FORE STREET

This is an example of a small highly crafted project. Client collaboration and contractor interest made this a very enjoyable experience for all.

The clients had procured a local 'cowboy' builder to do some of the works to an Oriel window. We condemned their work and the clients were reimbursed.

A good team was hired to realise some really interesting detailing.

This front door has become a local landmark and is often remarked upon.

This was a refurbishment project and central to it's success was finding a suitable stair treatment or configuration.

The clients preferred choice was to remove the existing stair and replace it with a spiral.

We ruled this out on cost grounds, choosing to remodel the existing open riser Merranti stair, the result was better than anticipated and this central sculptural feature is a curvaceous contrast to the regular geometries that surround it.

The stair balustrade is stainless steel rope with stainless steel turnbuckles to add tension to the cables. These details are lifted straight from the yacht world.

The finned tube radiator is a detail from commercial projects. These radiators are usually in a trench, hidden beneath a grille.

CLIENT REMARKS

For us working with PDM was an extremely collaborative process, which is what we were hoping for in an architect. Phil was not prepared to be cowed by the stifling conventions of the latter day “vernacular”. Working within the confines set by the local “Preservation Society”, he was able to make bold design statements which made reference to the nautical history of the town. But he was also able to do this without creating crass hackneyed motifs.  

We had a fairly clear idea on how we wanted to proceed and at each turn Phil would steer us in a creative and functional direction which produced wonderful results. Each decision Phil made adhered to the core concept of creating space and light from a small and dark starting point. Phil has a tremendous sense of materials and works hard to ensure that the integrity of his design is enhanced with judicious and intelligent use of wood, glass and stainless steel.

We were on a very constrained budget and at no point did Phil take advantage of this, he always stuck to the original brief and was tireless in ensuring that we achieved the greatest artistic impact from ingenious detailing.

We hope that when we are in a position to do it, Phil will be given full creative license to design and build our dream home