Alva Coachworks

Our approach was to celebrate the building’s existing fabric and character, whilst reconfiguring the layout and reducing energy consumption. After finalising the overall concept, we adopted a two-stage process to specify materials and products.  

Our Virtual Reality process enabled existing and proposed scenarios to be modelled and agreed with the client. Details such as wood finishes, window treatments, handrails and floorcoverings were all tested at 1:1 scale, enabling a true sense of both the practicalities and aesthetics.

With these decisions made, we then collaborated closely with specialist installers on each element to achieve desired quality. Extensive testing, sampling and analysis was undertaken on the basement, metalwork, sawtooth roof, sliding partitions and new hydraulic ramp, including working with experts outside the typical realm of architectural suppliers.

Two complex yet critical details were the sliding partitions and the hydraulic ramp. In order to create the versatility required, we worked alongside Accordial to develop unique, 5m high acoustic partitions. These flexible panels can be folded into concealed recesses to create one large space or left independently as three individual studios. The end panel was purposefully designed with a bespoke curve to fit the photographic infinity cove, whilst automated fire exit doors were included in central panels.

In order to facilitate the studios’ required ceiling heights, we had to reduce the basement which caused a level change between street and studio. After struggling to source a ramp or lift manufacturer that could create a system to enable vehicular access, we approached hydraulic specialists, Dhollandia (who normally work with automotives), to develop a bespoke, folding 8.6m hydraulic ramp.