BDK Architects

BDK Architects
“ We used BDK Architects and found them to be quick, reasonably priced, creative, great to work with, approachable and with a complete understanding of all Planning and Building Bye-Law aspects.
We would recommend them for any construction project! ” - BDK Domestic Client, April 2009

Commercial & Retail

Intersport Heroes

Our Client’s brief was to adapt two old buildings to create a modern Sports retailing outlet. We advised this would not work commercially due to the small, restricted, floor areas divided by thick structural walls and different floor levels within and between the buildings. We proceeded to demonstrate that it was also cheaper to demolish and create a new purpose designed retail outlet than convert the existing buildings.

Rebuilding created the opportunity to achieve free, unobstructed, sales floors and provide a strong street presence for the outlet. We persuaded Planning there was a benefit to create a new high quality contemporary solution, rather than a pastiche of historic town centre architecture. The brand new façade has surpassed our Client’s expectations by providing a transparency between the street and the interior of the retail areas.

The new street elevation is split into two facades of differing heights as a reminder of the division between the two original buildings on the site, and to maintain the general arrangement of 5 metre wide frontages prevalent in adjacent traditional buildings. Floor to floor heights were designed to line through with neighbouring buildings allowing the eye of the observer to be drawn along the cornices above street level without interruption. Above the entrance an oriel window peeps out over the street at first floor, reminiscent of nearby traditional examples, but in a modern idiom. This device announces the entrance to passers by and also provides the opportunity for merchandise to be seen approaching from various angles along the street.

When the design had been evolved we prepared a three-dimensional model of the building from which were produced photo realistic photomontages of the new building set into the street scene, which were an invaluable aid to demonstrate the appropriateness of the design in context, resulting in a speedy planning approval. Our knowledge of retailing applied to design has resulted in our Client surpassing all sales expectations from the new outlet.