JM architects have developed into one of the UK’s foremost architectural practices since its formation in 1962. They provide design services in architecture, master planning, urban planning, interior design, 3D visualization, and sustainability to both private and public sector clients. Following is a list of a few of the many wonderful projects by the firm:
1. Maggie’s St. Bartholomew’s, London by JM Architects
The building site is in the center of London, adjacent to the large courtyard of St. Bartholomew’s Hospital. Founded in Smithfield in the 12th century, the hospital is the oldest in London and was started at the same time as the St. Bartholomew the Great Church. While most all of the realized Maggie’s Centers have been horizontal buildings, the center at St Bartholomew’s is more vertical, sitting on the historically charged site.
The structure is a branching concrete frame, the inner layer is bamboo and the outer layer is matte white glass with colored glass fragments. The three-story center has an open curved staircase integral to the concrete frame with open spaces vertically lined in bamboo. The building tops out in a public roof garden with flowering trees open to a large room for yoga, Tai Chi, meetings, etc.
2. Alexander Graham Bell Centre, Moray College
This innovative design considers how the college working environment could be radically enhanced and learning can be made attractive by ideas drawn from different architectural sectors. The Alexander Graham Bell Centre is a new healthcare teaching facility forming an extension to the Moray College Campus in Elgin. The new facility provides a focal point for a range of health care learning, education, research, and enterprise activities.
3. Buccleuch Place, Meadow Lane Edinburgh
The vision of the project was to provide a variety of accommodation types, flexible to the needs of modern students, and sensitive to the historic context of the area. The high-quality refurbishment of the Grade ‘B’ listed buildings, returning them to residential use, together with the provision of new publicly accessible spaces has enhanced the area for students and residents alike. Low-carbon heating and power systems have integrated principles of sustainability into the scheme and all new build elements have been designed to BREEAM Excellent standards.
Sustainability features include the retention and re-use of many of the existing traditional materials such as sandstone walls and slate roofing. Wild-planted beds and biodiverse green roofs improve the ecological balance of the area, aid acoustic insulation, and privacy and improve water management through integration with a SUDS system of permeable paving and landscaping features.
4. Albert Halls, Bolton
JM architects were appointed as lead architects in an exciting proposal to remodel and upgrade this 1830’s grade II* listed building which sits within the Conservation Area of the town center. The improvements realized the aspirations of raising the building to a standard befitting its external and internal grandeur as a significant listed building. A full roof refurbishment was undertaken, with access and maintenance considered heavily. New walkways were installed to provide safe routes throughout. A new level access entrance and passenger lift have been provided, as well as bespoke room by room schemes to give an end product that is fitting of the buildings standing within the community
5. Stirling Cricket Club Pavilion by JM Architects
The building provides modern facilities for players, for changing and social occasions, and the distinctive roof form and elevations give the building great character and presence.
The clubhouse is manifest as a single storey rectangular building, asymmetrical along both of its main axes, a geometry emphasized by the distinctive form of its roof which itself draws upon the background hills for its silhouette. Deep eaves protect the clerestory windows that are fixed at a high level in each of the building’s smaller internal spaces, with views from the clubroom enhanced by the full height glazing to the two sides that address the pitches.
6. Africa House, London
Africa House, London by JM Architects has been transformed from a tired, outdated secondary office location to a state-of-the-art high specification prestigious office building. the building is Grade II Listed and is one of the most significant buildings in the Kingsway Conservation Area. While externally retaining its period characteristics, the building has been transformed to provide a new full-height atrium with scenic glass wall climbing lifts. The floors have been completely reconfigured around this atrium providing light, impressive office space.
7. Brimmond School, Aberdeen by JM Architects
A purpose-built community facility, designed to meet the demanding requirements of the modern curriculum. The 4500sqm facility provides 420 primaries and 80 nursery places as well as a special accommodation for visual support services. The classrooms are naturally ventilated and have large areas of glazing providing bright, healthy learning environments. Generous circulation spaces within the school double as shared informal learning spaces. The innovative design also features a range of outdoor provisions including a cycle, courts for basketball and netball in addition to an all-weather 3G sports pitch, an adventure playground, a sensory garden, and a woodland wildlife area. First-floor teaching spaces open out onto roof terraces which can be used as outdoor classrooms.
8. Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Car Park
A new seven-storey, 1270 space car park for Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with an envelope of perforated stainless steel. This building is the first that many patients encounter on their arrival at the hospital and hence leads to a positive impression and a warm welcome. This car park is a beautiful addition to the Royal Infirmary Campus and offers visitors and staff something more than just a place to leave their car.
9. Ten Hill Place Hotel
An extension to the existing Ten Hill Place Hotel by JM Architects to provide additional bedroom accommodation, enhanced and new bar lounge and restaurant areas, by extending into the adjacent property. The completed project has resulted in an enlarged reception area, new lounge areas, a new public bar, and new and enlarged restaurant facilities as well as a new kitchen alongside breakfast buffet areas, and five floors of new bedroom accommodation. The new Skyline Junior Suite on the top floor offers fantastic views across the Edinburgh skyline from the south side of The Pentlands through to and including Edinburgh Castle.
10. Bluebell Lane Health Centre, Huyton by JM Architects
Bluebell Lane Health Centre by JM Architects accommodating four GPs and a range of PCT services is one of the first primary care schemes to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and incorporates innovative systems to minimize its carbon footprint.
Blue Bell Lane was designed to show how the NHS can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and at the same time deliver a functional, landmark building with high visual impact that is affordable and value for money. Renewable energy provisions include solar hot water and air source heat pumps. The facilities are designed as an ‘all-electric building’ that reduces exposure to fuel cost variations and becomes zero carbon as the grid is de-carbonized.
