PC Channel Islands

“Out-of-the-box, fantastic arhictectural ideas”: Peter Falla and Associates

Peter FallaPeter Falla and Associates have worked on a diverse range of projects internationally, including large-scale city master-planning. However, some of their most recent projects showcase their talent in smaller-scale residential and commercial buildings on their home turf in Guernsey.

Baubigny Farm

In Spring 2011, work began on the site of Baubigny Farm to create a total of nine new and refurbished homes. The original farmhouse was constructed in 1822, and the estate has increased since then to ten acres. 2005 saw the sale of a large portion of the land for the development of St Samson’s High School.

PF +A were briefed to make the best use of the remaining land available to provide small yet practical homes for young families. In 2011 the property was awarded planning permission to refurbish the main farmhouse and bungalow, and also to convert the barn, producing three refurbished housing units. An additional six new dwellings will be built, including one and two bedroom family homes, each benefitting from a garden and two allocated parking spaces.Peter Falla

The prestigious new development is due to be completed in late 2011 and will be constructed to an extremely high standard. The development is to be sold off-plan, allowing purchasers the opportunity to tailor their new home as the build develops.

Managing Director Peter Falla explains:

“Peter Falla and Associates were briefed to improve the previously approved plans to provide good quality new housing on the Baubigny site. In addition, proposals to convert existing outbuildings were sensitively redesigned to upgrade the accommodation provided. The result is a mix of new and traditional units, which will appeal to young families and downsizing couples.”Peter Falla

Paul Nobes is Director of the developers Inifinity Group. He commented, “The nine dwellings at Baubigny Farm will be a very high specification, especially so in the affordable price bracket. We are trying to provide quality affordable houses and separate them out from anything else in the market.

“We particularly used PF+A,” he said, “because we trust them, and they provide out-of-the-box, fantastic architectural ideas.”

Alex Ford, Director of Sarnia Estate Agents added, “With the lack of quality affordable housing in the Guernsey market, the Baubigny site is a refreshing addition to the local housing market.”

BROWNHILL NURSING HOMEPeter Falla Architects

Meanwhile PF+A have also designed a large extension for Brownhill Nursing Home in The Rohais, St Peter Port.The client’s brief was to extend the building and retain the community feel whilst catering for the elderly.

PF+A provided drawings for new resident accommodation, laundry room, assisted bathroom and a bright and airy communal sitting room. This sitting room links with the existing conservatory of the main house, and will incorporate an octagon shaped roof lantern to provide plenty of natural light.

An additional 8 comfortable bedrooms have also been added, all with en-suite shower rooms. 6 of these bedroom suites are designed with attractive, opening arch-topped doors leading out onto a patio area overlooking the landscaped garden.

Key features in the overall architectural plans all accommodate residents’ specific mobility needs, not least an easily navigable internal ramp that provides a change in level from the existing building down to the new bedrooms.

Brownhill Nursing Home is owned by C.I Healthcare Ltd, and the build is due for completion in Spring 2012.

King’s House

In a rather different project, Peter Falla and Associates designed the new headquarters for Trust Corporation.

The corporation required premises of 4,000 square feet to add to its existing office Roseneath, which is adjacent to the new site. PF+A’s answer is known as Kings House, a workplace with the aesthetic appeal of a period property and all the advantages of a new build.

PF+A Director Alex Whitmore says: “We came up with the proposal for a new office building which would complement Roseneath, a beautiful Georgian property. Kings House also has to sit comfortably alongside other buildings on The Grange, many of which date from the Georgian or Regency periods. We worked hard to ensure the design and proportions are just right, applying the rules of symmetry, often valued by Georgian town planners”.

The result is a striking, grand structure with tall columns echoing the Palladian architecture which was popular in the Georgian era. The sash windows are a particular triumph: they are perfect (though double-glazed) copies of those at Roseneath. The tall windows necessitate higher ceilings than those normally seen in a modern office, providing a light and airy feel.

More subtly, the detailing adds to Kings House’s authenticity. On the west elevation is a black wrought iron Juliet balcony harmonising with the lamp over the door, roof parapet detailing, railings and even the cast iron guttering and downpipes, all with a fleur de lys design.

Behind the period facade, the interior of Kings House has all the sophistication of a modern workplace. Access floors allow all the cabling to be stored in the space beneath, giving the offices a clean, neat look. There is air conditioning throughout and a cooling system is installed in the loft space, where the computer servers are housed.

PF+A always seek to make their projects ecologically sound and Kings House is no exception, being thoroughly insulated and very energy efficient. Other up-to-date elements are a lift for disabled access and a well-appointed kitchen. There is also a subterranean data link with Roseneath, so the two buildings can function seamlessly as one campus.

Taking inspiration from the past and combining it with innovation is a winning formula which is sure to stand the test of time.

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Roma Publications