In the 12 years since it was established in 2000, David Long Architects has developed a reputation for both well-considered design and an ability to deliver a wide range of complex projects effectively and successfully.
This reputation is built upon energy, passion, flexible approach and an unswerving dedication to results of the highest standard, which exceed expectations.
Recently, the Practice has worked on some extremely interesting projects both in the UK and in France. In
St Germain-en-Laye on the west side of Paris, DLA received, in 2010, a commission to design a new family kitchen and dining room for a large listed private residence, called the Chinese Pavilion with a large, over-pitched roof, a classical interior and a wing on one side including a kitchen and a garage. The original kitchen was demolished and a new kitchen and dining suite constructed.
David Long said, “We worked with ABF in France, the French equivalent of English Heritage and came up with a proposal for a 5m x 5m dining suite with a glass roof, using translucent double glazed panels with a solar protection system from Southwall Technologies. The translucent box, supported from a lightweight steel frame concealed within the roof below provides diffuse daylight internally during the day and glow during the evening when in use. The glass panels with solar protection interlayer have proved extremely effective in keeping the room cool in very hot weather and controlling the amount of light entering the room. The solar protection coatings are applied to a thin layer of plastic which is set in tension in the middle of the air space of the double-glazed panel. The result is a double glazed panel that has the properties of a triple-glazed panel. The all glass design of the roof was inspired by a glass roof at the Musee de Louvre over an underground atrium that is capable of withstanding the weight of a lorry, designed by Brunet Saunier.”
The structure reveals itself on the garden elevation to provide support for external blinds to provide shade for external dining, and the garden elevation is fully glazed with folding and sliding screens which open fully in summer to allow internal and external spaces to work together. The Shada glass panels were manufactured in London and installed by Vaspa of London using a crane. The internal work was then finished by a French contractor.
In the UK, one of the most interesting is Compton’s Bow Lane, which achieved Code 4 for Sustainable Homes. The site was occupied by a nineteenth century warehouse building, and is situated in a predominantly post-war suburb of Horsham. David Long’s proposal was for three low energy houses, making use of steep southwest facing roof pitched for renewable energy generation, impressive air tightness and insulation levels, and whole house ventilation with heat recovery. The Chairman of Horsham Borough’s Planning Committee noted at the planning committee meeting, as he supported the application, that it was the first time a private developer has produced a Code 4 scheme voluntarily.
David added, “This was a relatively straightforward project for us. It is vitally important that we demystify this area. All of the components are readily available and these projects are relatively straightforward providing that you have the right know-how.
A cost analysis has shown that it only costs around £10,000 to work to Code 4 rather than Code 3, giving a pay-back of just 5-6 years.”
For further information please telephone 0208 533 5555 or visit www.dlaltd.com
