Author Archive

RIAS Accredited Architect in Sustainable Architecture 24/9/2024Douglas Bodell

Douglas Bodell has become an RIAS Accredited Architect in Sustainable Architecture.

We are proud to announce Douglas Bodell has achieved RIAS Accreditation in Sustainable Architecture, a recognition that highlights our ongoing commitment to creating environmentally responsible and energy-efficient buildings. This accreditation reflects the depth of expertise and dedication within our team to drive sustainable innovation in every project we undertake.

Accreditation is awarded to RIAS members who can demonstrate through a track record, that they have delivered Sustainable Architecture and have communicated and promoted their understanding of it.

Douglas is also one of 4 Certified European Passivhaus Designers we have within the practice and has also been Accredited in Conservation Architecture since 2014. These accreditations demonstrates his experience in working in both sustainable design and the historic built environment.

 

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MSP Visit Highlights Progress on New Orkney Nursery 20/9/2024Douglas Bodell

MSP Visit Highlights Progress on New Orkney Nursery

Our new nursery welcomed Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon MSP earlier this month, showcasing significant progress on a project that will expand childcare provision in Orkney. The nursery, located in Kirkwall and set to accommodate up to 110 babies, toddlers, and pre-school infants, has received over £1.6 million in funding from the Scottish Government Islands Programme.

Designed with flexibility at its heart, the new nursery prioritises an adaptable layout to meet the changing needs of children and educators. Central to the design is an activity plaza, around which toddler and pre-school spaces are thoughtfully arranged, encouraging interaction and shared learning experiences. The facility has focused on creating a high-quality indoor learning and play environment with direct access to a safe, south-facing garden, promoting outdoor activities in a secure setting.

The project aims to increase early learning and childcare capacity in Orkney providing essential childcare services to local families

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Two new staff members join the Practice 13/9/2024Douglas Bodell

We are delighted to welcome two new staff members to the practice

Robert Potter and Partners are delighted to announce the expansion of our talented team with two new members, each bringing their unique skills and fresh perspectives to our studios.

Welcome to Harrison Minto, our new Architectural Technologist in our Glasgow studio. With a deep understanding of design technology and a passion for innovation, Harri will play a crucial role in developing technical designs for our projects.

Welcome to Henry Young who joins us as an Architectural Student on his Part 1 Year Out from University of Strathclyde in our Ayr studio. Henry has a keen interest in working with existing buildings and sustainable design and we’re excited to support Henry on his architectural journey as he contributes to our creative processes and design projects.

Both new team members embody the creativity, dedication, and forward-thinking approach that are at the core of our practice.

We can’t wait to see the impact they’ll have on our projects and our clients.

Welcome to the team, Harri and Henry!

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Eastriggs Affordable Housing Opening Ceremony 21/8/2024Douglas Bodell

Construction works have officially started on our large affordable housing development in Eastriggs for Cunninghame Housing Association.

Construction work has officially started for our client Cunninghame Housing Association and we were delighted to attend the official site start ceremony on 20 August 2024.

We obtained approval at Planning Committee Meeting for this large housing development on an allocated housing site to provide 74 affordable homes in Eastriggs, Dumfries and Galloway.

The designs have been developed in accordance with the established masterplan for the wider context and include publicly useable open space / landscaping.

The development provides a mixture of single and two-storey semi-detached and terraced dwellings with a good mix of housing catering for a variety of types including general needs and amenity.

Ashleigh Scotland Ltd will carry out the construction works with overall completion is scheduled for early 2026.

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Modular Housing Development Completed in Kilmarnock 16/8/2024Douglas Bodell

Works have been completed on the largest modular low-rise, affordable housing development in Scotland! 

Works have been completed on the largest modular low-rise, affordable housing development in Scotland!

This £17m project was delivered by Connect Modular for Cunninghame Housing Association with the support of the Scottish Government and East Ayrshire Council.

Situated on a steeply sloping, green-field site between the southern built edge of Kilmarnock and the A77 trunk road, this new housing development in Shortlees has delivered 101 homes for affordable social rents, to an area of significant need. The housing mix is comprises of two, three, and four-bedroom, two-storey general needs houses, as well as ten amenity bungalows and five wheelchair bungalows.

All 101 homes were produced in Connect Modular’s manufacturing facility in Cumnock, East Ayrshire, where over 90% of construction work was completed, including the installation of kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing and electrics. The use of modular construction was instrumental in ensuring that the 101 homes in this development are high quality, energy efficient and sustainable.

By taking construction off-site and into a controlled factory environment, the overall programme of works was significantly condensed. The development was completed 18 weeks ahead of schedule, a testament to the efficiency of the modular construction process.

Robert Potter and Partners were involved in the project from the outset to advise and steer the project through Planning and Building Warrant stages for our client Connect Modular Ltd.

Involved in the project from the outset to advise and steer the project through Planning and Warrant stages, Robert Potter & Partners have been involved in a range of architectural service provision to include drawings, variations, and collateral warranty agreements. The service provision has been both timeous and professional and a good working relationship has been established. We hope to use Robert Potter and Partners for future projects.

Emma Robertson, Chief Financial Officer, Connect Modular

The project is also a finalist in The Herald Property Awards for Scotland 2024.

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Bideford Care Home Completed 13/8/2024Douglas Bodell

We are delighted to share the completion of our latest project in Bideford, North Devon – a beautiful 69-place care home nestled in a mature garden setting, right in the heart of the town.

We are delighted to share the completion of our latest project in Bideford, North Devon – a beautiful 69-place care home nestled in a mature garden setting, right in the heart of the town.

This three-storey building blends reconstructed stone and colourful, non-combustible cladding to create a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment.

With fantastic facilities like a gym, cinema room, hairdressing salon, and large terraced balconies, we’ve designed this space to offer comfort and joy.

We’re also proud of our ecological contribution which includes the unique Bideford Bat House, supporting local bat species.

A true blend of innovation, community, and care – well done to all involved!

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Net Zero Nation Accelerator Program 11/7/2024Douglas Bodell

Robert Potter and Partners join the Net Zero Nation Accelerator Program cohort in Dumfries and Galloway.

It seems appropriate during Net Zero Week, for Robert Potter and Partners to start work on the Net Zero NationAccelerator Program, working alongside other SMEs equally motivated to tackle the climate crisis.

The Accelerator program supports groups of SMEs over a year, fostering peer review, shared progress, and collective learning. Participants benefit from Net Zero Nation’s ecosystem services, including a Net Zero certified business directory and fortnightly learning and networking sessions. They also receive carbon accounting software, training, expert assistance, a validated carbon reduction plan aligned with Science-Based Targets, and certification, ensuring a clearly defined pathway to Net Zero. This comprehensive support structure continuously available over a period of years equips SMEs to make significant contributions to climate change mitigation and achieve long-term sustainable success.

We look forward to working closely with Net Zero Nation  and collaborating with and learning from a host of like-minded SMEs in Scotland who are part of Net Zero Nation Ecosystem and who have committed to a low carbon future.

We are grateful for the support we have received from Dumfries and Galloway College to provide us with the opportunity to be continue our Net Zero journey in building a low carbon future and implement practical solutions needed for us to become a more efficient, low-carbon business with a Credible Net Zero strategy.

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Advanced Accredited Conservation Architect 9/7/2024Douglas Bodell

Douglas Bodell has been approved as an Advanced Accredited Architect in Conservation Architecture by the RIAS.

Douglas Bodell has been approved as an Advanced Accredited Architect in Conservation Architecture by the RIAS. This is the highest level of accreditation: Senior – Recognised Conservation Specialists

RIAS Conservation Accreditation demonstrates that architects are suitably qualified and experienced to act as the lead professional in grant aided conservation work. To achieve accreditation RIAS members must demonstrate their extensive knowledge and experience in conservation work.

Douglas has been Accredited in Conservation Architecture since 2014 and this upgrade demonstrates his experience in working in the historic built environment.

Advanced Level accreditation is only given to Architects with significant experience and understanding of conservation and historic buildings.

Robert Potter and Partners now have 3 Architects Accredited in Conservation Architecture at Advanced Level, with Douglas joining both Andrew Easton and Paul Moffat to provide conservation architecture services.

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World Of Work Week at the Practice 29/5/2024Douglas Bodell

As part of our “World of Work Week” work placement programme we welcomed students, Alicia and Fraser to the practice.

Last week as part of our “World of Work Week” work placement programme we welcomed students, Alicia, and Fraser to provide them with a small taste of working an architectural practice.

Both Alicia and Fraser have a strong interest in architecture, design, sketching and art with both considering a future career in architecture.

In our Dumfries studio, Alicia who is a talented baker used her knowledge in this area to design a contemporary cookery school/kitchen/café extension to an existing building, demonstrating her design, artistic and creative skills throughout the week and she will no doubt have a bright future in architecture, design, and baking!

In our Glasgow studio, Fraser prepared a 3D computer model of a new Sports Hall and Gym design, and explored the way the building will sit in the landscape and accommodate the gym equipment and various basketball, badminton, and five-a-side courts. The resulting design was impressive!

We were delighted we could provide Alicia and Fraser the opportunity to learn about the course and profession with our recent Architectural Graduates and newly qualified Architects sharing their experiences with them.

All at Robert Potter and Partners wish Alicia and Fraser the best for their future and look forward to seeing their design skills develop!

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