PC Channel Islands

Create Architects

Create Architecture, Guernsey Design Awards 2014

Chartered Architects Create is a dedicated, skilled team of seven, which take great pride in the projects they deliver for their clients.

Currently in their 10th year, Create were delighted to be nominated for two awards in the prestigious Guernsey Design Awards 2014.

The beautiful Channel Island of Guernsey is home to many stunning building projects and the Guernsey Design Awards seek to highlight outstanding design in local architecture. Of the 13 shortlisted projects, Create were nominated for two awards – a remarkable achievement, considering that they were up against not just local architects but all practices engaged on the island. Design projects eligible for entry included new buildings, extensions, restoration projects, lighting schemes, public art projects and works to protected buildings and monuments.

Create Architecture, Guernsey Design Awards 2014

Over the past decade, the Create team has worked on many significant developments in Guernsey; current works in progress include the refurbishment of the island’s only tower block, Cour du Parc, which will provide accommodation for people on the Guernsey Housing Association’s waiting list, bringing back housing stock which is presently lying empty. Other important projects are La Nouvelle Maritaine and Le Grand Courtil, extra care housing. As well as these, Create have been commissioned to undertake several hundred domestic projects – from new houses to small extensions.

A spokesperson from Create said:

It is always a thrill when one’s achievements are recognised and to have two Create ventures shortlisted is a tremendous honour. Phase 1 of the Grand Bouet Development and The Anchorage are the projects in question which, being very different from each other, showcase the architects’ versatility.”

Create Architecture, Guernsey Design Awards 2014

Phase 1 of the Grand Bouet Development was nominated for the Residential new Build category. Known as Le Clouet, the original buildings were social housing units constructed in the 1970s and only designed to last 20 years. Create designed 55 new units, comprising a mix of one and two bedroom flats, intended for the over-55s.

The development was conceived to create a sense of space and a community feel, with a sensory garden and a purpose-built room for social gatherings and functions at its heart. Create’s Technical Director, Ricky Mahy, was delighted to have won the tenders for these projects:

Working on a community project is rewarding because you’re designing and providing much needed housing on the island and it’s very satisfying to be a part of that process. Being recognised by the Guernsey Design Awards was the icing on the cake.’

At the opposite end of the spectrum, The Anchorage is up for the George Crossan Award for Small Projects. It is a project close to Design Director James Barker’s heart, as it is his own family home. This semi-detached, listed Georgian town house was completed in two phases.

Create Architecture, Guernsey Design Awards 2014

The first phase was to renovate and upgrade the original building to bring it up to modern standards and the second was the demolition and redevelopment of the rear extension. This contemporary extension has increased the property’s floor space by a third, bringing light flooding in and providing strong eco credentials.

The Anchorage is special due to the attention to detail that has been paid to the property’s Georgian history. Georgian detailing has been subtly referenced in the extension by echoing the entrance hallway’s pitched roof. The extension also incorporates a vaulted ceiling with roof lights and a glazed gable designed to introduce light from above.

Ricky and James summed up what winning an award means to them:

Winning an award is the culmination of 10 years’ hard work, and recognition for us and our team. We were delighted to have been shortlisted, especially given the high standard of entries this year.”

Create Architecture, Guernsey Design Awards 2014

So if you are planning a trip to the Channel Islands, it’s worth remembering that Guernsey is about more than sandy beaches and fresh seafood – it is also home to some fantastic architecture. Create look set to continue to play their part in putting the island’s built environment on the map.

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Roma Publications