Latest BACA News:

We are honored to have been featured on Malcolm Reading Consultants' (MRC) architectural radar and selected as one of five international firms invited to submit designs for an exciting new project outside the UK. While details are under wraps, we can say water will play a role—though it won't be the main focus this time!

‍

Our inclusion as one of MRC's rising stars is a testament to our recent work, including the new museum in Yanbu, KSA, the public sports center in Aldershot, and the floating Water Lily project in Norfolk.

‍

MRC has a history of organizing prestigious competitions, such as the recent Dallas Museum of Art, which saw 154 global submissions and culminated in a shortlist featuring top firms like David Chipperfield Architects (UK) and Diller Scofidio + Renfro (US). The competition was ultimately won by Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos (ES).

‍

Other notable MRC competitions include the Adelaide Contemporary Museum in Australia, won by Diller Scofidio + Renfro (US), the Museum of London, won by Asif Khan, and the UK Pavilion for Shanghai, won by Thomas Heatherwick.

Fusing tradition and modern methods of construction, the Misty River House is a pre-existing residence situated in Henley upon Thames. The homeowners engaged BACA architects to replace the current substandard dwelling with a meticulously designed amphibious house. This initiative aims to enhance the visual appeal of the riverfront while concurrently mitigating flood risk for its residents. The house is not located within a conservation area but is located within the local Greenbelt.

‍

The replacement dwelling will be amphibious. An Amphibious House is a building that sits on the ground, within a ‘dock’, and is designed to rise from its ‘dock’ on the rare occasion when an extreme flood occurs. This form of construction will help reduce the risk of the existing property and to the surrounding properties by providing additional flood storage under the building. This type of property has the benefit of improving the relationship of the building to the ground plain by providing fewer steps up to the building and eliminating the redundant void below the existing ground floor; that would occur if the replacement dwelling were to be stilted.

‍

It also provides an adaptable response to climate changes as the building will always float above the highest flood levels. BACA architects built the UK’s first amphibious house in Marlow, Buckinghamshire almost a decade ago and the building is acknowledged nationally and internationally as an exemplar of flood mitigation design, especially in riverside locations.

‍

Hydroscapes: A meticulously planned garden by Richard Miers Garden Design (named ‘People’s Choice’ award winner at the Chelsea Flower Show 2022) serves as a natural flood alert mechanism. Terraces arranged at varying heights are strategically constructed to flood gradually, notifying residents well in advance of any imminent threat from rising floodwaters. At BACA architects, we refer to this concept as ‘an intuitive landscape’. The bottom terrace features a lawn and wild flower meadow, the next one includes shrubs and plants, while the seating deck is situated one level above. The highest terrace, positioned just below the living room, acts as the peak point. This tiered arrangement aids in swift recovery by offering dry zones as water levels recede, and the plants play a role in minimizing the erosion of the embankment.

‍

The landscape will deliver a 10% ecological gain on the site.

‍

Construction: The replacement dwelling would be constructed from high quality materials. The building deploys an oak timber frame building combined with lime-rendered structurally insulated panels. This combines the best of low energy design and traditional craftsmanship with modern methods of construction.

‍

The building will be low energy construction and seeks to achieve low carbon construction in its build. The proposal has adopted energy hierarchy - to be lean, clean, and green; and archiving a significant reduction in Carbon emissions over current Part L Building regulations. The whole life carbon assessment demonstrated that the embodied carbon of the project will be less than refurbishing the existing building after every flood event throughout the building 75-year lifespan.

‍

Conclusion: The replacement dwelling will improve the riverfront frontage and create an attractive addition to the housing stock along this stretch of the river in Henley upon Thames. Considering that this is a replacement dwelling in flood zone 3, the proposed building will deliver a low carbon solution, high quality, beautiful, architectural design sympathetic to its setting and will protect the residents from flooding deep into the 21st Century.

‍

BACA will be attending the fourth International Conference on Amphibious and Floating Architecture, Design and Engineering at the Institute for Floating Buildings (IfSB e.V.) and Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) in Cottbus, Germany this week.

‍

Professor Edmund Penning-Rowsell OBE, will open proceedings with his talk titled: 'Don’t sterilise our floodplains: Use them creatively'. Edmund has over 40 years’ experience of research and teaching in the flood hazard field, analysing floods and investment in flood alleviation, river management, water planning and landscape assessment. He is full professor at Middlesex University, UK and founder of Flood Hazard Research Centre (FHRC), as a specialist Centre where they focus on the socio-economic and policy dimensions of floods. This Centre must be one of the oldest of its type in the world. He is also a Distinguished Research Associate at Oxford University Centre for the Environment. Edmund’s talk will feature some of BACA’s built work: The UK's first amphibious house and Nijmegen, a £300m flood relief / river realignment scheme in Holland.

‍

Robert Newman, Senior Architect, will present BACA’s latest amphibious designs in a talk titled “When looking at amphibious projects, is resilience about the longevity of the building or longevity of the planet, or both?”

BACA's spinoff company, Outdoor Sanctuaries, will be showcasing our designs for the Skylark, an eco-friendly luxury glamping experience at the Glamping Show today, tomorrow, and Saturday!

‍

If you're passionate about innovative outdoor experiences, sustainability, and luxury camping, make sure to visit our stand 1026 at the Glamping Show. Our team is on hand to showcase our latest creations and share insights into how we're redefining outdoor hospitality.

‍

Event Details:
The Glamping Show, NAEC Stoneleigh, CV8 2LH
Today, Tomorrow & Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

‍

Come explore our unique glamping solutions, designed to bring you closer to nature without compromising on comfort. Learn about our commitment to eco-friendly practices and discover the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation that Outdoor Sanctuaries offers.

‍

Mombasa, a coastal gem on the shores of the Indian Ocean, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

‍

Today's picture is from the team's site visit to Mombasa from our accommodation.

‍

The brief is for a Wellness and Detox Retreat as part of a boutique hotel. The 4-star resort will offer a much-needed break from our technological lives, providing an off-grid stay, locally grown food, and uninterrupted ocean views.

‍

The team will be visiting the city and other hotels locally. The aim is to explore different local construction techniques and delve further into materials.

‍

For the Monaco Smart Marinas, we opened our pitch by discussing the beauty and efficiency of sailing, tapping into the setting of the event hosted at Monaco’s Royal Yacht Club.

‍

At its simplest, a piece of canvas can stretch using a simple mast and rigging. This canvas then becomes a sail, and this sail can propel a simple vessel across an ocean. It is efficient, clean, sustainable, and the journey is exhilarating. It does not require a huge spend, but the effect is substantial. So, for the competition, we decided to go for a refurbishment over a new build. We asked our team: ‘Can we preserve the building and instead of spending circa £25m on a new building – could we enhance its purpose and yet give it a radically different feel with a budget closer to £2.5 million? And could the design be fun and memorable?’

‍

PRESERVE, REPURPOSE, REUSE
The repurposing of the existing concrete structure into our boat club represents a harmonious fusion of sustainability and innovation. The existing building is orthogonal and utilitarian. Much is good and functional and can be repurposed. Our approach has been to open the corner and provide clarity and legibility to the entrance and reception area. Changing rooms and dry-stack are to be refurbished and upgraded. A new café is to be added, a lightweight structure to the existing roof.

‍

The most striking feature is the new ultra-marine blue façade that stands proud of the existing structure - Echoes of French Artist Yves Klein’s blue-sky work. The sculptural form signals the location entrance and organizes the activities that sit behind. From the ocean or the land, the building acts as a lighthouse, port, and sanctuary.

For the people who run the country and the people who keep the country running.

‍

Chaired by the former Home Secretary and Education Secretary, Lord Blunkett, The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland brings together the most influential figures from across the country. It celebrates the hard work and achievements of the nation’s unsung leaders while laying the groundwork for the next generation.

‍

From the CEO of a multinational bank to the founder of an innovative new start-up, these are the people who take risks, create jobs, and empower their colleagues.

‍

As Leaders Council members, they are committed to sharing knowledge with others.

‍

BACA Director Richard Coutts expresses his gratitude to Lord Blunkett and his team for inviting him to join the Leaders Council at Westminster last week. King Charles III’s Coronation carriage welcomed guests at Parliament.

‍

“It was humbling to join NHS leaders, headteachers, sports club leaders, and innovators in tech and building materials. I particularly enjoyed meeting up with the team from BioHouse – although they made me feel quite old! Also, thanks to our long-term client, Mr. Joshua Church of Blythe Holdings, who joined us from the Isle of Man for the evening.” said Richard.

‍

Hopefully, these new connections will help with our lobbying for modest changes to the building regulations to enable resilient measures linked to flood zoning to come forward.

According to Flood Re, a partnership between the insurance industry and the UK Government, there are 2 million people across the UK exposed to 'frequent flooding.' They have a greater than 10% chance of being flooded in the next decade. Climate change and increased flooding are sadly two sides of the same coin.

‍

When our practice first started research in the flood sector, the average cost of repairing a flooded home was £22k. This has now risen to £32k. Some good news: 266,000 Flood Re policies were taken up in 2022. If flooded, Flood Re will provide up to £10K in addition to the repair costs to 'Build-back-better,' making homes more secure and more flood-resilient to what will inevitably come.

‍

BACA Director Richard Coutts was invited to the Launch of Flood Re's Transition Plan 2023 at the top of the Gherkin last week. Not only for the event but also as an architect, level 40 (building by Fosters & Partners) provides some of the best views of the City of London. It also affords a wonderful view of Lloyds of London by Richard Rogers.

‍

Laura Tobin, Meteorologist, and Weather Presenter provided a great introduction to the event and some sobering statistics on climate change. She rallied the audience to keep the global temperature within 1.5 degrees Celsius. At 1.5°C, summer maximum rainfall could increase by 4%. At 3°C, summer maximum rainfall could increase by 7%. Interspersed with dryer spells, the consequences of surface water runoff will be significant.

‍

For those considering buying a house soon, please enter your postcode into the EA’s searches. It will give you an instant indication of the risk from both river and surface water flooding. Avoidance is key.

‍

If you can't avoid it, then utilize the government’s flood insurance.

Link: https://www.floodre.co.uk

BACA are bringing a new golfing and entertainment experience to the UK. Green Golf combines pro golf with a gaming experience that can enliven any existing golf range or create a destination experience that appeals to a broad demographic.

‍

Located near Farnborough, it will offer a unique and interactive golfing experience for players of all skill levels. Instead of traditional golf courses, Green Golf features a multi-level driving range with various targets and electronic tracking systems.

‍

Here's a description of what you might expect to find at a typical Topgolf facility:

‍
1.    Driving Range: The heart of Green Golf is its driving range, which consists of multiple hitting bays spread across several levels. Each bay is equipped with a high-tech setup, including microchipped golf balls and radar-based tracking technology. Players hit the balls into the range, aiming for different targets at various distances.

2.    Scoring System: The microchipped golf balls allow for accurate scoring. When a player hits a ball, it is tracked and scored based on the distance and accuracy of the shot. The targets on the range are color-coded, and players earn points based on where their ball lands. The scores are displayed on screens in each bay, creating a competitive and engaging environment.

3.    Climate-Controlled Bays: Green Golf offers climate-controlled hitting bays, allowing visitors to play comfortably regardless of the weather conditions outside. Each bay is typically furnished with seating, tables, and a dedicated server to cater to guests' needs.

4.    Food and Drinks: Green Golf provides a full-service restaurant and bar, offering a menu with a variety of food and beverage options. You can enjoy a meal, snacks, or drinks while playing or watching others. Servers are readily available to take orders and deliver food and drinks to your bay.

5.    Games and Challenges: In addition to the standard driving range experience, Green Golf offers various games and challenges that can be played using the scoring system. These games add an extra layer of fun and competition among players, allowing them to compete against each other or form teams.

6.    Events and Socializing: Green Golf will be a popular venue for social gatherings, corporate events, and parties. It provides a lively and energetic atmosphere where people can socialize, enjoy the game, and have a great time with friends, family, or colleagues.

Overall, Green Golf offers a modern, technology-driven approach to golf that combines entertainment, food, drinks, and a social atmosphere. It has gained popularity worldwide as a recreational destination for golf enthusiasts and casual players alike.

‍
Plans will be submitted to the LPA in Q4 2023.

‍
Many thanks to @robsaunders for all your guidance.

‍

In an exciting turn of events, the team at BACA architects welcomed Wells International to London for an intensive design workshop. The collaboration was nothing short of extraordinary as both teams delved into cutting-edge design work with a focus on international competitions.

‍

The workshop explored diverse themes, from giga-development to ultra-luxury, showcasing the versatility and depth of the collaboration. With a shared vision for the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, we are poised to shape the future of international design.

‍

A special thank you to Wells International for making the journey to London and contributing to this exciting chapter of collaboration. Stay tuned for more updates as Wells International and BACA architects continue to push the boundaries of design innovation together!

‍

Our CEO, Richard Coutts, is participating in MIPIMWorld, the largest annual global property event. He will be part of a panel discussing the crucial issue of water in the context of property development.

‍

Panelists:

Jean-Christophe Taret
Alexandra Notay
Richard Coutts
Harold Spies

‍

Currently, 30 cities in France are facing water shortages even before winter ends, and special measures for water usage will be announced soon. Water sobriety is now the new buzzword in Europe as the continent copes with the effects of extreme weather conditions. Stay tuned for more updates as there are insightful solutions in South Africa.

BACA Directors Richard Coutts and Robert Pattison have launched a spin-off hospitality and leisure company called 'Outdoor Sanctuaries.'

‍

It’s a fun project that has emerged from our practice during lockdown.

‍

We had been working on lots of lakes and ex-gravel pits to regenerate them for the emerging staycationer market. Many of these sites were bounded by trees, but we couldn’t find low-impact treehouses – so we decided to design, build, and sell our own.‍

‍

The single pod is shown. The pods have a pentagonal plan and tessellate in 2 and 3-pod configurations.

‍

The prototype is currently under construction, and we’ll share images soon.

‍

If you have a site, then these can be brought off the shelf, so do request a brochure, and we can send you the specifications and price list.

‍

Bringing together a decade of hand drawings by BACA Directors Richard Coutts and Robert Pattison.‍

‍

“It’s been almost 20 years since we both collaborated as master’s students to design the ‘Studium’ at university, an ambitious proposal for a mini-campus combining Architectural School, Planning, Landscape, and Geography Departments. It was the connecting spaces in-between: the communal staircase, lobby, and refectory spaces that encouraged social interaction. Who would have thought nearly 20 years later that we would still be collaborating and developing some of the most ambitious buildings in the world that are in, on, near, and under water!” says BACA's Creative Director Robert Pattison.

‍

Hand drawing has played an integral part in BACA’s design process. It captures the genesis and energy of the concept—a simple stroke of the pencil capturing the movement of the roofline or the flow of water through a master plan. Richard recalls sketching the ‘Whale’ during a 7am call with the Australian counterparts during lockdown. The tender winning designing of a ‘rock’ was quickly dismissed by the mayor who wanted a pirate ship, complete with mast and flag. A cup of coffee was needed, then a quick sketch, a photo on an iPhone, a WhatsApp message and then on a screen via Matt at Subcon. They loved it and the designs went out in the press that Christmas. If they built it, then it’s a great origin story.

‍

Do enjoy the sketchbook as much as we enjoyed creating the images!