Sustainability is a core value at the heart of abir architects approach to good design. We aspire to create architecture that is sensitive to its locality and the planet.
This is approached in four fundamental ways
ORIENTATION AND LAYOUT to maximise sunlight and views and control heat gain and cooling
PASSIVE DESIGN to control ventilation, heat gain and cooling
MATERIALS to respond to and be rooted in the locality, to improve efficiency and to reduce transport costs.
SYSTEMS using technologies as appropriate to the site to reduce carbon emissions and fuel bills
All the directors are members of the Green Register of Construction Professionals and have won awards for sustainable projects including eco home of the year 2007.
This is approached in four fundamental ways
ORIENTATION AND LAYOUT to maximise sunlight and views and control heat gain and cooling
PASSIVE DESIGN to control ventilation, heat gain and cooling
MATERIALS to respond to and be rooted in the locality, to improve efficiency and to reduce transport costs.
SYSTEMS using technologies as appropriate to the site to reduce carbon emissions and fuel bills
All the directors are members of the Green Register of Construction Professionals and have won awards for sustainable projects including eco home of the year 2007.
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We are a young, dynamic and forward looking architectural practice founded on the equality of our architectural ambitions to deliver responsible, design led architecture that is part of its local community.
Simon Atkins, Olli Blair, Giles Ings and Matthew Richardson have over 65 years experience in the architectural design and construction industry, 30 years of which have been as professionally qualified chartered (RIBA) and registered (ARB) architects and they have won many awards for their architecture.
The directors wide ranging experience in numerous industry sectors including housing, medical, community, education, domestic and retail, allied with experience and expertise in the UK, Europe and the Middle East gives abir architects a wide breath and depth of knowledge in thier field.
abir architects are:
- an RIBA Chartered Practice
- ISO9001 accredited
- A member of Brighton & Hove ProHelp
- Members of The Green Register of Construction Professionals
abir architects also contribute significantly to
- Local Authority DESIGN REVIEW PANELS across the South East
- RIBA South Region and RIBA SUSSEX BRANCH
- TEACHING RIBA accredited courses at local architecture schools
- judging of local and national architectural awards
Simon Atkins, Olli Blair, Giles Ings and Matthew Richardson have over 65 years experience in the architectural design and construction industry, 30 years of which have been as professionally qualified chartered (RIBA) and registered (ARB) architects and they have won many awards for their architecture.
The directors wide ranging experience in numerous industry sectors including housing, medical, community, education, domestic and retail, allied with experience and expertise in the UK, Europe and the Middle East gives abir architects a wide breath and depth of knowledge in thier field.
abir architects are:
- an RIBA Chartered Practice
- ISO9001 accredited
- A member of Brighton & Hove ProHelp
- Members of The Green Register of Construction Professionals
abir architects also contribute significantly to
- Local Authority DESIGN REVIEW PANELS across the South East
- RIBA South Region and RIBA SUSSEX BRANCH
- TEACHING RIBA accredited courses at local architecture schools
- judging of local and national architectural awards
High quality environmentally responsible design is a core value at abir architects.
For us good design means:
CONTEXTUALLY APPROPRIATE responding to the site and locality, the brief, the client and the local community to create a sense of place
INNOVATIVE AND IMAGINATIVE in layout of spaces, relationship of inside and outside spaces, materiality and interpretation of client and community needs
SUSTAINABLE both in terms of materials, specification and the long term appropriateness of a building on a site.
For us good design means:
CONTEXTUALLY APPROPRIATE responding to the site and locality, the brief, the client and the local community to create a sense of place
INNOVATIVE AND IMAGINATIVE in layout of spaces, relationship of inside and outside spaces, materiality and interpretation of client and community needs
SUSTAINABLE both in terms of materials, specification and the long term appropriateness of a building on a site.
SIMON ATKINS RIBA BA (Hons), Dip Arch
Key Projects
Listed Film Studios, Windsor – refurbishment of large grade II listed building and 8 new build executive ecohouses 2008 – ongoing
Eco house, Bedfordshire - new build eco house for private client 2008 - ongoing
Whichelo Place – award winning eco house for private client 2005-2007
Other
Mid Sussex District Council Design Panel Member
IT Manager
Member of the Green Register of Construction Professionals
OLLI BLAIR RIBA BA (Hons), Dip Arch
Key Projects
New GP Surgery, East Sussex - 9 GP practice with pharmacy and 6 affordable flats - 2008 - ongoing
Old Steine - refurbishment of empty council builiding to provide learning skills centre for BHCC 2009 - ongoing
Phase One, Brighton - £2.5M refurbishment of 4 Regency townhouses for William Sutton
HA, BHT & BHCC 2003-2007
Other
Professional Practice Lecturer (University of Brighton)
Chairman of the RIBA Sussex Branch
Mid Sussex District Council Design Panel Member
Quality Manager
Member of the Green Register of Construction Professionals
GILES INGS RIBA BA (Hons), Dip Arch
Key Projects
Boscombe Beach Huts - 4 wheelcahir accessible beach huts for Boscombe beach front 2009-2010
The Brighton Bandstand - £950K refurbishment of iconic grade II listed structure for
BHCC 2008-2009
Wellend Villas - £9M contract fo 126 affordable and shared ownership flats on the site of the former Endeavor garage for Southern Housing 2003-2008
Other
Chair of Brighton and Hove BCP ProHelp
Board Member of Education Business Partnership
Affiliate member of National Register of Access Consultants
Chair of Mid Sussex District Council Design Panel
Chair of Mid Sussex District Council Design Awards
Sussex Heritage Trust Award Judge
Member of the Green Register of Construction Professionals
MATTHEW RICHARDSON RIBA BA (Hons), Dip Arch
Key Projects
George Williams House – £5.1 new build hostel for homeless & vulnerable for
Downland Housing Association, BHCC & YMCA 2005-2009
Other
RIBA Executive Committee (within the South East area)
Immediate past Chairman of RIBA Sussex Branch
RIBA SE Regional Champion for Students
Professional Practice Tutor at the University of Brighton
Lewes District Council Design Panel Member
Chair of Eastbourne Borough Council Design Panel
RIBA Awards judging panel
Quality Manager
Member of the Green Register of Construction Professionals
Key Projects
Listed Film Studios, Windsor – refurbishment of large grade II listed building and 8 new build executive ecohouses 2008 – ongoing
Eco house, Bedfordshire - new build eco house for private client 2008 - ongoing
Whichelo Place – award winning eco house for private client 2005-2007
Other
Mid Sussex District Council Design Panel Member
IT Manager
Member of the Green Register of Construction Professionals
OLLI BLAIR RIBA BA (Hons), Dip Arch
Key Projects
New GP Surgery, East Sussex - 9 GP practice with pharmacy and 6 affordable flats - 2008 - ongoing
Old Steine - refurbishment of empty council builiding to provide learning skills centre for BHCC 2009 - ongoing
Phase One, Brighton - £2.5M refurbishment of 4 Regency townhouses for William Sutton
HA, BHT & BHCC 2003-2007
Other
Professional Practice Lecturer (University of Brighton)
Chairman of the RIBA Sussex Branch
Mid Sussex District Council Design Panel Member
Quality Manager
Member of the Green Register of Construction Professionals
GILES INGS RIBA BA (Hons), Dip Arch
Key Projects
Boscombe Beach Huts - 4 wheelcahir accessible beach huts for Boscombe beach front 2009-2010
The Brighton Bandstand - £950K refurbishment of iconic grade II listed structure for
BHCC 2008-2009
Wellend Villas - £9M contract fo 126 affordable and shared ownership flats on the site of the former Endeavor garage for Southern Housing 2003-2008
Other
Chair of Brighton and Hove BCP ProHelp
Board Member of Education Business Partnership
Affiliate member of National Register of Access Consultants
Chair of Mid Sussex District Council Design Panel
Chair of Mid Sussex District Council Design Awards
Sussex Heritage Trust Award Judge
Member of the Green Register of Construction Professionals
MATTHEW RICHARDSON RIBA BA (Hons), Dip Arch
Key Projects
George Williams House – £5.1 new build hostel for homeless & vulnerable for
Downland Housing Association, BHCC & YMCA 2005-2009
Other
RIBA Executive Committee (within the South East area)
Immediate past Chairman of RIBA Sussex Branch
RIBA SE Regional Champion for Students
Professional Practice Tutor at the University of Brighton
Lewes District Council Design Panel Member
Chair of Eastbourne Borough Council Design Panel
RIBA Awards judging panel
Quality Manager
Member of the Green Register of Construction Professionals
Business Awards
2011 Startup Awards Regional Finalist
2010 HSBC Start Up Stars Regional Finalist
The Brighton Bandstand
2010 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards Highly Commended
2010 South East LABC Overall Winner - Tech Category; Finalist - Best Community Building
2010 Lighting Design Award - Special Project Award 2010
2010 International Green Apple Award for the Built Environment - National Gold
2010 RICS Awards - Runner up in Building Conservation Category
George Williams House
2010 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards Highly Commended
2010 International Green Apple Award for the Built Environment - Silver
2010 Shortlisted for RIBA Awards
2010 Shortlisted for RICS Awards
Boscombe Beach Huts (with AEREA)
2009 Winning entry in international competition
Previous awards won by the directors of abir architects
Regency House Project, Brighton
2008 International Green Apple Award for the Built Environment - Silver
2008 Sussex Heritage Trust Award
Whichelo Place, Brighton
2007 International Green Apple Award for the Built Environment - Silver
2007 Best Eco House – Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine
2007 Best Eco House – Norwich & Peterborough
2008 Sussex Heritage Trust Award
Shortlisted for RIBA Ibstock Downland Award 2008
2011 Startup Awards Regional Finalist
2010 HSBC Start Up Stars Regional Finalist
The Brighton Bandstand
2010 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards Highly Commended
2010 South East LABC Overall Winner - Tech Category; Finalist - Best Community Building
2010 Lighting Design Award - Special Project Award 2010
2010 International Green Apple Award for the Built Environment - National Gold
2010 RICS Awards - Runner up in Building Conservation Category
George Williams House
2010 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards Highly Commended
2010 International Green Apple Award for the Built Environment - Silver
2010 Shortlisted for RIBA Awards
2010 Shortlisted for RICS Awards
Boscombe Beach Huts (with AEREA)
2009 Winning entry in international competition
Previous awards won by the directors of abir architects
Regency House Project, Brighton
2008 International Green Apple Award for the Built Environment - Silver
2008 Sussex Heritage Trust Award
Whichelo Place, Brighton
2007 International Green Apple Award for the Built Environment - Silver
2007 Best Eco House – Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine
2007 Best Eco House – Norwich & Peterborough
2008 Sussex Heritage Trust Award
Shortlisted for RIBA Ibstock Downland Award 2008
RECENTLY PUBLISHED
Projects that have been published in print and online:
Forest Road
e-architect e-architect 14th April 2011
Covers Yard
World Architecture News WAN 26th August 2010
BBC News BBC News online 25th August 2010
Architects Journal AJ online 24th August 2010
Building Design BD online 24th August 2010
Building Building online 24th August 2010
e-architect e-architect online 24th August 2010
Practice Profile
a:b:i:r architects profiled in The Architects Journal 4th June 2010
Article on a:b:i:r architect's triple shortlisting for the 2010 RIBA Downland prize in The Argus 7th September 2010
Polegate Primary Care Resource Centre
World Architecture News WAN 25th May 2010
Architects Journal AJ online 7th May 2010
Sustainability
Giles Ings talks about sustainability and future development LUVTHECITY.com 15th March 2010
Risley Eco-House featured in Bedford College's Construction & Building Services newsletter June 2010
Boscombe Beach Huts
Architects Journal AJ online 30th September 2009
Building Design Online BD online 30th September 2009
Brighton Bandstand
Building Design Online: BD 11th July 2008
Brighton & Hove City Council: BHCC Bandstand Update
The Argus: The Argus 3rd July 2009
Brighton & Hove City Council: Bandstand Opening 20th July 2009
BBC online: BBC 24th July 2009
Building Magazine Building 27th July 2009
Duncan McNeill's fantastic panorama Brighton's Architecture
George Williams House
BBC Online: BBC 24th November 2007
Building Design Online: BD 30th November 2007
BBC Online: BBC 18th July 2009
e-architecture: e-architecture 21st July 2009
Building Design Online: BD 6th August 2009
Latest Homes Latest Homes 23rd November 2009
Whichelo Place
Observer: The Observer Sunday 6th January 2008
Home Building: Home Building December 2008
Daily Telegraph: H&R Awards 8th December 2007
Ibstock Downland Prize: Downland Prize 2008 Shortlist
Regency House Project
Richard Rowland's Book on The Regency Project : The Regency Project
Hardback copies of the book are available through abir architects for 15GBP
Projects that have been published in print and online:
Forest Road
e-architect e-architect 14th April 2011
Covers Yard
World Architecture News WAN 26th August 2010
BBC News BBC News online 25th August 2010
Architects Journal AJ online 24th August 2010
Building Design BD online 24th August 2010
Building Building online 24th August 2010
e-architect e-architect online 24th August 2010
Practice Profile
a:b:i:r architects profiled in The Architects Journal 4th June 2010
Article on a:b:i:r architect's triple shortlisting for the 2010 RIBA Downland prize in The Argus 7th September 2010
Polegate Primary Care Resource Centre
World Architecture News WAN 25th May 2010
Architects Journal AJ online 7th May 2010
Sustainability
Giles Ings talks about sustainability and future development LUVTHECITY.com 15th March 2010
Risley Eco-House featured in Bedford College's Construction & Building Services newsletter June 2010
Boscombe Beach Huts
Architects Journal AJ online 30th September 2009
Building Design Online BD online 30th September 2009
Brighton Bandstand
Building Design Online: BD 11th July 2008
Brighton & Hove City Council: BHCC Bandstand Update
The Argus: The Argus 3rd July 2009
Brighton & Hove City Council: Bandstand Opening 20th July 2009
BBC online: BBC 24th July 2009
Building Magazine Building 27th July 2009
Duncan McNeill's fantastic panorama Brighton's Architecture
George Williams House
BBC Online: BBC 24th November 2007
Building Design Online: BD 30th November 2007
BBC Online: BBC 18th July 2009
e-architecture: e-architecture 21st July 2009
Building Design Online: BD 6th August 2009
Latest Homes Latest Homes 23rd November 2009
Whichelo Place
Observer: The Observer Sunday 6th January 2008
Home Building: Home Building December 2008
Daily Telegraph: H&R Awards 8th December 2007
Ibstock Downland Prize: Downland Prize 2008 Shortlist
Regency House Project
Richard Rowland's Book on The Regency Project : The Regency Project
Hardback copies of the book are available through abir architects for 15GBP
RECENTLY AIRED
Brighton 'Birdcage' Bandstand featured in introduction to BBC's Antique's Roadshow on 17th October 2010
a:b:i:r architects triple shortlisting for 2010 RIBA Downland Prize saw Giles Ings interviewed on Sussex Breakfast on BBC Radio Sussex on 7th September 2010
The Boscombe Beach Huts featured on BBC South news on 2nd October 2009
The Bandstand featured on a Meridian News article on 27th June 2009
Whichelo Place featured in a piece on sustainability on the BBC Politics Show (South East) 21st June 2009
12th June 2009 edition of Have I Got News For You aired a clip of former Housing Minister Caroline Flint with one of the directors of a : b : i : r architects discussing the Ideal Home Show Eco House. The full clip and an interview on sustainability were originally aired on Channel 4 News in April 2008
Brighton 'Birdcage' Bandstand featured in introduction to BBC's Antique's Roadshow on 17th October 2010
a:b:i:r architects triple shortlisting for 2010 RIBA Downland Prize saw Giles Ings interviewed on Sussex Breakfast on BBC Radio Sussex on 7th September 2010
The Boscombe Beach Huts featured on BBC South news on 2nd October 2009
The Bandstand featured on a Meridian News article on 27th June 2009
Whichelo Place featured in a piece on sustainability on the BBC Politics Show (South East) 21st June 2009
12th June 2009 edition of Have I Got News For You aired a clip of former Housing Minister Caroline Flint with one of the directors of a : b : i : r architects discussing the Ideal Home Show Eco House. The full clip and an interview on sustainability were originally aired on Channel 4 News in April 2008
Cover's Yard, Lewes Road, Brighton
23rd August 2010
Brighton affordable housing scheme granted planning permission after 51/2 years
Boscombe Beach Huts
30th September 2009
Winning design for Boscombe’s new beach huts for disabled users
George Williams House
17th July 2009
Major Portslade Hostel Project is Completed
23rd August 2010
Brighton affordable housing scheme granted planning permission after 51/2 years
Boscombe Beach Huts
30th September 2009
Winning design for Boscombe’s new beach huts for disabled users
George Williams House
17th July 2009
Major Portslade Hostel Project is Completed
abir architects ltd
1, beta house, st john's road, hove, east sussex, bn3 2fx
+44 (0)1273 724 384
studio@abirarchitects.co.uk
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atkins : blair : ings : richardson : architects is the trading name of abir architects ltd,
registered office 12-13 ship street, brighton, east sussex, bn1 1ad company no: 06877117
1, beta house, st. johns road, hove, east sussex, bn3 2fx, VAT No 971 4147 17