcut. We worked with CALA Homes to deliver 215 new homes, as part of the redevelopment of Princess Royal Barracks. This is a landscape led layout, incorporating existing mature trees into the open space, and provides a setting that is appropriate to the woodland character.

  We’re really pleased with the spaces created, and the quality and variety of the homes on offer for new residents. The majority of the landscaping is now well established, with open spaces contributing well to the strong framework of green infrastructure that runs throughout the masterplan.

  June 2024

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  A Visit to Arborfield Green

  Some of the masterplanning team took the opportunity to visit our recent schemes at Arborfield Green, Wokingham. Over the years, we have designed over 300 new homes as part of the wider masterplan, delivered over three phases, with many homes enjoying views over the Lake, and the green corridors that permeate the site.

  It was fantastic to visit our projects at Watermans View, Watermans Reach, and Watermans Gate. These parcels are now occupied (including an excellent café at the entrance from the west), and the street trees, SuDS corridors and soft landscaping have matured. We look forward to applying ‘lessons learned’ to our future masterplanning projects.

  May 2024

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  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at GSA!

  2023 has been a busy year, and we thank all who we have worked with, and their contributions to another successful year. It has been an industrious year, with four of our assistants undertaking their Part 3 exams and qualifying as Architects. We also celebrated two practice promotions with Clare and Enzo joining the management team in the Autumn.

  Our office closes on 22nd December 2023, re-opening on January 2nd 2024. We are looking forward to continuing to work on both the current and new, exciting opportunities that 2024 will bring.

  December 2023

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  Full Planning Permission at Castle and Cumberland Street, Luton

  In late 2023, we secured full planning permission for two pioneering high-quality residential developments at Castle Street and Cumberland Street in Luton for JRL Group. Each site is designed to express its unique architectural identity, referencing the rich character of Luton’s hat making and industrial history.

  Our proposals provide 626 homes across both sites, offering a unique opportunity to deliver real, transformational, regeneration in the heart of Luton Town Centre in line with the aspirations of the council’s Town Centre Masterplan.

  November 2023

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  Visiting Royal Hill Park, Redhill

  We visited the recently completed Royal Hill Park, developed as a joint venture between Countryside and the Royal Institute of Blind People. Our scheme has transformed this dilapidated greenbelt site into a vibrant, integrated community where contemporary private homes sit alongside specialist supported living homes for adults with sight loss.

  The design creates a positive dialogue between built form and generous landscape. Contemporary homes cascade and rise with the natural topography, whilst the public realm is designed as an accessible, exciting sensory experience for all residents – be they visually impaired or sighted.

  May 2023

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  Whitehill Chase shortlisted for Housing Design Awards

  We are delighted that our scheme at Whitehill Chase, Bordon has been granted planning permission, and shortlisted for a Housing Design Award! A high-quality sustainable development close to the new town centre and local SANG, our proposals will see the delivery of 50 homes within previously private woodland now accessible to the wider community.

  Natural woodland wraps around the site, safeguarding and reinforcing existing habitats. To the centre of the site homes are orientated to maximise views over green spaces and woodland, creating connectivity with the landscape. View corridors and vistas between existing ‘anchor’ trees define key routes within the site.

  April 2023

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  FutureBuild2023- Take a Stand

  The GSA retrofit team attended the annual FutureBuild conference this week, which urges professionals to ‘take a stand for a better built environment’. The event featured over 90 industry leading partners and featured a stellar line-up of over 300 speakers, giving insights on net zero, the scale and pace of retrofit and sustainable infrastructure.

  Interest in Retrofit is growing rapidly, particularly evident by the growing number of large, high-quality projects underway in the UK, like the ones GSA are currently involved in across London. Retrofit offers a solution to some of the UK’s most vulnerable households when facing the demands of extreme climate change and energy insecurity.

  March 2023

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  BOSC Phase 2, Bordon

  We have secured a reserved matters planning approval for the second phase of the BOSC neighbourhood for BRiCSdevelopment. Our landscape led scheme will deliver 77 bespoke and characterful new homes within a woodland environment. The BOSC neighbourhood forms part of the wider Prince Philip Park development located in Whitehill & Bordon, Hampshire.

  The new homes, which are inspired by the Hampshire vernacular, are set around the new BOSC Pavilion social club and playing field.

  January 2023

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  Outline Approval for Grange Farm

  The new year has started well with a planning approval in Leicestershire for our client HLM (Harris Land Management). Blaby District Council resolved to grant outline planning approval for up to 58 new homes on this 6 acre site in Leicester Forest East , known as Grange Farm.

  Trees have been retained where possible - including some with TPOs - and create a focal point within the open space, visual screening as well as noise attenuation from then nearby M1. Homes are arranged in a network of streets, leafy lanes and courtyards, with many homes benefitting from a green outlook.

  January 2023

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  Phase 2 RMA Approval at Chilton Woods, Sudbury

  We have gained unanimous approval for Phase 2, Chilton Woods, Sudbury, on behalf of Taylor Wimpey. Made up of 242 homes, including 30% affordable tenures, homes range in size from 1&2 bed apartments to 2-5 bed houses. All homes are designed to follow the Chilton Woods Design Code, incorporating site specific local vernacular details and materials.

  Phase 2 benefits from a network of high quality open space, with parkland running round the southern and western perimeter and pocket parks within the parcel. In the north, 3 storey apartments and 2.5 storey houses are designed to create a strong frontage to the Village green which sits opposite the future mixed use Village Centre.

  November 2022

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  Sketch vs Reality - Addiscombe Road, Croydon

  Work at Addiscombe Road, Croydon continues to progress rapidly, with Phase 1 handover scheduled for early 2023. With the external facades nearing completion, it has been a good opportunity to see how the planning application visuals compare to the built reality. We are really pleased with the results!

  Our scheme delivers 137 new homes for L&Q in the heart of Croydon town centre, 65% of which are affordable tenures. Homes are split between an 8 storey mansion block that addresses the street and a set back 18 storey tower.

  November 2022

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  Planning Approval in Tovil, Maidstone

  Our clients Vistry Partnerships and Legal and General Homes are delighted to have achieved planning consent for this site in Tovil, Maidstone for 272 dwellings. Planning permission was originally sought on this site 20 years ago so it’s fantastic news that work can now commence, delivering new homes of which 50% will be affordable.

  The consented scheme was undeliverable and unviable so we successfully sought to change the design through an amendment (S96a) application. The GSA team enjoyed lunch at the Shard to celebrate this achievement!

  August 2022

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  Public Exhibition for Worting Park

  In June we shared our proposals with the community at a public exhibition at Worting House, Basingstoke for Worting Park. On behalf of CALA Homes and the landowners, and following months of engagement with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council officers, our design proposes up to 120 new homes.

  The development will be a well-considered and logical extension to the existing village, responding to its unique context of the Grade II* listed building and parkland setting, and positively influenced by landscape and townscape through its close observation and interpretation of local building styles, pattern, scale, colour and form.

  June 2022

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  Rosewood Phase 3, Maidstone Approved

  We are pleased to report that the third phase of Rosewood in Maidstone has been approved under delegated powers by Maidstone Borough Council. Our proposals for Bellway Thames Gateway include 170 new homes ranging from 1 bed flats to 5 bedroom houses.

  Rosewood is a new mixed-use development to the south east of the town centre of the delivering 800 homes, a new school and potentially shops and health facilities. The proposals follow the principles of Building for a Healthy Life and residents will enjoy the pocket green and the wider landscaped infrastructure.

  February 2022

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  Christine Goldsmith 1972-2021

  It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Christine Goldsmith our co-director, colleague and dear friend passed away on Saturday 18th September 2021. Christine has been a vital and highly valued member of the GSA team for 25 years. Her passion for socially conscious placemaking was reflected in her collaborative approach to design.

  Christine was highly regarded by colleagues and clients as a considerate and compassionate leader. She was an inspiration and wise mentor to many and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. This has been an enormous shock to us all and we extend our sympathies to her family at this devastating time.

  September 2021

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  Progress on site at Addiscombe Road

  Click the link for an update of progress on site at 30-38 Addiscombe Road. It is an apartment complex sited in the dynamic and rapidly growing area immediately around East Croydon Station

  It comprises of 137 homes for L&Q, in an 8-storey mansion block addressing the street, with a setback 18-storey tower element to the south-west.

  Read more

  August 2021

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  Planning Approvals at Chilton Woods

  We have just received approval for the Design Code and the RMA for the 1st phase of 200 homes at Chilton Woods for Taylor Wimpey. Chilton Woods is a new mixed-use development to the NE of the historic market town of Sudbury, delivering 1150 homes, a new school and Village Centre.

  Key aspects of the Design Code that will be incorporated into all future development here include a landscape led approach, distinctive characterful places, ecological benefits, social recreational spaces and an interconnected network of walking and cycling connections. These will secure an inviting, safe, sustainable and high-quality environment.

  August 2021

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  Beauchamp Park - Exploring Architectural Heritage

  Our client L&Q, have commissioned a series of short films about the design and construction of 450 new homes at Beauchamp Park, Warwick.

  We were happy to help document the process. Director Christine Goldsmith took a look at the rich architectural heritage that inspired the designs.

  Read more

  August 2021

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  We Are Open For Business!

  During the special measures to manage COVID-19, the practice is not closed. We are still open for business and we’d love to hear from you about your forthcoming projects – please do get in touch.

  Following government advice, most of our team are working remotely. You can still contact us, please call 0207 620 6255 or email info@gsa-studios.com

  July 2021

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  We Are Recruiting

  Maserplanners & Passivhaus Designers : Mixed-use + residential, urban, high-density projects. Residential led masterplanning, urban + housing projects. Experience in Passivhaus new + retro-fit projects. Ability to drive projects forward collaboratively.

  Experience across all stages welcomed. Should have excellent communication graphical skills. ARCHICAD / VECTORWORKS / Other BIM experience welcomed. Ideally London Based. PLEASE SEND CV + PORTFOLIO TO: recruit@gsa-studios.com

  July 2021

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  Beauchamp Park Story

  We enjoyed helping L&Q with the content for their film about Beauchamp Park, near Warwick and Leamington Spa. The filming is only one element of the process. The big editing process now begins. But we look forward to seeing the finished article!

  Beauchamp Park combines the modern high-performance, factory controlled-quality of L&Q’s timber panel homes with high quality townscape, extending the romantic setting of Warwick Castle’s parkland into the heart of the new neighbourhood. The new homes, part of the garden suburb plan for Warwick, are set in a high quality biodiverse landscape.

  April 2021

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  Our New Studio

  The arrival of Spring brings a new chapter for GSA. We are excited to move into our new offices at The Leather Market, near London Bridge. It’s only a short distance away from our former base at Waterloo. We are looking forward to exploring our new neighbourhood - a district that many of us already know – our previous office was here.

  It will be interesting to see those things that have changed, and those that haven’t. In the meantime we are still providing our full range of architectural services remotely. We’re really looking forward to a return to office working!

  March 2021

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  Progress at Royal Hill Park

  It’s great to see work progressing at Royal Hill Park, Redhill (image credit Countryside). This joint venture between RNIB and Countryside delivers high-quality bespoke contemporary homes on a beautiful south facing site in Surrey.

  The scheme delivers an attractive, inclusive environment that is accessible for all. Homes are designed to be bright and encourage indoor / outdoor living, which in turn promotes health.

  Read more

  March 2021

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  Addiscombe Road Starts To Take Shape

  Works are progressing well at our scheme in Croydon on behalf of L&Q. Today P Colohan & Co. Ltd poured the next section of the first floor slab.

  (photo credits – P. Colohan)

  Read more

  February 2021

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  MHCLG’s National Model Design Code

  MHCLG’s National Model Design Code has been published to provide detailed guidance on the production of design codes, guides and policies to promote successful design. It expands on the 10 characteristics of good design set out in the National Design Guide.

  We were delighted to see our design for the housing at Beaulieu Chase, Chelmsford, used as an illustration on page 37. (image credit Countryside). We are currently working on Design Codes for a number of developments in Southern and Eastern England.

  Read more

  February 2021

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  Estate Regeneration: Learning from the Past, Housing Communities of the Future

  Estate Regeneration: Learning from the Past, Housing Communities of the Future by Brendan Kilpatrick and Manisha Patel analyses estate regeneration from the 1990s to the present to inform the housing estate of the future whilst taking into consideration the impact of pandemics and changing family structure on future designs.

  We have contributed towards the chapter on Park Central, Birmingham – our award-winning design, which we enjoyed working on for more than a decade, to positively transform the neighbourhood.

  Read more

  February 2021

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  Planning Approval at Fobbing

  We have just received planning approval for our design for 168 new homes on the site of the former Vange Water Works in Fobbing near Basildon, Essex. The scheme for Bellway Homes will mark a new chapter for the site, currently used for commercial storage.

  The design will sensitively integrate new homes within a green and wooded setting. An existing pond and water channels are being retained and enhanced to encourage biodiversity – creating a distinctive scheme with a unique sense of place.

  Read more

  January 2021

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  Walkable Neighbourhoods in Chelmsford

  Last weekend there was a Sunday Times article about an innovative idea to reduce car use. The article examines proposals for driverless cars in Chelmsford Garden Village, Essex. It is one of a number of measures that could help to reduce the impact and dominance of cars on the built environment in the future.

  The article was illustrated with Beaulieu Chase. This scheme has compatible aspirations, but uses more familiar measures. Here we created a ‘walkable neighbourhood’ with attractive pedestrian and cycle routes, through high quality open spaces. And a successful neighbourhood centre with a wide range of facilities delivered from the outset.

  Read more

  January 2021

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  Unexpected Pockets of Joy

  Time Out’s recent article invited Londoners to nominate great places they’ve enjoyed during lockdown. This is by Ife Akinroyeje – Founder of Wanderers of Colour.‘Mile End Park and its canal became central to so many of the things I did in lockdown. I’d go for strolls that could last up to three hours because the canal just goes on and on.'

  It’s so peaceful but it is also so communal: there’s a community there and you feel it. There was someone playing music on one of the balconies. We dropped out bags and started dancing and all of a sudden, other people around the park did too. We understood that we’d all gone through a tough time but could still find unexpected pockets of joy.’

  December 2020

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  Festive Greetings

  Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year from everyone at GSA! 2020 has been a year of enormous change. This year’s artwork (by Bryce Henden) reflects the new ways of working that we have adopted, to keep working throughout the pandemic.

  This year our office is closes on Thursday 24th December, re-opening on Monday January 4th 2021.

  December 2020

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  Let the Festivities Begin!

  We are starting to feel festive. We have started our virtual office advent calendar today.

  Here’s a gratuitously cute photo of the first grateful recipient!

  December 2020

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  Groundbreaking At Beauchamp Park

  We are delighted to see construction works start at Beauchamp Park, Warwick. To mark the occasion, senior representatives from our client L&Q, gathered for a socially distanced ground-breaking ceremony.

  We produced the Reserved Matters architectural design for Beauchamp Park – consisting of 450 new homes, set around the Castle Vista, looking toward Warwick Castle. There will be a wide range of homes, a large proportion of which will be affordable tenures.

  Read more

  November 2020

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  Regional Finalist - LABC Building Excellence Awards

  The South Oxhey Initiative is a £150 million mixed-use regeneration project by Three Rivers District Council in partnership with Countryside Properties and Home Group. This Initiative is revitalising the heart of South Oxhey town centre. The project will deliver over 500 new homes, alongside 55,000sft of town centre uses including a food store.

  This project has been an exciting collaboration involving many talented people, working alongside residents, a wide range of community organisations and local businesses. We were delighted to hear that this transformational project has been recognised – as a regional finalist in the LABC Building Excellence Awards.

  November 2020

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  Greener Future - Engie Zero Sustainable Housing

  We have helped ENGIE to develop a fabric-first, one-stop-shop approach to decentralise, digitalise and decarbonise homes; offering our clients a viable solution to future proof their housing stock and meet the 2050 UK target. We are part of the team behind the delivery. This photo is of our design for MOAT in Maldon, Essex.

  Existing housing stock poses a greater risk to the UK’s net zero carbon targets than new homes or developments, so this programme will contribute to a greener future. ENGIE is committed to supporting clients’ to navigate this ambitious journey through innovative zero carbon turn-key solutions.

  Read more

  October 2020

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  Ely Extension Approved

  Phase 3 of Orchards Green, Ely, Cambridgeshire has just been approved at planning committee. The scheme will deliver 258 new homes, inspired by the historic cathedral city of Ely.

  GSA assisted the Taylor Wimpey team with urban design advice and presentation material. The proposals form an attractive extension to the city. Appropriate, locally-inspired housing typologies, streetscape, site-specific materials and planting palette reinforce legibility and identity.

  August 2020

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  Piling Begins At Addiscombe Rd Croydon

  It’s great to see piling progressing on site at Addiscombe Road in the heart of Croydon Town Centre. It’s an intricate business – given the urban setting and the need to protect this lovely mature oak tree.

  This scheme for L&Q comprises of an 8-storey mansion block onto the street, with a setback 18-storey tower element, containing 137 high quality new homes. A high proportion of which are affordable tenures.

  Read more

  July 2020

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  Zero Carbon Retrofit Gains Approval

  We are delighted to receive planning approval for our EnergieSprong retrofit design for 8 affordable homes across a series of sites in the London Borough of Sutton. Our designs will alleviate the cold, damp internal living conditions, and consequently high energy bills, that residents currently experience.

  EnergieSprong is an approach to housing regeneration and refurbishment using sustainable and practical principles for whole-house retrofit to create desirable, warm, affordable & healthy homes for life.

  July 2020

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  Planning Application to Transform Industrial Site

  Our designs for the transformation of the Vange Water Works, Fobbing have been submitted to Thurrock Borough Council, for Bellway Homes. The planning application comprises 168 homes inspired by the local Essex vernacular. A mix of 2, 3 & 4 bed family houses, and 1 & 2 bed apartments, including 4 no wheelchair user flats.

  Nearly half the site area is designed as open space, including a new play area, SuDS, and rich habitats themed around the existing water features. The previous use of the site as a water works & covered reservoir have inspired the contouring of the landscape & the new character areas: the ‘Brook’ next to the Village Green, the ‘Island’ & the Lanes.

  June 2020

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  Completion At Oakgrove Village

  All 1,015 new homes at Oakgrove Village, Milton Keynes are completed and occupied now. Our designs for Crest Nicholson transformed the residential market. The development has a unique sense of place - from the entrance gateway with a sweeping crescent of contemporary houses, the thriving neighbourhood centre to the distinctive Ouzel Island.

  Our masterplan creates a series of landscape characters – parkland, wildlife corridor (supporting newts and aquatic plants), through to intimate leafy lanes and courtyards. All homes enjoy an attractive, green outlook.

  May 2020

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  Housing Design Awards Shortlisted

  We were delighted to hear that two of our housing schemes are shortlisted for the Housing Design Awards. They are both set within distinctive and high quality landscaping, delivering a mix of both houses and apartments. They both create a strong sense of place, yet they are quite different in character.

  Beauchamp Park, Warwick (left) sits within view of the historic landscape surrounding Warwick Castle. It combines MMC whilst extending the romantic setting of the castle. Whereas Croxton & Garry, Ebbsfleet (right) forms part of a contemporary garden city, regenerating this former industrial area of Kent.

  April 2020

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  Approval for Sutton town-centre regeneration

  Our design responds to this diverse town centre context, in particular Grade II* Listed St Nicholas Church. The resulting development of 276 homes and town-centre uses - rising to 11 & 18 storeys is considered to be of an exceptional design quality by LB Sutton planners, setting a high benchmark for future development in the town-centre.

  "Our urban design studies explored how the area could evolve over time. It was vital that we enhanced the setting of the church and re-connected it visually and physically back to the High St. The benefits to the wider regeneration of the civic quarter of central Sutton were supported by the planners." - Manoher Matharu, Director

  April 2020

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  Getting Our Daily Exercise

  We have been enjoying our daily health walks during this sunny weather. We hope that those who are living in our completed masterplans are enjoying the open spaces and parks that give them a strong sense of place.

  (Clockwise form left - Beaulieu, Chelmsford; Mile End Park, London & Park Central, Birmingham)

  April 2020

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  Futurebuild 2020

  We were at Futurebuild in London this week, telling people about our innovative retrofit designs for Mundon Rd, Maldon and Treadgold House, West London.

  Energiesprong is a revolutionary, whole house refurbishment and new build standard and funding approach. We are working with Energiesprong UK - to scale the approach for the UK. An Energiesprong retrofit has the very best energy standard available, it uses the money that would normally be paid on energy bills and maintenance to pay for the works.

  March 2020

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  What’s Next? A Horizon Scan for Young Practitioners in Uncertain Times

  We were happy to host this session of the Young Practitioner’s Network. Director Manoher Matharu was the first of a series of diverse and interesting speakers offering perspectives on the challenges facing London in the next 5-50 years.

  This session posed some big questions, provoking a broad range of discussions. There were lots of great ideas for future-proofing the city. The conclusion? This is a critical time – joined-up thinking is required.

  February 2020

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  Innovative Net Zero Win

  GSA with Bow Tie Construction, Mauer UK and Nilan UK have been announced as a winner of the EnergieSprong UK competition to design net zero energy retrofit apartments. GSA are one of the UK’s leading EnergieSprong architects having delivered a successful pilot project in Maldon, Essex.

  John will be joining Bow Tie and Energiesprong UK at Futurebuild at London’s ExCel on March 4th. If you would like to meet with him – please get in contact.

  February 2020

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  Unanimous Approval - Ebbsfleet Garden City

  Ebbsfleet Garden City will get a further 221 homes after plans were approved for our design produced for Bellway Homes. The new scheme is next door to our successful masterplan for Ingress Park.

  Mark Pullin, Chief Planning Officer with Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, said: “Bellway has worked very closely with us to achieve what we believe is a good quality scheme fitting of a 21st Century Garden City as well as going beyond planning requirements as it looks towards a more sustainable future.”

  Read more

  February 2020

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  Celebrating Recent Promotions

  We are pleased to announce some recent promotions. John Pratley becomes Associate Director, in recognition of the innovative Passivhaus and Energiesprong schemes that John has brought to the practice. John has 25 years of experience delivering projects from masterplan all the way through to delivery on site.

  Mike Panayi, Jonathan Head and Hannah Shopland will join the Management Group as Associates. In addition Karmjit Sohal, Adam Hewgill and Tora Bickford-Sawkings have been promoted to Senior Architect, recognising their expertise, experience and years of service at the practice.

  February 2020

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  First Time Buyers Awards - Shortlisted

  Birnam Mews is a collection of 60 family homes in the verdant village of Tiddington, Warwickshire, just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, has been shortlisted for Best Family Home in the First Time Buyer Awards. The eco-friendly development is built around traditional family-friendly street-scenes, interspersed with garden squares.

  the development for L&Q offers 10 different layouts and designs, from one-bedroom quarter houses to detached four-bedroom family homes, Birnam Mews offers the unique mix of housing to create the true community feel that families seek.

  February 2020

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  Beaulieu Shortlisted First Time Buyers Awards

  Beaulieu, Chelmsford, Essex is nominated in the Best Large Development category of the First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards. Set in former hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, the vision for Beaulieu was to create a vibrant new integrated community for the city of Chelmsford, bringing together 3,600 quality new homes.

  The homes are designed around 180 acres of green open spaces, ranging from formal parks, village greens and community gardens to natural meadows plus an orchard. These green open spaces connect the new Beaulieu neighbourhoods and give residents a wealth of choice for outdoor activities, improving their health and well-being.

  February 2020

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  Best Urban Regeneration Nomination

  South Oxhey Central is nominated as Best Urban Regeneration project in the First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards. A £172m mixed-use regeneration scheme by Countryside and Home Group, in partnership with Three Rivers District Council, that is currently transforming the existing town centre and three unused sites into a modern and vibrant hub.

  A rejuvenated retail area - Station Approach, which is fully let, is bringing local shops and trade back to the area, while Countryside is also creating employment and training opportunities for local people in construction. We created friendly, safe and well-overlooked streets and public spaces, designed according to Secured by Design principles.

  February 2020

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  Industry Takes The Reins

  Good article by Jo Smit in the RIBA Journal. Jo's article looks at ways in which the construction industry is building expertise & finding solutions that promote retrofit. Read about our projects at Wilmcote House & Mundon Road, Maldon, where we are collaborating with Engie.

  The homes in Maldon (owned by Moat Housing) are the first in the UK to use the Energiesprong system to enhance energy performance.

  February 2020

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  A New Chapter in Grays History

  Our scheme for Bellway at Devonshire Place is progressing well on site. Located next to romantically named open spaces such as Lions Gorge, Chafford Gorges Nature Park & Grays Chalk Quarry Nature Park, recognising the area’s industrial past, the development will transform a former quarrying and industrial area of the town.

  The development delivers 102 new homes - a mix of 2,3 and 4 bedroom houses and 1 and 2 bed flats. We worked hard with the Bellway team to turn around the planning application in just 2 months.

  February 2020

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  His First Quarter Century!

  25yrs ago, as a young graduate, Graham Kime began work at the practice, little suspecting that 21yrs later, with 3 colleagues, he would have completed an MBO and be running the company. The year that Nelson Mandela was elected president of South Africa, a cease-fire was declared in NI, the channel tunnel opened, & Sony introduced the playstation.

  “Back then I had long hair, big dreams and the youthful naivety that I could make a difference. The architectural profession has changed so much in the past 25 years. My hair has receded from 3ft long to a mere stubble… but I still like to think that we are making a difference!”

  January 2020

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  Happy New Year

  2020 marks the beginning of a new decade – a time of great change, but full of possibilities. We are looking forward to the opportunities and design challenges that lie ahead.

  Looking Back On 2019 we have been privileged to work on some very exciting and rewarding projects. Thank you to everyone who worked with us and supported us throughout the year.

  January 2020

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  Festive Greetings

  Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year from everyone at GSA! Our festive artwork is designed by Bryce Henden and Mauro Mosca, showing our office on Blackfriars Road.

  This year our office is closes at 5.30pm on Friday 20th December, re-opening on Thursday January 2nd 2020.

  December 2019

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  The Secret To Flourishing Places

  Philip Lyons, chief executive at Countryside discusses how to provide successful environments for flourishing communities in this month’s edition of Housebuilder. He uses Beaulieu, Chelmsford as one of his best practice case studies. He describes how public art has been used to create character and identity, & foster a sense of community pride.

  The landscape-led masterplan for Beaulieu surrounds one of King Henry VIII’s former palaces. The public art strategy draws upon this theme. Image Credits – Countryside.

  December 2019

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  Placemaking Framework Success

  We are delighted to be successfully admitted to the Places For People Consultants Framework DPS. Places For People’s vision is to create places that work for everyone. Places that work now and in the future. It’s their mission to build sustainable communities that are for everyone, whatever their background and whatever their needs.

  Places For People have been placemaking for over 50 years. We have also been have been placemakers for nearly as long – over 40 years.

  December 2019

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  Seeing The Fruits Of Our Labours

  Our Mindenhurst team enjoyed a site visit this week to see the fruits of their labours – the award winning first phase of the Deepcut Barracks redevelopment for CALA Homes.

  A bit of a grey day but the buildings are beautifully finished and it’s all coming together to create a fantastic place to live. Parcel M1 is now nearly complete (79 homes, all sold) and work continues on M2 to the east (136 homes).

  Read more

  December 2019

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  Wilmcote House EnerPHit Case Study

  Associate John Pratley attended the book launch at the RIBA of EnerPHit: A Step by Step Guide to Low Energy Retrofit by James Traynor.

  John led the detail design and delivery stage of Wilmcote House, Portsmouth for Portsmouth City Council. This is an Enerphit Passivhaus retrofit project featured in the book.

  December 2019

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  Approval Under Delegated Powers in Milton Keynes

  Our design for Tattenhoe Park Phase 3 in Milton Keynes, for Crest Nicholson, has received planning approval under delegated powers. The scheme will deliver 117 new homes in the south-west of the town, in the last of the Grid Squares forming the original town plan.

  The design process involved meeting with both Milton Keynes Council and Homes England (the landowners), to ensure that the design meets both current and the future needs of the town. The scheme was designed to enable MMC delivery.

  November 2019

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  A little project, with a BIG influence!

  It’s a little project, with a BIG influence! Last week our energy-saving Energiesprong retrofit project with Moat Homes & Engie‬ at Mundon Road, Maldon won another award – Energy Awards – Residential Project of the year.

  This scheme offers is a whole house retrofit - so that heat demand is massivley reduced, and guaranteed for 30 years - which tackles fuel poverty. Mundon Rd is one of the 1st examples in the UK.

  November 2019

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  Property Award Win for Mindenhurst

  Our design for CALA Homes at Mindenhurst has won the Best New Homes Development for 13+ Homes at the Surrey Property Awards. Parcel 2B is the 1st residential phase of the masterplan for the redevelopment of the Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut. It delivers 215 homes from 1 - 2 bedroom apartments to 5 bedroom houses.

  This is a landscape led layout, incorporating attractive existing mature trees, creating a strong sense of place and providing a setting that is appropriate to the woodland character. The open spaces in this phase form part of a strong framework of green infrastructure that runs throughout the masterplan.

  Read more

  November 2019

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  Opening Time at Carpenders Park!

  We are pleased to see the new coffee shop opening in Station Square, South Oxhey, Hertfordshire. It really animates the space leading down to Carpenders Park Overground Station. This little building is triangular in shape because it sits between the lines of major infrastructure (such as power cables and sewers) that lie beneath the square itself.

  This is part of our competition-winning masterplan to regenerate the town centre, produced for Countryside, Home Group and Three Rivers District Council.

  Read more

  November 2019

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  We Back AJ Retro First

  We have given our backing to AJ (Architects Journal) Retro First. The campaign calls on the government to promote and incentivise the reuse of existing buildings in the face of the climate emergency. It asks for government action to encourage greater use of retrofit and refurbishment in three key areas: tax, procurement and policy.

  We have recently been working on a number of residential and commercial retrofit and refurbishment projects in London, Stevenage, Dartford and Maldon, Essex.

  Read more

  November 2019

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  Another Framework Success

  Following on from our success in joining the L&Q London framework, we are pleased to also be named as one of the successful practices to reach the London and Quadrant (L&Q) Counties architecture framework. The framework will run from 2019 to 2021 – delivering high quality homes outside London.

  This is Beauchamp Park, Warwick – which will deliver 450 new homes, set around a linear garden with views to Warwick Castle. At least half of the homes will be affordable. We have successfully gained planning approval under delegated powers.

  Read more

  November 2019

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  The Future of Virtual Reality in Architecture

  Our team having lots of fun trying out Virtual & Augmented Reality software with ACTIU. A very enjoyable CPD looking at different presentation techniques that can help our clients to visualize the projects whilst they are at the ‘drawing board’ stage (and yes - we do still do some hand drawings on drawing boards!).

  We hope there is a virtual caretaker to tidy up the furniture within the model we used. It looks like we had a party - lots of furniture scattered all over the place! The team are exciting about the prospect of bringing this technology to our projects.

  October 2019

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  Mundon Road - Building Innovation Finalist

  We're over the moon to hear of another ‪awards‬ nomination for our energy-saving retrofit project with Moat Homes & Engie‬. This retrofit project led by Associate John Pratley is really making a difference to the residents whose homes have been refurbished.

  It's been shortlisted for the Building Innovation Awards -‬ Most Innovative Building Project.

  Read more

  October 2019

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  One Show Goes To Beautiful Beaulieu!

  Great to see Beaulieu Square featuring on primetime TV. It appeared on the One Show last week. This view is of the new Community Centre that we designed, facing onto a public square (designed by Randall Thorp).

  The Neighbourhood Centre forms the main entrance gateway for a mixed-use development containing 3,500 new homes, on the edge of Chelmsford.

  Read more

  October 2019

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  We’re In The National Design Guide

  The National Design Guide has just been published. It illustrates how well-designed places that are beautiful, enduring and successful can be achieved in practice. The aim is “to end ugly development”.

  The design guide would be a material consideration in planning applications and appeals, with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to be updated to reflect this ‘at the first opportunity’. On page 32 our design for Beaulieu, Chelmsford is shown as a positive example.

  Read more

  October 2019

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  Award-winning Net Zero Carbon Innovation

  Mundon Road, Maldon has just picked up another award! It was a winner at the National Energy Efficiency Awards – a celebration of building innovations and initiatives to create greener, smarter homes.

  The project involved working in partnership with Moat Homes and Engie. It has transformed the energy efficiency of existing homes by developing the Energiesprong low carbon retrofit system to suit the UK.

  September 2019

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  Appointment to L&Q Architecture Framework

  We are delighted to be named as one of the successful practices to reach the London and Quadrant (L&Q) Housing Trust architecture framework. The framework will run from 2019 to 2021 and is expected to involve £10-£50 million worth of housing projects, including new builds, refurbishments, masterplanning and mixed-use developments.

  This illustration is of the scheme for Addiscombe Rd, Croydon – which will deliver 137 new homes, at least half of which will be affordable. We have successfully gained planning approval, and we are currently working on the technical packages with L&Q.

  Read more

  September 2019

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  All Aboard - Cambridge Study Visit

  It's September but we really couldn’t have asked for better weather and a better setting for our annual practice visit. This year we enjoyed the sights of Cambridge.

  Our tour conducted by foot and by punt, covered distinctive architecture from historic to contemporary. It should inspire us in our forthcoming work.

  September 2019

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  Hidden Treasure

  Director Graham Kime found some hidden treasure when tidying up recently – an urban sketchbook featuring hand drawings by our founder Francis Tibbalds. Drawn between 1977 – 88. The sketches feature vibrant cities from across the world.

  This is an aerial view of Trafalgar Square, London. Which also contains our former office on Charing Cross Road. The sketches were done primarily for enjoyment. We definitely enjoy viewing them!

  August 2019

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  Sustainable Ecology Pavilion

  We love to see buildings we designed in use. At Mile End Park, East London, the Ecology Pavilion has been in use for community events for two decades.

  Here is a photo from a recruitment event to attract people interested in working in construction, held in partnership with TFL, the Mayor of London and several housing associations including Swan, Clarion, Peabody, L&Q, Southern Housing Group, One Housing, Gateway Housing Association, Spittalfields Housing Association & Notting Hill Genesis.

  August 2019

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  Helping Hedgehogs

  L&Q has joined forces with environmental campaigners to boost local wildlife at Birnam Mews, Tiddington. Co-founders of Hedgehog Friendly Town and the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, visited the site to give their specialist hedgehog support and advice to L&Q’s site team.

  L&Q has pledged to maintain hoardings and a green buffer around the site, to ensure the safety and protection of the existing wildlife habitat during the construction phase. Once work has been completed, they will install hedgehog friendly fencing to allow local hedgehogs safe passage through the development by avoiding the roads.

  August 2019

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  Innovation and Inclusivity in Redhill

  Our masterplan & architectural design for 102 homes & community hub at Royal Hill Park, Redhill features in The Developer. This is a joint venture between RNIB & Countryside on a greenbelt site with challenging topography. We worked closely with the client and stakeholders to achieve successful planning approval across 2 local authorities.

  Our design features a range of specialist & open market homes, with a generous public realm incorporating a sensory trail that assists wayfinding & creates a rich sensory experience for visually impaired and sighted residents. The sensitively restored listed Tudor House will be transformed into a community hub.

  Read more

  July 2019

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  Homes for L&Q Approved Under Delegated Powers at St. Neots

  GSA’s design proposals for the latest phase of Loves Farm, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire have received reserved matters planning approval under delegated powers. GSA were the lead consultant working with L&Q, one of the UK’s leading housing associations and residential developers. The plans are for 41 new homes.

  Our design creates a strong frontage onto Cambridge Rd, of linked pairs of 3 storey townhouses, finished off by 3 storey apartment blocks at either corner. On the other side of the site is a row of family houses fronting onto the Fox Brook green space, create a softer edge. In the centre of the site is an attractive, contemporary mews.

  July 2019

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  South Oxhey - Honouring Local Heroes

  A naming ceremony, honouring three much-loved local figures, has taken place at South Oxhey Central. The apartment blocks are located within the 1st phase of the town centre regeneration, consisting of 514 new homes & 55,000 sqft+ of commercial space.

  "While we look to the future, we always celebrate the past and recognising these people that have done so much for the area is extremely important in achieving this.” - Mike Woolliscroft, Managing Director, Partnerships South (West), Countryside

  Read more

  July 2019

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  Joining In The Fun Fest

  The annual Stewartby Fest Fun Day was held at the Stewartby Village Hall and the Village Green. We went along – part of the Bedford Brickworks team, to tend the stall where local residents could stop by for an informal progress update on current planning application for Stewartby Brickworks.

  We encouraged suggestions for what community and commercial uses should be included within the future District Centre. Alongside shops, cafes & health centre, a swimming pool or lido was a popular suggestion! The event was a great success. We estimate well in excess of 100 people stopped by to discuss the proposals throughout the day.

  July 2019

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  Net Zero Homes Win Prestigious Ashden Award

  The pioneering Energiesprong approach to get UK homes up to net zero energy standard has won a 1st prize in the UK Sustainable Buildings category of the 2019 Ashden Awards. Asssessors applauded Energiesprong’s potential to radically cut carbon from the UK’s housing stock by refurbishing older hard to heat homes, both faster and in higher numbers.

  They also noted Energiesprong’s progress including the rollout of Energiesprong retrofit to homes including our project in Maldon, Essex for Moat Homes. Ashden commented: “Energiesprong holds huge promise because it can scale. With industrialisation, costs come down, retrofits get faster & further quality gains become possible."

  June 2019

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  Energiesprong - Sustainability Awards Finalist

  Here are progress photos of our Energiesprong retrofit pilot project at Mundon Road in Maldon, Essex, for Moat Homes / Engie. This project demonstrates that the external envelope of the existing housing stock can be upgraded to achieve significantly better energy performance.

  Energiesprong is a finalist at two prestigious Awards events this summer: the Ashden Awards in London and the EU Sustainable Energy Week Awards in Brussels.

  June 2019

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  A Vision of Inclusivity

  Royal Hill Park, Redhill for the RNIB & Countryside appears in this month’s ADF magazine. The article describes how the redevelopment of the site has allowed the RNIB upgrade their facilities and gives their clients opportunities to live more independently within an integrated community, creating an attractive and inclusive environment.

  “Our aim is to create a stimulating sensory environment for all residents. At the end of the day people are going to live here – it’s got to feel like home.” – Manoher Matharu, GSA Director. Image credit – Countryside Properties

  Read more

  June 2019

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  Oakgrove Village - Urban Design Tour

  We were delighted to see this photo of Oakgrove Village, Milton Keynes appear on Twitter – part of a Milton Keynes Council and the Academy of Urbanism cycle tour.

  To find out more about our masterplan design….

  Read more

  May 2019

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  Evening Standard Feature - South Oxhey Central

  Take a look in today’s Evening Standard Homes & Property section. Our design for Phase 2 of the South Oxhey Central development was included in a feature on homes located near London Overground stations.

  It’s well located next to Carpenders Park Station with access to Euston Station in less than 40 minutes. Plus good local shops and amenities. The new Station Square is already open for business. Image credit - Countryside.

  May 2019

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  Evening Standard New Homes Awards Shortlisted

  Beaulieu, Chelmsford has been shortlisted by the Evening Standard New Homes Awards, under the Best Large Development category. GSA produced the outline stage masterplan, and have designed two of the initial phases - Beaulieu Chase and Beaulieu Square (the neighbourhood centre).

  Combining attractive contemporary architecture and beautiful landscape, to create great placemaking! Photo Credit - Countryside

  Read more

  April 2019

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  Unanimous Approval For L&Q’s East Croydon Housing

  Croydon councillors have approved a GSA designed 137-home apartment scheme for L&Q on a long-term vacant site in the heart of Croydon. With a generous round of applause, the Planning Committee unanimously voted to grant planning permission for this part-8 and 18-storey housing scheme, which includes 53% affordable housing.

  Over 80% of homes are dual / triple aspect, with an outlook over high quality landscape also designed by GSA. This includes a generous communal garden & play area for all residents, focused around an existing protected oak tree. An active and well-defined street presence enhances the public realm.

  Read more

  April 2019

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  Retail Renaissance

  A retail renaissance is taking place at Station Square, South Oxhey. The square has been redesigned to provide a better approach and public square in front of Carpenders Park Station, as well as providing upgraded retail space.

  This is phase 1 of the wider town centre masterplan to regenerate urban housing in South Oxhey and to intensify and revitialise the retail provision. Find out more about the masterplan...

  Read more

  March 2019

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  Northstowe Planning Approval

  Parcel H10 at Northstowe has just received planning permission. The proposals will bring forward 76 new homes, in a series of courtyards and orchards, facing onto the Southern Greenway.

  GSA provided urban design advice to the TW team. The proposals form a strong urban structure and townscape, and will have a rich, site-specific materials and planting palette reinforce its legibility and identity.

  March 2019

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  Futurebuild Best Practice Case Study

  Here is a photo from the site visit to Mundon Road, Maldon – it was a best practice case study site visit, as part of Futurebuild. This is a pilot scheme for Moat Homes housing association. The aim is to vastly improve the energy performance of existing homes.

  This is done by developing insulated over-cladding through the EnergieSprong whole-house retrofit model – to suit the UK’s existing housing stock. This is a really worthwhile innovation – it will have huge benefits for both the residents and the planet!

  March 2019

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  450 New Homes Approved Under Delegated Powers

  GSA’s designs for Beauchamp Park have received reserved matters planning approval under delegated powers. GSA were the lead consultant working with the L&Q team to provide 450 homes – from 1-bed apartments to 5-bedroom family houses, with 40% affordable homes spread throughout the site.

  All the homes are designed using MMCs, while incorporating attractive, site-specific local vernacular features. The scheme creates distinctive character areas formed around existing and proposed areas of landscape – centred on a 0.5km long tree-lined green corridor, providing long views to historic Warwick.

  Read more

  March 2019

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  Featured At Futurebuild

  Associate John Pratley attended Futurebuild on 7th March, where he was promoting our EnergieSprong retrofit pilot project for Moat Homes - currently on site in Maldon, Essex. The Dutch-inspired EnergieSprong concept is a model that enables the deep whole-house, net-zero energy retrofit of poorly performing existing homes -by utilising the money

  that would have been spent over the next 30 years on fossil-fuel guzzling energy bills and repetitive, low-level building maintenance cycles. In the afternoon, Moat Homes and ENGIE UK gave a tour of the Maldon site to other potential EnergieSprong customers from Germany, The Netherlands, France and the UK to check on the build progress.

  March 2019