This week, in the fourth of our continuing look back over the past 15 years, we bring you Bethan’s reflections on her favourite project. It demonstrates the importance of effective communication, not only design, in a project and highlights the importance of community to us, like many of the projects we are proud of.
“I’m now in my eleventh year at Thinking Buildings and there have been a lot of great projects I’ve worked on. They’ve all had their own qualities and been interesting for their specific setting or technical challenges, but I think my favourite was the small housing development scheme we did in East Oxford.
The planning stage had been lead by our director, Darren, and I took the project on at technical development stage and progressed it all the way through to completion.
It was challenging project throughout, with the first contractor ceasing trading in the second month on site, and then the second contractor being underway when Covid-19 regulations came into force. The site was very tight and we were making the most of every inch, which meant getting to know the direct neighbours almost as well as our client, through the various party wall discussions. It was a project that really tested my contractual knowledge and diplomacy skills!
Personally, it was a nice project because I live in that part of Oxford, so it was great to be working to improve my local area. The design of the modern zinc clad elements echoes the bay windows that are so common in the city as a whole, and specifically in the immediate locale, a contemporary approach to the vernacular. The project was recognised as such by being Highly Commended by Oxford Preservation Trust in 2022 for the Small Projects category.
I think that the ultimate testament to it being a successful project was maintaining a good relationship with the client throughout, given the construction was so challenging. Both he and I volunteer at the same monthly repair cafe so it’s nice to continue to get a chance to catch up.”
You can see more about the finished project and some further photos here.