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Made For Make
Posted by: Rose Brown on 16th Apr 2010 in Keechdesign News
If you are not yet familiar with Make Architects now is the time to seek them out. These are the new cool kids on the block and although a relatively young company (since 2004) they have been involved in a number of cutting edge schemes that are transforming London, the UK, and Asia. Their talent lies in creating architecture that is modest, but also spectacular. This balance and subtlety is being nurtured under the directive of company founder Ken Shuttleworth, already famous for his work at Foster & Partners, and particularly of 'The Gherkin' fame. There is a bravery in Make’s designs, and at such early days these architects are definitely ones to watch.
Happy then, that Keechdesign has had an ongoing relationship with Make for a number of years now. As the companies grow, so too does this friendship, so it was fitting that we were the go-to company for them when they required a new reception desk for their refurbished headquarters at Whitfield Street, London. With a set of drawings, a ‘Design And Build’ directive and our own integrity towards materials we were able to realise Make’s desires without forgoing functionality. It was the understated nature of the initial desk concept, matched with Keechdesign’s eye for detail and construction that drove this design forward. The result is not only a beautiful product but another enjoyable collaborative process where the optimum design solution is carved out through consensus.
The final design of the desk is simple and restrained, uncomplicated. At over three metres long we were faced with the reality of our materials of choice. With a natural birch ply clad exterior and a softwood skeleton we had to accommodate not only for the fluctuating nature of the timber but also the constraints of standard available panel sizes. This is a perfect example of what the realities of design are, and how construction can dictate design, if care is not taken.
A 3mm shadow gap became the optimum and unifying detail on this expansive desk. We also opted to expose the edge of the plywood allowing us to express the personality of the material and create a further consistent detail, that would work in various orientations.
John Prevc, a senior partner at Make, described the end result as an achievement of “elegance and simplicity” and agreed that it suited the “modest, minimal and understated” design ethos of the company. Perhaps we can add "both companies" to that.
When I asked John about the impending projects he was most excited about the fact that Make have been given the green light for the Handball Arena they were recently shortlisted for by the London Olympics. The lead up to the Olympics is a time of great self-improvement for a host city and allows local architects to make a real impact on a cityscape, and on the world. There really is no better time for Make and we are very proud to be working with them.
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Posted by: Rose Brown on 16th Apr 2010 in Keechdesign News
If you are not yet familiar with Make Architects now is the time to seek them out. These are the new cool kids on the block and although a relatively young company (since 2004) they have been involved in a number of cutting edge schemes that are transforming London, the UK, and Asia. Their talent lies in creating architecture that is modest, but also spectacular. This balance and subtlety is being nurtured under the directive of company founder Ken Shuttleworth, already famous for his work at Foster & Partners, and particularly of 'The Gherkin' fame. There is a bravery in Make’s designs, and at such early days these architects are definitely ones to watch.
Happy then, that Keechdesign has had an ongoing relationship with Make for a number of years now. As the companies grow, so too does this friendship, so it was fitting that we were the go-to company for them when they required a new reception desk for their refurbished headquarters at Whitfield Street, London. With a set of drawings, a ‘Design And Build’ directive and our own integrity towards materials we were able to realise Make’s desires without forgoing functionality. It was the understated nature of the initial desk concept, matched with Keechdesign’s eye for detail and construction that drove this design forward. The result is not only a beautiful product but another enjoyable collaborative process where the optimum design solution is carved out through consensus.
The final design of the desk is simple and restrained, uncomplicated. At over three metres long we were faced with the reality of our materials of choice. With a natural birch ply clad exterior and a softwood skeleton we had to accommodate not only for the fluctuating nature of the timber but also the constraints of standard available panel sizes. This is a perfect example of what the realities of design are, and how construction can dictate design, if care is not taken.
A 3mm shadow gap became the optimum and unifying detail on this expansive desk. We also opted to expose the edge of the plywood allowing us to express the personality of the material and create a further consistent detail, that would work in various orientations.
John Prevc, a senior partner at Make, described the end result as an achievement of “elegance and simplicity” and agreed that it suited the “modest, minimal and understated” design ethos of the company. Perhaps we can add "both companies" to that.
When I asked John about the impending projects he was most excited about the fact that Make have been given the green light for the Handball Arena they were recently shortlisted for by the London Olympics. The lead up to the Olympics is a time of great self-improvement for a host city and allows local architects to make a real impact on a cityscape, and on the world. There really is no better time for Make and we are very proud to be working with them.
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