Residential Profile
2017
We make places that At Whittam Cox Architects, we’re a technical,
matter to people, balancing design-led architectural practice with a 45-year
design, technical precision heritage. Every design we deliver is built on a
and commercial reality to robust understanding of what drives our clients,
achieve results everyone creating high-performance places that balance
can be proud of. form with function. It’s an approach that’s earned
us a reputation for award-winning work and
positive, lasting partnerships with a wide range of
organisations.
Our core strength is derived from our people. We
currently employ over 140 talented and committed
individuals operating from our headquarters in the
Sheffield City Region and studios in London and
Leeds.
Whittam Cox Architects | Strength of experience
We work across a wide range of sectors, 40+
primarily on residential, retail and
masterplanning projects for a mix of 40 years 5000 Almost 10 years
commercial, private and public sector clients.
in practice residential/ 10,000 units BIM
The projects we work on cover a wide range of scale PRS schemes experience
and complexity. We ensure that all projects in our currently on site at design/
diverse portfolio are designed to the highest possible planning stage
standards.
From inception to completion and beyond, we
offer specific services including design, executive
architecture, technical advisory, masterplanning,
visualisation, interiors and BIM (Building Information
Modelling).
Building
140 staff Ranked in IIP Gold Ranked 47
Architects
across three Journal’s Top accredited in Building
national practice Magazine’s
locations 100 UK Top Employers
Architects
Whittam Cox Architects | Working with you to get it right tsteroanmg workpersonalised
service
Our team is genuinely passionate about creating
places and spaces which are defined by the
needs of people. We realise the potential and
recognise the challenges in each project and
in every place. Our objective is to define clear,
effective and efficient work processes that
respond to individual client aspirations allowing
us to deliver a unique and contextual response
to every project brief.
We’re ambitious for our clients. All clients and new
projects present a unique opportunity that captivates
us. In consideration we always begin our approach by
developing a detailed understanding of your vision,
the commercial reality and the site environment,
balancing the conceptual with the practical aspects
right from the start.
Our clients and project teams choose to work with
us, due to the approach our people apply to every
project – a powerful combination of impeccable
technical design, focused creativity and outstanding
client relationships. We’ve already established many
long-standing partnerships, based on mutual trust
and experience.
Great buildings are about people; our people, our
clients and our users.
Whittam Cox Architects | Executive Architecture
Our role as Executive Architects is to ensure the
design architect’s original vision is translated
into reality whilst ensuring compliance with
regulatory standards.
As a technical practice specialising in the successful delivery of
large, complex projects we will work pro-actively to help add
value and fulfil the client’s vision.
Whittam Cox Architects have an established track record acting as
Executive Architects working alongside and delivering high profile
developments for design-led practices such as Glenn Howells, PLP
and Allies and Morrison.
Our ability to develop pragmatic technical design solutions which
are honest to the design vision enable us to build positive working
relationships with concept designers whilst also meeting the
needs of design and build contractors.
We’re working with:
SJS - Logo Full Colour / Standard / Large
Royal Wharf Located in the Royal Docks in East London, Royal Wharf is a We had a positive working relationship
flagship regeneration project developing a 40-acre site on the with Whittam Cox and worked well
London banks of the River Thames. The scheme will provide a variety of together to ensure that best design
We are appointed as Lead Designer and townhouses and apartments with infrastructure, commercial and
Executive Architects on the technical amenity facilities. quality possible was delivered within
construction of this multi-phase 40 acre Our role is Lead Designer, working closely with the management the budget constraints of the project.”
development. contractor on the detailed design and technical construction
delivery of the concept scheme. Whittam Cox Architects are Umesh Luharia
Client also working closely with the concept designers, Glenn Howells Studio Director
Ballymore / Oxley Holdings Architects, to ensure that the delivered project is true to the Glenn Howells Architects
Project Value original concept.
£720 million (construction) The overall scheme design is based on reinterpreting and
Site Area recreating successful local centres within large cities, such as
40 acres / 2,432 dwellings Fitzrovia and Belgravia in London. These areas are based on the
213,000 ft2 commercial space creation of blocks and squares, with a hierarchy of streets in terms
32,000 ft2 of leisure use of width. This creates a rich urban grain with a diversity of scale,
Project Status movement and use. Landscaping and public spaces are integral to
On site the holistic design and work together to foster a strong sense of
identity and character.
The development seamlessly mixes studio apartments, one-bed/
two-bed and three-bed apartments, with large three and four
storey townhouses.
A major challenge of this scheme is the sheer scale of it. We
applied Revit BIM technology to enable an efficient and controlled
approach to our work, ensuring coordination, accuracy and quality
of information are optimised.
Royal Wharf 213,000 ft2
Comprising retail and
20 separate commercial
residential space
development
blocks
Mix of
townhouses &
apartments
from 4-18
storeys in height
32,000 ft2
leisure space
plus 2,432 new
homes
Phased
delivery
over 35
individual plots
Middlewood Locks We were appointed as Lead Consultant to develop the vision “Working with Whittam Cox has
and design for this vibrant new neighbourhood of over 2,000 been a rewarding experience for BCEGI.
Salford, Greater Manchester new homes and 750,000 ft2 for commercial use. The 24 acre We have found their professional, partnering
The site is located in Salford, on the edge brownfield site has been in a dilapidated state for decades,
of Manchester City Centre. This substantial formerly occupied by terraced housing, mills, warehouse, rail and approach has helped us to develop
residential-led development will create a new industrial uses. what we believe is a strong and long lasting
neighbourhood for Salford. The scheme will consist predominantly of apartment homes,
together with other uses, including commercial office, retail, relationship that will be beneficial to our
Client restaurants, hotels and leisure. The scale and height of the outline respective companies, clients and the
Scarborough Group International / BCEGI approval varies from 5 to 32 storeys. communities we are working in.
Project Value The layout provides clear legibility and connectivity with public Aaron Adams
£1 billion (gross) realm and park space surrounding the canal, forming the Head Of Construction
Scale central feature to the development. The design intent for the BCEGI
24 acres / 2,215 dwellings whole scheme is to provide for a long-term sustainable, liveable
750,000 ft2 commercial space community, with strong ties to the local history and character of
Project Status the area.
On site From the outset we developed a clear and concise brief, this
included the outline masterplan with flexible planning approvals,
which involved close liaison with the client, consultant teams and
Local Authority.
Phase 1 and 2 (1,117 homes and 3 commercial units) are now
on site, with the full masterplan area undergoing remediation.
Detailed design of Phase 3 is envisaged to progress during 2017
and will include commercial offices, a hotel and multi-storey car
park.
West Hampstead Square Located in the affluent, fashionable and vibrant neighbourhood of Challenging site
West Hampstead in London, this project is a partnership between in close
London Network Rail/Ballymore Group and A2Dominion.
This new-build, mixed use private and social This new mixed use residential-led development on a former proximity
residential development revives a forgotten brownfield site provides a mixed tenure of private sale apartments to London
area in the heart of this fashionable and vibrant and affordable housing. In addition a new public urban square will Overground &
neighbourhood of London. define the entrance to the site, with retail units and restaurants. Underground
The design is inspired by the linear patterns of the rail lines at West
Client Hampstead station. The development is identified by three basic
Ballymore / Network Rail concepts: square, street and gardens, each one of these elements
is interconnected by one of the others. This inclusive approach
Project Value allows themed zones such as allotment areas, themed gardens,
Confidential café/deli to serve the residents and locale. This interconnection
allows easy access and servicing within this very confined site
Scale creating an inclusive feel.
96,878 ft² We were appointed initially to provide architectural services to
198 dwellings take the planning approved scheme from detailed design through
to tender stage, including a novation agreement with the main
Project Status contractor to provide construction information to deliver the
Completion, August 2017 project. At an early stage it became apparent the approved scheme
did not meet the client’s requirements in terms of apartment
layouts, so we were also commissioned to redesign the internal
layouts and to obtain planning consent via S73 agreements for the
changes.
Our team successfully rationalised designs and layouts to
significantly increase the amount of residential accommodation
and net lettable commercial space.
The Collective Old Oak
The Collective Old Oak Described in the national press as the ‘World’s largest co-living Flexible community space
development’, The Collective Old Oak opened its doors in May to live, work and play.
Ealing, London 2016; this property is the first example of the pioneering Co-Living
This 11-storey scheme comprises 323 residential Build to Rent concept in the UK. “Architecture is responsible for
units with 551 bedrooms, ground floor retail The ground-breaking scheme is located in an emerging creating great places by fostering
units, first floor co-working commercial space regeneration area of the London Borough of Ealing, Old Oak and and allowing a community to thrive.
and communal amenity spaces for residents. Park Royal Development Area. This innovative building does just that,
Designed by PLP Architecture, we were appointed in 2014 post with diverse amenity spaces distributed
Client planning, to undertake Executive Architect and Lead Consultant throughout and amongst the co-living
The Collective/Mace roles via a comprehensive design and build scope of services. accommodation. The mix of uses sets a
Project Value We undertook significant design development of the scheme benchmark amongst the infantile PRS market,
Confidential to improve buildability and cost viability whilst maintaining the with restaurant, gym, co-working and retail space
Scale original design principles and strong aesthetic.
170,000 ft2 construction The team worked collaboratively to develop robust, yet efficient complimenting the co-living.“
323 apartments solutions within the client-defined parameters driving in added James Scott
Project Status value wherever possible. COO
Completion, May 2016 Through careful consideration of the layout, materials and
detailing we delivered the concept, principles and aesthetics The Collective
defined by the concept architect and through close collaboration
with the whole team; client, contractors, consultants and other
stakeholders, successfully delivered the project.
Bakers Quay
Bakers Quay Located in Gloucester’s historic docks, we have been working with
our client Rokeby Merchant to breathe life back into the former
Gloucester docks at Bakers Quay in Gloucester. The regeneration project
We have been commissioned to regenerate will connect directly to the award winning Gloucester Quay and
this significant brownfield site, including the will safeguard the future of a number of heritage assets that are
sensitive restoration of multiple historic listed currently on the Buildings at Risk Register. We successfully secured
structures. planning permission in 2016 following a detailed design process,
incorporating extensive community and stakeholder engagement.
Client Construction has now started on site.
Rokeby Development Ltd. The multi-million pound investment project has seen the
Project Value development of a new masterplan delivering a variety of building
£55 million types, including bars and restaurants, a new hotel, over 120
Scale residential apartments and a café, as well as car parking and
13 acres / 300 apartments high quality public realm. Our objective is to ensure that the
104 bed hotel new proposals will be sensitively developed to create a place
37,000 ft2 commercial space for people, positively contributing to the local community and
Project Status strengthening the city’s tourism offer.
On site This is a somewhat unique project which will bring a number of
Grade II listed, dilapidated dockside warehouses back to life. With
the intervention of new buildings, we will sensitively create a high
quality, holistic leisure destination.
Optimal House The site is located in Gerrards Cross, South Buckinghamshire The design looks to respond to the context and character of
approximately 19 miles west of London. Gerrards Cross Town Centre providing a contemporary response
Reading Following demolition of the former office block, we have been able that utilises a simple palette of materials with high quality
New build residential development in a to design and facilitate a mix of 18 one and two bed apartments, detailing.
constrained city centre site including three feature penthouses. The scheme will have off
street parking in the form of an integral basement car park, with a We added a modern twist on a traditional build, using materials
Client private secluded courtyard over. such as brick and stone with the integration of a modern façade
Titan Group system, representative of the existing surrounding properties on
each corner of the street.
Scale
18 apartments
Project Status
On site
Garrard House Garrard House, located in Reading is currently being converted
into modern residential apartments. The development will
Reading provide 83 new apartments through permitted development
Conversion of office building into 83 residential regulations with a a new build two and half storey extension
apartments. providing an additional 18 high specification apartments and
penthouse.
Client The proposed new build element has been designed with a
Titan Property Developments contemporary design that seeks to complement the existing
building’s architecture, inclusive of the improvements made to the
Scale 1970’s brick frontage with novel window ‘pods’
101 apartments
Project Status
On site
Berkshire House Works have started on site to convert former office block
‘Berkshire House’ on Kings Road, Reading into a premium student
Reading living development for Cityblock.
The project in Reading is a new exciting The building, originally constructed in the early 1970’s, is
development that will give students a fantastic undergoing extensive refurbishment and façade replacement
living and learning environment. which will bring an entirely new and contemporary visual identity
to the building. We were employed by Torsion Group to deliver a
Client sustainable, premium quality asset which will provide a market-
Torsion Group/Cityblock leading residential offer to students in Reading.
Project Value In total, the project will deliver 129 units within the existing
£9 million building and a new top floor extension. In addition, a large amenity
Site Area space will be provided at lower-ground floor level which will
34,897 include study and social spaces, as well as a gym and laundry.
129 student beds
Project Status Extensive
On site, Completion August 2017 refurbishment of
an existing office
building
Berkshire House, Reading
“The project in Reading is an exciting
development that will give students a
fantastic living and learning environment.
What is needed in terms of
accommodation is always changing; our
project team have been selected due to
their proven ability to deliver successful
student living projects.”
Trevor Bargh
Managing Director
CityBlock
Union Tower Union Tower will be located in the heart of Reading Town Centre,
on a key thoroughfare linking the town’s high street with the train
Reading station. This landmark high-rise development, will replace an
This development replaces the existing Norwich existing dilapidated office building providing 107 new apartments.
Union House with a residential-led proposal, Through close collaboration with the local authority and The
which will become a gateway building to Reading Design Review Panel, a robust architectural proposal
Reading, located directly outside the main has been developed that captures the essence of Reading and
railway station. delivers a quality scheme that will set benchmarks for future
developments.
Client The building is subtly split in to a top, middle and bottom,
Titan Property Developments designed to interact with its users and the town centre on both
Project Value the micro and macro scale. This ranges from a tangible interaction
£25 million up close at ground level, defining the retail spaces, to more distant
Scale views of the building’s upper element.
4,306 ft2 The elevational treatment mimics the simplicity present
Project Completion throughout the surrounding town centre, whilst strong vertical
Confidential elements express the slender, elegant nature of the tower. The
base has been designed to allow for a level of transparency, with
double height glazed retail spaces that promote interaction and
allow for active frontage. A full detailed planning application has
been submitted, with start on site anticipated in late summer
2017.
We’ve developed a language that captures the essence of Reading
and delivers a quality scheme that sets the benchmark for future
developments.
Matilda Street We have been appointed to design and deliver a new-build
student living development in the centre of Sheffield, situated
Sheffield close to Sheffield Hallam University.
We have been appointed to design and deliver The development includes the demolition of some existing low-
a new-build student living development in the grade industrial buildings which are low-rise in scale. The new
centre of Sheffield, situated close to Sheffield proposals feature a five and six storey building which is L-shaped
Hallam University. in plan. This optimises efficiency of the building layouts by using a
single vertical circulation core.
Client The design of the building is informed by the Local Planning
Property Venture 1/Bardsley Construction Policies and Guidance and in terms of mass/ form and materiality
Project Value it responds to the site’s context within the changing Cultural
£6.8 million Industries Quarter. Our vision is to create a simple and modern
Scale design which will stand the test of time and use materials which
108 studios are robust and contemporary. Brick is very much the local material
35,274 sq.ft. vernacular, but we have added zinc and gold metallic cladding to
Project Status ‘layer’ the facades and provide an elegant and dynamic building.
Completion, August 2017 The development, which achieved planning in 2016, will deliver
103 premium and standard studio units with a ground floor
management suite and student hub space. The project is currently
under construction due to complete late summer 2017.
Cherry Street Working with Sheffield United Plc, we are seeking to develop the The plans seek to deliver a development that is both a building of
Cherry Street / Shoreham Street corner at Bramall Lane stadium. significance and one that compliments the neighbouring terraced
Bramall Lane, Sheffield We have submitted a planning application for a four storey largely dwelling houses.
This scheme aims to deliver 45 apartments and residential building, Boundary Corner, which will feature forty five Our work on this scheme follows on from other successful
a new Sheffield United Club Shop on the corner apartments and a new Club retail outlet. projects we have completed at Bramall Lane such as the Westfield
of Cherry Street and Shoreham Street. Planners have already welcomed the principle of a residential Corner Stand and Copthorne Hotel.
led development in the location, where a strong, contemporary
Client architectural proposal has been designed.
Sheffield United Plc.
Project Value
£5.75 million
Scale
2,851 sq.m.
Project Status
Planning Approved, February 2017
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