Archived news and updates


a:nw's oldest news follows on this page.  

The latest a:nw news can be found here or slightly less recent news can also be found in an archived blog here.


018

Partial Possession complete and the nursery is up and running. An excellent effort on the part of Sitec.  Hoping for a good few weeks of fine weather to enable the extension to be completed.


017

a:nw has started work on the two storey side extension of a detached house in Birmingham. 


016

One month in, with two weeks' till sectional completion.

First lift on the extension about to commence. (left). Having broken through one of the main walls, the new link corridor has opened and connected the spaces.  Internal glazing will allow light to penetrate into the centre of the building.(right)


site photo
site photo

Integrating the re-glazed skylight into the new ceiling.(left) Making an uplit feature from one of the original library skylights hidden for years behind a dropped ceiling.(right)


site photo
site photo

Slab complete on the extension.

site photo

015

Work on site progressing well at the new Shirley Childcare Centre.  Some photos of the work so far follow below; just over a week since the photos posted previously.

Below ground masonry for the extension and drainage runs going in.(left) One of the nursery rooms taking shape.(right)

site photo
site photo


New 'picture window'.  High window head allowing light back as far as possible.(left) One of the uncovered existing rooflight ceiling light screens/diffusers.(right)


site photo
site photo
site photo

014

Just over a week into site operations.  Demolition complete, new partition framework going in, new structural openings being formed and groundworks for the extension under way.  A couple of photos below.

Strip out has started. (left) Hoarding up and main demolition works complete.(right)

site photo
site photo

013

Shirley childcare centre is now on site.  PC due mid July for the refurbishment and the extension.  External works & landsacping will follow.


012

Dorridge childcare centre is up and running with additional external landscaping now progressing.  In the meantime the tender return for the Shirley Childcare Centre is due back at the end of April, for a start on site in May.


011

I have just heard today that unfortunately the Shelter, 'Architect in your house' scheme has been cancelled for 2014, which is definitely a shame, hopefully it might be back for future years.



010

Work on site at the Dorridge childcare centre is close to completion.  A few photos of work nearing completion.  All new doors are in, partition reconfiguration complete, all new fitted furniture and complete internal refurbishment and redecoration. New externals include the new entrance access, walkways and fencing and play area.

Hopeful to get some good  internal pictures when work is finished in the next few weeks and loose furniture and equipment is in place ready for the opening.


Nursert toilets
site photo
site photo
site photo
Nursery external play area



009

Work on site at the Dorridge childcare centre has started.  Strip out is completed and the new refurbishment work starts in earnest in the new year.

 Site plan


008

a:nw is pleased to confirm that planning has been granted for the new childcare centre in Shirley.

Congratulations to the Natural Childcare Company on getting the permission; it's been great to be part of the process.

Work is now starting on the construction design and information for a start on site Spring 2014.

Old Shirley Library Childcare Centre


007

Six consultations have been completed as part of this years Architect in the House scheme. The scheme closes in November.  a:nw will be signing up again next year for the 2014 scheme.

It has been a fun and worthwhile experience and it's been good to meet some really great people, to help them, and give them a start to providing a solution to their space issues.


006

a:nw has completed the design work for the extension and alteration of a public building to form a new child day care centre and nursery ready for planning submission in November.  The building is converted to provide 4 main nursery rooms, staff and management spaces as well as a new play plaza, group play and learning area.  The conversion will improve natural light levels, provide suitable natural ventilation and improve the thermal envelope where possible.  The extension gives a new public face to the building, a generous secure entrance area, and caters for full accessibility.

Old Shirley Library Childcare Centre


005

a:nw has started work on the designs for the extension and alteration of a public building to form a new child day care centre and nursery.  The programme aims to achieve planning before the end of 2013, and to be finished on site and ready to open in the early summer of 2014.

Old Shirley Library Childcare Centre


004

a:nw has now had nine referrals from Shelter's Architect in the House scheme.  So far five consultations have been completed with five home owners benefiting from the discussions giving them alternative ideas for taking their projects forward and targetting their plans within their budgets to achieve best value and the most impact both visually and in terms of useability.


003

a:nw is pleased to confirm that the scheme for the  conversion of a Victorian villa in a Green Belt location, currently unoccupied and until recently used as offices, has achieved planning permission.   Further design work is now on going, with works on site due to  start before the end of the year.  The new nursery and child daycare centre will have minimal alterations externally, but will benefit from an extensive internal refurbishment.

 


002

a:nw has completed a feasibility study for a new 4 bedroom house in Derbyshire in a village conservation area.  The detached house is arranged on the site to make the most of Passivhaus priniciples to ensure really low energy in use.  Designed to match the vernacular with render and stone finishes the house is an upside down house with living areas on the upper floor to make the most of the views.

 

Peak District House Proposal


001

a:nw's recent projects have included the remodelling of a terrace house to open up the kitchen to the garden and create a roof terrace; a new contemporary house in a sensitive Shropshire village location adjacent to a conservation area; a Victorian villa conversion into a child daycare nursery in a Green Belt location.


Terrace rear extension with roof terrace

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