from the editor
News brief...
Shubette’s new building:
NEW WIGAN HOUS-
ING SCHEME UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
fashion house fit out
Construction has com- Barbara Weiss Architects were to become design studios, show- In designing the first floor, a
menced on a new affordable recently appointed to assist rooms, sample manufacturing careful analysis of the business
housing scheme at Durham in the move of the Shubette facilities, administrative offices and the range of functions that
Street, Wigan, designed by headquarters from Wembley and a warehouse. were to be accommodated was
ARK Design and Architecture, on the North-West outskirts The transformation began with undertaken. The result is a large-
for the Adactus Housing of London to a location near stripping the façade to create a ly open-plan layout designed to
Group. The proposed devel- the Brent Cross shopping cen- simple and elegant finish, which optimise work flow while provid-
opment comprises 49 two, tre. The right image for the dramatically enhances the ap- ing a pleasant working
three and four bedroom fashion brand was essential proach to the building. The environment. In an effort to re-
family houses, with carefully and Barbara Weiss Architects entrance and reception creates a tain the natural light following
detailed fenestration to set out to achieve the perfct focal point and exudes a sense of the gutting of the building, the
create a harmonious and aesthetic for the company, quality, a theme that is continued space is top lit and cellular offices
characterful environment. which markets clothes under throughout. The reception area is have glass partitions to ensure
The units feature high levels the Gina Bacconi fashion brand. welcoming, spacious, light and the central space remains bright –
of insulation and have been airy, and houses a desk made of you can stand in the centre of the
situated to obtain maximum
solar gains which should help
reduce the fuel costs of the W
eiss was commissioned Zebrano designed by Barbara space and see outside.
to transform a 50,000 Weiss Architects exclusively for Barbara Weiss Architects be-
square feet, dilapidat- Shubette. Fluorescent tubes hang lieves in taking a holistic
occupants. The build is de- ed 1980s industrial unit in Apsley from the ceiling in an interesting approach to designing buildings,
signed to achieve Code Level Way, Brent Park, into a headquar- composition and, to complete the and therefore areas such as the
3 of the Code for Sustainable ters fit for a fashion house. Weiss look, a stylish new staircase with kitchenette and washrooms are
Homes. The scheme is sched- undertook the design and super- glass balustrades takes the visitor to the same high standard as the
uled for completion in vised the fitting out of what was into the main work space above. main space. It is a democratic
September 2010.
HARRIS PARTNERSHIP
PROMOTES GROUP
DIRECTOR
The Harris Partnership has
announced that David McK-
night has been promoted to
Group Director. McKnight,
who has been a Director
heading up the Reading of-
fice of the award-winning
firm since 2005, has been
invited to join the Harris
Group Board following 22
years with the practice. Dur-
ing his role as Director, David
lead the Reading team, sig-
nificantly expanding the
portfolio, with direct respon-
providing the design and facili- who use it, and those who just
sibility for key clients
Civic Trust
ties, which have made better pass by. The winners are not
including Aldi Food Stores,
places for people. simply architecturally advanced,
London United, T.A.S.I.S and
Awards
The Civic Trust Awards are exciting, innovative or striking.
T A Fisher & Sons Ltd.
unique. They recognise the best They are also of benefit to their
Launched in 1959, the Civic Trust in the built environment, from local community, and we strive
Awards is one of the oldest built architecture to planning, town- to ensure that every entry is as-
environment award schemes in scape to infrastructure – but sessed by a local person, whose
Europe. From cafes and churches they are about so much more role is to canvass and represent
to housing and hospitals, the than this. They recognise the the views of the people who
Civic Trust Awards have reward- public realm in its wider con- use or see the building as part
ed over 5,600 buildings, which text, and the continuing belief of their environment.
have made a difference to local that development should be for The shortlist includes: Bennetts
people and their communities by the benefit of people – those Associates’ Potterrow Develop-
4 Architects Choice
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