No Two Buildings Should Ever Be the Same
17th November 2023
Project Pictured: Lake House
Building Regulations are seen as a set of rules to be followed, which, yes, essentially, that is exactly what they are, but building regulations don’t need to constrict architects. Architects may feel hindered by building regulations and feel that there is too much ‘red tape’ to really think outside the box.
This is simply not true. All you need is to have the right partner to guide you through the process and break down the barriers, and that is exactly what we do at Wilkinsons. We strongly believe that no two buildings need ever be the same. We thrive on creative thinking and innovative architecture, and quite frankly, we like the challenge.
Eddie Murphy was onto something…
Recalling the Beverley Hills Cop 2 movie, which saw Eddie Murphy pose as a Building Inspector, he convinced the builders that the client had changed the plans and that there should be no right angles in the building. The builder questioned this, and well, we think Eddie Murphy had the right idea.
Buildings with a difference
Here are some examples of great buildings we have worked on that don’t follow the crowd:
Project: Lake house
Sector: Residential
Location: High Weald
The elegant and beautiful Lake House is set within 40 acres of the High Weald AONB next to former fishing lakes and a derelict railway line. It is fantastic to see such a creative and innovative use of space.
The materials used create a characterful and unique design which will stand the test of time. Read the full case study
Project: Smythe Library Tonbridge School
Sector: Education
Location: Tonbridge, Kent
The works involved a redesign and restoration of the iconic Smythe Library at Tonbridge School in Kent and was designed to create an experience similar to a gothic cathedral cloister.
We acted as the Building Inspectors for the large glazed stair tower extension on the south side of the building, which was designed to maximise the use of natural light. All internal walls and corridors were removed to create more open, flexible spaces spread over four levels of the existing building. Read the full case study
Project: Pippin Barn
Sector: Residential
Location: Kent
An inspirational and truly sustainable new build design. Situated in the heart of the Kent countryside, this characterful new build was designed and positioned to help maximise solar gain to generate free winter heating.
It was a pleasure to be involved with such a stunning project that will stand the test of time. Read the full case study
Project: Oast House
Sector: Residential
Location: Kent
In order to make the house suitable for modern family life, the architect had to break some of the usual rules of oast house construction.
Typically the towers would be built in a cluster, without any gaps in between. Ludewig’s team realised they needed to introduce gaps to integrate the living spaces with the surrounding garden. In particular, the design of the roundels meant that the Kent-style tiles used to create the exterior skin were a huge technical challenge Read the full case study
Project: Elite Renewables
Sector: Commercial
Location: Croydon, London
In August 2022, Elite acquired the Tait Road warehouse premises and has since then been fitting them out with RIBA Chartered Architect and Passivhaus consultant Alida Calistru with the aim to produce a centre of excellence.
The new premises is successfully the UK’s first showroom entirely powered by renewables, demonstrating how zero-carbon can be achieved even with the restraints of old building fabric.
It was fantastic to be involved with such a leading and innovative project which will act as a pioneer for many buildings to come. Read the full case study
Conclusion
These are just a handful of the wonderful projects we have worked closely on with Architects to build innovative, unique structures that are compliant. We take the pain out of building control so that you can focus on creating a show-stopper.
So, Architects, get us involved early on and let your creative juices flow on your next project.
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