projects summary1996 - 2009

CHARLES L. OLSENBA (Hons) Dip (Arch) Oxford RIBA

UK registered architect

V01 : 02.16.10

V01 - 02.10.10

CONTENTS masterplan mixed useworkplaceresidentialrefurbishment interiors retail culture & sporteducation / healthcare

masterplan

NEC Birmingham, UK

Expansion proposals for a large exhibition centre site propos-ing new, site specific but flexible building typologies.

competition entry 2005

Stratford Town Centre, London E15

A large masterplan and design project to improve and re-enliven an existing town centre. The proposals sought to repair a the piece meal and disjointed centre by providing active frontages to areas currently occupied by the car and expanding an existing shopping centre and expanding local populations creating a critical mixed use mass.

outline design 2007

London Southbank University, London SE1

Initial masterplan over view of the campus to allow ongoing approval of development opportunities - masterplan led to later commission for a singular building considered as part of the masterplan

feasibility masterplan 2004

Chelsea Barracks, London SW1

Confidential masterplan plan for a delicate intervention into an historic and residential area in London. Key aspirations included improved permeability , the creation an improved residential outlook, public open space with a communal focus.

competition entry 2009

Goodman’s Fields, London E1

A high density urban neighbourhood incorporating a new life for an impermeable 7 acre site at the edge of the City of London. The scheme sought to provide new and needed open space located to offer new uses and spaces to serve the existing and new community.

planning submission 2008

Hungerford Footbridges, London

£20m project linking the north and south of the Thames via two 300m pedestrian footbridges hung either side of an existing rail bridge. The link opens up improved access to the cultural centre at the South Bank with the West End and offers, now world famous, views of the River and London

opened 2002

mixed use

Stratford Town Centre, London E15

1.5million sqft masterplan consisting;

• 900 residential units• 150 new car parking spaces• 370,000 sqft retail• 21,000 sqft leisure space• 50,000 sqft hotel• 11,000 sqft restaurant• 9,000 sqft community uses

outline design 2007

Chelsea Barracks, London SW1

Confidential masterplan plan consisting:

• luxury market and affordable housing• retail• commercial• community uses• sports• healthcare

competition entry 2009

Goodman’s Fields, London E1

1.7million sqft masterplan consisting; • 825 residential units• 300 hotel rooms• 650 student rooms• primary care centre• flexible commercial / workshop / retail space• 2.5 acres of public open space• 1.8 acres of communal open space

planning submission 2008

Doon Street development, London SE1

650,000 sqft consisting:

• 86,000 sqft sports and leisure consisting: 25m x 8 lane swimming pool, gym, fitness studios, multipurpose sports hall, health spa....• 82,000 sqft office / education • 360 residential units• 39,000 sqft cultural (Rambert Dance Company)• 20,000 sqft public realm improvements

planning approval 2009

46 Blackfriars Road, London SE1

250,000 sqft consisting;

• 134 market residential units• 64 affordable housing units• 35,000 sqft office space• 3,000 sqft retail space

planning submission (withheld) 2007

The Charlotte Building, London W1

A new high specification office with bespoke cladding de-signed to tend to technical and aesthetic criteria of this tight urban site. Again this building has benefitted from the experi-ence and development in low energy systems and the urge to provide user friendly and controlled environments.

completed 2009

20 Soho Square, London W1

Extensive refurbishment and extension of an existing steel framed building. Low energy cooling is weaved into the exist-ing fabric to maximise floor to ceiling heights, whilst new cores and extensions optimise open plan office space and ‘clear’ the floor plans of obstructions.

completed 2002

Davidson Building, London W1

The combination of structure, service and architecture come together to create a building of simplicity. A low energy displacement ventilation system is aided by the atrium buffer zone, low solar gain through orientation and passive shading and the exposed insitu concrete frame. Exposed mass controls temperature swings by absorbing heat during the day which is purged at night time using outside air ready for the next day.

completed 2003

Brikbeck College, London W1

The refurbishment of an existing education building into sim-ple open plan office / education space. The deign solutions focused on the provision of simple low tech HVAC systems whilst maximising floor to ceiling heights.

completed 2004

CAE Electronics, Burgess Hill, Sussex UK

A low energy office scheme utilising existing pre cast concrete systems to create long span open plan space with the ability for easy cellularisation. Careful control of solar gain, natural lighting and indirect artificial lighting were imperative to create a comfortable interior environment.

completed 1999

Wedge House, London SE1

A new 80,000 sqft office building with a low energy ventilation system and carefully designed facade to facilitate solar control. The facade treatment combines external shading with high performance glazing that reduces the need and provision of cooling. The building offers high occupancy comfort with low energy demands

tendered 2009

workplace

residential

2012 Olympics Athletes Village, London E15

The key to the design of these buildings is legacy. Whilst designs must suit Olympic requirements the ability to prepare sellable and valuable residential units is key. Working within a well defined masterplan and design code to tight (if not im-movable timescales) the building designs developed through construction techniques, tight budgets and clear value advice from agents and the client

under construction 2009

Stratford Town Centre, London E15

1000 units over an extended shopping mall, courtyards are proposed at third floor above a shopping centre and car parking. Residential areas are visible from street level through glimpses of the courtyards above to create a more complex town centre of connectivity and permeability.

outline design 2007

Goodman’s Fields, London E1

800 residential units are provided within an urban masterplan designed to improve outlook, permeability and connection to the locality. 6 very slender towers are integrated into courtyard blocks, sharing lifts and services keep overall costs to a mini-mum whilst providing key urban markers and providing value through accommodation at high level.

planning submission 2008

Doon Street development, London SE1

380 high rise luxury apartments incorporated with low rise market units (potentially affordable) and community uses. Layouts of structure and cores enable flexibility in the plan to attend to changing unit mixes whilst maximising views and daylighting.

planning approval 2009

Chelsea Barracks, London SW1

Luxury apartment development for the international market incorporating houses, penthouse apartments as well as afford-able housing and community provisions competition entry 2009

Paris Garden, London SE1

Developed on a very narrow site and facing an existing church yard the building fits tightly onto its site and maximises density. 85 affordable units are proposed as off site provision for nearby market developments by the same client. Tight budgets were adhered to through the use of natural, robust materials that age well and limit maintenance requirements

planning submission 2002 (withheld to suit other site pro-grams)

refurbishment

Tower House, London W1

Extensive refurbishment of an existing steel framed, Portland Stone and Glazed Terracotta clad building. Significant repair work was undertaken to the facades as well as the overhauling of the existing steel windows. Internal works included a new core and services distribution network to provide raised access floors and ceiling mounted fan coil units.

completed 2003

Birkbeck College, London W1

A refurbishment of a 1950’s university building in centriole London including extensive internal re-planning, new cores, lifts and HVAC strategy. External facades were cleaned and repaired in conjunction with remodelling of the existing entrance facade to provide improved presentation and street presence

completed 2004

20 Soho Square, London W1

An office refurbishment including the upgrading and exten-sion of all areas of the existing steel framed building. A new low energy HVAC system was installed within the existing structure to maximise head room. External facades, windows and con-cealed shading awnings were refurbished and repaired.

completed 2002

Liberty Department Store, London W1

Internal refurbishment of a Grade II* listed building and interior including proposals for new HVAC systems, extension and pos-sible roof top restaurant.

planning approval 2002

interiors

20 Soho Square reception

A simple use of natural materials (filled travertine marble) create an elegant entrance and transition space between the street and refurbished oval spiral stair and new lift shaft. A purpose designed reception desk is a focus within the space.

completed 2002

Harvey Nichols Restaurant, Manchester

Jet black granite flooring, contemporary classic furniture and spectacular but subtle lighting set the tone in the this restau-rant, brasserie and food market. The different functions are clearly defined by a strong linear plan and the light emanating from the translucent glass tanks and deep incision cut into the ceiling. The ceiling can be adjusted to any colour allowing the ambience of the space to be changed to suit the tome, season, mood and activity.

completed 2003

Davidson Building reception

This large, double height space, is set behind the retained facade. The room is designed to contain a number of pieces of ‘furniture’ including a leather clad lift core, soft padded leather reception desk and 6m long bench.

completed 2003

Harvey Nichols Restaurant, London

An eliptical space carved within the existing building shell, the restaurant marks the return of the grand dining room. Irides-cent rods line the walls and an elliptical glass dome, compris-ing a criss-cross pattern of sandblasted panels is inserted in the ceiling. Lighting is linked to a roof mounted photo synthesiser, which responds to exterior conditions creating a sequence of colours as day moves to night.

completed 2002

Tower House reception, London

The existing reception was increased in height exposing the existing lift shaft and circulation stair. Cold cathode lighting, and a back lit low iron glass reception desk create a changing appearance. The existing lift shaft is clad in a back polished plaster skin that is referenced on each floor level lobby.

completed 2002

retail

Harvey Nichols, Manchester

Jet black granite flooring, purpose designed furniture and subtle lighting set the tone in the food market linking it back to the other elements of the scheme (restaurant and bar) through a strong linear plan and visual links

completed 2003

Liberty Department Store, London W1

Refurbishment and extension of a grade II* listed building in the heart of London’s West End. A key element of the redevelopment is a new entrance and 5 story shop front facing Carnaby Street.

planning approval 2002

Stratford Town Centre, London E15

Part of a major mixed use Town centre scheme, the existing shopping centre is extended and improved incorporating existing buildings and creating much needed public realm improvements and extensions.

outline design 2007

Goodman’s Field, London E1

A major success of the masterplan is the extensive and com-pleteness of the active frontages to all building using retail, workshop and commercial spaces

planning application 2008

culture & sport

Rambert Dance Company HQ, London SE1

Part of the Doon Street Development, the building is the new head quarters of the Rambert Ballet Company and school. The buildings is designed as centre of dance, theatre and educa-tion

competition 2004

Doon Street development, London SE1

86,000 sqft sports and leisure consisting:25m x 8 lane swimming pool, gym, fitness studios, multipur-pose sports hall, health spa....

planning approval 2009

Jewish Community Centre, London NW3

A new community centre to cater for the London Jewish com-munity. The scheme consists of a new 3 storey building and public plaza.

planning approval 2009

Expo. 01, Switzerland

An exhibition complex of flexible space with in an inflatable exhibition tent moored on a lake and housing displays illustrat-ing the workings of the human body.

winning competition entry 2009

education / healthcare

London Southbank University London SE1

A new build primary care and student centre set within a set piece building incorporating the retained facade of a grade II listed chapel. The uses, generally conflicting, are carefully sepa-rated physically, acoustically and visually albeit within a singular building. The retained facades provide for a new entrance atrium for the primacy care centre.

tendered 2006 (project on hold)

Birkbeck College, London W1

A significant internal refurbishment, new M&E and an facade repair, clean and remodelling.

completed 2004

Great Dover Street, London SE1

New build student accommodation block and associated commercial development

planning application 2009