SCRACE ARCHITECTS

Adding a fourth dimension to our clients dreams

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Furloughed Space

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Over the course of this past year, many people have had to get used to the idea of redundancy.  That is a job, idea, business or even a way of life that no longer exists.  Redundancy is tough and often leads you to question the reasons behind it as well as your own ability.

Strangely our experience of furlough and this pandemic are not so different to being made redundant. Having suffered redundancy* first-hand, I recognise that it can leave you feeling emotionally bereft and without purpose. The support schemes, set up to reassure, now disguise what we all know is going on behind the scenes.  The reality is that we are all on edge, stuck in limbo, anticipating the inevitable but afraid of making the jump.

[Read more…] about Furloughed Space

Competition

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WINNERS

We are glad that our “Frame A View” Competition has inspired such positive thought and creativity. You have completely embraced our practice philosophy of painting to see and shape space differently and have not been afraid to sketch, paint or photograph your impression of new horizons.Michele Williams has created an amazing collage on ‘Positive Thinking’ . If you squint, you can see the Scrace Architects team in the Zoom call.  One for sorrow, two for joy…  Michele wins a getaway for 7 nights at Finch Cottage – Spend more quality time with family and friends.

We hope you’ve enjoyed taking part and seeing a fresh perspective or two on the relentlessness of lockdown. Maybe we will need to refer back to this over the next few months.  For the time being, stay safe and enjoy friends and family!  And if we do get stuck indoors, you at least know what to do = #scracearchitects #frameaview.

Tune in and listen to the latest edition of the #architecturemadesimple podcast to hear us talking more about each of the fantastic winners.  Their brilliant art work is below. Thank you for all your support and entries.  We have been impressed by how many of you are looking ahead to an exciting and new world beyond. 

Kate Perry painted this fabulous view from her window.  The delicate orchid and gentle palette are beautiful.  Katy wins A 15 Bottle Mixed Case of Naked Wine. Celebrate a new beginning by investing in craftsmanship.

Sasha May caught this fantastic shot whilst on safari at the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary in the New Forest.  We think it encapsulates all the fun we’re yet to have.  Sasha has won Lunch at the Mess at Messums. Immerse yourself in the best Arts, Culture and countryside.

Liz Harmon watches the sunset daily from her home.  We hope you make it back to enjoy the timeless tree after a day at Chessington World of Adventure. A rollercoaster helps to puts things in perspective – have fun!

Last night, the sky was beautiful at sunset. This is the view from our upstairs bedroom window, which perfectly frames it. Every day and night the view is different and we often stare out of this window, looking out over the rooftops watching the stars in the sky, the bats flying by at night, a clear blue summer sky, the first frost or an impressive sunset like this one. Whatever the sky though, the focus point and the constant in the framed view is this lovely old apple tree, standing strong for years and years.

The ominous #coronacat by Claire Burden picks up the Bottle of Explorer Gin from Downton Gin Distillery  Don’t be afraid to explore, be adventurous.  This photo conjures up so many thoughts about being stuck inside and looking out.  Thanks Claire.

The best image submitted by the following age groups also won a fantastic prize.  Phoebe caught a glimpse of the horizon past her “Sunset Flower” and won the 9-17 year old category prize of a £25 voucher from Noble Arts Supplies. Express yourself creatively @salisburyNAS!  

Solomon helps us finish on a positive note.  He either wants to move or is just happy flying away in his balloon house!  Well done, Solomon, you win a £25 voucher as you won the 0-8 year old category.  Visit Rocketship Bookshop. Think big and get ready for a new world @rshipbshop!

FOLLOW

Keep up to date on our latest news on Twitter and Instagram @timscrace and @scrace_arch. 

STAY SAFE EVERYONE

In-Between

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We often overlook our environment as we pass by.  However, it is the spaces in-between that form part of our journey which tend to be the most interesting.  The adventure of architecture is not in making one-off beautiful buildings, but seeing how they relate to the landscape and to one another.

It is the spaces and shapes of the in-between that tantalise, the sculptural play of light from object to object, the collective coming together of design and effort.  It is the conversation between two forms that makes the architecture.  This is most prevalent in the city, where the history of a place is captured in a moment.

A compressed medieval passageway leading to a meteoric, manmade skyscraper is what makes the built environment so exciting.  The in-between space is encapsulated by the cobbles underfoot coupled with the glint of light of a unitised glazing system.  The surging symphony of the shapes around, the touch of a damp old walls, a steep level change, the weather, the sound, all bubble over to speak of an architecture of sensation.

Much like a still life, architecture is the meeting of objects and forms that connect in their similarity by arbitrary arrangement.  It is in the shadow, and in colour and contrast that their relationship to one another is expressed.  “Half shut your eyes” I was told by my art teacher, “… take in the outline, the silhouettes, the shadows, then turn to draw textures.”  If you want to see space differently, now is the time to take the magic potion.  Imagine yourself 1/100th of your normal size, walking amongst the old lantern, the pepper pot and the baseball bat.

You are now experiencing the architecture of still life.  Time to explore what the in-between space feels like.  Large and foreboding, or intimate and cosy, what factors are at play?  I suspect you will find they are the same factors that define our built environment: surface, light, natural colour and form.

It is all very well defining the contained spaces inside, but a real place maker looks outside their box to the shadows of the past, to the collective consciousness of a place, and to the meetings of these buildings.  When you are next out and about, take a moment, half shut your eyes, look at the in-between spaces, look up and you may just begin to see space differently.

Returning Home

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Reflecting on the exhibition that launched our adventure into creative practice, #HOME, has helped us reconnect with our practice values and ambition.  The exhibition investigated ideas that affect where we live and explored how these are represented and incorporated in design.

Many of the thoughts and theories developed in those early months of practice and in preparation for this show have inspired and shaped the first two years of SCRACE ARCHITECTS.  Recent architectural projects have even been characterised by some of the ideas developed as part of this show. The show was made up of a variety of components, including a series of paintings that were founded on the following subjects: #orientation, #context, #symbol, #material, #view.

A desire to help clients and passers-by understand and shape their own space is at the heart of what we do.  The dialogue that was created between artwork and spectator helped distil how the practice could communicate its vision and how it can shape space.  The exhibition was directed in a way that guided participants on their own journey through my #HOME, revealing the different ways in which we can interpret place.

#view > see FRAME A VIEW

Looking back, escaping the security of a traditional architectural office was scary, but at the same time liberating. Learning to express ideas through painting, sculpture and narrative was essential to breaking free from the norm of everyday project management and beginning a new adventure with our clients.

Please get in touch to see how we can help you shape your own space? 01722 658048

Review – #HOME

Competition Launch

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As we break from the monotony of lockdown SCRACE ARCHITECTS are launching a competition to encourage you to FRAME A VIEW and look ahead to a new world beyond.

It is safe to say that we are all in need of a fresh outlook after this crisis.  Staring out of our own little boxes has become a favourite past time and may help us connect the world outside.  This is not a new concept but has become more relevant since we have all been stuck indoors.  A view enables us all to think beyond the limits of our gardens and our flats to the wider world.

To help us begin to think again about what is over the horizon we would like you and your families to take a photo or draw your favourite view from your home, home office or shed.

Don’t be afraid to abstract and present your image in whichever way you like.  When we are designing buildings, sculptures or spaces we try to imagine what you might see from a particular perspective. For example, the montage above is a combination of a painting and the view from a real project.  In our practice we paint to see and shape space differently.

Over the next month we will offer tips on how to approach your designs via twitter and Instagram @timscrace and via a podcast.  Our blog also has an article on about how to frame a view.  Please share your pictures and follow us on social media using #frameaview #scracearchitects @scrace_arch.

Happy snapping and stay safe!

Competition – FRAME A VIEW

 

Competition

By

As we break from the monotony of lockdown SCRACE ARCHITECTS are launching a competition to encourage you to FRAME A VIEW and look ahead to a new world beyond. 

It is safe to say that we are all in need of a fresh outlook after this crisis.  Staring out of our own little boxes has become a favourite past time and may help us connect the world outside.  This is not a new concept but has become more relevant since we have all been stuck indoors.  A view enables us all to think beyond the limits of our gardens and our flats to the wider world. 

To help us begin to think again about what is over the horizon we would like you and your families to take a photo or draw your favourite view from your home, home office or shed.

Don’t be afraid to abstract and present your image in whichever way you like.  When we are designing buildings, sculptures or spaces we try to imagine what you might see from a particular perspective. For example, the montage above is a combination of a painting and the view from a real project.  In our practice we paint to see and shape space differently.

Over the next month we will offer tips on how to approach your designs via twitter and Instagram @timscrace and via a podcast.  Our blog also has an article on about how to frame a view.  Please share your pictures and follow us on social media using #frameaview #scracearchitects @scrace_arch.

FOLLOW

We have chosen some exciting prizes from some fantastic businesses to reflect and feed on the more positive benefits of breaking cover.  Click on names below for direct links to prizes.

Prizes

  • Finch Cottage – Getaway for 7 in character property – Spend more quality time with family and friends.
  • Naked Wine Summer Essentials 15 Bottle Mixed Case – Celebrate a new beginning by investing in craftmanship.
  • Messums – Lunch at the Mess – Immerse yourself in the best Arts, Culture and countryside.
  • Chessington World of Adventure Day Ticket – A rollercoaster helps puts things in perspective – Have fun!
  • Downton Gin Distillery – Bottle of Explorer – Don’t be afraid to explore, be adventurous.

The best image submitted by the following age groups will also win a fantastic prize:

  • 9-17        Noble Arts Supplies £25 voucher > Express yourself creatively @salisburyNAS!
  • 0-8          Rocketship Bookshop £25 voucher > Think big and get ready for a new world @rshipbshop!

HAPPY SNAPPING AND STAY STAFE

Terms & Conditions

Scrace Architects Ltd would like to stay in touch by keeping your contact details securely on file. We use this information to maintain good levels of communications in the day-to-day operation of the business as well as update you on new projects and the services we offer.  We will not pass on your details to any third party without your prior consent.  In your response to the competittion and if agreeable we would welcome your consent to the use of your details for this purpose i.e. I consent to receive emails about Scrace Architects Ltd.  

Each image will be judged by the Scrace Architects team.  Results will be announced at the end of August to hopefully coincide with a safer world.  One image per applicant i.e. sketch, painting or photo.  If you want to submit more, highlight your preferred option.  Entry to the competitions is restricted to one entry per person and 5 applications per household.  Multiple, bulk entries will be disqualified. Email tim@scracearchitects.co.uk or info@scracearchitects.co.uk by 12pm on 31st August 2020 with your entries. 

Please remember to: –

  1. Attach an image in .jpeg format
  2. Clearly state NAME, AGE, TITLE and MEDIA.
  3. And if you’re happy please add – I consent to receive emails about Scrace Architects Ltd.

Please note that the Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered in to.  In general, prizes must be redeemed before 31st December 2020. Prizes do not include travel. No cash alternative will be offered and prizes are non-transferable. All parties involved reserve the right to change the prize to an alternative or similar value without notice if circumstances beyond their control require it to do so. Scrace Architects Ltd and other parties will not be liable for loss or damage whatsoever caused by matters arising from this promotion. Winners of items 1-5 must be a UK resident over the age of 18. Please note that we may use photos and other identifying features of the winners / entrants for promotion purposes.

T’s & C’s relating to prizes 

Finch Cottage is a 200-year old building in Wilsford Cum Lake, Salisbury which has been renovated to a very high standard. It has 3 bedrooms, all with private bathrooms. There is plenty of parking and an abundance of lovely country walks in the Stonehenge World Heritage site.  Click on name with link above or visit www.finchcottage.co.uk.

  1. The FRAME A VIEW competition winner will win: An overnight stay at Finch Cottage for a maximum of 7 guests.  Prize must be redeemed before 31st January 2021 (excluding bank holidays and public holidays), subject to availability. Finch Cottage serves a continental-style breakfast. The prize does not include travel. No cash alternative will be offered and the prize is non-transferable. Finch Cottage reserves the right to change the prize to an alternative or similar value without notice if circumstances beyond their control require it to do so. Finch Cottage will not be liable for loss or damage whatsoever caused by matters arising from this promotion. The winner must be a UK resident over the age of 18. All house rules are to be adhered to during your stay.
  2. Naked Wine case as described on the website limited to value of £150 to be delivered to allocated UK address.
  3. The Mess Restaurant and Bar Gift Voucher to the value of £25 at Messums.  Lunches are on Friday, Saturday and Sundays in the Mess. 
  4. Chessington World of Adventure Day Ticket as described on the website limited to value of £29.50 based on online booking of ticket.
  5. Downton Gin Distillery 700ml Bottle of “Explorer” Contemporay London Dry Gin as described on the website limited to value of £40.

          Other prizes from Rocketship Bookshop and Noble Art Supplies limited in value as described above.

Back to Building

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Work is now continuing apace as building returns to some form of normal.  Whilst there was a minor pause in proceedings on this site in Bouverie Avenue in Salisbury, little time has been lost in the delivery of this large side extension and kitchen diner.  The team have worked well around each other.  Staying safe, they are scheduled to complete within the next month.

The design has come a long way since inception.  Working together with Claire, we have been able to help realise her original vision.  We are pleased to know Claire was happy that we listened to what she wanted to build, and offered her options and well-informed knowledge to support her ideas.

Construction – Bouverie Avenue

Frame a View

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Our connection with outside seems to be entrenched in our experience of the world.  The great outdoors has a natural hold on us.  We are compelled to seek out natural light, fresh air and green from within our internal environments.

Whilst we enjoy the comfort, security and shelter of indoors it is often at odds with our nature.  Just as we are disorientated when we don’t recognise our setting, it seems we do not want to forget our roots.  When internalising a space, there is a need to create opportunities to remind ourselves of this connection.

There is more to an opening to a wall than meets the eye.  Whether a window, a gate, or a door, their treatment and definition vary widely in colour, frame, finish and use.  Where a door provides a threshold, a transition to the outside, a gate provides a defence.  A window seems to offer the visual connection to the natural world we seek.

The desire to create sight lines in modern design emphasises this need.  So as not to take away from this link, we find that the simpler the opening treatment, the more successful the effect.  A more modest approach to finish leads one to look beyond, back to where we came from.

The only question left then is: what we are looking at?  The subject of the view is fundamental to good architecture.  Whether a window’s function is simply letting in the light or having a clear shot at the church tower, both connect us to context, orientation and place and, accompanied by the body of our shelter collectively contribute to our subconscious understanding of place.

ENTER COMPETITION

Comment – FRAME A VIEW