BCP Council
BCP Council - Civic Centre, Bourne Ave, Bournemouth BH2 6DY

15/10/2023

Dear Receiver,

Expression of Interest in Canford Heath Building contest

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Richard a registered RIBA architect, and I am writing to express my enthusiasm and interest in participating in the Canford Heath housing competition, as advertised by BCP Council. While I regret not having a specific contact name, I am eager to convey my practice’s dedication to this project.

R.D.M Architects, the firm I represent, is a residential architecture firm committed to creating sustainable and innovative solutions for the communities we serve. We were thrilled to come across the opportunity to contribute to the development of Canford Heath, and we believe our expertise aligns well with the goals of the project.

Allow me to introduce R.D.M Architects briefly. We specialize in sustainable architecture and community development with a strong focus on enhancing eco-awareness. Our team is renowned for its collaborative, community-centered approach and expertise in sustainable architecture. Our unwavering passion for sustainable design has been a driving force in our past endeavors, most notably exemplified by our successful project in Atlantis, where we not only addressed but effectively mitigated the issue of world hunger.

In response to the open call for proposals, we are eager to showcase our dedication to sustainability and our ability to integrate cutting-edge design with eco-friendly technologies. Our past experiences demonstrate our proficiency in delivering projects that not only meet but exceed expectations. The Canford Heath project is particularly appealing to us due to its alignment with our firm’s core values and goals. We are enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing our expertise in sustainable architecture to a project that shares our commitment to fostering eco-awareness. The emphasis on creating a vibrant and environmentally conscious living space in Canford Heath perfectly resonates with the principles that define R.D.M Architects.

We have conducted extensive research on both Canford Heath and BCP, and we are impressed by the vision and commitment to sustainable development demonstrated by the council. Our familiarity with the local context and our understanding of BCP’s objectives make us confident in our ability to contribute meaningfully to this endeavor.

We are excited about the prospect of participating in the proposals stage for the Canford Heath housing project. Our team is prepared to bring creative solutions, technical expertise, and a genuine passion for sustainable development to the table. We are confident that our collaborative approach and proven track record make us an ideal partner for this initiative.

R.D.M Architects is excited about the opportunity to be considered for the Canford Heath housing project. We look forward to the possibility of contributing to the vision set forth by the BCP and creating a sustainable, vibrant community in Canford Heath. Thank you for considering our expression of interest.

We are eager to discuss our proposal further and are available at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Mr R D. Mathe
R.D.M Architects is a RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) certified architectural firm committed to the pursuit of sustainable excellence in the design and creation of living spaces that harmonize with the natural environment. As graduates of the Arts University Bournemouth and members of the globally recognized RIBA, we channel our collective expertise into fostering innovative solutions that embody the principles of green architecture.

Our ethos is rooted in the belief that aWrchitecture should perpetuate a respectful dialogue with its surroundings, minimize environmental impact, and contribute positively to the wellbeing of its occupants and the broader ecosystem. We strive to break new ground with every project, amalgamating cutting-edge design with practical sustainability.

We believe the measure of our success lies not only in the aesthetic and functional merits of our designs but also in the extent to which they enrich and sustain the environment. Our approach to sustainability transcends mere compliance with standards; it involves a proactive engagement with the emergent technologies and materials that reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and promote the well-being of the community.






Founded by a close-knit team of architects, R.D.M Architects emerged from the artistic setting of the Arts University Bournemouth. The university’s vibrant creative atmosphere and emphasis on innovation instilled in us a courageous approach to design challenges. This environment fostered a shared vision to establish an architectural firm that would lead in the domain of sustainable practice.

Our team of architects holds a wealth of knowledge in various specialties within the field, yet our cornerstone lies in sustainable green architecture. Each member of our practice brings a unique perspective, yet we are united in our dedication to principles that prioritize the environment and sustainable living.

Over the years, R.D.M Architects has developed a robust portfolio of projects that showcase our commitment to ecological design. Our work ranges from residential communities to public infrastructures, each project infused with our ethos of responsibility to the environment. Our collaborative approach extends beyond the technical aspects of architecture, as we actively work with clients, stakeholders, and communities to create buildings that are both functional and inspirational.

We engage passionately with the latest developments in green technology, from renewable energy sourcing and efficient waste management systems to the employment of sustainable building materials and biophilic design principles. Our practice is dynamic, forever adapting to the latest research and innovations that serve the environment and our clients.

As leaders in the field of sustainable architecture, R.D.M Architects holds steadfast to the perspective that true architectural mastery is achieved when design and sustainability are indistinguishably intertwined. Our commitment to this vision shapes not only the landscapes we contribute to but also the legacy we aim to leave for future generations: one of conscious design and living in a better, greener world. Health and Safety
At R.D.M Architects, we place the utmost importance on health and safety in every facet of our work. We prioritize the well-being of both the workforce involved in the construction process and the eventual occupants of our designed spaces. Our firm employs rigorous safety protocols that adhere to and often exceed statutory regulations and industry standards.




















We begin by ensuring that our designs conceptually integrate safety measures. This includes specifying non-toxic, fire-resistant materials, implementing adequate means of egress, and designing for natural surveillance and security. Our meticulous planning phase includes comprehensive risk assessments where potential hazards are identified and mitigated.

Throughout the construction stage, we maintain a proactive stance on health and safety. We work closely with contractors to ensure that the construction sites are managed with diligence and attention to safe practices. Regular on-site reviews and audits are conducted to ensure continuous alignment with our stringent safety policies, and we swiftly address any issues that arise to prevent accidents and injuries.


Approach to Sustainability
Sustainability is not just a service — it’s the foundation upon which R.D.M Architects is built. We define sustainability as creating environments that are inherently resilient, resource-efficient, and harmonious with the natural world. Our approach integrates sustainable besWt practices throughout the project lifecycle, from concept to completion.




















ur methodology employs various sustainable strategies, including passive solar design, natural ventilation, energy and water efficient systems, and the use of renewable energy sources. Material selection follows strict eco-friendly criteria, prioritizing recycled, renewable, and low-impact resources that reduce the carbon footprint of our builds while enhancing the buildings’ performance.

R.D.M Architects is a champion of green technologies. We actively seek and implement innovations such as building-integrated photovoltaics, rainwater harvesting systems, and living green walls. Through design, we aim to reduce operational energy demand and ensure that our buildings contribute positively to the surrounding ecological context.


Social and Ethical Responsibility
Our commitment to ethical practice is fundamental. We maintain transparency with our clients and collaborators, ensuring that all stakeholders are treated fairly and equitably throughout the project’s development. Our firm is dedicated to the economic empowerment of the communities in which we work by supporting local labor and materials whenever possible.













We offer pro bono services to underserved communities and nonprofit organizations as part of our social responsibility. This enables us to contribute architectural expertise to causes that align with our firm’s values, helping to create accessible, safe, and sustainable buildings for those who need them most.

Post Occupancy Evaluation
Understanding the long-term impact of our architectural solutions is critical to R.D.M Architects. We engage in post-occupancy evaluations (POEs) to assess how our buildings perform and how they are used and experienced by occupants. This feedback loop informs our practice and fuels continuous improvement in our design process.













Our POEs involve both quantitative and qualitative measures. We collect data on energy consumption, indoor air quality, and thermal comfort, among other metrics. Alongside this, we gather feedback from the building’s users to understand their experiences and satisfaction levels regarding the space’s functionality and aesthetics.












These evaluations are not merely perfunctory checks; they are integral tools that allow us to validate and refine our sustainability strategies. The insights from POEs empower us to evolve our designs to be more responsive to human needs, environmentally responsible, and better performing over time. They are a testament to our commitment to delivering architecture that is both future-proof and flexible, adapting to the changing needs and expectations of those it serves.

In conclusion, R.D.M Architects holds itself to the highest standards of health and safety, sustainability, social and ethical responsibility, and post-occupancy evaluation. These services are not isolated offerings but are interwoven threads that form the tapestry of our practice’s ethos. We are unwavering in our dedication to crafting spaces that are not only architectural achievements but also beacons of responsible and sustainable living, today and into the future.
Richard D. Mathe Architects is proud to showcase one of our hallmark sustainable architectural projects: the Pavilion at the Arts University Bournemouth. This structure exemplifies our firm’s commitment to innovative design that harmonizes with its environment while fostering social interaction and community engagement. The Pavilion at the Arts University Bournemouth is not just a mere structure; it is a social space that transcends traditional architectural forms. Our initial concept revolved around creating a layered timber structure, where each ascending layer is marginally thinner, providing steps that invite visitors to sit or traverse without compromising the natural beauty of the existing scenery.
The design feels at one with nature, so much so that it appears as a natural occurrence within the landscape. To achieve this effect, we were inspired by natural forms and geological phenomena, particularly, the mesmerizing Huangshan mountains of China. In the creation of the Pavilion at the Arts University Bournemouth, R.D.M Architects embarked on an integrative design process. Starting with a 1:100 scale model fashioned from coffee sticks to represent timber, the design evolved to incorporate the organic forms and majestic presence of natural mountain ranges. A series of intricate cardboard curvatures were crafted to mimic terraced hillsides, offering tiered seating that promotes social interaction within the pavilion’s structure.

The design drew from the immense beauty and sculptural forms of the Huangshan mountains, resulting in a pavilion that serves not only as a communal nexus but also as an organic extension of the landscape. The thoughtful placement of curved seating in the pavilion’s recessed walls aids in fostering community connections in a setting that resonates with the site’s natural harmony.

Material choice was pivotal to sustainability objectives; the team initially considered granite but ultimately selected rammed earth due to its environmental advantages and structural robustness. Utilizing local materials like earth and gravel, the pavilion minimized its ecological footprint and championed sustainable methods by reducing waste and conserving energy through the material sourcing strategy.

The flexibility of cardboard allowed for the prototyping of the pavilion’s intricate curves during the model-making phase, setting the precedent for the actual construction with rammed earth. This approach ensured that the pavilion remained in keeping with its surroundings while signifying R.D.M Architects’ philosophy of creating architecture in balance with the natural environment.
write a essay for this firm