Stroma History - Definition of Stroma Design

 

 

Stroma Design is an architectural practice registered under the Chartered Practice scheme of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and has chosen to adopt a formal system for managing the quality of work. We have used guidance prepared by the RIBA (The RIBA Quality Management Toolkit) and supplementary guidance from other authoritative sources.

 

It is our conviction that in being an RIBA Chartered Practice and adopting systems such as those herein will help us deliver our objective of providing a reliable and competent architectural service to our clients and the users of the buildings/spaces we design or other services we provide as architects. We also believe that the systems will assist us in collaborations and other working relationships with other professionals and/or contractors and suppliers.

 

There is 100% commitment within the practice to the operation and upkeep of our systems, which are regularly reviewed and updated against our own methods and innovations and against changes in external influences be they quality standards, legislation, industry standards, custom or practice.

 

All new staff are instructed in the requirements and use of the systems as a part of their introduction to the wider objectives of the practice.

 

Stroma Design delivers a full traditional scope of services delivered by a growing team of architectural staff. Currently the expertise is in the following areas:

• Commercial
• Industrial
• Residential

This service covers from initial briefing and feasibility through to completion.

 

Stroma Design is dedicated to providing a personal focused service. It is intended to grow the team organically from a strong base, recruiting the best staff and employing the best and most appropriate procedures and technologies.

 

Beyond the traditional service Stroma Design offers an in house expertise relating to all aspects of thermal performance, construction standards, sustainability issues and Low/Zero carbon development delivery.

 

A comprehensive list of internal and external consultants allows appropriate input at all stages of the design.

Stroma Design - Objectives

 

 

Sustainable development is now vitally important because of concerns about global climate change and environment deterioration. We all share a responsibility to create sustainable communities and developments that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable for future successive generations. Our corporate and social responsibility policy outlines our 4 key environmental objectives:

1. Commitment to environmentally sustainable design
2. Reducing the company's own carbon footprint
3. Generating new opportunities in energy efficient design
4. Industry collaboration to enhance sustainability strategy

Stroma Design was created to complement the existing companies with in the Stroma group. The skills base and experience gained since the formation of the company allow Stroma Design to provide sustainable solutions that provide efficient buildings and development which are commercially efficient.
The aspirations of the company are to provide a seamless service that realises solutions where compliance has previously been perceived as a financial hurdle and obstacle to quality design.

 

In-house expertise and integration of analysis from the start informs design and specification. This element of the design process has in recent history being viewed by the design team as a compliance requirement - Stroma Design believe it has to be a design generator. Innovation has historically been driven not just by style and desire but also necessity. This focus has been lost by the relative recent design of heavily serviced and mass produced buildings.

 

Subtle techniques evolved from necessity have been forgotten, producing transient architecture.

Practically, we have found that offering analysis of both residential and commercial development from the start informs the design, the specification and saves time and money. This is incorporate in our scope of service from the initial fee quote.

 

Fundamental to the development of the company and achieving the above aims are:
The importance of delivery of competent detail design solutions.
Effective information control systems.
A desire to delivery sustainable solutions.
A desire to continue training and personal development. This is an important element as Stroma is a training provider so this deeply imbedded in the company ethos.
Development, implementing, monitoring and updating company policies including Health and Safety, Sustainability, Employment and Design

 

We have developed a check list which helps the team, client and stakeholders to focus on considerations at various stages from initial planning through design, procurement, construction and use.
ROBIN PARKER

Stroma Design - Philosophy

 

 

As a team we believe Sustainability is an issue often discussed in relation to construction projects but rarely considered in all its facets. The DETR in April 2000 published ten key factors as a strategy for more sustainable construction which are:

• Re-use existing building assets
• Minimise waste
• Lean Construction
• Minimise energy used in construction
• Minimise energy in use
• Do not pollute
• Preserve and enhance bio-diversity
• Conserve water resources
• Respect People and the environment
• Set targets (and monitor and report)

Whilst this is a useful summary it should be borne in mind that sustainability itself has three main components and if developments are to be seriously considered as sustainable then all three must be adequately addressed during procurement, design, construction and use phases of the projects.
These three pillars of sustainability are:

 

Social
Any scheme should meet the needs of individuals and considers their well being. In the context of construction this element of sustainability is usually least addressed. It covers a wide range of issues including health and safety, education and training, social inclusion and eradication of poverty.

 

Economic
This area relates to the importance of stable economic growth. It means working within the capacity of the natural environment and includes measures from fair and rewarding employment to competition and trade.

This is the most immediately recognised category and is the one most usually discussed in relation to construction projects. This element is concerned with protecting and conserving both bio-diversity and environment by reducing waste, preventing pollution and conserving natural resources (water, energy, etc).

Considerations
In order for us to "embed" sustainability into projects together with, where appropriate, renewable energy techniques these issues must be considered at all stages.
Identifying strategic opportunities for company growth, and utilising/developing other strengths in the field of sustainability.

Efficient delivery of projects from briefing through to completion and user analysis
Generate connections with other organisations to be at the forefront of thinking and implementation.
Producing designs that demonstrate the power and beauty of the built environment and install pride in us as designers and trill the users. Delivery of Quality Architecture..

Stroma Design - Environmental Policy

 

 

Stroma Design is committed to operating its business to the highest environmental standards and in undertaking architectural commissions to positively influence the environmental impact of the resultant built projects.

This policy is lead by the Directors and represents a key business objective. The responsibility for implementing the policy is shared but it is coordinated by Robin Parker in his capacity in charge of sustainability awareness.

The procedures specific to the implementation of this policy are contained within the QA documentation. These set out environmental objectives and targets for implementing the policy in practice.
Stoma Design will ensure that the policy is understood, implemented and maintained at all levels within the company, appropriate training will be offered and sufficient resource allocated to ensure that this happens in practice. Feedback is welcomed and encouraged.

 

The policy is formally reviewed annually to take account of changing circumstances and audited to ensure that implementation is effective and continual improvement achieved.

ENVIRONMENTAL TARGETS FOR 2008
PROJECTS
Targets

• Access each client's attitude to Environmental issues.
• Raise the profile of Environmental issues with the Design Team.
• Manage the Design Process such that the client's environmental ambitions are achieved or exceeded.
• Achieve compliance with legislative environmental controls as a minimum. Audit that these objectives are met.
• Review policy and targets so as to continually improve.

STROMA DESIGN OWN ACTIVITIES

Targets
Assess the current Environment impacts through:

• Purchase (Quantity and Type) of consumables
• Use of fuel and power
• Discharge of effluent and pollutants
• Disposal of waste
• Transport to work and site
• Achieve compliance with Legislative Environmental controls as a minimum
• Set targets for the reduction of impacts from these activities.
• Monitor against these targets
• Review policy and targets so as to continually improve.

Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM

The most cost effective method of constructing sustainable buildings or developments is to implement a Code level at the design process. This greatly reduces the financial implications of achieving sustainability after the dwelling is built and can be achieved with Stroma Design.

A RIBA Chartered Architectural practice, Stroma Design delivers advice and assessment in relation to Code for Sustainable Homes. Including:

Strategic Advice

Design Advice

Design Stage Assessment

Post Construction Stage Assessment

 

BREEAM Assessments

Stroma are able to provide BREEAM assessments for all of the building categories required alongside Eco-homes and the Code for Sustainable Homes.
The BREEAM assessments categories are:

* Schools
* Retail
* Offices
* Prisons
* Multi-residential
* Industrial
* Courts
* Bespoke

Our sustainable development (Stroma Design) is now vitally important because of concerns about global climate change and environment deterioration.
We all share a responsibility to create sustainable communities and developments that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable for future successive generations.