Create Architects are a leading Chartered Architectural and Surveying Practice based in Guernsey, offering clients an array of combined complimentary Architectural and Surveying services.
Services include pre-purchase advice, new build projects, alterations and extensions, renovating, upgrading and retrofitting, planning and building regulation advice, interior design, surveying and listed and protected building advice.
Create was founded by James Barker and Ricky Mahy in 2004 with a small number of private residential projects. Since this time, the practice has evolved and grown, with their work now encompassing the public and private sectors, including historic buildings, public amenities, private homes and social housing developments. The team has worked in Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, United Kingdom and South America. The firm reached its ten year anniversary in September this year and undertakes an array of commercial, residential and community projects.
The firm is committed to designing buildings which optimise energy efficiency as well as minimise their impact on the environment. Using traditional technologies, materials, expertise and manufacturers Create Architects ensure that local products are used without compromising cost, environmental concerns or the appearance of the finished product.
The firm integrates sustainable technologies into their design proposals to produce environmentally-responsible buildings. Environmental awareness and new technologies are at the forefront of Create’s design proposals however they also believe that these should not restrict designs for new buildings, but should be used to stimulate and enhance the spaces.
A recent £6 million project that Create have just completed is Cour du Parc; a refurbishment scheme of an eleven storey block of flats to provide one and two bedroom flats for partial ownership and social rental.
The building has been given a new lease of life having been externally insulated, re-clad, and modernised throughout. A second lift has been installed, as have solar panels on the roof and the structure has been made more energy efficient.
The project has been commissioned by Guernsey Housing Association who have worked alongside main contractor RG Falla and Create to bring the scheme to life.
Two other Guernsey Housing Association projects that Create Architecture are working on are La Nouvelle Maraitaine and Le Grand Courtil. The schemes involve the construction of Extra Care Housing; living accommodation where residents have a range of care and support services delivered to their door from an on-site care and support team. In addition, residents have access to communal on-site facilities including hairdressers, restaurants, lounges and assisted bathing facilities.
La Nouvelle Maraitaine involves the design and construction of 54 one and two bedroom extra care apartments, including a new restaurant facility, hairdressers, therapy suite and communal gardens.
This accommodation is aimed at people of various ages whose existing housing may no longer be suitable for their needs. Maraitaine also comprises a self-contained Day Centre for up to 20 people who have dementia. This development is currently being completed and occupied. Again the main contractor on the scheme is RG Falla.
Le Grand Courtil, at St Martin involved the construction of 63 Extra Care flats plus communal facilities. Seven of the flats are available for partial ownership sale. The development completed in October this year and is managed by The Guernsey Housing Association as is La Nouvelle Maraitaine, with the Housing Department providing the care and support service.
