40 years in Commercial Architecture
news
Eco friendly community building complete
29 May 2008
Work is now complete on a community centre which will serve residents of the Arbury Park development in Cambridgeshire, a new neighbourhood created by developers Gallagher Estates.
The 4,000 sq ft building designed by wcec architects features a green nature roof, a low maintenance planted roof system which is fitted with drainage and low growing layers of plants and foliage. As well as creating a stunning rooftop display of colour when the plants are in bloom, the foliage recycles CO2 into O2 creating a healthy micro-climate and improving air quality in the immediate environment.
Rainwater is soaked up by the plants on the roof which reduces flood risk and helps to add additional sound proofing to the building. Increased insulation reduces the need for heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer, lowering the buildings running costs. Nature roofs also provide new habitats for wildlife helping to attract insects, birds and butterflies.
Facilities inside the community centre, which will be managed by Cambridge City Council, include offices, a cafe, meeting rooms and changing facilities
Arbury Park will provide a contemporary, attractive and vibrant new Cambridge neighbourhood. Located on the northern fringe of the city, close to Cambridge Regional College and the Science Park, the mixed-use development will deliver much needed housing, with 900 new homes - including a high percentage of affordable housing - as well as employment opportunities and a primary school.
Alex Wall, Partner at wcec said: "With today's emphasis on sustainability and the environment, the nature roof sends out a clear message that architects and the construction industry have a real commitment to delivering buildings which can have a positive impact on the environment. This is a trend which is certainly on the increase, and green roofs are set to become a familiar site throughout the UK".
More News
Regenerating Royton Town Centre
18 April 2012
wcec are working with Dransfield Properties on an ambitious scheme to regenerate Royton Town Centre. The project will include a fully integrated foodstore and a remodelling of the existing district centre. The Ł22.5 million development will bring up to 300 new jobs to the town and will deliver: · A new 320 space town centre car park ·...
wcec complete Dronfield 10K and Fun Run
12 March 2012
wcec architects successfully completed the Dronfield 10K and fun run on Sunday 11th March. 20 runners took part to celebrate wcec’s 40th year in business and have together raised Ł1700 (with sponsorship money still coming in) for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. Jon Godwin, one of our Associates, donned an Elvis costume when competing...
The Bath Connection
1 March 2012
wcec have won planning approval for the development of a new 108 bedroomed Hotel in the centre of the historic city of Bath – one of the most difficult places in which to get such permissions. Working with consultants MacMullen Associates and A&H Construction and Developments, wcec developed a design to satisfy English Heritage and a strong conservation...
wcec's 'green' house complete
24 February 2012
This ‘green’ residential development confirms wcec’s status as environmental champions and innovators. wcec’s creative design in the Sheffield green belt has reduced the developments’ carbon footprint by 95% through: · Reusing existing materials · Incorporating high levels of insulation in the thermal envelope · Installing...
Store of the Future Complete
21 February 2012
wcec architects have recently completed a ‘Store of the Future Refurbishment Project’ for clients WM Morrisons.’ The Norwich based store opened its doors to the public on 21st February. The refurbishment project included a complete redesign of the existing store interior which now reflects Morrisons’ fresh food experience concept. The concept...
Morrisons Superstore opens
14 February 2012
wcec have recently completed work on a new Morrisons store at Kirkby-in-Ashfield which opened its doors to the public on 25th January 2012. The Design Team have worked closely with Ashfield District Council to bring a 30,000 sq ft (sales) supermarket to the town centre which includes a customer café and the latest in-store fresh food initiatives....
40 year old practice still fit in the Charity Stakes!
10 February 2012
To mark our 40th year as Commercial Architects and to raise awareness of a worthy cause, wcec staff are taking part in the Dronfield 10k run in March. All sponsorship monies will be donated to our chosen charity – the Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Staff will be donning Children’s Hospital T Shirts or fancy dress (we have our very own Elvis!) when...
wcec venture into the capital
17 January 2012
wcec are pleased to announce the opening of our new office based on Fenchurch Street in the centre of London. This is our third office adding to our current locations, Chesterfield and Livingston providing us with better coverage of the UK. The office will be headed up by our current Associate, Jason Ainsworth and will provide us with the opportunity...
wcec bring new image to Morrisons' high street
15 December 2011
Early in 2011, Morrisons set out on a plan to implement a radical new look into several pilot projects across the country. wcec were appointed on major internal modifications and associated extensions, at Shrewsbury and St. Albans. The concept is to further endorse Morrisons’ already well renowned fresh offer to customers with a new look and feel...
wcec breathe new life into the former Great Northern Railway station
29 November 2011
Working alongside Clowes Development wcec have gained Outline Planning Consent to regenerate the 20 acre site in Derby which has been redundant for over 40 years into a vibrant mixed use scheme. The proposal comprises of a mixed-use development incorporating the regeneration of a number of listed and architecturally significant buildings that were...
Low Stanners Supermarket Scheme Gets Approval
27 July 2011
The Local Authority has approved the application that has been submitted for a new supermarket in Morpeth. The North Area Planning Committee met on Thursday 7th July, the scheme was approved and the development for the Low Stanners site could start as early as this Autumn. The development will transform the former council depot at Staithes Lane...