We are thrilled to have been named Architects Practice of the Year at Insider South West Property Awards 2021.
The judges were particularly impressed by our commitment to sustainability principles. Here are some of our 2021 highlights.
We became a Certified B Corp
In February 2021, we successfully achieved B Corp Certification, becoming the first large architecture practice to join a growing, purpose-driven community. It means we’re doing things differently; meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
We became a carbon neutral business
In April 2021, we became operationally carbon neutral. For several years, we have been making changes to our working practices and offices to drive down emissions in a sustainable way. Our data has been independently verified by The Future Economy Network and we have signed the United Nations’ Climate Neutral Now Pledge which is an ongoing commitment to measure, reduce, contribute to, and report on future progress.
Delivering nationally significant projects
As well as leading some important projects in the South West region, we have been working with clients on significant projects nationally, demonstrating the range and depth of our sector expertise:
- The Deaf Academy: A world-leading bespoke new school for Deaf young people.
- Gwynfaen: Innovative, ultra-low carbon housing development with great social value.
- Low Carbon Residences: One of the world’s largest low carbon Passivhaus student living developments for UWE, Bristol.
- 22 Handyside Street: Technically complex, and visually stunning, 3 storey office in King’s Cross, London.
- GICU, Southampton: A state-of-the-art general intensive care unit designed to improve patient wellbeing and promote faster recovery.
- NHS Nightingale Exeter: 116 bed Nightingale Hospital designed and delivered in 57 days as part of the national Covid-19 response, requiring exceptional collaboration and teamwork.
Investing in learning and development
In November 2020, we appointed Jo Ruston – Learning & Development Coordinator to lead a renewed emphasis on investing in tools and advanced training to enable our people to support our clients to deliver better and more sustainable buildings. Through Passivhaus, Life Cycle Assessment and Building with Nature methodologies, we can design demonstrably higher quality places for people and the planet.
Continual growth
As part of a strategy of gradual and controlled growth we moved up one place in the Architects Journal AJ100 ranking to 9th. We were also pleased to promote 33 people across our offices and disciplines.
Climate Action Relay
We saw COP26 as an opportunity for action. Not just for the countries and delegates attending. But for all of us to challenge what we, and what the construction industry, can do. With that in mind, we hosted the Climate Action Relay – an eight-week programme of free, public events seeking to drive knowledge exchange, best practice and positive action on the climate emergency. You can catch up with the webinars here.
Sinking House
The launch of Sinking House was a proud moment for us all at Stride Treglown. Dreamt up by our Head of Sustainability, Rob Delius – and delivered in partnership with Format Engineers, Anna Gillespie and Fifield Moss Carpentry – this powerful climate installation is a message of warning, and hope, to leaders gathering at COP26 and communities across the world to address the issues, reach for lifelines and act now against the intensifying threat of climate change.
Thank you to every one of the 348 people who have worked tirelessly to make this a stand out year for Stride Treglown.
