Architectural technologist? Maybe…but here’s why you definitely need an architect!

01/10/2015 by Mark

Read why you definitely need an architect. Why you may need an architectural technologist too. And how my Creative Workshop enables you to appoint both.

So what’s the difference between an architectural technologist and an architect? Since both, separate, professions earn respect? The difference between them is about process. Meaning the process of design. Which is a sequence of stages. The first stage is design of the concept. By concept I mean the core idea. And design responses to various constraints which shape that idea. Architects train intensively and widely for this key stage. So they are ideal for it. But architectural technologists do not. The strength of an architectural technologist is found in a later stage. Which is the technical design stage. That’s the stage producing drawings for construction. You can learn more about both professions at these links:-

RIBA

CIAT

So can an architectural technologist design the concept?

Some say they can. But very rarely as well as an architect. When I study concepts by an architectural technologist I worry. Finding possibilities and options missing. In one case this caused a client to waste a lot of time and money. Very disappointing. Often the client doesn’t know there are missing options. And can never know their new house or extension could have been better. Much better. And often for the same construction cost. How? It would have been better if they’d employed an architect. At least for the key first concept stage.

Concept by architect not architectural technologist. Single storey flat roof extension white render corner sliding doors with lime green framing

But can an architect do the technical design stage?

Yes they can. Because Architects train in technical design as well as in concept design. Some are not necessarily as efficient at this stage as an architectural technologist. But the technical design stage is regulated by the building inspector. Meaning that that inspector must approve it. So regardless of who does this stage you have to get approval anyway. And in the role of Principal Designer for Building Regulations the design has also to be signed off as compliant with building regulations. That sign off is by myself on all my projects. I do so with confidence because I have done the technical design on all my projects for many years.

How can I get the best of both worlds?

Meaning how can you get the best quality designer for your concept? Whilst also getting the best quality technical design? All in one project. The answer is :- Always employ an architect for the first key concept stage. And if your architect is experienced they can easily design all stages. By appointing me you can get the best of both worlds. In a choice of two ways…

Creative Design Workshop

…Firstly you can simply appoint me for all Stages. Starting with the concept stage. Because my training and long experience qualifies me to do all stages well. Therefore I am often appointed for the entire process.

…Secondly by appointing me for just the Creative Design Workshop. In this we design the best concept. And usually explore alternatives for it. We set you on the right path. That is, I explain all steps onwards. And we root your project in firm ground in terms of cost control. The Workshop is self contained. You do not need to appoint me further. So you could continue with an architectural technologist. After I ignite the key creative spark in the Workshop.

A word of warning! If you do appoint an architectural technologist…

…make sure they are fully qualified. Beware of the “plans drawer” who isn’t even a qualified architectural technologist. I warn you of this out of respect. Respect for the excellent architectural technologist I worked with on many large projects. Sometimes I take over projects which are going wrong. For example because the planning officer will not approve a weak concept design. One those was by a naive architect. But another was by an architectural technologist. A word of warning. The clients of that architectural technologist assumed they were employing an architect. And he or she did not care to inform them of the truth. It happens rarely. But still does.

Concept by architect not architectural technologist. Canopies bifolding doors exterior dining space pool

Holiday Home Lake Maggiore

22/10/2021 by Mark

This house is a holiday home, Lake Maggiore. Here we talk about key parts of its architecture. These are siting, materials, acoustics and furnishing. A special thanks to Alexandre Zveiger. Whose excellent photography makes this post possible.

Glass fronted single storey holiday home with the town of Bressago on Lake Maggiore in Italy external view showing hillside location and terraced garden with flowers — Beyond the town of Bressago on the right is the larger town of Locarno in the far distance.

Siting

This hillside site rises steeply from the shore of Lake Maggiore. Which is one of Europe’s largest lakes. Maggiore is mostly in Italy. But this northern end is in a canton of Switzerland called Ticino. You can find more about the cantons of Switzerland here. The nearest town is Bressago. Thanks to Google you can see these places here. Zoom in on the map to see many terrace sites overlooking the Lake. The house sits very close to the access road. Which is at the back of the site. Because that leaves most of the site free for outdoor living spaces. The garden is three dimensional. For example with terraces. Also rocky outcrops. This design provides an interesting three dimensional foreground in the lake view. In turn providing a deeper persepective.

Materials

The plan of this holiday home, Lake Maggiore, is one room deep. And each room has a glass wall facing Lake Maggiore. With mostly a blank wall opposite. Which contains the way in. So spaces have a dominant outward flow. They open out through glass doors onto the terrace. Floors are ceramic tiled. Other walls plain painted plaster. Meaning smooth rather than textured. These plastered walls and the floor lack bright colour. And the tone of the side and rear walls is not dark. As a result they reflect more light. So they are both bright and recessive. Forming a neutral background to the panorama. Therefore this architecture is all about the view!

Distorted interior view so show the view outside too. Plain light-toned ceramic floor tiles and side walls. Panoramic view of Lake Maggiore and mountains beyond. Acoustically grooved wooden ceiling in this holiday home. — Over the outdoors dining table is a steel frame to support the canvas sun shade.

Noise?

But there’s a question. Aren’t these hard surfaces causing noise? That’s a risk in any contemporary house. Because hard surfaces reflect sound more than, say, carpet or curtains. The answer is “no”. Because of the ceiling. What’s so special about it? Well the grooves of the ceiling absorb sound. As a result the ceiling is like a “sponge for noise”. Doing the same job as carpet. Simple but effective acoustic design.

Furnishing

Firstly it’s sparse! Just enough for core activities. No book shelves or excess seating. So space flows more easily. That seems appropriate for a holiday home on Lake Maggiore. Secondly it is like the side and rear walls. Meaning furnishing it is not brightly coloured or is self coloured. So it also forms a neutral background. But this time for the people who use it. We architects can’t control what you wear! But we can avoid clashing! The red rug and chair upholstery share exactly the same hue and tone. Why? Because a single bright colour in different places unifies the space.

Distorted view of this holiday home on Lake Maggiore showing the thin glass wall between indoors and outdoors. — Continuity between interior and exterior is not just about the single floor and paving level. Or the transparent wall. It’s also created by alignment of the interior and exterior structure.

Designer architects?

18/10/2014 by Mark

Designer architects are not always designing architecture!

Designer is a familiar label. It’s tagged to many products. Advertising agencies like this word. Why? Because it adds value. A ” designer ” product seems more desirable. If we value the product more we will pay more for it.

The creative.

Ad agencies use another key word. “The creative”. The respected figure in the room. For he or she is the one who creates the vital idea. Words images and music combine in the advert. But they must combine around intellectual content . With no vital intellectual spark there is nothing to publish.

Our personal relationship with the creative.

We want such products because they link us to creatives. So we buy a personal relationship too. Therefore when we buy we link ourselves to an alternative lifestyle. Creativity is often recreational. So we pay designers to have fun! Therefore creating for a living is attractive. This is the reason to be a “creative”. We like to call ourselves a writer, a painter, a musician, an architect? How we earn is often our main identity. And we want our identity to be attractive.

Kitchen living screens space with Sky Frame corner pocket doors, Altrincham.

Just specify the bubbles?

Designer architects specify designer products. An example is this bath. The obvious question is “what type of bath?” This bateau is the answer. But architects who design architecture ask more questions. This is because many answers enrich architecture. The second question is “where shall we put it”. A third question “how can bathers enjoy more than just bubbles?” The answers are shown here. The architect places the space with the bath at an external wall. So this space can have a window with a view. The chosen external wall is private. Because it faces the garden not the drive way. So bathing can be private. But it can also be done in the tranquil garden atmosphere. Thanks to that big window. This architect does more than just specify.

How I use Elgato Cam Link 4K & Nikon D3300 DSLR as webcam.

24/05/2020 by Mark

In this post I summarise my personal experience of using a device to convert camera to webcam

Buy Elgato Cam Link 4K Elgato Cam Link 4K is hardware for video capture. Meaning it’s a device which converts HDMI output from camera into USB input to computer. It is connected to my D3300 camera and my PC. Using an adaptor cable. As a result the live view on the back of my camera appears on my PC screen. Turning my camera into a webcam. Therefore enabling me to use it with Zoom. And also with Google Meet, for example. Plus other apps and sites needing live video.

Elgato Cam Link 4K device beside a steel ruler to show scale. It is three inches long. Black with white writing. The male USB connector is at one end. The female HDMI is at the other end.

Elagato Cam Link 4K looks like a big USB stick, or flashdrive. Connect it directly into a blue USB port. And it ships with an extension cable for flexbility.

You also need :-

Firstly an HDMI-mini HDMI adaptor cable. Which connects your camera into the Elgato Cam Link 4K device.

Human hand holding the ends of an HDMI to mini-HDMI adaptor cable. Essential to convert camera to webcam with Elgato Cam Link 4K

Maybe you will choose these other items also :-

Secondly a microphone, if you don’t use the camera’s. For instance a desk-top one. Or an earpiece combining microphone and earbud.

Thirdly loud speakers on your desktop. For example if your screen doesn’t have them. Or if you don’t use ear buds or an earpiece.

Fourthly a device for powering your camera . Instead of its battery. Because your battery could run out mid session.

Fifthly a tri-pod. To hold your camera in the right place above your PC screen.

A PC work station showing screen, Nikon D3300 DSLR digital camera as webcam on try pod and the desktop furniture. — Video conference is easier when the camera lens is close to the screen. Remember to look into the lens not the person on screen!

Be sure to check needs for your own camera before buying Elgato Cam Link 4K

Before buying hardware I checked compatibility. Therefore do please check this too. Because it may vary with your equipment. And because this blog post is not a technical guide. Rather it’s just my personal experience. I am writing to reassure you Elgato Cam Link 4K worked for me and my Nikon D3300 DSLR. Again, kindly check all technical things. For example digital camera matching to the Elgato Cam Link 4K at Elgato.com . This customer Q & A on Amazon is helpful too.

So how did it go for me?

Now I’ll talk firstly about buying and setting up the equipment. Secondly some experience of settings in Windows 10. Thirdly my experience of Zoom. Finally advice on D3300 settings.

Buy Elgato Cam Link 4K here. Initially don’t be put off by “unavailable” at this link. Ignore that. I ordered on April 8th, 2020. The Elgato Cam Link 4K arrived May 8th. It’s a great product. So many people want it. Therefore worth waiting for. Moreover the Elgato Cam Link 4K ships with a cool sticker too! Other linked products in this blog arrived sooner.

Elgato Cam Link 4K , optional cable, little white guarantee card and a cool sticker. Plus with all shipping materials. The box is mainly blue and black with white writing. This contains the instructions for use. It is a device to convert camera to webcam

Elgato Cam Link 4K and accessories in aerial view with steel ruler added to show scale. For a PC work station showing screen, Nikon D3300 DSLR digital camera on try pod and the desktop furniture. — The cable is an optional extension between your PC’s blue USB port and the Elgato Cam Link 4K device. Check out the sticker!

Buy the HDMI adapter cable here. Get at least the 10 feet one. Choose one pack for one cable, not ten! Because a shorter one could be too short for a desk top set-up with a tri-pod. Firstly the mini-HDMI end of the cable goes into the digital camera. Secondly the other end, larger HDMI, goes into the Elgato Cam Link 4K. Both cable ends are “male”.

Use the camera ‘s own microphone with Elgato Cam Link 4K. Or a desk top microphone or earpiece.

You can use the D3300’s own microphone. Like you’re shooting a video. But for better sound quality I chose the KLIM Talk desk- top microphone. Firstly because it is a good looking design. Secondly because it’s a nice balance between price and quality. Buy the KLIM Talk microphone here.

Black microphone with red on-off light on white desktop. Part of PC work station with device convert camera to webcam

Windows 10 convert camera to webcam?

In this paragraph I run through the settings for the microphone. From start/settings/system/sound set your chosen microphone as the input device. Next adjust its sensitivity by clicking on sound control panel. Then click recording tab/microphone (the one with a with a green tick). Then in properties/levels set the slider to 100. Be sure the loudspeaker icon isn’t switched off. Also I used this path to adjust my speaker settings. For those, instead of the recording tab click the playback tab. This leads you to speaker settings.

Battery replacement kit for Nikon D3300

Next I talk about the battery replacement kit. Buy a battery replacement kit here. For long sessions this might be useful. Because the battery could run down too early. But first do please check the connector into your home’s power outlet socket. Because we know they differ between countries. I think the one in that link is for the US. But I needed a different one for my home in England. Pictured below. Also get the right kit for your camera. Generally this kit is like a laptop charger. But there’s a “battery-shaped” piece. Which fits into the camera instead of the battery.

Transformer, mains power socket, cables and battery connector. All black on a white background. Used as a permanent power supply for a Nikon D3300 DSLR instead of its battery. — This is one of several battery replacement kits for the Nikon D3300. This one has a mains socket connector designed for use in England not the US.

Close up view of the part of the adaptor kit which fits into the battery compartment of the digital camera — Close-up shot of the part of the battery replacement kit which fits into the battery compartment of the D3300. Instead of the battery itself.

Ergonomics? By this I mean heights, furniture and viewing angles!

In this paragraph I describe how I use a full size tripod. Which I already had. Firstly check the minium height of yours. Mine stands two feet off the desk top, minimum. So I had to raise my 23-inch screen upwards. (Or instead of building a screen plinth I could have bought a small desktop tripod). Secondly adjust heights so the camera lens is just high enough to look over the screen-top. Thirdly get your face level with the lens. Which I do using a stool. This all means the camera sees me horizontally. And it sees the background directly. Why is this useful…….?

Using a back ground adds more information.

……Because the background is a useful second source of information. After your talking head, the first source. Therefore you can adjust the Nikon D3300 DSLR focus to see secondary information in the view. In the back ground use a screen to display your logo, for example. Or an atmospheric image. Or a written message. If you do this your viewers recognise that you stand out from the “lap-top” crowd. Why? Look for the talking headsseen on TV. Most use lap-top webcams. So the lap-top screen angle points the webcam up at a dull ceiling! And even up their noses!

Starting up the Elgato Cam Link 4K

Follow the clear instructions on the Elgato Cam Link 4K box. You download the capture software from Elgato using the link they provide. At first my screen said “no signal”. Why? Because I connected into a black USB port (type 2.0). Doh! Instead you need to connect into a blue one (type 3.0 or 3.1). And the desk-top microphone works best with a blue type 3.0 connection too. Because blue USB is much faster than black.

Using Zoom

I have yet to really explore the Elgato Cam Link 4K software. Because I needed to get started on Zoom urgently. Open a test-meeting by clicking on test Zoom. You’ll find that menu under support right at the bottom of the home page. Look for it in the dark grey footer. Next click join. A small window opens. That’s called launch application-Zoom meetings. In it click open link. A new window should open with the digital camera ‘s live view showing. In this window click join with video. So now you are in a one person meeting!

Selecting speakers, microphone & camera in Zoom.

Zoom must recognise it should use your Elgato software. To ensure this you select it in Zoom. Do this in the meeting window you’ve made live. At the bottom left are icons for microphone and video. Use these to select your speakers, microphone and digital camera. All those available in your hardware set-up should be listed. Select your preferences. For your digital camera select Cam Link 4K. Also select this as your microphone if you using the digital camera’s microphone. Because the Elgato Cam Link 4k is delivering both your sound and video if you use the digital camera microphone.

Advice on digital camera settings

Set live view is open. Best use the green “auto” setting on the top dial of the D3300. Because it adjusts exposure continually. Leaving you free to talk. I use focal length 35mm because it gives me a fuzzy back ground. Therefore the view concentrates on my face. I have described earlier how you might adjust both focus and depth of field aiming to add useful background information.

Avoid distraction for viewers.

Use manual focus. (Because using auto means the camera is constantly adjusting. Which is a distraction for viewers.) The device gives a really sharp image. Making focus changes stand out. Also I operate with this setting :- menu button/setup menu/auto off timers/custom/live-view/30 minutes. Therefore the D3300 is open in live view for 30 minutes before it automatically closes. During a session longer than 30 mins you will have to switch live view back on. This is the only negative in my experience. But no big deal in return for excellent image quality. And maybe I will find a way to keep live view on for longer. I will let you know if so! Please tell me if you work it out first!

Good luck and enjoy. I find Elgato Cam Link 4K a reliable device to convert camera to webcam. I have enjoyed writing for you. Do please use the links to make your purchases. For a single architect times are uncertain. Therefore a little extra income helps! Here’s how my system works in practice. Finally you can see more of my creative work here and here.

House for sale in Macclesfield? Ask the architect first.

17/04/2017 by Mark

Right location but doesn’t fit?

You’ve found a house on Rightmove. Close to shops, station and school. But that cooking eating viewing space is still two rooms. Or maybe it lacks street presence. I have helped buyers visualise potential before commitment. Or provided insight into limitations. So your offer can reflect reality. With real knowledge about feasibility. Can it be tailored to fit? How much will that cost? Or with a little fee outlay….you can avoid a disappointing buy costing you much more.

House for sale? Consider a re-model first.

You might be expecting a new baby. Or maybe mum or dad has come to stay? Need extra space for a home office? Too much clutter? Don’t put up your house for sale yet. First ask an architect. I am the objective viewpoint. I may be see opportunities you can’t. They could be ways to get more out of existing floor space. Or they could be ways to extend. Even a small extension can mean you don’t have to put your house for sale. Spending is tightly controlled. Within my work shop. I use a simple cost reckoner to estimate costs on the day. Or I can bring in a quantity surveyor. This means we balance cost and outcome. The result is best value for you.

Oak framed entrance, Wilmslow.

You know best! The Workshop test.

No one knows your own house better than you. This means you know if it fits or not. Another house may seem tempting. But how will your family use it? The answer is you won’t really know ’til you move in. It will take time to get to know it. Then you may find it doesn’t fit as well as you hope! But then it’s too late. You can return your house for sale. But not without a lot of extra cost. Because it’s not like a mail order shirt you can post back! So use what you know about your home wisely. It’s an architect’s brief. Instead of a house for sale make your house our project. Our work together may release hidden potential. Or for the modest workshop fee we may conclude you’re right to move.

Remodelled home.

House : Architectural Influences in Japan.

21/06/2017 by Mark

The Japanese House Barbican Exhibition

……………………….Special influences shape the house in Japan since world war two. They stand out from influences on architecture common to all countries. They are:- 1. The desire for a distinct family home. 2. Lack of land which can be developed economically. 3. A big population. 4. Mass post-war rehousing need. 5. Historical house design. 6. Traditional skills in timber construction. 7. Earthquake risk. 8. The Modern Movement.

Multi Media Cultural Feast

The Barbican’s tea house by Terunobu Fujimori. The black cladding is charred wood. The light sphere is suspended in netting as if the moon has been caught in the sea. Visitors enter from below through a trap door on a ladder. Shoes off!

The Barbican exhibition “The Japanese House: Architecture and Life after 1945” s0 entertaining. And deeply informative. Sponsored by:-

The exhibition detailed these special influences. Then showed their effect on houses and neighbourhoods. So we learn the effect of them individually and combined. Film, sound, photographs, scale models and animation. Highlights are spectacular. Firstly the full size recreation of the Morijama House in Tokyo. Secondly an inventive new tea house. It was created by Terunobu Fujimori. He designed it especially for this exhibition. In summary this was an event for all. Not just for architects or designers. And even for children. For example the PG film screening on June 24th:- “The Japanese House : Only Yesterday”. Finally you can still study rich intellectual content in the excellent catalogue. I am very grateful for both this primary source. And to all who created such a rewarding cultural experience.

The house as white boxes in a network of outdoor functional spaces.

Reconstruction of Ryue Nishizawa’s house for Mr Moriyama, 2005. This is a metaphor for the city. Instead of urban blocks defined by streets individual living functions are accommodated in single building envelopes with external living spaces between them. An innovative de-construction for an enlightened client. He now has a setting for his creative life-style of contemplation.

Raincoat with pockets for litter. The Japanese House

Recyclables are thermal insulation!

The View from Shinkanshen

The desire for a distinct family residence. This means you will not find many high rise towers. Sprawling apartment blocks are few. Instead you see tight clusters of two and three storey houses. They carpet precious flat land. Competing for it with transport, offices, farms and factories.

High housing density follows from two facts. Firstly a lack of easily developed land. Secondly a big population. Much of Japan is mountainous. Therefore the thin coastal plain is totally developed. Never far from a railway, all land uses jostle each-other. So journeys to work are short. In a Tokyo address like Shibuya this means few open spaces. And narrow plots. The house is stacked like furniture.

Post War Re-Surgence

Half of Tokyo burns in the war costing Japan 4.2m homes. Therefore post war housing needs were urgent and intense. Low cost, fast construction both essential. The result was pre-fabricated systems made industrially. For example the modular PREMOS house. You could buy a Panasonic house. Or a Toyota. And recently a Muji branded one. Kurokawa’s Nakajin tower of capsules is the most extreme example.

Kisho Kurokawa’s Capsule Tower, Nakagin, 1972.

Half Timbered Semis?

Architects are often inspired by past designs for the house. “Half timbered” semis in England are dwarf country houses. Homes of the Japanese nobility are also a reference. Kenzo Tange looks back to the shinden-zukuri style. But Shirai follows the rustic minka alternative instead.

House by Kenzo Tange, Setagaya, Tokyo, 1953. Reminiscent of Villa Savoie?

The Modern Movement ideals of transparency and open plans seem to fit easily into Japanese traditions. The large scale of a Japanese mansion. Or the slender timber structure and walls of a farm house. Both can easily appear “Modern”. Czech architect Antonin Raymond fuses “Japanese” and “Western” spaces.

Concrete Cave

Yoshimira’s mountain lodge uses concrete instead of stone. An earth metaphor. Also timber. Security is easy thanks to its rustic base. The need for a safe calm retreat in cities leads to heavy construction. Security against the crowd and against earthquakes makes concrete an ideal material. Following this choice for building comes a robust appearance. The cave as house is re-invented in cement not stone.

Board marked concrete used to make a house.

Tower House, Shibuya, Tokyo. The architect Takamitsu Azuma’s own residence. Board marked concrete and loose fit furniture.

Mountain Lodge A, Karuizawa, 1963. Junzo Yoshimura designs in the timber tradition and uses mass reinforced concrete instead of stone.

Button Warehouse Macclesfield. Taste & Texture!

20/04/2017 by Mark

People are talking about this tranquil oasis.

Button Warehouse is a vegan wholefood cafe in Macclesfield. Discover its special character located in the centre of town. As you walk along Chestergate look underneath the red signs of Amplifon for Aspinwall Court. Enter this 18th century passage leading to the Button Warehouse. Denise Oakes says her Facebook friends like it. She told me. Therefore Nora and I checked in there last Monday. Consequently we’ve put it on the radar of Macclesfield fitness and nutrition guru The Caffeinated Nutritionist, Kendalle Gidion. We discovered a unique interior, warm welcome and tasty food.

Wholesome & different

Proprietor Joe’s distinctive ingredients are remarkable. Not just because they are fresh and free of additives. How to follow my generous plate of rye bread, hummus and cucumber? The answer is a coconut tray bake with Agave nectar! Therefore his ingredients seem innovative to me. Joe tells me the Agave plant is also used for Tequila. So it’s both a novel source of intense sweetness. And gives us a famous drink! Nora chose the carrot soup. Rich and colourful with a big helping of fresh bread. Organic ginger beer for her. Green tea for me. And all served with a smile.

Events at the Button Warehouse.

Food culture is not the only celebration here. Also you’ll find cultural events. Examples include live music, society meetings, films and therapies. And reflexologist Emma Sarielle Hopkins operates upstairs. Further Macc Laugh’s monthly comedy night was hosted on Thursday 20th.

Perfect?

Bored by the perfect branded interior? There are predictable high street regulars. You know who I’m talking about. Compared to the usual suspects The Button Warehouse is not perfect. Rather it’s a carefree collage of natural colours and textures. It’s brand image is unique because the orginal building is exposed. You can touch stone work 150 years old.

Wabi

The Button Warehouse reminds me about a Japanese philosophy. Firstly “wabi”. Meaning the beauty of imperfection. A good example is the texture of a rustic loaf. Compare it to the bland whiteness of standard white bread. An example here is the structure. Chunky columns such as these are often designed-out. Because this increases table space. But here they are the cheap and cheeful solution. Seems like they add more character.

Sabi

Secondly “sabi”. This is about the effects of time. As a result of sabi we learn to love aging. So older wine is valued above the younger vintage. Especially relevant is the flooring. Timber will wear more between tables. But that’s just a sign of use and therefore of humanity. Don’t we all have to accept our human frailties? The Button Warehouse is probably not the cheapest cafe in Macclesfield. But it almost certainly the most nourishing. Find out more at the Button Warehouse website.

Wilmslow garden is worth £000’s….!

21/08/2014 by Mark

Elevation to Broadway. See all elevations by clicking on image.

…thanks to the recent outline planning approval in Wilmslow I piloted this year.

A prime development site beside the High School in Wilmslow has been created beside my clients’ home on Broadway. Only appearance is a reserved matter in the approval meaning that use, layout, landscape design and scale are now fixed. So the size of this four bedroom new house in Wilmslow is defined whilst leaving its appearance flexible for design my others. The crucial issue of overlooking was managed by a thoughtful design which maintains views out of the house, and natural lighting, whilst preserving privacy for neighbours and the new residents at this prestigious Wilmslow address. Light will beam into the rear of the house via interior glazing through a transparent stairway wall facing Broadway. Privacy is also preserved by an ingenious upper balcony window with no lateral view but transparency over the plot’s gardens. Much of the existing mature garden can be conserved at the rear. Its sunny lawn will be directly accessed through a sliding folding door screen from a spacious multi-function living space. The master bedroom is located overhead with panoramic views, ensuite and dressing spaces. The design concept is shaped by a careful survey and appraisal of the existing street scene enabling it to be finely tuned in massing and height. The Wilmslow planning officer recognised that these key attributes have been balanced with a distinctive contemporary architecture. The result is a design capable of easy and economical technical development whilst appealing to buyers. This is typical of my value driven design approach. For full details go to the public website of Cheshire East Council inserting application reference 14/0949M at http://planning.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ApplicationSearch.aspx

Happy New Year! Cafe Style. Welcome January?!

01/01/2015 by Mark

Warm memories of Specialtys Cafe, Pleasanton, Calfornia.

Specialtys Cafe Pleasanton California. Interior view of structural timber and glass

Timber structure is a significant interior element in Specialtys Cafe.

I am writing on New Year’s Day in wet cold Macclesfield, UK. But Specialtys Cafe is hot! Not just because Pleasanton is in California. It is a sexy interior. Sexy? Well I mean attractive, exciting. It works well because Specialtys Cafe is different. I loved the way structure is exposed for visual appeal. This makes Specialtys Cafe a distinctive place. Therefore memorable. A place drawing you in. The aim of any retail space. We like to shop and consume in destinations. Look at those big timbers and steel straps. They form a truss. Or structural frame supporting the building. But also giving it unique style for a cafe. Breakfast at Specialtys Cafe was wholesome & delicious! So friendly.

Specialty’s Café & Bakery
5050 Hopyard Rd, Suite 250
Pleasanton, CA 94588

Structure dominant in architecture. As Specialtys cafe in California.

Parthenon, Athens. An architecture of decorated structure, rhythm and precise geometry. Courtesy of Wikipedia.

The relationship between architecture and structure is key. For a cafe, temple or cathedral. Some interiors hide structure. In others it’s clear. The Parthenon’s architecture is structural. So is Westminster Abbey’s. I always look for ways to express structure as in this cafe. But only if this adds value at reasonable cost. Thoughtful architecture is balanced in many ways. One of these is the extent of structural expression. For example your new roof can be supported by natural wood trusses. Or just oak purlins. These enable increased space overhead. A simple way to make the most of compact floor areas.

Structure dominates architecture as in Specialtys Cafe, California

Westminster Abbey, London. A structural rule shapes this building:- Loads transferred to ground by the compressive resistance of stone. Courtesy of WhichholidayTV.

I visited Specialtys Cafe in September. It’s in the Bay Area, near San Francisco. Pleasanton is as far from downtown SF as Macclesfield is from central Manchester. Warm memories of Joe and Kendalle’s wedding. Of good times with Kendalle’s family, Kevin, Brenda, Kellen and Kamron. The wedding was held in Murrieta’s Well winery. Murrieta’s is in Livermore, 10 miles from the cafe.

Nighttime image of winery building near Specialtys Cafe.

Murrieta’s Well, Livermore, California. Thick concrete and few windows promote coolth.

The tables were set in the wine store. A concrete building with high thermal mass. This keeps the wine cool without mechanical cooling. And it kept the wedding guests cool too! Such trips help to keep my architectural creativity fresh. To all my clients present and future I wish you a new year full of happy cafe moments!

Macclesfield in May! Blossoms from here to Japan

02/05/2015 by Mark

This bride and groom are celebrating in Kyoto, 6000 miles from Macclesfield, but we are united under Nature’s floral canopy!

Ok it sounds cheesy I know but this is such a light-hearted image! Shot on my tour to Japan. A long way from Macclesfield. Architecturally rich. Such a happy time at stepson Dan and Ikumi’s wedding in Hiroshima. In cities and towns like London and Macclesfield we are used to space. Parks and squares are taken for granted. But these are rare in Tokyo. The ultimate example of Japan’s land use. Manufacturing, agriculture and living is packed onto narrow coastal plains. They are squeezed up to the coast by mountains.

This is Ikumi’s parent’s showroom in Yoshiwa. A town in the mountains above Hiroshima. Mum and Dad, Uemoto-San and Oku-San, run a business growing Wasabi. This is a super hot version of horse radish. Bright green! Eaten with soy sauce with most dishes, especially sushi and sashimi. Both uncooked fish. This interior cannot yet be found in Macclesfield. But the sunken table with central inlaid hearth. The translucent paper windows. The subtle change in level. The excellent joinery…..All to be imported by this architect to Macclesfield.

Macclesfield is a friendly town. But so were Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto. I couldn’t find my hotel. So I ask in a cafe. An english speaking customer says Hi! Next I am in his porsche being taken there! Thank you Yoshikatsu San! Yoshi’s English is excellent, part of his success in California. Just back from filming a commercial for Toyota. Our languages are very different. But Japan’s railway system is bi-lingual. So a trip on the 180mph Shinkansen is easily booked. Like flying but with bustling towns and wooded hills flashing by! On a japanese express Macclesfield to Euston would take an hour. Quicker than the road commute to from Macclesfield to Manchester!