Updates to our Portfolio

Check out our Portfolio page to see our newly uploaded Pharmacy Extension project by Blair Gratton Architects:

Blair Gratton Architects Pharmacy Extension

This project concerns a ‘butterfly’ roofed extension to a local GP Surgery in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, as Phase II of works to refurbish and improve the Surgery.

Critical Masonry Works to Protect an Important Grade II* Church

Earlier in the year we worked as Church Architects with a specialist stonemason to carry out masonry repair works in order to protect an important Derbyshire church. Areas of the masonry were at risk: a potential disaster for both the community it serves and the architectural heritage which it embodies.

The PCC asked us to visit the Grade II* Listed Church and a report was swiftly prepared by ourselves for the areas of immediate importance. Ingress of water had led to cracking stonework, rusting ironwork, and instability.

Scaffolding was immediately erected and the works were carried out as quickly and safely as possible. Most notably the bottom half of the buttress pinnacle was cut and replaced like-for-like and fixed in place.

Read about a similar project regarding a truss repair to a church here.

Are you interested in working with an Architect? Read about what it means here.

New Wheelchair Friendly Platform for Derbyshire Church and Hall

  • New Platform to Church Hall - Blair Gratton Architects
  • Hardwood oak post - Blair Gratton Architects
  • Balustrade - Blair Gratton Architects

See our latest update of the accessible platform project we are managing at a Church in Derbyshire. As Church Architect, we have designed a solution to a long-running problem.

The brief was to create a new accessway, linking the Nave of the Church – via the church hall – with the existing toilets at the northern entrance. The church hall has a lower floor level, with 2 sets of stairs to navigate. Currently, if unable to use the stairs, you must exit the church on the southern entrance and navigate round the entirety of the building footprint – not favourable in the worst of British weather.

The new hardwood platform will create a level route, making access through the church hall via wheelchair possible. An existing opening has been raised too, and the works are coming along nicely so far.

Keep a look out for future updates.

Read more about another church we have worked on here.

Are you interested in working with an Architect? Read about what it means here.

1 Year on – Derby Architects’ Upgrade of Youth Pursuits Centre

One year on from celebrating its practical completion as Project Architects, we revisited the refurbishment of a youth outdoor pursuits centre, in the Derbyshire Countryside.

We were asked to help design and develop a scheme for improving and upgrading the accommodation quarters of the centre. After almost 40 years, the interior design and layout was due a serious refurbishment and upgrade.

What resulted was a significant re-design of the bedrooms and en-suite layouts, the kitchen, and social areas, maximising the spaces and aiming to improve the enjoyment and wellbeing of the guests and staff.

Following our survey of the building, we took the project through all RIBA Work Stages as Architects. This included working with several key consultants and administering the project on site with a reputable Contractor from start to finish to a tight, punctual deadline.

Our involvement in the scheme also included the interior furnishings – we designed a bespoke, curved, oak front desk to the entrance, which has been a useful addition to the running of the centre from day-to-day.

Even a year on, we are thrilled with the results. A key part of the project brief was ‘robustness’ and the quality of the works and standard of upkeep has stood up ours and the Clients’ vision incredibly well.

See more of our portfolio here as we continue to update it.