xsite blog

9Bar Coffee

2012-02-24T11:19:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Adrian...

The much anticipated second installment of our recent collaboration with Gusto UK and Reluctant Hero at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle is now up and running. 9Bar is a compact little, contemporary, Italian influenced cafe - a sort of Bar Italia for Grey Street.

The small unit on the South side of the Theatre's famous portico was stripped back to expose the base stone and brick wall finishes and a terrazzo floor. The fit out then gave centre stage to Reluctant Hero's graphic work and the brand they created for 9Bar Coffee, the result is the visual equivalent of a double espresso.

Click image to enlarge...

Redcar Hub Steelwork

2012-02-21T16:17:00.001Z

Today's xsite is Nita...

Steelwork for the Redcar Hub is now progressing at a pace on site - this lot was up in about 10 days! Steelwork should be complete in the next 3 weeks, this will be followed by flooring and blockwork on site.

The New Year

2012-01-19T14:55:00.001Z

Today's xsite is Adrian...

The New Year is well underway but we thought we’d start 2012 with images we’ve just received from Jill Tate of two of our stand out projects from 2011 : The Toffee Factory in Newcastle’s Ouseburn and the Waitrose Store in Jesmond, Newcastle.

Feedback has been great on both schemes and we’re also pretty chuffed with the end results.

There’s plenty in prospect for the forthcoming year with major projects already on site across the region and beyond as well as the smell of coffee roasting in our basement and the arrival of our own gallery / event space round the corner on Ouse St just in time for Spring. Watch this space!

Click on each image to enlarge...

Lord Mayor's Design Awards

2011-12-06T11:44:00.001Z

Today's xsite is Mal...

xsite's Georgian House Extension in the West End was the winner of the 'Residential' category award at the 2011 Newcastle Lord Mayor's Design Awards last night!

Click on image to expand...

Meanwhile on Ouse Street...

2011-11-26T11:11:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

xsite began taking a hammer to this garage on Ouse Street in Newcastle's Ouseburn valley this week. The first step to its demolition and the birth of a new venue for the valley. Watch this space... Literally!

Toffee Factory Practical Completion

2011-11-22T11:36:00.002Z

Today's xsite is Mal...

The Toffee Factory is three days from practical completion. All that remains are external light fittings, the tar spray chip finish to the courtyard and a few internal snags. The high gloss resin reception floor and corten reception desk remain under wraps until handover on Friday. We look forward to experiencing the building as users when we hold our practice conference there in a couple of weeks!

Toffee Factory behind the scenes

2011-11-17T17:59:00.003Z

Today's xsite is Mal...

A little sneak preview behind the scenes at the Toffee Factory for you...

Victorian Town House

2011-11-14T12:41:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Jane...

We have recently completed the conversion and refurbishment of two, two storey flats into a fully reinstated Victorian town house. The house, in Newcastle upon Tyne, overlooks the Leazes Moor and sits tranquil within the quiet environment enjoyed by this location.

Retaining many of the original features, a total refurbishment of all four floors has been carried out. Windows have been upgraded whilst retaining the original stained glass panels. Flooring, heating and sanitary fittings have all been upgraded and a contemporary basement apartment added. The kitchen area, fitted with bespoke oak furniture, gives access to a new breakfast terrace overlooking the rear garden.

Ouseburn Open Studios 2011

2011-11-08T15:37:00.004Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

This years Ouseburn Open Studios has come round once again, this year taking place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th of November, from 10am till 5pm each day. We will be opening our doors here at Foundry Lane Studios to let you see what everyone based in our building gets up to.

xsite are running tours of 'The Incidental Ouseburn', walking tours of the valley taking in art, architecture and the everyday in 'The Valley'... There will be a tour on both the Saturday and the Sunday leaving from Foundry Lane Studios at 12.30pm. If you work out how to use that new fandangled QR code stuff before coming along there will be additional elements of fun for you on the tour... Please email us to book a place at info@xsitearchitecture.co.uk

As well as touring and projecting our latest work around the building we will be cooking up another 'Pop-up Kitchen'. There will be cakes, biscuits and sweet treats for sale as well as Onion and Gruyere Tarts, tasty Leek Potato and Parsley Soup and Spanish Chorizo Stew to warm you up...

Amy Dover, xsite's latest Creative Resident, is transforming part of the building into a secret room, a hidden world of beast, birds and creatures, with lots of new works for sale. If you don't know her work have a look on her website, it is really beautiful...

Jill Tate, an architectural photographer, will be showing new work, with large and small scale prints and cards for sale. Alex Charrington will be showing new prints and studies from his studio space, as well as new web and graphics work from Morph Creative. Bubblegum Vegas will also be having a stall selling tattoo and 50s inspired jewellery and accessories... With lots going on all around our building and all the other venues around the Ouseburn it would be great to see you over the course of the weekend.

You can find out more about everything going on here on the Ouseburn Open Studios website.

Waitrose Jesmond Newcastle

2011-11-03T11:50:00.009Z

Today's xsite is Adrian...

The new xsite designed store for Waitrose in Jesmond, Newcastle opened its doors to the public yesterday. The completion of the 8,000sqft plus store with office and warehousing on its upper floors finally sees the old Osborne Road Garage site brought back into use. We think it’s a piece of contemporary retail architecture which gets on well with its neighbours, while the arrival of a blue chip national retailer in Jesmond’s neighbourhood shopping area should be a real asset to the City.

Chalton Street Apartments, London

2011-11-01T14:19:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Robin...

The apartment building near Kings Cross, London is rapidly approaching completion, with the windows fitted and timber and brick-slip cladding in place. Finishing details and the external works should be complete in the next couple of weeks, with four of the five flats being made available on the open market and currently generating interest. We’re excited to see our latest job in London nearing completion!

Changemakers

2011-10-28T10:41:00.000+01:00

Today's xsite is Nita...

xsite are pleased to be part of the Changemakers programme, which links businesses with young people between the ages of 17 and 25 to undertake joint projects over a 6 month time frame. Our project will focus on the Ouseburn, young people and regeneration. Project ideas so far include a chill out space, temporary art work, workshops with local young people and an arts festival.

Our changemaker is Alysia Todd, 17, who attends Newcastle College. She is passionate about drawing and would like to use this project to help other young people tap into their creative side.

Last week Alysia and myself attended a Changemakers residential in Chester with around 15 other young people and their representatives within the host organisations. It took me well out of my comfort zone (I hadn’t done role play since high school!) but was a lot of fun and a fantastic opportunity to meet some really interesting people.

For more information on Changemakers go to the link below and for more information on our Changemakers project watch this space!

www.changemakers.org.uk

Pasqualinos

2011-10-21T12:25:00.000+01:00

Today's xsite is Adrian...

Last month saw the opening of xsite’s latest project for the De Giorgi family’s Gusto Group. Having worked with Joe, Aldo and Cristina to design and deliver some of Newcastle’s best loved bars and restaurants over the last 10 years – Intermezzo, Popolo, Secco and Alvino’s – the latest to open is Pasqualinos in the City’s newly refurbished Theatre Royal. While the theatre itself has been returned to it’s original Edwardian splendour, the former box office on Market Street has been transformed into a contemporary Italian bar and kitchen, looking to break the mould again for food and drink in the city.

The interior is a collaboration between the client, xsite and Reluctant Hero, the Newcastle based creative studio responsible for the Pasqualinos brand. A retro-industrial, mid-century-Italian, cut and paste aesthetic runs throughout, from the vintage metal seats and galvanised steel cargo lights through to Reluctant Hero’s layered up ceiling artwork and the leather banquette and booth seating.

Showing admirable commitment to the cause team xsite have already made it our business to get fully acquainted with the food and cocktail menus - never off duty us!

Waitrose coming soon...

2011-10-06T13:53:00.001+01:00

Today's xsite is Adrian...

The xsite designed Waitrose store on Osborne Road in Jesmond, Newcastle is well on its way to completion and is due to open its doors on 2nd November. The prominent site, a former petrol station, had been derelict for a number of years and its redevelopment has been eagerly anticipated. The building will house offices and warehousing on its upper floors and at street level a convenient, neighborhood, kinda baby-sized Waitrose store.

We can’t wait.

Invisible Architectures Festival

2011-10-05T14:13:00.001+01:00

Today's xsite is Nita...

The Invisible Architectures Festival, curated by Will Schrimshaw, was held on 9-11 September. xsite designed and constructed the meeting point for the festival, a bright red stall which could be easily erected and taken down each day. xsite have worked with Will on the project since he joined us for a Creative Residency earlier in 2011.

Invisible Architectures featured a number of local and international artists, brought together by Will, and focused on the non-visual side of Newcastle’s city centre: sound, ants, textures and more... The events were free and open to the public. I participated in the Rhythymanalysis tour on the Saturday afternoon, a fascinating introduction to the concept of the ‘sound walk’. Over 2 hours we mapped the soundscape of Old Eldon Square, studied the way people moved through spaces and popped a balloon in an underpass to see how sound echoed within the space...

Overall the festival was a huge success and we hope to see it happening again in the future- bigger and better!

http://subliminalcity.co.uk/

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1803521@N22/pool/

New Artist in Residence

2011-09-20T15:21:00.000+01:00

Today's xsite is Anna...

We have a new Artist in Residence here at xsite. Amy Dover joined us at the beginning of the month and will be with us for 3 months. She is working on new illustrations and prints of her own and will also be getting involved in some projects with xsite. We are very glad to have her and her collection of taxidermy livening up a little corner of our studios.

Amy's work is beautifully executed pencil illustrations of man, beast and bird, often dark and macabre in nature. She is inspired by music, poetry and folklore and tackles subjects like death, humiliation and deceit. You can see more of her work on her website http://www.amydover.com/Home.html

Toffee Factory has Colour!

2011-09-02T13:20:00.001+01:00

Today's xsite is Mal...

The Toffee Factory is now 2 months from handover and the external envelope it almost complete. Green, red and pink cladding panels now adorn the Victorian brickwork and the embossed aluminium will shortly be applied to the stair tower. Inside, partitions are up and offices formed, the reception space is taking shape and the Biomass boiler is in.

For info on letting a space in the completed building visit www.toffeefactory.co.uk

Changemaker

2011-08-18T10:31:00.002+01:00

Today's xsite is Tim...

xsite have been awarded the chance to work with a Changemaker.

In short this a young person between 16 – 25 years old who is interested in developing leadership skills and working on a project in the Ouseburn with xsite over a period of six months.

We need to nominate three people to be considered for this by September 12^th and we are keen that they are local, enthusiastic and willing to be challenged. It represents a really exciting opportunity if you want to know more look at www.changemakers.org.uk for what might be expected of you and www.xsitearchitecture.co.uk for who we are. If you want to talk about it please contact Tim Bailey by email tim@xsitearchitecture.co.uk call on 0191 287 2161.

Invisible Architectures Festival

2011-08-12T14:16:00.000+01:00

Today's xsite is Anna...

Earlier this year, xsite hosted Will Schrimshaw, an artist-researcher, for a 3-month 'Creative Residency'. Will’s work focuses on environmental interaction and the invisible determinants of space and place. His current project examines the ‘invisible architectures’ and subliminal layers of the city.

This project presented a great opportunity for Will and xsite to work together and the result is a 3-day festival that will take place in September called ‘Invisible Architectures’. The festival will explore the invisible yet influential substrates of urban existence. Artists, architects and writers will explore the subtle, subliminal invisible layers of the city through guided tours, workshops, films showing at the Tyneside Cinema and participatory events.

Working with the artist, xsite have designed a temporary pavilion, to be located at Grey’s Monument, that will act as a base for the festival, an information point for visitors and a starting point for guided tours.

‘Invisible Architectures‘ will take place at and around Grey’s Monument, Newcastle-upon-Tyne from 9th – 11th September 2011.

For more information visit http://subliminalcity.co.uk/ and http://willschrimshaw.net/

Enchanted Chicken Coop

2011-08-03T14:09:00.000+01:00

Today's xsite is Anna...

One of our installations from last year's Enchanted Parks has found itself a new home, in the form of a chicken coop. xsite's first chicken related architecture...

'There was a House in the Woods' had been sitting unused for too long, so we decided to donate it to a worthy cause. Resulting in the chickens of the Ouseburn Farm finding themselves with a new house. They were all lounging around quite at home when I went to visit...

Toffee Factory Site Visit

2011-07-26T11:01:00.000+01:00

Today's xsite is Mal...

Foundry Lane Studios descended, en masse, on the Toffee Factory site on Friday lunchtime as a prelude to our summer BBQ. The scaffolding is largely down on Glasshouse Bridge revealing the new brickwork elevations in all their corbelled glory. The Sedum roof is planted (though it’s not too green as yet, the recent weather should give it a good kick-start...) and both stairs and first floor link bridge are in. A sample of the embossed aluminium cladding for the stair tower has arrived and it looks fantastic!

Colin Booth - Institute of Play

2011-07-12T14:12:00.001+01:00

Today's xsite is Anna...

'Institute of Play' an installation by Colin Booth is currently showing at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle, until the 2nd October 2011. Three different pieces are on show 'Institute of Play', 'Colony' and 'Streamline'. Beautifully crafted building blocks of different timbers form three different elements within the main exhibition room. Building blocks have historically had an important part in shaping the role of creative play. The act of building has inspired many sculptors, designers and architects. Architecture, particulary modernist architecture, is an important element in Colin Booth's work.

In partnership with us at xsite architecture, and Virtual NewcastleGateshead, a space has been created in a room next to the exhibition, where visitors can design their own moderist buildings using the computers provided. There is an exhibition of modernist buildings of Newcastle put together by xsite. There is also a huge floor mat of wooden building blocks to get to work with and a display of some beautiful Architectural Construction Toys. It is very much worth a visit...

Tim Bailey of xsite will be doing a public walkthough of the exhibition on Wednesday 20th July from 12.30pm - 1.30pm

Sea view

2011-07-07T10:35:00.002+01:00

Today's xsite is Anna...

We have just received new photographs by Jill Tate Photography of a private house project that was complete in Autumn last year. The house belongs to a private client, who wanted to utilise their views of the sea and create an open and contemporary family home.

Cakebook 2011

2011-06-28T13:54:00.000+01:00

Today's xsite is Anna...

We were involved with the EAT! festival again this year, helping to plan out the map for Cakebook earlier in the year and actually baking our own cake entry last weekend. We were joint Cakebook winners last year, so had hoped to retain our crown, but to no avail! The Farne Islands won in the end, the same team that we shared our crown with last year...

We baked, toasted, melted and iced a model of the Toffee Factory, one of our current projects on site in the Lower Ouseburn. It joined a giant map of the North East and Yorkshire, at Gibside, covered in other landmarks that people had created from cake... Here are a few photos of the cake creation process from start to finish...

The Redcar Hub starts on site

2011-06-23T09:51:00.000+01:00

Today's xsite is Nita...

The Redcar Hub will be a creative industries centre - lettable space for small to medium sized creative businesses in the area. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Regeneration commissioned the project as part of a wider strategy to help promote the growing creative industries sector in the region as well as regenerate the seafront.

After a lengthy process of asbestos removal we are happy to announce that work started on site last week, with main contractor Surgo Construction.

As you can see from the photos the existing building is in a bit of a state, having been derelict for several years. The original theatre has undergone several renovations throughout its life, serving as a bingo hall, fast food outlet and cinema, as well as a theatre. Once the few remaining original features are salvaged from the building for conservation by the Theatres Trust, it will be demolished, with construction of the new building scheduled to start in Autumn this year.

The new building will consist of 5 floors of office and studio space around an internal courtyard, with the ground floor accessible to the public. The front elevation will be fully glazed, featuring a colourful wave graphic.

We’re looking forward to posting more updates on the blog as construction progresses.

Toffee Factory Progress

2011-06-08T09:43:00.001+01:00

Today's xsite is Mal...

Construction at the Toffee Factory is moving on apace. Work is well underway on completion of the external envelope. The roof is watertight, external walls are framed out and half the windows are in. Brickwork is being laid to the Glasshouse Bridge elevation of the building, corbels and all. We’re excited about seeing the finished article in a couple of weeks time (corbels not building!) Scaffolding is down on the refreshed and repointed chimney while internally first fix of services is taking place.

Names for Bands

2011-06-02T09:58:00.000+01:00

Today's xsite is Nita...

A hobby that we have developed in the office over the past couple of years is to think up possible names for bands, often over a Friday afternoon drink at the Cumberland. There are so many bands out there who make great music but have pretty terrible names. And inspiration for band names can come from all sorts of quarters. Unfortunately, none of us are looking to start a band with this name any time soon, so we are blogging them in the hope they may amuse others. So, in no particular order, a selection of our favourite names:

The Revetments
The Grubby Cuffs
Crosstalk Attenuator
The Windemeres
Transition Roost
The Dawn Swarming
The Dead Prospects
Goats in Transit
Cluster Flat
Visual Contrast
Commando Socket

We didn’t properly check if any of these bands exist already, if we have inadvertently copied your band’s name sorry (and kudos!).

Timber apartments top-out in London

2011-05-27T13:29:00.001+01:00

Today's xsite is Robin...

The erection of the timber frame for an apartment development in Camden is now complete. The project is for five apartments just five minutes walk from Kings Cross Station. The narrow site is sandwiched between a 1930s apartments building and a secondary school, currently being redeveloped as part of the BSF programme (the steel frame on the pictures).

The scheme will be clad with a combination of brick-slips (London stock colour) and timber. Works are due to be completed later this summer.

FIRE!

2011-05-19T16:36:00.001+01:00

Today's xsite is Anna...

We've had a very dramatic day in the Ouseburn. On popping out to get lunch from Byker Morrison's we were faced with towering black clouds of smoke from the top of the hill. Some brave members of the office ran towards the flames to get a better look while others retreated to the office to make a 'fire' themed playlist... The Scrap yard was a blaze all day but looks like it is finally under control...

Winners!

2011-05-17T16:09:00.000+01:00

Today's xsite is Anna...

Thanks again to everyone who came along and took time to layout an idea of what might happen to the Ouseburn in the future. The judges have deliberated and the votes have been cast, we have decided to award four prizes on the basis of 'best ideas well executed'...

1st place _ Cable Car by Laura Bruton
2nd place _ The Cumberland Arms Zip Line 'cos that bank's a killer' by Andy Robson
3rd place _ Free Trade Flute Shoot by Leon Millar
4th place _ Chicken Museum by Pamela Duff

A 'hard hat' tour of the Toffee Factory site is the prize on offer to the lucky winners, as well as a pint on us at The Tyne pub afterwards...

Late Shows 2011

2011-05-16T13:55:00.001+01:00

Today's xsite is Anna...

Thank you very much to everyone who came to visit us over the course of The Late Shows weekend. The Design Challenge map is still in place and ready for judging, there were loads of ideas, models, suggestions and creations! Some sensible and some ridiculous... The winner will be announced shortly!

Toffee Factory update

2011-04-13T15:50:00.000+01:00

Today's xsite is Anna...

Work is progressing on site at The Toffee Factory. Steelwork for the new build second floor is currently going in along Glasshouse Bridge and Ouse Street. The top of the chimney is proving a good spot for photographing what's going on on site...

Sail away...

2011-04-06T16:45:00.000+01:00

Today's xsite is Anna...

Unfortunately we haven't been shortlisted for the Ullswater Yacht Club competition. The winner was announced last week as Cumbrian based practice Architects Plus. As the judging process is now over we thought we would show you a few images of our entry...

Micro offices completed

2011-03-31T10:10:00.000+01:00

Today's xsite is Robin...

The BohoOne Micro Offices are now completed and ready for occupying. The offices, constructed from red and white stained pallets and plywood, form four private office spaces within a larger office unit. Measuring 3 x 4 metres, the offices provide space for small startup companies to find their feet, as well as informal networking spaces around the units (to be occupied with bean bags, tables and chairs).

Refurbished house complete

2011-03-29T17:15:00.001+01:00

Today's xsite is Jane...

xsite completed this extension to a property in Gosforth last summer, and have just recently had it photographed by Jill Tate. The project provides a greatly increased floor area to the 1960s police house.

Work included a complete reconfiguration of the ground floor, new oak staircase and glass partition wall and an extended dining area to the rear of the house clad in Siberian larch. Reception rooms have been connected and opened up allowing full height views of the garden on entering the house, as well as opening up a large first floor bedroom into the roof space.

Micro offices

2011-03-18T11:20:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Nita...

Construction is now well underway for 4 ‘micro offices’ in the Boho One building in Middlesbrough. Made of timber pallets, these offices will sit in a staggered formation within a larger room. They will be let to smaller businesses, allowing them to share the larger space while maintaining some privacy.

As well as designing the fitout, xsite are also constructing the micro offices. Everyone from the office is getting involved, in a range of activities from designing, organising deliveries, hand balling, painting and building.

Last chance to see...

2011-03-18T11:14:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

Our latest exhibition, Jill Tate's photography show 'Still Light', is coming to an end if you haven't managed to have a look at it yet. Call in to xsite for a last look and a glass of wine on Thursday the 24th March from 6 - 8pm.

Extension complete

2011-03-08T16:39:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Mal...

xsite have reached practical completion on this Georgian house extension in the West End of Newcastle. The scheme included some internal renovation and alterations, an overhaul of the exterior and roof and making intelligent use of space for storage, within a remodelled rear yard. A 1960s single glazed porch was demolished and replaced by this ‘glass box’ addition to the property which opens out onto a raised patio.

Up the chimney

2011-03-03T11:40:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Mal...

There is a pretty good view of the site from the top of the Toffee Factory chimney...

Barbie the architect

2011-03-01T12:23:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

Barbie has been relaunched with a new career, at age 51, this time as an architect... Her new look includes thick black rimmed glasses, a drawing tube, in pink, a skyline printed dress, her hard hat and high heeled boots.

Her new look is the latest in Mattel's Barbie 'I Can Be' range, which has previously seen her become an astronaut, a ballerina and a surgeon. Mattel hope the launch will bring positive changes for the architecture world!

Toffee Factory site progress

2011-02-25T10:43:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Adrian...

Cleaning, repair and remodeling of the existing fabric is continuing and the 30 metre high chimney is now fully scaffolded; we're all keen to get up there and check out the view. Internally steelwork is being installed as the new second floor of the building starts to take shape.

Will Schrimshaw - Artist in Residence

2011-02-22T16:08:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

Will Schrimshaw is our new artist in residence; his residency officially began during the first week of February. Twice a year xsite offers artists the opportunity to be part of Foundry Lane Studios by taking up residency in house for 3mths.

Will is an artist-researcher from Wakefield, currently based in Newcastle upon Tyne. Often working with sound, his work focuses on environmental interaction and the invisible determinants of space and place. This work is carried out by means of earth, text and code. You can find out more about his work here: http://willschrimshaw.net/

While at Foundry Lane he is going to be working on a new project called Invisible Architectures. This project is aimed at bringing together artists, architects, writers and thinkers who are interested in the invisible aspects or layers of the city, whether this be its sonic, haptic, olfactory, thermic or electromagnetic qualities.

The intention is to invite people to lead workshops and participatory events that will happen as part of a weekend festival in Newcastle and be executed on foot, preferably in public spaces throughout the city. xsite will be working with Will to help develop the project, which we expect will come to fruition in early summer 2011.

RICS North East Renaissance Awards 2011

2011-02-21T11:26:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

We are very pleased to announce that we have received another award shortlisting for Bohouse. We have been short listed for the North East Renaissance Awards 2011 in the Residential catagory.

The catagory winners and the Project of the Year winner will be announced on Friday the 15th April at the Civic Centre in Newcastle.

Jill Tate photography exhibition

2011-02-18T13:36:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

We currently have an exhibition on in our gallery space that runs until the 24th March. Jill Tate is a professional photographer from the North East of England specialising in architecture, interiors and the built environment. There are a range of works on show and prints available to buy.

Ullswater Competition entry

2011-02-15T15:28:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

We have completed our competition entry for the Ullswater Yacht Club and sent it off. Chris from the office visited site a few weeks ago, and it's been a really good effort from everyone involved to put the submission together. I can't show you anything yet as it is an anonymous entry process.... So here's some site photos from a grey day in the Lakes...

Building Awards 2011 - Bohouse

2011-02-04T19:30:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

We are very pleased to announce that Bohouse, our Live Work scheme in Middlesbrough, has been shortlisted for the Building Awards 2011. We are one of five schemes in the 'Housing project of the Year' catagory. The awards take place on the 7th April at The Grosvenor House in London.

Bohouse is a scheme of 20no. Live/Work apartments for rent just north of Middlesbrough Railway Station and is the second building in the emerging regeneration led Bohozone. This area is adjacent to the Middlehaven land masterplanned by Alsop some years ago and has made a mark on the new economy of the town by colocating a digital business acceleration centre, Boho One with Platform Arts, artists’ studios and workshops with plans for further buildings generating new businesses and employment in the digital media and technology sector. Bohouse is the key residential 24 hour constituent part of this plan.

http://xsitearchitecture.blogspot.com/2010/11/bohouse.html see more...

The Redcar Hub

2011-01-31T14:07:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Nita...

Last week xsite took to the road with the Redcar Hub Business Development team to spread the word about the new opportunities the Redcar Hub will bring to the Teeside Creative sector. The building, designed by xsite, is only part of the picture; the Hub will also become a base for a growing network of creative businesses in the area. It will link in with other creative centres such as NeST in Barnard Castle and Boho One in Middlesbrough, both xsite projects. As well as lettable space, the Hub will also offer business support services, networking opportunities and digital links to help get new businesses off the ground and thriving within the region.

The photos below show the Pop-up Exhibition outside the Cleveland College of Art and Design in Hartlepool on Thursday and Guisborough town centre on Friday. LaunchPad’s exhibition truck is a bit like a customised caravan, featuring sliding and pop out elements which create an exhibition space.

Extending...

2011-01-26T11:02:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Mal...

We're nearing completion with this extension and renovation to a Georgian property just to the West of Newcastle City Centre. The extension is a small addition to the rear of the property, with floor to ceiling aluminium glazing and a large flat rooflight punctuating a flat lead roof. External areas, including a raised patio, will be finished in beautiful Northumbrian sandstone.

Toffee Factory on site

2011-01-25T15:41:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

Work continues on site at the Toffee Factory. Currently work to the existing building fabric and brickwork is going on, alongside work on the new slab and foundations at ground floor level. The design aims to retain and exploit the qualities of the existing brick structure while sensitively extending the building to provide 2600sqm of office space.

Ullswater Yacht Club

2011-01-24T14:38:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

Ullswater Yacht Club have launched a competition to design a new clubhouse on their current site on the banks of Ullswater. Their site was badly flooded in 2009 so they are looking for a new building as well as a new approach to the changing levels of the lake. Submission is on the 15th February, so design is underway in the office...

New Year's Resolutions

2011-01-12T15:12:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

We've been discussing our resolutions for the coming year, prompted by Nita's sisters resolution to buy shares in a racehorse, so here are our best efforts:

Nita _ Learn to make perfect poached eggs and walk the cat on a lead (carry over from last year).
Anna _ Play the lottery more seriously. Have a tidy allotment with aubergines.
Mal _ Make time to read more, subject matters - fiction, architecture, understanding toddlers.
Tim _ Be on time.
Robin _ Cycle more, go to the dentist, and stop ‘snoozing’ in the morning (when the alarm clock rings).
Jane _ Don't shout at the children so much.
Gail _ Get fit and do more things for me.
Adrian _ Get no parking tickets and wear more ties.
Nikki _ Try to remember New Year's Resolutions. Be more organised. See the sunrise more often.
Chris _ Say 'yes' to more opportunities (within reason), a bit like Jim Carey in that film...
Rowena _ Go to zumba classes once a week.
Nicola _ To make time.
Carol _ Start running again and do a half marathon.

I'll keep you posted how we get on...

2011

2011-01-06T12:08:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Tim...

Happy New Year.

After an enjoyable break we are all back in looking forward to the challenges of 2011. By all accounts there are going to be a few, but we are recharged and ready to apply our best creative thinking to new projects and new opportunities.

All the best to you for the New Year and look forward to working with you on something exciting.

Cheers.

Toffee Factory

2010-12-21T15:03:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Adrian...

xsite’s redevelopment of the Toffee Factory building in Newcastle’s Ouseburn for 1NG is now well underway. Looking a bit more like a Christmas card than a building site, the Victorian factory building has been stripped back to its red brick essentials and 2011 will see it reinvented as office and studio accommodation for the Creative Industries Sector.

Enchanted Parks is live

2010-12-09T15:21:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Robin...

Enchanted Parks 2010 is now open and continues till Sunday. Included are two pieces by xsite; 'There Was a House in the Woods...' depicts a fairy-tale crooked house in a woodland setting emitting an inviting glow but with a slightly darker twist, furniture made from books offers a place for visitors to stop and put their feet up whilst being told a story by the furniture itself!

Enchanted Parks 2010

2010-12-08T09:32:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

Both of our entires for Enchanted Parks are nearly complete... There are still a few tickets left if you want to go...

http://www.newcastlegateshead.com/site/whats-on/enchanted-parks-p514221#ProductList-/site/whats-on/enchanted-parks-p514221

Movember is over

2010-12-01T16:20:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Robin...

Movember is now officially over; thanks to all those who donated and enabled the xsite trio to raise £547 (and counting) for The Prostate Cancer Charity! Any last minute donations are welcome (link http://uk.movember.com/mospace/594440/ ), and see below the final Movember photo-shoot:

Ouseburn Open Studios

2010-11-27T13:05:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

Come and have sausage stew, butternut squash tagine, tomato soup and loads of cakes... And see some interesting work from everyone in the building! It's very snowy but we're all here...

The Spooky House

2010-11-25T11:38:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

We have two installations in this year's Enchanted Parks. They will be part of a series of installations on show in Saltwell Park, Gatehead, from the 8th December. The theme this year is storytelling and fairy tales. Our other piece is a collection of furniture made from books, which tells you a story when you take a seat...

Ouseburn Open Studios 2010

2010-11-23T12:08:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

The Ouseburn Open Studios has come round again. We will be opening our doors, along with other studios based in and around the Ouseburn all weekend.

We're open 10am - 5 pm Saturday and Sunday. There will be current xsite projects on show including The Toffee Factory, The Hub in Redcar and Bohouse in Middlesbrough as well as our two entries for this years Enchanted Parks. The xsite 'pop-up kitchen' will also be making its debut with cakes, stews and soups to keep you going...

Also in the building painter Alex Charrington will be opening his studio all weekend, view projects from Morph Creative, DGB Events and our new studio holder Jill Tate, a photographer specialising in architecture and interiors. Current Creative resident Jo Ray will be presenting her new work and we welcome Will Scrimshaw, an artist-researcher whose work focuses on sound and environmental interaction.

To find out more information and look at other venues involved visit: http://www.ouseburnopenstudios.org/

Bohouse

2010-11-17T11:14:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

We've just received some new photos we had commissioned by Jill Tate who hot desks in our office... http://www.jilltate.com/

Bohouse is a development of 20 Live/Work units in Middlesbrough, which was recently completed in August 2010. The Live/Work scheme provides dedicated workspace within 1 and 2 bedroom apartments of different sizes and configurations within the building.

The scheme forms part of the Boho masterplan, an ongoing project to develop the area of Middlesbrough immediately West of Middlehaven. Bohouse is xsite's second complete scheme in the area after Boho One immediately next door.

You can see more information and photos on our website http://www.xsitearchitecture.co.uk/portfolio/boho2/index.htm

Movember

2010-11-15T13:03:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Nita...

Well, we’re halfway through and the three mos are coming on nicely. Still accepting donations for the team at http://uk.movember.com/mospace/594440/ . Best is yet to come, rumour has it that the late November moustaches will be sculpted for added value. Watch this space for more moustache action!

Northern Stages

2010-11-15T12:55:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

We received an art commission from Northern Stage a few weeks ago that is now complete... Northern Stage celebrated their 40th birthday this year and wanted us to create 'something special' for them to give to all involved as a thank you.

The piece became a collection of 20 postcards with various illustrations depicting the years artists and events involved. We designed and cut out all 2000 of them...our patience levels are much higher now. They were then bound with string, a tag, a match, a candle and some sandpaper and vacuum packed...

All 100 of them...

We are 10!

2010-11-10T10:54:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna ...

We celebrated our birthday in the appropriate fashion with tons of food, an amazing cake, two bands, a fiddle, two bars, a massive disco ball, a customised cocktail, a basement that looked like a really bad nightclub and a drawing office that looked like a banqueting hall...

It went on till the early hours...

and everyone had a very good time...

Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with us...

Movember

2010-11-02T17:33:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Robin...

Mal, Tim and Robin shall be taking part in Movember, each growing a moustache during November to raise money for The Prostate Cancer Charity (TPCC). The team profile is available at http://uk.movember.com/mospace/594440/ - check it out, any donations will be warmly received.

See below pictures of the team in their clean shaven state on the first of this month. Final Movember moustache images will be uploaded at the end of the month.

10 today

2010-11-01T11:31:00.000Z

Today's xsite is Anna...

xsite was born 10 years ago today. It was just Tim sat in his back bedroom at first, but a swift move to an office above the Tyneside Cinema a month later and everything began...

The New Blog

2010-10-11T12:03:00.000+01:00

Today's xsite is Robin...

Welcome to the new xsite blog! Architecture, culture, office life, compound word of the week, baking tips or whatever takes our fancy!