William Lippe Architects Ltd

NMT Awards - Nursery Design 2011

2012-02-23T07:00:00.001-08:00

Les Enfants Nursery, Inverurie was shortlisted as a finalist in the top 5 nationally for the NMT Awards – Nursery Design 2011. The following summary of the design was prepared for the judging interviews which took place on the 7th October 2011 in London and provides an insight into the successful elements of the design.

Summary of Design for Les Enfants Nursery

The purpose built pre-school nursery was completed in May 2010. The main focus of the design was on “fun” and “scale” to create a unique building which would attract and welcome children. The haphazard positioning of small square windows provides a view for children of all ages. Small projecting Snugs offer interesting and cosy areas to explore and for children to have some quiet time. Stripes, curves and bold colours create a fascinating elevation to stimulate imagination. Large open-plan areas allow the interior spaces to be flexible in use with dedicated wet areas designed specifically for children to use for messy activities. The corporate logo handprint theme is continued throughout the building and introduced into various elements of the design, including the safety railings to the first floor balconies, the entrance gates as well as the frosted safety manifestations to large areas of glazing.

The nursery also has a purpose made pirate themed soft play area which provides a unique selling point and additional income when hired out for parties. This area features vast amounts of glazing and balconies to allow views out over the external play area and has an additional room adjacent with randomly placed vision panels through to the soft play room.

Parents have also been catered for in the design with a dedicated Parent Room providing internet and computer facilities for their use, a feature which helps the parents feel welcome and part of the nursery. Staff have access to a bright naturally lit Staff Room which has kitchen facilities and its own patio area. Les Enfants strive to deliver a high standard of care with motivated, experienced and child focused employees whose careers they can develop and grow through experience, learning and career progression. By providing welcoming facilities they are more able to retain good staff.

Health, safety and security are paramount in the design and access to the nursery is securely managed by office staff at reception as well as a meet and greet system in the spacious foyer. The orientation and design of the Office allows staff members here to supervise any visitors to the nursery from all directions on their approach to the building prior to entering the secure vestibule.

Aberdeen City Local Development Plan Approved

2012-02-17T06:51:00.006-08:00

Residents of Aberdeen will now have the opportunity to gain insight into the future of their city following the Scottish Government’s recent approval of the area’s local development plan.

The plan, which comes into force this month, was approved by Planning Minister Derek Mackay and is the first to be adopted in the whole of Scotland under the new Scottish planning regulations.

Over the next decade the development plan will see proposals for the building of thousands of homes come to fruition.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-17058485

Completion of Pipeline Technique Limited

2012-02-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

William Lippe Architects are delighted to announce completion of a £1.25 million contract at Huntly in Aberdeenshire.

The architecture and space planning firm was involved in the project to relocate Pipeline Technique Limited from their base at Rothienorman to new, larger premises within Huntly Industrial Estate.

WLA were employed to alter and update existing ground floor offices and a reception area as well as designing and overseeing construction of a new research and development workshop designed for high quality welding and testing. The building comprises a 54mx26m portal frame building with two internal ten-tonne cranes which travel the length of the building. The facility also includes two 2G rotating welding floors, an AUT station lab, workshop offices and an amenities block for workshop staff.

Commenting on the project, William Lippe Architects’ Technical Director Stuart Naysmith said: “Our team worked closely with Pipeline Technique Limited and contractors to help start a new era for this site, breathing new life into it and ensuring that it suits the company’s growing needs.”

Pipeline Technique Limited operations and finance director Athol Cobban added: “William Lippe Architects provided a professional service from day one to project completion, ensuring that all our requirements were captured, understood and incorporated into the design.

“Their project team provided an excellent service covering all aspects of the work including management of subcontractors.”

Founded in 1985, William Lippe Architects employ 14 staff and provide top quality, professional architectural, space planning and associated services from inception to completion to residential and commercial clients throughout Scotland.

For further information visit www.lippe-architects.co.uk or call (01467) 622785.

William Lippe Architects Ltd & DM Hall - North Meadows Industrial Estate

2012-01-09T02:34:00.000-08:00

At a time when new development continues to be constrained by restrictive lending criteria, DM Hall Aberdeen are delighted to introduce an exciting speculative development to the market, on behalf of retained clients.

Situated within an established industrial estate around 18 miles north west of Aberdeen, this new industrial facility will form part of Oldmeldrum’s North Meadows Industrial Estate.

Currently under construction, the property will provide a total of 44,850 sq. ft comprising 30,000 sq. ft of workshop and 14,850 sq. ft of office. Furthermore, the building stands within a 5.28 acre site, providing a substantial surfaced yard and abundant parking, set amidst attractive landscaped grounds.

Matthew Park of DM Hall, said: "There remains strong occupier demand for industrial buildings within the Aberdeen market against a backdrop of high oil prices and an acute undersupply of available modern, well-specified stock, which is unlikely to change in the near future.

“As supply falls, companies are increasingly looking to locations on the periphery of Aberdeen. Occupiers are also considering out of town locations due to spiraling occupational costs within the city.

“Our client is undertaking a speculative build to capitalise on strong prevailing demand by constructing an industrial facility to satisfy occupier requirements at a time in the market when there are few speculative developments in the pipeline.

“The completed development, which will be ready for occupation in Quarter two of 2012, will provide high quality, well configured accommodation together with extensive areas of yard space just 18 miles from Aberdeen city centre."

Stuart Naysmith, Technical Director at William Lippe Architects, said: “We are delighted to be involved with this prestigious site and building in Oldmeldrum. It was evident right from initial design stages that this project needed a building with a high degree of quality design, materials and workmanship due to its prominent location.

“There are very few buildings of this scale available in the area; the building is also designed so that it may be easily sub-divided into smaller units if needed. Although there is planning permission for the full development and a stage 1 warrant for the industrial workshop and warehouse building, currently under construction, our client is very keen to accommodate any potential occupants’ individual needs.

“The use of modern methods, materials and environmentally friendly and energy efficient technologies are already designed in and it should be fairly easy to accommodate a potential occupants requirements.”

Garioch Heritage Centre

2012-01-05T03:10:00.000-08:00

Recently inspecting what will be the new Heritage Centre in the old Loco Works building, off Harlaw Road, Inverurie were (from left) Society President Dr Geoff Gill, Architectural Technician Colin Wood of William Lippe Architects Ltd and Committee Member Thomas Tate.

During the site visit Colin explained how each area is to be designated.

The Garioch Heritage Centre will include a seminar/lecture theatre, cafeteria and a large area for display purposes, study and interpretation on the mezzanine floor.

Photograph Courtesy of Griselda McGregor

With Thanks to The Advertiser Series

Alterations and Extension at 3 Wellwood Terrace, Cults, Aberdeen

2011-12-22T01:58:00.000-08:00

Works have now been completed to this project.

The project was to form 2 extensions to the rear on ground floor and dormer roof extension to the first floor level. A new garage was also constructed. Due to the sloping nature of the site, extensive siteworks were required to grade the rear garden into split level with the use of retaining walls faced with stonework, steps and decking.

Tivoli Theatre Presentation

2011-12-22T01:29:00.000-08:00

Leading North-east Architect William Lippe has been speaking about his company's role in repair work at Aberdeen's historic Tivoli Theatre in an address to women in the property and construction industries.

William Lippe’s Inverurie firm is closely involved in the landmark project to restore the famous venue to its original glory. He recently explained the project, in a joint presentation with owner Brian Hendry, to The Association of Women in Property and provided a visit to the site.

Established in 1987, The Association of Women in Property represents all disciplines within the property and construction industries, providing a forum for business opportunities, networking and personal development. The tour of the site was one of 300 events that the Association is involved in each year.

Associate at Ryden and Chairman of Women in Property Northern Scotland Catherine Thornhill, said: “The site visit and presentation provided an excellent insight into the history of the Tivoli theatre and its regeneration.
“William Lippe’s plans for the building are very exciting and I am looking forward to seeing it being brought back to use.”

William Lippe added: “We had an excellent turnout for the presentation and visit, which demonstrated our deep interest in restoring this gem of a theatre; there is no hiding the enthusiasm Brian Hendry has for the building while he explained some of his ideas for its re use.”

The Tivoli, on Aberdeen’s Guild Street, was built in 1872. It became a bingo hall in 1996 before closing a year later.

Appointment

2011-11-28T01:30:00.000-08:00

William Lippe Architects Ltd are pleased to announce the appointment of a new associate to their team.

Eleanor Alexander, who has become associate and team leader, joined the practice as an Architectural Assistant in 2003 and took on the role of Architect in 2009. Notable projects she has been involved in to date include an extension to the hall at Alford's Howe Trinity Church, an extension to the visitor experience centre at Craigellachie's Macallan Distellery, a housing development in Aboyne and the award-nominated Les Enfants Nursery in Inverurie.

Commenting on the news, William Lippe said: "We are delighted that Eleanor has progressed to the role of associate within our company and we look forward to her playing a key role in the future of the practice."

Founded in 1985, William Lippe Architects Ltd employs 13 staff and provides top quality, professional architectural, space planning and associated services from incpetion to completion to residential and commercial clients throughout Scotland.

Alterations & Extension at 3 Wellwood Terrace, Cults

2011-10-18T04:02:00.000-07:00

Works are nearing completion to this domestic alterations and extension.

Works included re-modelling the entire frontage of the house including the conversion of existing garage into sitting room with bay window.

The rear of the property comprises of two new extensions forming larger kitchen/family area on open plan and extending existing bedroom.

A new dormer was also constructed on first floor to provide better head room to existing bedroom.

The works is currently on time and due to be complete by the end of October.

Alterations & Extension at 27 Kepplestone Avenue

2011-10-12T02:12:00.000-07:00

Works are now well advanced in this domestic extension which involved conversion of existing basement to form a large open plan kitchen, family and dining area to the rear.

The extension to the side of the property enables a new stair down to the basement and study to be constructed and also to form an additional bedroom at first floor level.

The site is an extremely sloping site which involves a considerable amount of retaining walls to be constructed to incorporate the level change.

Councillors Support Plans for a 48-Room Hotel near Aberdeen Airport

2011-10-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

William Lippe Architect’s Ltd is pleased to announce that plans for a 48 bedroom hotel to be built near Aberdeen Airport have been given full backing from the Aberdeenshire Council Infrastructure Services Committee.

The granite steading buildings at Home Farm, Parkhill will be converted as part of the scheme proposed by landowner John McIntosh.

The buildings will be transformed into guest rooms, a self catering kitchen, gym, office and laundry area.

Plans for the project were drawn up by WLA Architect Leann Joynt who stated that the hotel would be open to the public but would be targeted towards offshore workers. She added that the attraction to the hotel would be its “connection to the airport”.

Commenting on the plans at a recent meeting of the ISC, chairman Peter Argyle referred to the buildings as “an impressive set of steadings” and added that this plan will put them to good use.

New Training Facility and Offices at Scopus House

2011-08-22T01:16:00.000-07:00

Scopus Engineering Ltd have taken occupation of their new purpose built Training Suite and Extended Offices at Howemoss Drive, Dyce. The project has been completed on time and within budget due to the efforts of both the Construction and Design teams. Tom Bryce of Scopus has congratulated the two teams, headed by our practice, for a job well done, he also stated he was “Delighted” with the finished project.

The project consists of a two storey extension totalling 415m² to the rear of the existing office block with a common escape stairwell and disabled lift within the link. The opportunity was taken with provide additional car parking and cycle racks to aid with the current parking problems within this area of Dyce.

Energy efficient lighting systems were integrated along with highly energy efficient building fabric construction techniques to help lower the company’s carbon footprint.

Kenny Anderson, Director of Anderson Construction, commented that the drawings and information produced by William Lippe Architects Ltd were “far better than the norm” they get to work from, and further elaborated to say that the “speed of provision of information and decision making” from the practice “helped enormously when trying to keep the project within the budget and on time”.

Stuart Naysmith, Technical Director, commented that “this is a great example of a project where the design team and the construction team worked very well together to provide the client with the completed project they wanted. It’s a great example of good team work and the importance of providing well detailed drawings and accurate specifications well in advance of the when the contractor needs them on site”. Good Communication is key to keeping everyone involved well informed of the clients requirements.

Commenting on William Lippe Architects Ltd's involvement in the project, Tom Bryce, Director of Scopus Engineering, stated: "once again absolutely delighted with the way the project went right back from the drawings stage up to project completion. All works were completed in line with the budget and schedule and you had a good control of the costs and the variations right through. Like last time when we completed the first extension the working relationship between Lippe and Scopus was first class and it makes life easier for both parties when we can talk things through in a pleasant manner."

The project was handed over to Scopus Engineering on 2^nd August 2011.

Angus Cereals 1st Phase Completion

2011-08-15T02:38:00.000-07:00

Works have now been completed at Montrose Docks for Angus Cereals on the 1^st phase of grain store. Once all phases are complete the driers and stores will be the biggest pieces of farmer-owned infrastructure in the north east of Scotland.

The first phase with 300 tonnes per hour drying capacity and 25,400 tonnes of storage was successfully complete in August before the start of harvest season of 2012 after works only started in February earlier in the year.

There will be another phase starting later in the year to which will add another 43,000 tonnes of storage and the total cost will be £8.3m.

Recently Completed Conversion by Bardon Aggregates at Tom’s Forest Quarry, Kintore

2011-06-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

Works are now complete on these former railway cottages to convert them to offices. These offices are to be used to replace their existing offices which were being used as temporary accommodation.

Works were carried out by Alan Grant Grampian Ltd which involved refurbishment of existing building with careful attention paid due to there being Bats living within the existing roof space. The existing roof space was to be sealed off from the ground floor accommodation and all roof vents maintained all to maintain the existing bat roost due to them being protected species.

Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen

2011-05-27T05:10:00.000-07:00

Phase 1 Works start on Aberdeen’s Historic Tivoli Theatre.

In conjunction with the Green Townscape Heritage Initiative, William Lippe Architects is pleased to announce that it is carrying out a rolling programme of external fabric repairs to help preserve the fragile skin of such an important building within the city.

Future Phase 2 masterplanning includes preservation of the theatre’s impressive Grade A listed auditorium while creating a new and modern use for the building. It is envisaged that the Tivoli will become a significant new public attraction, located in the heart of Aberdeen with good transport links and well positioned next to the newly opened Union Square retail complex.

Angus Cereals

2011-05-24T03:45:00.000-07:00

William Lippe Architects Ltd are pleased to announce that work on a 43-tonne storage facility at Montrose Docks is now taking shape.

WLA were last year appointed as the architects and contract administrators to head up the design team and management of the £8.1 million project which led to Angus Cereals linking with Britain’s leading grain marketing and arable input co-operative, Openfield.

Commenting on the project, Mr Lippe stated: “This is an exciting project serving the Angus area and comes on the back of a successful similar project for Aberdeen Grain at Whiterashes. This is a complex structure involving piling, large steel members and significant ground works on the pier. The plant and equipment fit out involves much pre-fabrication offsite and will allow buildings to be ready for 2011 harvest.”

Please check our blog for more information on this project as it progresses.

St Andrew's Parish Church

2011-05-23T02:42:00.000-07:00

We are all delighted with the recently completed refurbishment works at St Andrew’s Parish Church, Inverurie. Works included the formation of a new private chapel, entrance and office and disabled toilet. A new ecclesial style timber glazed screen separates the main church from the entrance area, making better use of an underused space under the existing canopy. The church and hall were completely rewired and redecorated to create a welcoming and bright place of worship ensuring continued use for many years to come.