10.02.12...Wynne win Colwyn...

Wynne Construction appointed main contractor

Following a competitive tendering process local contractors Wynne Construction have secured the contract to deliver the watersports centre. Local residents will be able to see works beginning to take shape on the new £3.5m project at the end of February.

We are rightly proud of the design that has to date already drawn considerable praise from within the UK architectural press and the local community alike. However we cannot take credit for this. That lies with the considerable enthusiasm and commitment of the many local residents who sought to get involved during the consultation process and it is to the credit to the team at Conwy Council that they have provided the additional backing to ensure the finished product will meet with the local communities high expectations.

We are really looking forward to the official opening of the building later this year and thank everyone for their help and support in the project so far....

15.12.11..."Camilla! Pop K2 Architects on our Christmas card list"....

Prince Charles & Martina Milburn credit K2 Architects' work

It’s been a double success for K2 Architects this Christmas as their work with the princes trust has secured recommendations at the very highest level. Prince Charles sent us a personal Christmas card as a token of his thanks, whilst Martina Milburn the Chief Executive of the Princes Trust sent us this personal note of gratitude....

"After meeting the Merseyside team I was deeply impressed by the life changing opportunities they provide and I know that in these economically challenging teams our work will be more vital than ever – without our support, too many young people will never have the opportunity to achieve their goals. After visiting the site and hearing more about your plans I believe that the centre has the potential to become a real beacon of excellence which will allow the team to support young people in a suitable environment.
May I take this opportunity to thank you all for your wonderful support, which makes the most enormous difference to what we can achieve."

With best wishes

Martina Milburn
Chief Executive
Princes Trust

13.12.11...a new year...a new head office...

A fresh new look for Morris & Spottiswood in 2012

Located in the heart of Birchwood Park, home to more than 150 companies, Garrett House is an existing industrial unit providing 12,000sqft of office and storage accommodation. K2 Architects were appointed by Morris & Spottiswood (M&S) to transform Garrett House into their new head office, relocating them from their existing space at Progress House, Daten Park.

M&S were keen to use their new head office to showcase their aspirations as a leading fit out contractor to both existing and potential clients. With K2’s proven track record in delivering inspirational, highly specialist industrial/commercial projects the scheme has recently been submitted to Warrington Borough Council for Full Planning permission.

Working closely with M&S core team through a series of workshops, K2 have created a brief and vision that will completely transform the building into a cutting edge, sustainable and functional building. Extensive structural remodelling has allowed a retro fit over the existing cladding with a new façade, further opening up the entrance area with new curtain walling allows natural light to flood the reception area and meeting rooms above.

The building is due on-site in March 2012 and is looking to achieve a SKA rating of gold. 

29.10.11...The game has changed...

TRON concept defines Dirty's new Liverpool ONE store

When Alive and DIrty decided that they needed to increase their presence within the Liverpool ONE development, they decided it was also the right time to give their brand a fresh new look. This local independent fashion outlet is aimed at the 16-30 year old male looking for the classic scouse casual look. K2 Architects design had to align with the aspirations of this group.

Taking their inspiration from Hollywood's The Matrix franchise and 2010's Tron Legacy, K2 Architects built a brand that evoked the sensation of being inside a video game. Blue LED lights guide the shopper around the store, whilst innovative minimalist furniture and point of sale displays were designed for the high value areas.

The project was delivered on a tight budget and time scale that ensured that the building was fully operational for the Christmas period.

10.10.11...Its health & safety gone sane...

New street furniture irons out health & safety issues

Liverpool ONE was a massive undertaking for both designers and contractors alike. It was inevitable that following a comprehensive health & safety audit of the development a number of issues would remain outstanding.

K2 Architects were appointed by the Liverpool ONE management team to assess the health & safety audit and come up with some sound practical solutions for mitigating the issues.

The first of these dealt with the issue of shoppers shortcutting under the developments stairways and cracking their heads. The original design solution of a stepped slab had created more problems than it solved by introducing a further trip hazard.

K2's solution was to create a series of much needed public benches that solved the health and safety issues and provided a sound a practical piece of street furniture. Several other issues far to boring to mention here have also been resolved. A second wave of innovative street furtiture is expected to be rolled out later this year

01.09.11...Looking good...

ANI's New Concept Store Opens at Olympic Village on Tuesday

As Nature Intended has announced its new concept store will open at the new Westfield Shopping centre at the Olympic Village this Tuesday. ANI's new concept is all about 'optimal wellbeing', what does that mean? Well its basically about being the healthiest you can with the highest levels of vitality and energy possible! ANI now offers the complete package of health foods, supplements and aromatherapy for you to feel good on the inside and beauty and skincare products for your outside!

K2 Architects in collaboration with graphic designers Concept 22 were appointed to offer a complete re-branding package encompassing the whole look and feel of the unit from the signage all the way down to the packaging. K2 Architects then worked closely with the client and the shopping centre to create the right look and feel to the new retail unit.

The new shop sits within the Westfield shopping centre's new covered market that links to the Waitrose anchor store. The final design was a synergy between ANI's new brand and the vernacular style of the market area.

16.08.11...12 months to go...

Colwyn Bay's Watersports Hotspot submitted for Planning Approval

K2 Architects designs for the new watersports centre that are part of Colwyn Bays new £8m seafront redevelopment iniative have now been submitted for full planning approval. The scheme is a fully dedicated watersports facility designed to attract enthusiasts from all over the North West and North Wales is also designed to be a local amenity with a new cafe / bistro, learning workshops, exhibition zone shop and rental workshop. A rooftop public park provides a space within which to showcase local events.

The technology behind the building has been designed to deliver a BREEAM Excellent rating. High quality detailing and careful consideration of materials has created a building that is aesthetically pleasing, storm and flood resistant and environmentally responsible.

The first phase of construction has already begun with piling commencing in the next few weeks. Full construction will commence in March with a view to hand over taking place in Summer 2012.

04.08.11...Memorial unveiled...

Double-VC medal hero Noel Chavasse memorial unveiled

AROUND 100 people gathered to unveil a new memorial to World War One hero Noel Chavasse in the Liverpool city centre park which bears his name. The unveiling was held on the 94th anniversary of the double Victoria Cross holder’s death and marked the formal re-dedication of the park, which now forms part of the Liverpool ONE development.

The ceremony was attended by cadets, serving and retired military personnel, and family members. His great-nephew, David Watson (pictured), travelled from Herefordshire to perform the unveiling ceremony.

The memorial, stands eight metres long and two metres high, and includes engravings referring to the courage and self-sacrifice of the medical officer, who made Liverpool his adopted home.

Read more:

BBC News

Liverpool Daily Post

Click Liverpool

26.07.11....Sushi Gromit?

Harvey Nichols to open pop up Christmas food market in Liverpool ONE this autumn

K2 Architects shop fit out in Peters Lane has paved the way for luxury department store Harvey Nichols to open a pop-up food shop in Liverpool ONE this autumn. The 1,833 sq ft foodmarket will sell deluxe hampers and gift sets, alongside popular own-label Christmas essentials, festive treats and exclusive food and wines from around the world.

K2 Architects worked closely with the Liverpool ONE management team to develop the vacant shell unit into a practical, desirable shop, unit finished to a specification appropriate to Harvey Nichols.

This is third third of five commissions from Liverpool ONE to reach site. Others include Aleef News and foreign exchange specialist Eurochange with Starbucks coming soon.

K2 were appointed to provide full architectural design and delivery services.

04.07.11

Grosvenor's New Memorial Commemorates Life of Local Hero

We are proud to announce that on the 4th August, Situated in Chavasse Park at the top of Liverpool ONE will stand commemorative memorial to Noel Godfrey Chavasse created by K2 Architects. It will present an insight into a man who spent most of his life in Liverpool, studying and helping disadvantaged local boys significantly. It also pays tribute to a man who is one of only three people ever to be awarded the Victoria Cross twice.

The commemorative memorial will serve as a lasting celebration of Noel’s life, rising as it does from the park after whom it is named. A supporting web site provides an opportunity to learn more about the man and his family.

The memorial is created from a shard of corten steel, 8 metres long and rising out of the ground to a height of 2 metres. The design reflects the angular buildings which surround the park, whilst the weathering of the rust-like steel reflects the existing sand stone walls of the surrounding park. Engraved upon the steel is a selection of words that give an insight into the short, but highly notable, life of Noel Chavasse.

We will reveal more soon as the web site becomes live and the commemoration ceremony takes place.

02.06.11...A right royal appointment....

K2 Team up with Fairbridge and the Prince's Trust

We are delighted to announce that K2 Architects have recently submitted a Full Planning Application for the refurbishment of over 5000sqft of new office and workshop spaces for Fairbridge Charity at the former Rapid Hardware building on Renshaw Street, Liverpool. Fairbridge in Merseyside works with young people who face a wide range of challenges, helping them to turn their lives around and make a positive contribution to wider society.

The charity has recently announced its merger with the Prince's Trust. Martina Milburn, Chief Executive of the Prince's Trust sent us a rather nice letter recently in which she said;

"After visiting the site and hearing more about your plans I believe that the centre has the potential to become a real beacon of excellence which will allow the team to support young people in a suitable environment. May I take this opportunity to thank you all for your wonderful support, which makes the most enormous difference to what we can achieve."

The project is due to be completed later this year and to celebrate we will be organising and grand opening event supporting the charity and at the same time giving us the opportunity to thank all our key clients and associates who we have worked with over the last 12 months. Details to be announced soon.

13.05.11...Going Green....

ISO 14001 Environmental Award for K2 Architects

Following an assessment by an independent body, K2 Architects has been awarded ISO 14001 certification. This certification has been achieved by less than 1% of UK businesses. This prestigious award is supported by the Government and recognised world-wide.

Said a delighted Kevin Horton "We have always been proud of the service we offer our clients and the way that we conduct our business with regard to environmental matters. Now with the award of ISO 14001 certification, this has been confirmed by outside experts who are used to judging standards on a daily basis in a wide variety of trades and industries".

Pamela Pugh, who undertook the assessment for QMS International plc, paid particular tribute to "the investment in people and training that enables K2 Architects to provide an efficient and environmentally friendly service to their customers".

20.04.11....Cause for alarm....

C-Tec's Head Office & Manufacturing Facility submitted for Planning

Established in 1981 and currently trading in over 60 countries worldwide, C-TEC is a leading independent manufacturer of quality life safety electronic equipment with a portfolio of products that includes fire alarm and control panels, voice alarm systems, disabled refuge systems, nurse call systems and audio frequency induction loop systems.


K2 Architects have been appointed to transform their newly acquired 73,000sft of industrial space into a world class facility for the production, manufacturing and distribution of its global markets. The brief is to create a new entrance area with an exhibition space to showcase C-TEC's products, a new head office for over 40 staff and a conference suite with ancillary meeting rooms. Further accommodation is provided for technical support and production staff, with a fully refurbished and heavily serviced production and manufacturing shop floor.

The project is currently on-site for the enabling works and demolition phase, with completion for the whole project scheduled for late 2011.

10.04.11....ISO....happy....

ISO 9001 Accreditation Achieved

Well its official, we're organised and we've now got a certificate to prove it! K2 Architects management systems for delivering architectural services have been assessed and approved by QMS International plc and we have now been awarded ISO 9001:2008 accreditation. ISO 9001 is by far the world’s most established quality framework, currently being used by 1,064,000 organizations in 178 countries worldwide, and sets the standard not only for quality management systems, but management systems in general.

01.04.11....Would you like a leaflet?

Public Consultation brochure available for download

Following on from the consultation process which ended today, we've produced a brochure that captures the spirit of our project and gives an easily accessible understanding of what it is we are doing down at the new hotspot.

Whilst this brochure gives you an overview of our proposals, rest assured we have been listening very carefully to your comments and queries and will be working very hard to ensure that our design delivers on your needs. You can download a pdf version of the brochure by clicking on the link below.

http://www.k2architects.co.uk/Colwyn Bay_Watersports Hotspot_Brochure.pdf

24.03.11....Where's that monorail I asked for?

Public Consultation day at Colwyn Bay

Local residents of the Colwyn Bay area had the opportunity to have their say yesterday, when K2 Architects held a massive 10 hour public consultation event at the local leisure centre. Around a 150 people turned up to express their feelings and views on the future of the project and specifically what value it could bring to their lives. Days like these are important for everyone involved, it’s vital for us to tap into the local knowledge and understand all the issues at stake. Here you can see Mark being thoroughly cross examined by a particularly bright young boy who was keen to thrash out some new ideas for a new supersonic monorail system…

If you missed the event but still want to get involved, there’s still time to register your views by logging onto Conwy Borough Councils website and filling in the feedback form before the 1st of April. Its entirely anonymous and we’ve even attached the link, so if you’ve come this far you might as well have you say! We look forward to reading your comments and very much appreciate your views, good or bad.

http://www.conwy.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=8199&doc=28164

Also, if you like movies then click here to see a video flythough of the project to date, which was on view during the event yesterday

http://vimeo.com/19672077

17.03.11....Wax on....Wax off....

K2 Architects to Mentor New Merseyside Enterprises

Well Mr Myiagi you may be able to catch fly with chopstick, but have you ever set up an architectural practice in the midst of the worst global recession in more than 60 years? No I thought not! To be honest there have been times when we've considered waxing cars and painting fences as a viable alternative to designing buildings, but we've persevered and in recent times even managed to grow the team.

In recognition of our small success, the Merseyside Chambers of Commerce have invited K2 Architects to act as official business mentors to new local enterprise.

Our role is to provide encouragement and guidance over the first 6 months to individuals who wish to start their own company. We help them to produce a business plan that demonstrates viability and sustainability, work with them to get their product successfully into the market and in time allow them to gain confidence and be able to go forward independently. We wish our protoge the very best of luck....and to not forget to breathe....

01.03.11....Good grief!....

K2 Sponsor Local Artist Derek Culley at Liverpool Cathedral

Self-taught artist, born and educated in Dublin, with an Irish father and English mother Derek’s work is clearly rooted in his Celtic roots. Yet his link with street art cannot be denied. The apparent abandonment of image towards a form of graffiti like mark making can be both descriptive and a delight. Culley uses the marks within the image to un-settle his picture plane and create a fascinating surface tension. We love it!! Which is why we were delighted to sponsor his exhibition alongside graphic design agency Concept 22.

Culley rarely explains his work, but in this instance it’s a story that is so personal as to be worth investigating.

Our view is that Dereks work has never found a better home that the one it currently has within the Liverpool Cathedral and we're not alone. Back in 1989 Desmond Macaock wrote in the Irish Times, that Culley's very serious works, would be easily translatable into stained glass. Try visiting during the golden hour when the late afternoon light pours though the stained glass and plays across the canvas creating interplay between painting and environment that could never be replicated in a gallery.

You can view the work for free. It’s hanging opposite Tracy Emin’s installation opposite the West Door in the Anglican Cathedral.

21.02.11....Happy days....

K2 Architects wins design of Colwyn Waterfront

We're are absolutely delighted to announce that K2 Architects has won the contest to design a new Watersports Hotspot in the Colwyn, North Wales. Our practice beat five other finalists including dRMM, Sarah Wigglesworth, Arca, Letts Wheeler and Seven. All six shortlisted firms took part in a public consultation and council led evaluation process.

Our new design is intended to create a ‘much-needed event’ on the Colwyn Bay waterfront and will provide space for water sports enthusiasts, as well as the locals. A ‘weather park’ on the roof of the victorious scheme will provide a cafe and other amenities for the community.

Kevin Horton, architect at K2, said: ‘The coastal economy has a unique temporality to it, so we needed something that could adapt to cope with changes in tastes, fashions and local economies.’

Dilwyn Roberts, council leader added in the press: ‘I’d like to thank all the design companies that took part in the competition, the standard was very high. I’m delighted to congratulate K2 on their success and look forward to working with them to make a bright, attractive and interesting seafront for Colwyn Bay.

The Colwyn Bay Waterfront Project is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government with match funding provided by the European Regional Development Fund.