New Museum Extension Revealed

The new proposed extension to the Barnstaple and North Devon Museum was revealed this week at an event on Monday evening at the Museum.

Gale & Snowden Architects were selected to undertake a study for North Devon District Council to undertake concept designs for a new Museum extension. 

The proposals revealed on Monday show a new modern extension to the West wing of the existing Victorian Grade II Listed Museum, and next to the nationally significant Grade I medieval 'Long Bridge' originally constructed in 1280. 

The site was once home to a building of some significance (see image below), however this was demolished last century, leaving behind leftover space which the new Gale & Snowden design seeks to heal.

Previous building on the site

At the same time the design seeks to recreate the ‘Gateway to Barnstaple', which was once formed by the previous building on the site and the opposite Bridge Chambers building, with the Long Bridge framed between these buildings.

The new Museum extension will incorporate low energy and healthy building features for which Gale & Snowden has become renowned. The design also addresses the significant historical setting in the centre of an ancient market town, whilst creating a state-of-the-art museum experience.

View from the Square, looking south

Internal view of the extension, looking south towards the Taw

View looking north across the Taw - note the 'Gateway to Barnstaple'

Gale & Snowden previously designed the new Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) Collection Store known as the ‘ARK’, and the RAMM in the Library museum exhibition - both in Exeter. The practice is currently in the process of designing another museum for a community in South Devon.

More information on the Barnstaple and North Devon Museum can be found on their web site:

http://www.devonmuseums.net/The-Museum-of-Barnstaple-and-North-Devon/Devon-Museums

Congratulations Torrington Bluecoats from Gale & Snowden Architects! #ofsted @northdevon24

Gale & Snowden Architects would like to congratulate the pupils, staff and Governors of Torrington Bluecoat School for achieving such an impressive OFSTED report. 

North Devon Gazette.  10 June 2015

Gale & Snowden were the Architects for the building which was competed in 2006.  The building design follows the practice's approach to low energy, healthy building design and features: super-insulated timber frame construction; high levels of natural daylight; natural and low VOC materials; and an innovative covered entrance orangery space, amongst an array of educational, ecological and energy efficient measures. 

The project was originally undertaken as part of a community consultation process which reviewed education for all ages in the Torrington area, known as 'Torrington Vision'.  Gale & Snowden are very proud to be part of the Torrington Vision having also been commissioned to design a series of projects connected to the ‘Vision' including the Early Years Centre, the Children's Centre http://www.bluecoat.childrencentre.org, the extension to the Torrington Juniors School and new drama and art departments at Torrington College http://www.gts.devon.sch.uk/index.php  all designed and built over the last two decades with the Community.

For more information about the Great Torrington Bluecoat School:

http://www.ecodesign.co.uk/projects/education/blue-coat-infant-school

http://bluecoat-primary.org

We wish you well!

Gale & Snowden is now recruiting! CIBSE Chartered Mechanical and Electrical Engineer @CIBSE

Gale & Snowden Architects is looking for a CIBSE / IMECHE / EI Chartered Mechanical and suitably Chartered Electrical Engineer to join our team in Exeter and Bideford.

We are an integrated team of architects, landscape architects, mechanical engineers, building physicists and biologists, certified Passivhaus designers and permaculture designers. As biologists who are also architects, our focus extends beyond the building. Our designs regenerate the environment, working with, rather than against natural systems; integrating people into designed, productive ecosystems.

Suitable candidates will have over 3 years experience in practice and be interested in a fabric-first, low-energy, and healthy building design approach.

Please send your CV to our Bideford office at the address below or email info@ecodesign.co.uk

Design for Future Climate #D4FC Legacy Report - The Business Case for Adapting Buildings to #Climate Change

Innovate UK / Technology Strategy Board (TSB) have recently published the final report into The Business Case for Adapting Buildings to Climate Change.

Gale & Snowden Architects were expert panel members for this report which examines the drivers in the business case for adapting buildings for climate change.  This was an industry led report providing a unique and valuable insight with key recommendations on how to exploit the business opportunity and develop the market for adaptation services – moving the subject from niche research to mainstream delivery.

Gale & Snowden Architects and Engineers provide a full 'Design for Future Climate' consultancy service for both existing and new-build projects.  The integration of a climate change adaptation strategy for a development is best undertaken at the outset of the project and can often, for little additional expenditure, ensure that a project is fit for the future without the need for either significant and costly adaptation or the future introduction of energy intensive systems.

Further information on Gale & Snowden's 'Design for Future Climate' consultancy service is available here:  Climate Ready: Designing for Future Climate Scenarios