Studio PDP

A great write up by Simon Bennett of Civic Engineers of the in-depth investigations, analysis and sheer number of options explored by the team in order to arrive at the right strategy and approach for our retrofit of the former House of Fraser at 318 Oxford Street. #retrofit #sustainability #reuse

Granted planning consent in 2021 and due for completion in 2025, the iconic former House of Fraser department store on Oxford Street is well on its way to being reimagined as a vibrant, mixed-use development. We take a look at what the team has done to enable the adaptation of this beautiful building and ensure its future viability.   #retrofit #adaptivereuse #oxfordstreet

This Mayfair residential retrofit project for Grosvenor is targeting net-zero carbon ‘in use’ by prioritising energy efficiency through fabric improvements, low carbon heating and onsite renewables. Our Senior Architectural Designer, Andres Hernandez, talks us through the steps taken to achieve this net-zero goal. #netzero #retrofit

Last week saw the release of "Retrofit Revisit: 10 Case Studies". Co-authors Marion Baeli, Principal of Sustainability Transformation at 10 Design and Julie Godefroy, Head of Net Zero Policy at CIBSE, shared their groundbreaking research, offering valuable insights into Building Performance Evaluation to inform the future of retrofitting. This remarkable collaborative effort involved a dedicated team of evaluators and a supportive steering committee. "Retrofit Revisit," supported by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, Historic England, and us (Studio PDP), delves into the performance of 10 unique housing projects a decade after implementing deep retrofit measures. Explore the full research here: https://lnkd.in/XXForfSu #retrofit #fabricfirst #decarbonisation

At 22 Park Crescent, two existing buildings with 92 apartments were retrofitted and upgraded, while the residents remained in occupation. Designed and built in the 1960s, they form part of the new Regent’s Crescent development which reinstates residential use to the Grade I listed crescent. Hear from our Associate, Iain McLellan, as he sets out how these two buildings were saved. #retrofit #regentscrescent #fabricfirst

Our team had a wonderful day at the #AJ100Awards today. Huge thanks to the Architects’ Journal for putting on a fantastic event and congratulations to all the winners!

We're really proud to announce that our Part 2 Architectural Assistant Zuzanna Grodzka has been shortlisted for the Architects’ Journal awards in the 'New Talent' category! We're also thrilled to have been shortlisted for 'Employer of the Year.' Zuzanna is a dedicated advocate for preserving our architectural heritage and a firm believer in the power of sustainable solutions. She is part of the team working on a prestigious project involving the refurbishment and redevelopment of a Grade II listed building, which has required careful consideration and a rigorous approach to design, to ensure the building can be upgraded whilst minimising the risk of damage to the existing fabric. Through her work on the project, she has developed a particular interest in building physics and the principles of moisture movement through the external envelope of a building; learning to use specialist software such as BuildDesk, PsiTherm and WUFI that allow for modelling and testing of proposed elements of the external fabric. Outside the practice, Zuzanna participates in many volunteering projects which focus on the local community and heritage. She's a real asset to the team and we are delighted her talent has been recognised. Congratulations Zuzanna! As a practice, people are always at the heart of everything we do: the incredible people in our team, our clients and the people we design for. Our core values of quality, support and respect are integral to how we work with and treat one another. We work hard to support our team through flexible working, creative talks, workshops, CPDs, knowledge sharing sessions, and our mentoring programme, together with wellbeing sessions, bake sales, charity lunches, sporting events and many more social activities! We're also very proud to be able to offer alternative routes to architecture through Apprenticeships and The London School of Architecture, of which we are founding partners. We're really looking forward to joining our peers at the awards ceremony in June - congratulations to all who are shortlisted. #AJ100Awards

Our Senior Architect, Chin Lye, and Lead Interior Designer, Lauren Middlin, are in Birmingham for the British Council for Offices Conference! Regarded as one of the office sector’s leading events, we’re looking forward to networking and discussing the future of the workplace. Chin has experience working on many complex and challenging commercial and residential projects through the design, planning and construction phases. He has a keen interest in and knowledge of technical design. Currently he is leading the construction phase of The Fitzrovia on Tottenham Court Road. Previous roles include technical/project lead from tender to construction stage for an award winning workplace refurbishment of a Grade II listed building in central London. Lauren has team lead experience in both architecture and interior design and as such is uniquely placed to understand how both areas of expertise combine and contribute to a project. This brings a valuable perspective to our project team. She has a keen eye for detail and enjoys the collaborative and technical aspects of design, working closely with clients, consultants and the wider team to ensure positive and successful design outcomes. She is currently working on 318 Oxford Street (the former House of Fraser). Other high profile projects include the recently completed Eighty Strand. Do reach out to Chin and Lauren if you'd like to connect in Birmingham 22nd-24th May, or afterwards in London. #bcoconference #workplacedesign

For the fourth time, our intrepid team is taking on the Welsh 3000s challenge! This gruelling yet exhilarating adventure involves conquering 15 peaks over 3,000 feet in Wales, all within 24 hours. The route - a rocky 50km trek with a total ascent of 4,000m – is a true test of endurance, teamwork, and determination – qualities that resonate deeply with all of us. Not for the faint-hearted, it demands physical stamina, mental toughness, and a strong sense of camaraderie. Our team has been training hard, preparing to face the rugged terrains and unpredictable weather conditions. This year, each peak we conquer will be a step towards our goal of supporting the vital work of the Architects Benevolent Society. If you would like to support us, please donate through our JustGiving page if you're able, share the link or leave us some words of encouragement to get us over those peaks! #Welsh3000s #fundraising #ABS

Join our Head of Sustainability Federica Romeo Beattie at #footprintplus24 next week, where she will be chairing a session focussing on the sensitive retrofitting of cultural buildings. Federica will be joined by Anne Fehrenbach from Stanton Williams, David Cameron FCIBSE from Atelier Ten, Laura Jevons from AECOM and Alec Shaw from Museum of London, as they discuss how a sensitive retrofit tapestry is being achieved at the Burrell Gallery in Glasgow, the Museum of London and the Barbican in London. Find out more and book your tickets using the link below.