Qualifications
MA( Hons) Cambridge University.
Diploma in Architecture : Brighton Polytechnic.
Part III Professional Practice.
1989: ARB registered.
Practice profile
Founded in 1994, SWA has extensive experience within the residential and commercial sectors taking on projects of refurbishment, conservation and new build.
All projects are treated with equal care, and are of equal importance, regardless of their size.
We take a thoughtful and practical approach, listening to client's briefs and offering solutions based on this and on the dictates and inspiration of the site.
Our buildings are sustainable buildings that stand out but are considerate to their context.
Through the use of natural materials and simple classic designs our buildings age well.
We love designing, adapting, extending and transforming houses. Our homes are the most important pieces of architecture we are going to experience in our lives. The architecture of our homes affects our lives every day, it affects how we live our lives and how we feel.
We make the most of modern technology which allows us to introduce light into our homes and efficiently manage low cost, comfortable heating and ventilation within our designs. We create flexible spaces flooded with light that work for the way our clients want to live their lives.
We work co operatively with planners and building officers.
Environmental aims
We keep abreast of advances in technology and have the practical experience and knowledge to simplify and guide you through what can seem a bewildering array of choices.
- to reduce to a minimum the consumption of fossil fuels required to service the building.
- to reduce CO2 emissions
- to reduce embodied energy used in the construction process
- super insulated building fabric with efficient insulation in roof, walls and floor
- integrated heat retaining thermal mass to walls and floors
- passive solar design, through orientation and window layout.
- super efficient glazing
- airtight construction
- careful detailing to avoid cold bridging and air infilatration
- use of heat exchangers and heat recovery ventilation systems to recover 60-70% of extracted heat from ventilation.
- ground source heat pumps, where applicable, to extract latent heat from below the ground for low temperature under floor heating systems
- maximise natural daylighting internally, minimizing the use of artificial light
- use of low energy applicances - fridges, cookers, compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Previous Architectural experience
Sheppard Robson Architects London
Headquarters for Dun and Bradstreet, High Wycombe.
Potter and Holmes Architects London
residential extensions and refurbishments
Devine Erby Mazlin Architects Sydney
Wenona girls school
Health and sports club, Sydney airport
Oxford Architects Partnership
Oxford united football stadium
Fruit farm and campsite
Home for the elderly
Robert Barnes Partnership, London
Restricted entry competition for RAC HQ.
Hotel project.
