Business Description

Askew Cavanna Architects are committed to creating environments that result in a positive impact on people’s lives and the world we live in. We have built a reputation for a deep understanding of sustainability, meaningful collaborations and creative thinking. We bring environmental design strategies into all aspects of our work – from being a green office to carrying out green projects. We work for housing providers, developers, community groups and charities, practicing an architecture of ‘appropriateness’ based on an understanding of the needs of the Client grown from building personal face-to-face relationships. We listen and respond in a reflective way. Schemes are developed through discussion and exploration of ideas to maximise possibilities and unlock potential. we aim to add delight to each project.

Fieldhouse

Askew Cavanna Architects secured Permitted Development for conversion of existing distribution buildings into residential, and then went on to exchange this for a new planning approval for two new ecohomes in a countryside setting.

The first of these was completed as a self building project, where we provided a bespoke service to assist the client through to completion of the dwelling. Construction is timber frame, super insulated with passivhaus levels of airtightness. The building features integrated solar PV, Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery, along with Air Source Heat Pump.


Staunton Manor Farm Housing
Staunton Manor Farm is a developer led project in Whitchurch, Bristol. The scheme renovates and converts the existing Farmhouse, and extends the surrounding outbuildings to provide eight contemporary and sustainable 1-4 bed dwellings.
The whole development site is within the curtilage of the Grade II Listed Farmhouse, so in order to retain the original character of the buildings and qualities of the farmyard setting, existing frontages around the courtyard are retained with extensions generally away from the central yard.
Extensions are highly insulated and clad in timber to contrast with the existing white and blue lias stone buildings.

Soil Association Head Quarters
The Charity purchased an office in Central Bristol in 2016 to create their new HQ. ACA were appointed in 2017 for the refurbishment, and worked alongside the Charity and Max Fordham to redesign the building inline with the principles of agile working, healthy living and well-being. The design centres around food, bringing all staff together at the shared ground floor refectory that doubles as a seminar and events area, as well an internal market area for start-up food/farming companies.
Sustainability was core to the proposal, and is reflected in the choice of finishes and fittings. Local and sustainable materials were specified, along with non-polluting water based paints and FSC timber. The furniture was selected from the Opendesk system, which helped to minimise waste. The integration of planting enhances air quality and provides soft separation between teams. Recycled carpets were chosen with a colour range to mirror natural patterns and give each team its own unique identity.