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The Cube extends success

The Cube- Jersey Architectural Design Awards 2013

As an award-winning practice, BDK Architects is no stranger to seeing its projects take the limelight. Having successfully secured a win at the recent Green Apple Built Environment Awards 2013 for The Cube, the practice has now secured an award for the Best Small-Scale Building or Building Extension at the Jersey Design Awards 2013.

The Cube project comprised the creation of a light glazed, modern sunroom extension which could comfortably complement the original Grade 1 Listed 1835 Regency House. The new day-room facility was installed onto the property’s existing kitchen and includes an external stair case which provides access to the garden and carport.

Wilkinson Builders Ltd was the main contractor on The Cube, whilst BDK Architects provided all architectural services. For more than 21 years, BDK Architects has been creating and realising award-winning projects throughout the UK, with The Cube the latest in a long line of success for the practice.

The Cube- Jersey Architectural Design Awards 2013

Discussing the recent win, Paul Harding, BDK Architects, said:

“We are very proud to have received a Jersey Design Awards 2013. The chairman of the judging panel advised that all the entries were based upon best practices used throughout the UK, and this award carries the cache of approval which comes with such recognition.

“In addition to winning Best Small-Scale Building or Building Extension, The Cube also came joint-second in the People’s Choice category. This is great as this category is a public vote and demonstrates how much people really like the project.”

The Cube- Jersey Architectural Design Awards 2013

Paul added:

“We have a great track record of working on award-winning projects and The Cube is no exception.”

Construction work began on The Cube in July 2012 and reached completion in December 2012, with occupation taken up on the 21st, just in time for Christmas.

T&G Ltd was structural engineer on The Cube, Space Glass Ltd was responsible for the glass walls and roofing, whilst Five Oaks Iron Works Jersey Limited provided the structural steelwork.

The Cube- Jersey Architectural Design Awards 2013

The three main materials used on the project included structural steel, glass and zinc and were used to dramatic effect. The design concept adopted a minimal intervention approach, taking a modern high tech glazed extension which could complement the traditional aspects of the house.

The extension was formed using full height, frameless glazing units, whilst the roof comprised a standing seam curved zinc canopy perimeter and a glazed flat roof.

An exit was added to the north side of the extension, with a staircase leading to the carport. The staircase was designed to accommodate a chairlift, should one be required in the future.

Under floor heating was installed within the new extension, using a thermostatically controlled eMat Pro 200 system. The system was chosen as it is capable of providing a constant temperature, giving an ambient heat for the user.

The Cube- Jersey Architectural Design Awards 2013

Discussing the sustainable importance of the project, Paul said:

“From the start our intention was for The Cube to embody, despite having a fully glazed walling, a sustainable ethos. The principle materials selected, comprising the triple Low ‘E’ argon filled glazed walls, steel frame and a highly insulated zinc roof are all sustainable materials. The real magic came from how we connected all these parts together to create a watertight and energy efficient floating cube.

“The Cube is, as we intended, fresh and very comfortable.”

The Cube- Jersey Architectural Design Awards 2013

The Cube is just one of the fantastic projects that has been realised due to the hard work undertaken by BDK Architects’. Past projects include Jersey General Hospital, Les Vanniers and Pinewood Nursing Home.

For more information on BDK Architects, please visit: www.bdkarchitects.com.

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