Mason Gillibrand are pleased to have completed an exciting and contemporary new build house in the heart of the Lune Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This planning approval was effectively for tandem development of a new-build house in the grounds of an existing property. Although the build form is traditional with pitched roofs and strong gable, the palette of materials used (ashlar random coursed stone, timber cladding and slate) harmonised with sleek contemporary glazed gables makes for a striking and very exciting...

When Notre Dame was engulfed in flames earlier this year, graphic news footage showing the partial destruction of this historic monument shocked people all over the world. And, as the smoke rose from the embers, talk turned to how the cathedral might be restored.

We’ve discussed the topic of restoring precious heritage buildings in MGA’s Soapbox before – most recently in relation to the restoration of the Glasgow School of Art. In the case of Notre Dame, its age and cultural importance weigh even more heavily on those who will d...

The best way to create an energy-efficient home that has running costs as low as its carbon emissions is to build ‘green’ technologies into the earliest design stages of a new build – as was showcased in a recent MGA project in the Lune Valley where the client was keen to prioritise energy-saving measures.

It’s important to consider the natural hierarchy of factors that contribute to energy performance:

1. Using less energy

2. Supplying energy more efficiently

3. Using renewable technologies

In this case, by specifying the...

Work will be commencing in the next few days on the renovation of a Grade II Listed former Inn in North Lancashire.

We have worked closely with our client and a team of consultants to gain listed building consent and conditional building regulations approval so that a local bulding company could be engaged to undertake the work which includes some careful conservation of existing stone work and the sympathetic updating of the interiors.

Standby for updates as the project progresses.

We are looking for applications from organised and enthusiastic individuals to join our friendly open plan office in Caton, near Lancaster, as an office Secretary / Administrator, assisting with exciting architectural project work.

How fantastic to read this recent review of the Winander Club at the recently completed Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa project. 

Mason Gillibrand Architects acted as Architects and lead consultant on the multi million pound redevelopment of the English Lakes hotel on the banks of Windermere. 

https://www.thequirkytraveller.com/review-winander-club-low-wood-bay-lake-district/ 

We are delighted to be able to report more awards for the MGA trophy cabinet. At the recent Lancaster and District Design Awards we were presented with an Award for our recently completed 'Greater Grater' Domestic project in Lancaster and a Commendation for a pair of new traditional new build cottages within the Slyne Conservation Area.

MGA Director and Project Architect Lee Donner was in attendance to recieve the awards:

"When the new owners of this unusual 1970s detached house, known locally as the cheese grater for its unortho...

 We are absolutely delighted with the results of our labours at the recently completed Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa on the banks of Windermere. The new state of the art spa and health club are already receiving great reviews.

I am sure you will agree that those views of Windermere from the spa takes some beating.

Review:

'Newly built areas stunning but very much in keeping with local environment.'

Above: The new luxury Winander Club building with stunning views and contemporary interiors.

Review:

'First impressions- wow! As we drove o...

A UK government committee on climate change has proposed banning the installation of mains gas in new homes by 2025.

The group has been tasked with looking at strategies that would enable the UK to meet its targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050 (based on 1990 levels). This initial proposal suggests equipping all new-build ‘countryside’ homes with central heating systems that use either electricity-powered air source or ground source heat pumps, as well as installing induction hobs rather than gas.

Bu...

In the 1930s when Britain was beefing up the country’s infrastructure to serve a growing urban population, planners were apt to take a single-minded approach to the march of progress. Nowhere was this more eloquently demonstrated than in the construction of Derbyshire’s Ladybower Reservoir.

As part of the push to establish a vast new water source to supply the rapidly expanding cities of Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, a decision was taken – against strong local opposition – to create a reservoir by flooding the Derw...