RHA_Developer_Brochure_161019_small

w: www.roberthirschfield.com
e: studio@roberthirschfield.com
t: O2O 7435 6O39

Of all forms of art, architecture offers man the
answers to his immediate and legitimate everyday
needs. It is a framework of life and practising it allows
us to design whilst respecting the natural world and
the place of man within it.
Robert Hirschfield Architects is interested in
the aesthetic and functionality of materials, of
maximising the light and volume within the spaces
we create, and to provide imaginative and costeffective
solutions to the challenges presented by
every brief.
We are an innovative architectural practice and we
will bring our knowledge of structure and form to
explore your project. We would like to re-tell the
story, re-interpret the site and re-visualise the
uniqueness of the design.
www.roberthirschfield.com

Maximising Development Potential
We understand the development value in gaining planning
permission with context-sensitive, socially responsive and
culturally relevant architecture.
Right and below: Planning gain
unlocks the full value of a site
RHA has a strong track record of successful planning
applications which unlock precious extra internal areas
to seal a development’s optimum commercial and
accommodation potential.
As such, our work adds a premium return on any
development investment, always mindful of budget and
boosting viability.

Values and Principles
Our aim is to explore and understand a client’s objectives and
aspirations so we can create buildings appropriate for their
end user.
Right and below: Context driven
design acts as a stimulant for the
sense of discovery
Our core principle is adding value to property through
exemplary architecture. This is grounded in a fundamental
understanding of the technical, financial and practical issues
which ensures that our designs are viable and deliverable.
What sets us apart is that we have a track record of
building positive working relationships with our clients and
consultants. A large portion of our work comes from repeat
business and referral demonstrating the value that clients
place on our work.

Feasibility Studies
Most projects start with a Feasibility Study. This is a good
way of teasing out the details of the client’s requirements as
well as testing the obvious issues of cost, buildability and the
likelihood of getting the necessary permissions for the work.
Right and below: The constraints and
shape of a site can contribute to the
form and shape of the building
The best feasibility studies are completed in close
cooperation with the client. This is a vital stage of developing
a workable brief and setting the parameters for the project
that will allow it to develop into a reality.
The starting point of any Feasibility Study is the detailed
understanding of the history and cultural significance of the
building, its setting and its contents. Once the nature of the
site is properly appreciated then the requirements of the
brief can be tested against the possibilities and constraints
that the site offers.
This may result in the modification or refinement of the brief
but should ensure that any proposals are genuinely feasible.
This means that they achieve planning and listed building
consent and will comply with the available budget.

Design Approach
The practice has established a diverse portfolio working with
developers, private residential clients and gallery owners as
well as undertaken several installation based projects.
Each of our projects is unique, tailored to brief, budget
and location. Our design philosophy is to treat each project
as a response to the client’s aspirations and end-user
requirements.
In preference to a house ‘style’, RHA has a clear ‘philosophy’
that expresses a shared approach to design. We aim to
achieve a unique and appropriate solution for each project,
inspired by the site, brief and client.
Right: Architecture as a
framework of life
Below: Designs may be
diverse, potent and expressive
but always dynamic in their
response to use and space
© Matt Clayton
Guided by this philosophy, we approach design with
intellectual rigour and passion, to produce spaces and ideas
that are eminently practical and emotionally uplifting.

Concept and Process
Architecture is a team-working process. We believe that the
relationship between client and architect is fundamental, and
the establishment of a professional and trusting relationship
between the two is the bedrock of every successful project.
Architectural concepts are our way of responding to the
design situation presented to us. They are a means of
translating the design problem into a physical manifestation.
What makes RHA stand out are the innovative strategies
which we bring to the consultation process, encouraging
everybody to think creatively. We find this generates
excitement and a will for the project to succeed.
Right: Diagrams form a vital tool to
quickly explore and convey ideas
Bottom-left: Physical models aid the
design process
Bottom-right: Rendered visuals
provide a realistic representation of
the design

Conservation
Robert Hirschfield Architects is a leading advocate for
remodelling and radically transforming old buildings for
modern uses. The practice does this in ways that reveal what
buildings from different eras mean to us today.
Based in London, a city of historical context with modern
needs and demands, RHA enthusiastically embraces an
architecture of change by juxatposing contemporary
elements with original features of existing buildings to create
exciting and dynamic new used.
Right: Organising the existing and new
elements to make a coherent whole
Below: Spaces can be rebalanced by
integrating thoughtful interventions
© David Grandorge
From concept through to completion, varied experience
allows the studio to approach projects across a range of
sectors. The practice also has specialist experience in the
challenges of working with listed buildings and within
conservation areas.
At RHA, architectural conservation is seen as an integral part
of the practice of architecture. Where necessary, the practice
seeks to implement the conservation, adaptation, restoration,
protection and rehabilitation of sites which, because of their
architectural merit and/or historical significance, form part
of the heritage of our built environment.
Robert Hirschfield is a registered RIBA Conservation
Registrant and is able to demonstrate good working and
background knowledge of key aspects of conservation
practice, principles and philosophy. He is experienced with on
site delivery of construction projects.

Case Study 1: Galleria
This is a current development in which we are proposing to
combine two buildings in the St James’s conservation area to
create an extensive art gallery housing exhibition areas with
supporting offices and ancillary facilities.
The proposals also involve the demolition and rebuilding of
the top floor mansard, in addition to a new lift core to the
rear elevation of the property, which would serve the entire
six floors of the extended building height. The properties
would also be linked at lower ground level via existing vault
spaces.
Right: Sensitive façade analysis was
required to achieve planning consent
Bottom-left: The gallery spaces are
linked below ground through the
existing vault spaces
Bottom-right: Flexible hanging
arrangements are made possible
through the use of sliding screens
Integral to the scheme is the intention to create new
residential accommodation on the upper floors. The top
floor apartment will feature roof terraces offering panoramic
views.
Sliding walls were designed to provide flexible gallery space
and storage facilities. Circulation is a key consideration
when designing for visual art spaces - allowing a tantalising
glimpse of what lies beyond or above, acts as a stimulant for
the individual observer’s sense of discovery.
Construction cost £5 to 10m
Commissioned by Private Client
in 2014 (ongoing)
The scheme has recently been granted full planning
permission by Westminster City Council.

Case Study 2: Bath Court
Purpose built student accommodation is currently being
constructed in Central Birmingham close to all of the city’s higher
education institutions. The prominent corner location acts as a
‘gateway’ into the city centre and utilises a deep triangular plan
with the accommodation occupying the perimeter of the site.
Below: The proposed ceramic
façade would have depth and
a tactile quality reminiscent of
the historic swimming baths
associated with the area
The prominent 100m street frontage wraps itself around two
sides of the site and the lower level is to be anchored by a
new retail unit, gym, communal social space and silent study
areas, which will animate the street frontage and increase
the pedestrian footfall in what is currently a predominantly
vehicular thoroughfare. The upper levels provide apartment
accommodation for 430 students.
To the rear, a large landscaped raised terrace provides external
space for the students and a central light well allows natural light
deep into the building.
Planning consent was granted in February 2015 and construction
has now commenced on site due for completion in August 2018.
Construction cost £20m
Commissioned by Private Developer
in 2013 (ongoing)

Case Study 3: Bloomsbury Apartments
Set within the Bloomsbury Conservation Area, the
upper floors of this pivotal period building in the heart
of Bloomsbury were remodelled to create generously
proportioned apartments all of which share dynamic street
views.
The traditional features of the apartment building were
restored and a modernist approach was applied to the
re-fitting of the bathrooms and kitchens where lightweight
materials and finishes give the apartments a more
contemporary feel.
Right: Local knowledge and careful
negotiation with the planning authorities
secured much higher densities than
thought possible, boosting the project’s
overall viability
Below: The project delivered high
quality, adaptable living spaces that
more than satisfied the needs of the
client’s target market
Construction cost £1m
Commissioned by Private Developer
in 2013 and completed in 2015

A
A
SCHEME 1 SECTION 1 : 200
Case Study 4: Ellipses
This was a challenging and interesting feasibility study for a
new building style and type. Situated in East London on what
could be described as a ‘public realm’ space, the location lies
at the intersection of a busy three road junction.
The constraints and shape of the site contributed to the form
and shape of the building which comprises a plane curve that
evolves from the intersection of a cone by a plane which in
turn produces a closed curve.
Right: The design for the residential units
anchors the building in its context
Below: Natural light and efficient layout
were the key factors in both plan and
section
The resulting elliptical shape allowed for excellent natural
light and ventilation internally, and enabled an efficient
layout of lift and stair cores, services and utilities.
The upper residential floors were stacked as in the form of
a ship’s prow and the ground floor level was designed with
commercial and community uses in mind.
Commissioned by Private Developer
in 2015
Flat 5
52 m2
Flat 1
68 m2
+ 18.00 m (Roof)
Flat 4
50 m2
+ 14.50 m L4 (Residential)
+ 11.25 m L3 (Residential)
+ 8.00 m L2 (Residential)
+ 4.50 m L1 (Residential)
Flat 3
58 m2
Flat 2
58 m2
+/- 0 m Gound level (Supermarket)
SECTION A-A
0M 5M 10M 15M

Delivery and Quality
Delivering a successful project is about working with the right
people. It is about negotiating skills, reliability, approachability
and problem-solving. For RHA, it also means giving a great
service.
We have been very impressed by their approach to design
and have enjoyed the iterative process of exploring all the
options. We have found their service to be exemplary and
have no doubt that this architectural practice will go on to
become an established force in years to come. It has, and
continues to be a pleasure working with them and we look
forward to continued future cooperation.
(Private Developer)
Right: Obsession with detailing is
a quest for perfection
Below: Coordination is key in
delivering high quality projects
© Tom Scott
We found RHA to be highly responsive to our needs and
concerns and they displayed critical knowledge during all
stages of the project.
(Private Client)
Architecture is about making spaces and places for people
and we make the most of a project’s resources and are able
to deliver high quality and cost effective solutions for our
clients.

About RHA
At Robert Hirschfield Architects, we enjoy architecture
because it presents us with opportunities for problem
solving, and expressing our own visual style towards
resolving challenges.
It is a fascinating complex art embracing form and
function, symbol and social purpose, technique and belief,
acknowledging that designs may be diverse, potent and
expressive but always dynamic in their response to use.
Right: Design based on creative
thinking and rigorous analysis
Bottom-left: Committed to
design quality
Bottom-right: Our projects
respond to their context
We also enjoy mentoring and recognise the importance
of teamwork in practice throughout the many stages of a
project.

Services
The practice offers a range of architectural services,
including the following:
• Preparing feasibility studies
• Developing preliminary and detailed design proposals
• Applying for planning and other statutory approvals
• Preparing construction information
• Obtaining tenders for projects
• Contract administration / Project Management
• Interior design
Within this range of services, the practice is fully
conversant with Listed Building and Conservation Area
issues.
RIBA London Practice of the Month

w: www.roberthirschfield.com
e: studio@roberthirschfield.com
t: O2O 7435 6O39