January 2026 studio update

In this roundup, we’re pleased to start the year with news about our new Sheffield church project, update from the Brick Pavilion in Chichester, and details of Darren’s recent RIBA Hampshire lecture.

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Sheffield Church Development

We are thrilled to have started to expand our reach, and are currently working on a comprehensive feasibility study for the existing buildings at St Thomas’s Church in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

The study has reviewed the condition, layout, and long-term potential of the church’s built assets, with the aim of ensuring the property continues to support both the congregation and the wider community in a sustainable and meaningful way. We look forward to sharing more updates from the scheme as the design develops, to see more details about the project click here. 

Brick Pavillion Planning Submitted

We have submitted our designs that reimagine the Brick Pavillion located in Priory Park, Chichester, West Sussex.

Working with Chichester Community Development Trust (CDT) we have explored the potential and redevelopment of this locally significant building which has been vacant, and neglected for years. Our designs look to transform the building into a vibrant community facility, integrating the pavilion with the existing park amenities. For more details of the scheme, click here.

RIBA Hampshire

Darren was invited to take part in the RIBA Hampshire Lecture series, as part of their ‘Lightning Talks’ session alongside five other Hampshire based practices.

During the event, each speaker was giving a short time to deliver a concise talk explaining how small moves have generated big impact in their projects. Darren discussed the work Studio BAD delivered at St Margaret’s Church in Portsmouth, reinterpreting the church building to drawing people to reengage with this incredible building – read more about the project here.

Art Installation Opens in Winchester

We were delighted to attend the official opening of Allegra Ambition Installation this week, a project that delivers a free-to-use outdoor fitness space and sculptural seating area beside the Winchester Sports Centre at Garrison Ground, Hampshire.

Our design was selected as the winner of the public art competition run by SPUD, seamlessly integrating the charity’s ‘finish line’ logo into a series of organic sculptural forms. These pieces combine art, sculpture, gym equipment, and seating into one cohesive and beautiful installation. Constructed from timber of varying heights, the design creates a tactile and inviting space that encourages visitors to sit, climb, or work out.

Lucy Whittome, Trustee of Allegra’s Ambition, said:

“We have tried to create something truly special here. It is a place that welcomes people and children of all ages to gather, sit, play, and exercise, with a focus on calisthenics.”

Cllr Sudhakar Achwal, Mayor of Winchester, added:

“The gym is a wonderful tribute to Allegra, who spent much of her childhood playing and training on the fields at Bar End… Allegra’s Gym stands as a living legacy, a joyful place for the community to meet, gather, exercise, and play together, just as she once enjoyed doing.

“I would like to warmly congratulate you and your team for bringing this project from conception to reality, the result is exceptional.”

Allegra’s Ambition, a charity established in memory of Allegra Whittome, works to enable, engage, and empower young people to reach their potential through participation in sport.

Build It Award Shortlist

Our Brockenhurst House has been shortlisted in this years Build It Awards, in the ‘Best Architect or Designer for an Extension Project’. The annual industry awards that celebrates the most inspiring architectural projects and inventive products in the self-build sector, judged by industry leaders.

Brockenhurst House exemplifies how thoughtful, design-led architecture can elevate everyday living. What began as a tired 1970s chalet-style property has been transformed into a refined, low-carbon contemporary home, designed to support its owners’ evolving needs while treading lightly on the planet.

 

We look forward to the winners being revealed later this year.

Judging Homebuilding & Renovating Awards

Darren was once again invited to be on the judging panel of the prestigious Homebuilding & Renovating Awards, in partnership with The Times and The Sunday Times. The panel of eight expert judges had the enjoyable task of reviewing all the award entries, whittling them down to a shortlist of just 25 properties.

From this list they will now need to agree on the winners for each of the categories. You can also have your say, by voting for your favorite project for the Readers’ Choice Award – click here to vote.

 

Congratulations to all the shortlisted projects, the winners will be announced in the January edition of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, on sale on 4th December.

Planning Secured for Housing Development

We are absolutely delighted to have secured full planning permission for our Coxford Road housing development, which was approved unanimously at planning committee.

The scheme will transform the existing brownfield site, to deliver much needed city centre housing for the Maybush district of Southampton. The development will deliver 15 high-quality apartments (comprising of two bedroom and one-bedroom units) arranged around a south facing communal courtyard, designed to foster a sense of community and maximise natural light.

 

Read more about the project here.

Planning secured on second phase at St Margarets

Full planning has been secured for the second phase at St Margarets Church, adding a new entrance to the church in Southsea, Portsmouth.

We had previously worked on the church, helping to transform the almost derelict building into a vibrant community hub, this second phase focuses on installing a new entrance porch to help to further reinvigorate the building with the community. Our design adds a contemporary copper clad porch, creating a striking, visual statement that will activate the front of the church with the public realm.

Having worked closely with the church, planners and community over the last few years, we are so pleased to have finally got planning in place for this addition. We look forward to sharing updates of the work as it starts on site later this year.

Get in touch to discover how we can help tranform your community project.