It’s not just squirrels who find Autumn the busiest time of year, here at RRA it’s all go with clients keen to get projects underway before Christmas, which scarily is only 85 days away! So, it’s a jam packed September newsletter with lots of stories and the very exciting announcement of the arrival of our new director Jonathan White, who joins us in early October………

We are very excited to have Jonathan White join RRA as a Director. Jonathan is well-known and well-respected within the construction industry and sits on the Committee of Constructing Excellence, Gloucestershire. Having worked for Roberts Limbrick Architects for 14 years, Jonathan brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly in the commercial and education sectors. Jonathan has also been actively involved in delivering BIM projects up to level 2. And we are looking forward to welcoming Jonathan to our talented team. Feel free to say hello at jonathan@rraarchitects.com.

Having worked together for several years, directors Mark Powles and Duncan Gunn have decided to separate the Hereford and London offices. Duncan has become sole proprietor of the London office, which will now be known as Gunn Associates. We are sure Duncan and all the London team will forge ahead with a very happy and successful future, and we wish them lots of luck. Happily, it’s not completely goodbye as RRA and Gunn Associates will remain in regular contact; professionally and socially.

As part of the first phase of the exciting Dowdeswell Park development, this month saw the opening of the new Dunkertons Organic Cider press, bottling plant and retail counter. With Cotswold stone walling and timber cladding boards, the design approach was sympathetic to the setting within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Internally the scheme features exposed oak framing together with recycled timber from disused vats & barrels and a glazed wall allowing visibility into the production area. Carefully designed to feel as inviting as possible the result is one of rustic refinement, entirely bespoke to its setting, yet fitting quintessentially into the English landscape.
Photo credit: Tom Hatcher

RRA has recently completed the conversion of a redundant coach house into a new home. Completed to a very high standard, the imaginative conversion included a creative re-use of the diamond pattern ‘hit and miss’ brickwork (see the feature on Ark Stained glass below). This is what our lovely clients, Mr & Mrs Evans, had to say about RRA and the process, “We have had an excellent relationship with Alex Whibley of RRA Architects. Throughout the preliminaries and during the build, concepts and details were incorporated sympathetically into the design. Working with skilled Herefordshire craftsmen under the direction of main Contractors GP Thomas Construction Ltd, we have produced a stunning, high quality, living space. The consensus is that the conversion of the Coach House has enhanced the locality.”
Photo credit: Bespoke Property Management

Working with Ark Stained Glass the existing ‘hit and miss’ diamond brickwork was re-imagined using carefully tailored pieces of coloured glass which catch the sunlight creating a colourful array of light. Traditionally ‘hit and miss’ brickwork is used to allow light and/or ventilation into a building. Often these original details can be lost when buildings are repurposed or converted, but with some lateral thinking and skilled crafts people they can be a fabulous feature.

They promised us a ‘Circus Spectacular’ and, wow, did they deliver!
Managing to outdo themselves year after year, The Pied Piper Appeal have proved, once again, why their charity ball is considered to be the jewel of the social calendar. And, as one of the sponsors, RRA was delighted to support the event. From the sparkling beginning to the show-stopping end the night was certainly one to remember, with fabulous food, awesome acts and the stupendous Chip Shop Boys. The only problem is – what can they do next year to top it? Whatever it is we’ll be there to support it.

Conservation and repair work of the historic, Grade II* listed Norman church in Brampton Abbotts is well underway with contractor, Spitlath Building Conservation Ltd, who are specialists in the field. RRA’s Conservation Architect, Fred Hamer, lead visitors around the church to showcase the repairs being carried out as part of the Heritage Open Day weekend. The repairs phase will safeguard the church’s future by carrying outvitalrepairs of the roof structure. The second phase will transform the space in to a vibrant community space whilst maintaining the church as a liturgical centre to the village. We will keep you updated on progress.

September saw the launch of the 2018 Grand Designs series, it seems a long time ago that our Grand Design project, Hilcott Barn was featured in season 6. To accompany the series the Grand Designs Live Exhibition is at the NEC, Birmingham from Wednesday 10th until Sunday 14th October. RRA have a number of complimentary tickets on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. If you would like tickets please contact Jane Cooke, at jane@rraarchitects.com.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys hosted a drinks party in their town centre offices to launch the Charitable Art Competition designed around celebrating Herefordshire. RRA Managing Director, Mark Powles explained that for RRA Architects to sponsor the ‘City’ category “seemed like a perfect opportunity to get involved in the community project particularly with the strong link between art and architecture”

The competition is open until 19th October and there are five categories; City, Leisure, Portrait, Landscape and Wildcard. Each participant must submit an original artwork along with the completed sentence ‘Herefordshire is my passion because…’

Entry forms are available from hcrlaw.com or from HCR’s office at Thorpe House, 29 Broad Street, Hereford, HR4 9AR.

Continuing our support of Gloucester Rugby, RRA Architects have increased their sponsorship package and are looking forward to another season of premiership and European rugby from the Cherry and Whites. We were delighted to see our new signboard getting lots of television coverage during the matches, be sure to look out for it.

BBC Hereford & Worcester reporter, James Pearson, interviewed RRA’s Alex Whibley and Mark Powles for his investigative piece on tackling Hereford’s housing needs. Thousands of homes are needed leading the council to look at city centre sites as well as expanding outwards. Development of the centre includes potential conversion of the police, fire and bus stations.

Herefords current plans are available for public viewing at Hereford Library, Broad St until 5th October, or can be viewed online here.

Following last month’s feature citing that Gloucestershire’s local authorities (including Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council) were looking to implement the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) from early 2019. It has since been announced that the charges will come into effect from the 1st January 2019 for all three authorities. The charges and more details can be viewed at the Joint Core Strategy website.

RRA would like to thank Evans Jones for their informative seminar on how the implementation of this policy will affect the construction industry.

5th-7th Oct • Shropshire OktoberFest • The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury
Don’t miss the second year of the Shropshire Oktoberfest. There will be around 150 Real Ales and the best local artisan producers.

5th-14th Oct • Cheltenham Literature Festival • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham
Each year, the Cheltenham Literature Festival brings the beautiful Montpellier Gardens to life with its festival village that welcomes tens of thousands of book lovers.

6th Oct • Little Feet Fundraiser Tie & Tiara Ball • The Left Bank Village, Hereford
A charity ball that promises to be great fun and all for a worthy cause. The evening will include a hog roast, a raffle and a live DJ to end the night on the dance floor!

13th-14th Oct • Swim With Your Dog • Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham
Take your canine buddy for a doggy paddle in Cheltenham's own Sandford Park Lido. A fun day for all of the family and of course your furry friend.

13th-14th Oct • The Big Apple • Much Marcle, Herefordshire
Eight special venues across Herefordshire will be opening their orchards and cider mills for you to visit. They are all different but have one thing in common- apples!

14th-17th Oct • Grand Designs Live • NEC, Birmingham
The UK’s leading Home and Garden event with over 400 exhibitors.

18th-31st Oct • Halloween Land • Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham
Plenty of fun to be had at Halloween Land. You will be able to pick your own pumpkin fresh off the farm and decorate it or take it home with you.

21st Oct • Autumn Apple Day • Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
Come along to celebrate National Apple Day! Enjoy the local cider on offer at our stand and check out our cookery demos, making apple jelly and toffee apples.

30th Oct • Broomstick making • Brockhampton Estate, Herefordshire
Perfect for all the family you’ll each get to make your own traditional broomstick from natural materials and join in with the broomstick race.