ACANTHUS WSM ARCHITECTS
NEWS
Queenshill Avenue, Leeds
September 2019
Following a detailed design and consultation process with local residents we have recently submitted a planning application on behalf of Leeds Jewish Housing Association for 85 apartments in north Leeds.
The Association, which last year, celebrated its 65th Birthday, owns and manages some 484 homes in Alwoodley and Moortown. The apartments are spread over two buildings with over 50 homes being aimed at older people, contributing to the existing provision based around the highly successful Ziff Community Centre. A contemporary design approach has been adopted on this prominent site and it is anticipated that construction will start in the spring of 2020.
Kevin's Grandest Design!
August 2019
The stunning conversion of a 10 floor Victorian Water Tower in central London was chosen by Kevin McCloud as one of his top 5 favourite homes since Channel 4's Grand Designs programme started 10 years ago.
Acanthus WSM together with our associated company Woodhall Conservation designed and secured detailed planning consent for what is widely regarded as one of the most memorable renovations in the history of the programme.
Previously featuring in the 100th episode, Kevin McCloud praised owners Graham and Leigh for restoring the ten-floor Victorian building in London in just nine months stating it was ‘one of the most dynamic and intelligent restoration projects' he's 'ever had the pleasure to follow.’
Click here for the Yorkshire Post's article or here for more about the Water Tower.
CIH
July 2019
Acanthus WSM Architects make CIH debut.
Acanthus WSM director Darren Parr was invited to participate in a Q and A session at this years Chartered Institute of Housing Conference in Manchester. The well attended session focused on the challenges of making new homes more accessible and was arranged by Habinteg Housing Association, and CEA, Centre for Accessible Environments. This was particularly timely given Theresa May’s announcement earlier for a new consultation on the accessibility of new homes.
Acanthus are currently working on a number of developments with Habinteg Housing Association, a registered Provider that specialises in creating communities that include disabled people, offering them places to live that meet their needs and provide the highest levels of independence.
Award Nomination
We are delighted that Howard Kent, one of our architectural assistants has been shortlisted for the 2019 inaugural Sustainability Award, a new category within the prestigious Architects Journal Student Prize. The competition aims to counter the notion that "sustainable architecture equals ugly architecture". Howard's project “challenges current developer proposals for a ‘pedestrian-friendly, car-free area” via the interconnection of existing industries that have emerged within the Mayfield Depot site, Manchester. Click here for the full details.