Turweston Aerodrome
New aircraft hanger
- Turweston Flight Centre
- Proposal completed September 2000
The proposal formed part of a development master plan by Foster and Partners for the phased redevelopment of the former WW2 airfield as a modern flight centre.
Apart from generous hanger space, the structure would accommodate several aviation related businesses under one roof. These included a new paint shop and aero engine workshop, with a flight school and conference facility behind the fully glazed north-west elevation.
The proposal was for a simple portal framed structure clad in a smooth skin of aluminium which was to be peeled back to express the steel frame and staircases.
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The Jam Factory Apartment
Design & Fit Out
- Private client
- Completed September 2005
Set in the former Hartley’s Jam Factory in Bermondsey, this 115sqm shell apartment features brick walls, cast iron columns and eight high windows along the west facing façade. The clients wanted to maximise this opportunity for open plan living whilst retaining the flexibility to create private space when required.
Our response is based on a rational floor plan with a ribbon of living, kitchen and dining accommodation adjacent to the windows optimising the use of natural light. Bedrooms, bathrooms, study and storage areas are positioned along the interior back wall.
Two bespoke folding doors allow the bedroom and bathroom areas to be partitioned off when required, but when open created a totally open plan unit. A polished white resin floor flows throughout giving sleek, modern uniformity to the apartment.
Photography © Andreas von Einsiedel/ www.einsiedel.com
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The Orb Static Caravan
Design for a modern caravan
- Orb Properties
- Prototype in development
The design is a modern interpretation of the static caravan and is intended to offer an alternative to a new, more style conscious consumer. It can be located in places where a building would not be permitted, let alone one of a contemporary design.
The standard caravan is 12m long and 3.75m wide and can be delivered as one self supporting piece on a flat bed lorry.
The shell section is elliptical and constructed from two skins of glass-reinforced polyester with a foam core. The shape and material give the unit its strength. Internal plywood bulkheads and floors are glassed into the inner skin; this further stiffens the structure and forms walls, floors and furniture. This technique is directly transferred from yacht design, where the need for lightweight, strong structures is paramount.
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Redbridge College
Proposal to rejuvenate a 1960s building
- Redbridge College of Further Education
- Proposal completed August 05
Our proposal was to inject light and colour into the space to create a dramatic and uplifting new face to the building.
By introducing a two storey, transparent box we created a new entrance. The box extended back into the central courtyard to enclose an existing steel link bridge that would be used to access two new mezzanine pods that would hover over the entrance.
The pods were clad in blue, translucent, glass planks and lit from above making them glow. A new staircase was inserted to become the main stair up to the first floor wings.
Key departments would be showcased in the two elliptical pods, whilst a new café would share the ground floor with the main entrance, creating a vibrant shop window into the life of the college.
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Sunnyside Road House
Victorian house extension in Teddington
- Private Client
- Completed June 2006
The client wanted to create additional space within a two storey extension to their detached Victorian house. The building had a disproportionately large garden, but given its position, was under used by the family.
Our solution was to turn the extension through 90 degrees to address the garden and redress the balance of indoor and outdoor space. This arrangement established the extension as a “garden pavilion” providing a larger kitchen, playroom and bathroom downstairs and a new bedroom and bathroom upstairs.
The detailing of the new elements are a modern interpretation of the existing details, they are in sympathy with, but not a copy. The slate tiled mansard section provides a modern link between the old and the new buildings, whilst the white render emphasises the dramatic shape of the new.
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Upper Richmond Road Mixed-Use
Redevelopment of a 1960s block for mixed use
- Wicklow Enterprises
- Planning permission granted
Our brief was to convert this five storey block in Putney to high quality apartments and office space. This is a sensitive site due to its “gateway” position and our design aims to enliven the site through better use, making it more sustainable.
Our proposal is to strip the building back to its frame and remodel it adding a penthouse level. The form has been altered to create two modulated facades which break up the scale and avoid the existing slab sided appearance. The envelope combines glazing with crisp white painted cladding. Projecting columns support the new balconies and facades adding a vertical emphasis.
On ground and first floors there are open plan office spaces of 630sqm. The three upper floors comprise twelve 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartments each with private balconies. The two new penthouses have private terraces and dramatic views over London.
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The Pool House, The Chilterns
Private swimming pool
- Private Client
- Completed August 2008
This Chilterns residence comprises two grade two listed buildings and two new, oak framed out-buildings. The heart of the project is the insertion of a new pool house which links the listed farm house and the barn in which the client lives, and provides a gym, wine store and study facilities as well as the swimming pool. The practice was appointed as Architect post planning approval.
In plan a curve, the building is a fusion of the traditional and the contemporary. With glass walls, undulating thatched roof and stainless steel pool, it offers a sensitive solution to the site.
The delivery of this geometrically difficult and technologically challenging building is a continuation of David Miller’s expertise which was developed during the Media Centre at Lord’s Cricket ground and earlier projects with Calatrava in Lisbon, Valencia & Tenerife.
(technical overview)
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Barnes High Street Mixed-Use
New build mixed-use development
- Fontayne Investments
- Proposal completed January 2007
The project involved the proposed redevelopment of a disused motor garage occupying a back land site off Barnes High Street and a terraced shop front on Barnes High Street. The project was in collaboration with David Long Architects.
In our proposal a restaurant was introduced fronting the high street whilst a three storey office building occupied the land locked garage site. The ground floor of the office building was lowered half a storey in order to reduce the apparent mass of the building allowing the maximum use of the ground floor.
The envelope was modulated to avoid over looking of adjacent properties while maximising the light to the office space. A biomass (wood pellet) boiler system was proposed along with the extensive use of green roofs.
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Liberty Fields Student Housing 01
Refurbishment project - 1920s building
- Tortuga Ltd / Liberty Living Plc
- Completed October 2007
Originally halls for the Royal College of Music, we were commissioned to refurbish a 1920s and a 1970s building and to create self contained studios.
Our re-design celebrates the original quality details, particularly the joinery. Staircases have been French polished, and sash windows and interior doors fully refurbished. Where original timber flooring was damaged, new boards have been laid diagonally to emphasise the intervention of the repair. Furniture has a dark wood finish, whilst all other internal decoration is a crisp white allowing the craftsmanship of the timber to stand out.
This building provides 35 studios, a laundry and common room. Studios are fitted with modern, high quality, durable fixtures and have the latest communications access. A review of the 1970s building follows. Photography © Hufton + Crow
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Liberty Fields Student Housing 02
Refurbishment project - 1970s building
- Tortuga Ltd / Liberty Living Plc
- Completed October 2007
The existing building had a rather somber, institutional disposition so our aim here was to develop a strong sense of individuality. The injection of colour has created a more playful identity with bold blues and greens in the communal areas and complimentary chalky tones in the studios. Window frames and internal joinery have been replaced using bleached timber and the furniture compliments this.
This building provides 33 studios including accessible units and shared laundry facilities. The studios are fitted to the same high standard as the 20s building.
Ownership of this project has transferred to Liberty Living Plc – a specialist provider of student accommodation. We are now developing a new build project on the same site and details are shown on the next page. Photography © Hufton + Crow
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Liberty Fields Student Housing 03
New build project
- Tortuga Ltd / Liberty Living Plc
- Planning permission granted
The client commissioned us to design a new accommodation building to sit alongside the two refurbished ones and provide 12 additional studios. The site is in a conservation area next to a grade II registered park.
Our proposal is to create a garden pavilion and we have developed the buildings’ footprint to sit within the mature trees. The outer skin uses different brick patterns to honestly reflect the brickworks’ function as a cladding rather than a load bearing construction. The roof is a light weight timber clad upper level.
The fenestration creates a symmetrical façade and we have introduced modern reinterpretations of the bay window that are found in the neighbourhood. On the front façade these are asymmetrically canted towards the park giving the building a dynamic appearance and maximising the views.
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Leeds/Liverpool Canal Footbridge
Design competition
- Housing Market Renewal Initiative
- Competition entry December 2006
This regeneration scheme required a striking bridge design which would become a gateway to the town of Bootle.
In collaboration with Arup we developed a bridge that is clearly functional, but which boldly expresses its engineering.
The curved plan of the deck responds to the street pattern and gives rise to the asymmetric arrangement of inclined arches. Dead load deflections of the major arch balance the deflections from the live load imposed on the bridge deck, whilst a steel cable net adds further stability and creates a strong visual effect.
The arches would be fabricated from steel plate, pressed and welded to achieve a box profile. These sections would then be bent to form the arches. The deck is made of cast concrete panels. Concealed lighting dramatically illuminates the structure providing the town with a 24 hour landmark.
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New Islington Bridge
Design competition
- New Islington Partners / Urban Splash
- Competition entry February 2007
In this project a bridge was required to connect five routes which run through the scheme crossing a new canal. Developed with Arup, we drew on the structures of Pier Luigi Nervi for inspiration.
Our design derives from a sphere cut horizontally to create a dome over the canal. The five routes were projected on to the dome and the remainder of the surface removed leaving the distinctive arms spanning to a single point.
We proposed to make the structure using CNC cut polystyrene formwork which would be cut directly from the computer model using rapid prototyping techniques. This would be laid over the primary false work and reinforcement added. After the pour the false work would be struck and the polystyrene cut out.
The rib structure of the bridge follows the lines of principal stress. These are expressed creating an interlocking geometric pattern on the surface.
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Hercules Place Mixed-Use
New build mixed-use
- Reichmann Properties Plc
- On site
This project was taken on post planning when the site was acquired by our client. It is a vibrant new development and it serves as an exemplar for small scale urban regeneration. It has been designed to be environmentally responsible and energy efficient with coloured cladding and modular construction playing a key role in this strategy.
Seven contemporary apartments are arranged into a four storey tower with generous balconies drawing light and fresh air into the living spaces. The tower is lifted above the bustle of the Nag’s Head area on a podium of studio space that integrates the development into the urban grain and adds to the rich mix of the local environment.
Photovoltaics on the roof will provide energy for the building from a sustainable source. A communal cycle store encourages residents to take a green approach to travel in the city.
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Stoke Newington Mixed-Use 01
New build mixed-use development
- Renta Properties UK Ltd
- Planning Submission due March 2009
This regeneration project comprises five buildings and two new public spaces and is a collaboration with David Long Architects and Glowacka Rennie Architects.
The proposal is a 3000sqm, five storey shell and core which has been developed for a Primary Care Trust to provide a variety of health care services for the community.
The ziggurat form of the north elevation to Abney Park Cemetery references the Egyptian revival entrance to the listed park, whilst the use of zinc cladding makes it unobtrusive. In contrast, red tonal chequerboard cladding presents a more exuberant façade on to the high street. The organisation of the coloured panels then deconstructs as they wrap around to the piazza creating an inviting entrance to visitors.
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Stoke Newington Mixed-Use 02
New build mixed-use development
- Renta Properties UK Ltd
- Planning Submission due March 2009
This regeneration project comprises five buildings and two new public spaces and is a collaboration with David Long Architects and Glowacka Rennie Architects.
The proposal is a 3000sqm, five storey shell and core which has been developed for a Primary Care Trust to provide a variety of health care services for the community.
The ziggurat form of the north elevation to Abney Park Cemetery references the Egyptian revival entrance to the listed park, whilst the use of zinc cladding makes it unobtrusive. In contrast, red tonal chequerboard cladding presents a more exuberant façade on to the high street. The organisation of the coloured panels then deconstructs as they wrap around to the piazza creating an inviting entrance to visitors.
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Gentlemen’s Tonic
Design & fit out in Selfridges
- Gentlemen’s Tonic Ltd
- Completed November 2008
Gentlemen’s Tonic offers a traditional barbershop experience with modern lifestyle grooming services. With established outlets in the City and Mayfair, the client’s brief was to tailor their trademark style to appeal to the Selfridges’ customer. Taking just over four months from design to store opening, the concession was open in time for Christmas trading.
The space has been clearly divided into retail and treatment zones where the retail area creates an inviting entrance with a bespoke, full height, curved glass display wall showcasing the brand’s products. A reception with comfortable seating and till point leads to the private treatment areas which include individual barber booths and an express nail bar. Treatment rooms are sound proofed to create a calm and relaxing experience.
Materials combine the Gentlemen’s Tonic palette to project the brand identity. They combine elegance and practicality with wood and marble in the retail area and Corian and tiling in the wet zone. Photography © Hufton + Crow
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What We Do
The practice provides high quality architectural services for private and public sector clients focusing on projects with construction costs up to £10m. We add value for our customers placing equal importance in both design and delivery excellence.
David Miller has a heritage in the design and delivery of award winning, 3 dimensionally complex buildings gained in the offices of Norman Foster, Santiago Calatrava and Future Systems. At Future Systems he was the Project Architect on the Stirling prize winning NatWest Media Centre at Lord’s Cricket Ground. This is the expertise that drives the practice today.
We develop all initial concepts in 3D computer models, so our customers are able to explore design lead proposals from the outset in the knowledge that they are realistic solutions.
Detail design is developed using BIM software – Autodesk Revit - so our output is fully co-ordinated. We are an RIBA Chartered Practice, ISO9001:2008 certified and CHAS accredited which demonstrates our commitment to quality assurance.
Our approach allows the team to be both highly creative and efficient. By punching above our weight in terms of capability we drive competitive values whilst still providing a personal service.
Investors in People recognized, we aim to attract and retain the most talented team to promote the future success of the practice and its clients.
An approved Supplier to Westminster City Council, we are working on their social housing with CityWest Homes and their BSF schools programme with Bouygues UK.
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The Team
David Miller
- Director & Principal Architect
- BA(Hons) Architecture, Dip Arch RIBA
- Registered Architect ARB (1991), Member of RIBA
Before establishing the practice in 2000 David was an associate director of Future Systems and project architect for the Stirling Prize winning NatWest Media Centre. This project allowed him to develop his interest in the refinement of form through three-dimensional problem solving, which he had gained in Santiago Calatrava’s Paris office in the mid nineties. His specialist knowledge of the design and delivery of complex buildings has evolved into an interest in computer analyses and modelling pushing the boundaries of form in search of delight and proportion.
Career History
- David Miller Architects, London 2000 to date
- Future Systems, London 1996-1999
- Santiago Calatrava, Paris 1992-1995
- Foster Associates, London, 1989-1991
Fiona Clark
- Practice Director
- BA (Hons) Textile Marketing, Dip M
Prior to joining the practice, Fiona spent seventeen years in the global textile industry, working as a buyer for international retailers and latterly at director level in the clothing manufacturing sector. She now applies her business skills to the commercial, financial and administrative aspects of the practice where her remit is to ensure that the business has a robust infrastructure to deliver planned future growth. The practice is an active member of the Westminster Small & Minority Business Council and Fiona has recently joined the board representing the interests of small businesses.
P.T. Andrew de Silva
- Architect
- BSc(Hons) Architecture, Dip Arch RIBA
Andrew joined the practice in July 2007 having graduated form the diploma course at Westminster and he qualified in September 2008. Current responsibilities include the development of a new hotel in Putney and managing the practice’s various social housing projects with CityWest Homes. Andrew is particularly interested in sustainability and has actively developed the practice’s sustainability policy. He is currently working on a project to improve the energy efficiency within refurbishment projects.
Letizia Simoni
- Architect
- BA (Hons) Arch MA Arch
Letizia joined the Practice in January 2010 bringing new skills to the team in her role as Revit Champion. Her expertise in BIM software gained through study and practice experience in both the UK and Italy will help make sure that the practice and our clients gain the full benefits from this exciting technology. To improve her experience in the environment field, already explored through the Faculty of Environmental Sciences which she attended post architecture studies, Letizia recently completed a Landscape and Garden Design course in Florence.
David McMahon
- Architectural Assistant
- BA(Hons) Architecture, Dip Arch
David joined the practice in December 2008 having graduated from the diploma course at Brighton. Current responsibilities include managing the refurbishment of six Victorian and Georgian houses to create new homes in Westminster and developing the practice’s hotel project. David brings further knowledge of 3D modelling to the practice and is currently working on a project to enhance concept and design development.
Anna Davies
- Architectural Assistant
- BA(Hons) Architecture, Dip Arch
Anna joined the practice in May this year bringing with her experience which ranges from high end retail through to education. Initial responsibilities include working on the practice’s various projects with Bouygues UK on the Westminster BSF programme. With a particular interest in materials, Anna will continue to explore textures and details with an emphasis on sustainability.
James Bazeley
- Architectural Assistant
- BA(Hons) Architecture, Dip Arch
James joined the practice in July 2009 after graduating from his diploma course at the University of Westminster. Initial responsibilities include working with the team on the Westminster BSF programme. James is particularly interested in sustainable construction techniques with an emphasis on finding real world solutions to energy efficiency.
Kristofer Adelaide
- Architectural Assistant
- BA(Hons) Architecture, Dip Arch
Kristofer joined the practice in September 2009 after graduating from the diploma course at The University of Westminster. Part of the social housing team, Kristofer is committed to developing designs that promote sustainable communities.
Tracy Bennett
Tracy joined the Practice in February 2010 to take on her new role as Office Manager and brings with her valuable experience of the Housing sector. With her strong organizational skills she ensures the smooth day to day running of the office as well as developing the practice infrastructure. She is currently leading the project to achieve ISO140001 Environmental Management accreditation.
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