Water – and its proximity – can dramatically influence architecture. Here Shaun Soanes explores the design and stability of buildings by the coast. Based as we are in on the Suffolk coast, we know better than anyone the calm, serenity and beauty that exists in communities situated close to the water. From Martello Towers, built […]
Drones were once the remit of military operations. Now they are being used daily across a range of industries, including architecture. Here Shaun Soanes looks at how they can be used safely and effectively. The world is experiencing a proliferation of smart, small, and inexpensive products designed to make life – and work – easier. Drones […]
This month a really ugly bus stop has become a hot topic of conversation in design and architecture circles. Here Shaun Soanes explains why. It is, essentially, a grey, rectangular box. But there is a lot more to this unattractive bus stop in China than meets the eye. It was built using a 3D technique […]
Earlier this month The Hold in Ipswich received planning permission despite a host of objections. Here Pippa Jacob explains why the building design did not meet its aspirational mark. Just a week ago plans to build a new records office and heritage centre on the University of Suffolk campus near Ipswich Waterfront were formally approved […]
This week the Leicester car park under which Richard III’s body was discovered has been given special protection as an archaeological site of national importance. Here Shaun Soanes explains why archaeology has become an increasingly important consideration of construction, development and refurbishment projects. The Government, acting on the advice of heritage watchdog Historic England, has […]
Faced with dwindling attendances on Sundays and a desire to attract new worshippers, the Church of England has been trying to open up historic buildings for new uses such as concerts, plays or community groups. Here Shaun Soanes explains how reordering projects have breathed new life into a number of churches. For many of us, […]
We are celebrating after taking on five new members of staff just months after moving to bigger premises. Now in our 20th year of business, we moved from Berners Street to Wherry Quay on the waterfront in Ipswich in June. Since then the team has grown from 12 to 17. New members of staff include Architectural Technologist […]
When the last remaining pub in Wickham Market was destroyed by a devastating fire, the local community did not give up hope that it would one day be restored and reopened. Here Shaun Soanes explains how Nicholas Jacob Architects is helping the village sift through the ashes and bring it back to life. In the […]
Last month Eight Ghosts, a book of ghost stories based on famous English Heritage sites, went on sale – much to the delight of the general public. Here, Shaun Soanes, who has worked on a number of historical buildings boasting tales of the unexpected, explains why mysterious occurrences just add another element of intrigue to […]
