Why Winery Design Matters – A winery can be so much more than an industrial production centre – it’s part of your brand and it can be as sophisticated as your wine. Wineries can also offer a unique and memorable visitor experience. All this presents a complicated challenge for the designer, who needs to fulfil the practical and technical requirements of a wine production facility, create a stunning and artistic building with the ‘wow’ factor, and also respect the landscape and environment.

Why Winery Design Matters, an article written by Dr Alistair Nesbitt (Vinescapes CEO), with input from Designcubed, was published by WineGB in The Grape Press, December 2021.

Designcubed were appointed to review and refine an existing planning consent for the refurbishment and height increase of an industrial storage unit on Montrose Road in Chelmsford for RVL Properties LTD. Working closely with contractor G E Construct during construction, we produced detailed material schedules and precise cut‑lists for the cladding and roof systems. This eliminated on‑site modification and enabled an efficient, well‑coordinated installation.

Designcubed have been invited to provide designs for a new Crematorium in Thurrock. The proposals include two chapels of remembrance beneath a ‘floating’ wing shaped vaulted roof. The symmetrical design subtlety separates circulation and views between mourners in each chapel and maintains a dignified distance between those arriving and leaving between each service.

Each chapel benefits from private views into its own landscaped courtyard which leads on to a garden of remembrance concealed behind screens.

Researching for this project was an interesting, and at times difficult, emotional journey. We had to contemplate head-on the emotional, cultural and practical issues which surround the passing away of a loved one.

In developing the design we had to ensure that we respected the responsibility of producing a building which would come to signify, and hopefully, help to come to terms with the final farewells for so many people.

Over the last month Designcubed have worked with the Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust and Blu Building Consultants to develop proposals to relocate St Albans Children’s Centre.

Following the completion of our Health and Wellbeing Centre in St Albans Civic Centre, the proposals will make use of derelict office space within an additional corner of the first floor of the Civic Centre, expanding the existing health care provisions. This provides the Trust with a centralised health clinic in central St Albans with the ability to provide services such as,

• Children’s Therapy Accommodation, including Language & Speech Therapy, PALMS Services, Eye Care Services, Occupational and Physical Therapy & Community Paediatrics.
• Specialist VRA / Audiology
• Podiatry Clinics
• Leg Ulcer Clinics
• Multi- Purpose Group Rooms and Gymnasium
• Staff Bases / Touch Down Office Space / Staff Toilet Facilities

Today we had the opportunity to visit the site with Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust as Ashe Construction complete the soft strip out and works start on the internal partitions.

Planning Permission has been granted for our lovely clients on South Eden Park Road.

This successful planning application for an attic conversion, extension and remodelling of a bungalow was completed during Covid Lockdown. It accommodates the specific needs of the owners, one of whom is wheelchair bound from a motorcycle accident, and includes:

• A dedicated Therapy Room for cardio-exercise and training.
• A stand-alone Therapy Pool Room housing an “Endless Pool” with an adjustable swim-current for hydrotherapy.
• A platform lift from ground level to the new first floor.
• New ramps for access to the front door and level access to the rear.

The bridge leading to Designcubed’s next winery is complete!

New meets old in Designcubed’s latest Victorian terrace remodel and extension. We love the Critall style doors to the garden and the monochrome kitchen. More pictures to follow!

Designcubed are always excited to see our clients move in to one of our newly completed buildings! At Shuttleworth Zoological Centre we worked closely with ZSL to create ideal homes for a variety of creatures. See them exploring for the first time here:
https://www.shuttleworth.ac.uk/zoological/centre-news-events.html

Great progress on site at our Animal Centre in Shuttleworth!

See the latest time-lapse clip here:

Photographer Siobhan Doran was commissioned by our client at Gwendolen Avenue to photograph this total renovation project for a Documentary Book

See some of her beautiful pictures from the book on her website: http://www.siobhandoran.com/project/gwendolen-avenue/