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ETHOS
Gordon Clarke Architects was created to fill a niche which exists between the "barefoot" architects who work on small scale projects at the extreme edge of sustainable construction and the large corporate practices, many of whom still offer only a cursary nod towards the challenges facing our modern culture.
We bridge the gap, and offer a caring and conscientious attitude towards design, whilst having the capacity and professionalism to deliver projects large and small.
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ETHICAL
We believe in a fair world for all, and that good design, good business and good ethics can work together to build a better world for everyone.
The building industry is a huge consumer of world resources, and it is the responsibility of all involved in the commissioning of buildings to ensure that we work in a manner which preserves the dignity of everyone involved in the production chain across the world.
We have learned that this does not need to add excessive cost, but may require some careful study of the supply chains and resources. Keeping trade as local as possible helps to ensure that the effects of the work we do is managed properly.
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ORGANIC
We work with nature, with natural materials, and with a close, living connection to each unique site. Each place is unique, with its own geology, soil, life and atmosphere, and listening to the spirit of the place helps us to find the formative processes which are right for the building. These will be quite different in a dense urban environment from the wilds of Dartmoor.
The concept of organic architecture goes much deeper than the use of natural materials and softer forms, it is essentially about bringing to expression the sensitive relationships that exist between things.
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ECOLOGICAL
Many aspects of sustainable construction are now well understood, and zero carbon buildings are now starting to become established. But the impact the building has on the environment is about more than energy.
Earth - the resources consumed by the physical building process and the consumption of substances in the use of the building can come from near or far, and be the output of a highly industrialised process, or hewn amd assembled by skilled craftspeople. Each produces a different sort of building.
Water - the way in which water is managed, particularly in the use of the building, can vary dramatically between a building designed for minimal use and maximum recycling, from one which sees water as a free and endless resource.
Air - the very air we breathe can be polluted by the toxins produced by industrial construction components, or cleaned and purified by a healthy building biology.
Fire - Energy is about far more than solar panels, the dynamic energy systems in a building should be integrated deep into the architectural concepts that underly their form.
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PROFESSIONAL
We have been operating for 10 years producing buildings for a host of clients from large corporations, to small charities and private individuals. Whatever your project, we offer the same professional approach and attention to detail throughout the design and construction process.
We are registered Church Architects in a number of Diocese.
Our practice contains the following disciplines.
- Masterplanning.
- Architectural Design.
- Listed Buildings and Ancient Monuments.
- Historic Building Surveys and Quinquennial Inspections.
- Planning and Listed Building Applications.
- Buillding Regulations Applications.
- Contract Preparation and Administration.
- Technical Detailing, particularly for low energy design and natural building materials.
We also offer talks and workshops on a number of topics.
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CLIENT LIST
The following is a small selection of our clients, with most recent at the top.
Ruskin Mill Educational Trust (various projects)
The Hiram Trust (new field centre)
Stroud Christian Community (new church and community facilities)
Hawkwood College (various projects)
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (visitor centre)
Mars plc. (new corporate facilities)
The Representative Body of the Church in Wales. (headquarters)
Pedigree Petfoods (research centre)
Slimbridge Wildfoul and Wetlands Centre (alterations to visitor centre)
RWEnPower (education centre)
Westmorland Ltd (ecological service station)
Persimmon Homes (new housing scheme with low energy design)
Many many churches (restorations, new facilities, quinquennial inspections)
Numerous Private Houses and Restorations