Legacy in Print
Videos
Created by
We’ve been digging through the archives recently and found so many old clippings that tell the story of how we got here.
It’s amazing to see how much has changed since 1986, from our first office in Westminster Street to now having offices in both the South West and London. This video is a little trip down memory lane, looking back at some of the key milestones and projects that have shaped the last 40 years of BoonBrown.
We’re so proud of our history and everything the team has achieved. Take a look!
Archive Gallery
Explore some of our favourite clippings from over the years, marking the milestones that built the practice since 1986.
BoonBrown is turning 40
Videos
Created by
This year is a big one for us as BoonBrown officially turns 40. We’ve spent four decades designing, drawing, and delivering, and 2026 is going to be our biggest year yet. We’re moving full steam ahead and we want you along for the ride.
Over the coming months, we’re pulling back the curtain to share the real pulse of our studios; projects, the evolution of our practice, and the incredible people who make the magic happen. It’s been an incredible four decades, but we’re even more excited about where we’re heading from here. Stay tuned.
Numatic Manufacturing Facility Phase 1 Completion
Videos
Written by
We’re extremely happy to announce the completion and handover of Phase 1 of the new industrial distribution facility and offices for Numatic International in Chard.
This phase delivers a state-of-the-art building that has now been passed over to Numatic to complete a bespoke storage solution tailored to their operational needs.
Congratulations to everyone involved in reaching this important milestone!
Credits
Architect & Contract Administrators
BoonBrown
Client
Numatic
Main Contractor
CG Fry & Sons
Media Creator
Apex Media
Celebrating Rural Housing Week
Videos
BoonBrown’s Commitment to Building Thriving Rural Communities
As we mark Rural Housing Week, we proudly celebrate the vital role that architects and planners play in shaping strong, resilient rural communities. At BoonBrown, our deep-rooted experience in rural housing puts us at the heart of this work, delivering thoughtful, sustainable and community-focused developments across the UK countryside.
For over 35 years, BoonBrown has championed the belief that quality housing shouldn’t be limited to urban centres. With a firm foundation in both architecture and planning, we bring a uniquely integrated approach to rural housing projects – one that balances design excellence with a clear understanding of planning frameworks and the rural context.
Understanding Rural Contexts
BoonBrown’s work in rural areas is grounded in a deep respect for the local character, heritage, and natural environment. From small infill schemes to larger developments that extend village boundaries, every project is shaped by meaningful engagement with local communities and a sensitivity to the landscape. Our designs respond to vernacular styles, use local materials where possible, and always aim to enhance the unique identity of each place.
Our planning team is hugely experienced in identifying and utilising those policies that provide an opportunity to assist in the delivery of rural housing in the appropriate location.
Delivering Affordable and Sustainable Homes
Recognising the growing need for affordable housing in rural areas, we work closely with housing associations, local authorities, and private developers to deliver homes that meet the needs of local people. The practice advocates for high-quality, energy-efficient design that supports long-term sustainability – both environmentally and socially. We pride ourselves on ensuring that rural housing is not only functional but also aesthetically harmonious with its surroundings, affordable for residents, and resilient to future challenges. Our approach integrates local materials, passive design strategies, and community input to create homes that foster a sense of belonging while minimising environmental impact.
From Vision to Delivery
BoonBrown’s dual expertise in planning and architecture enables us to guide rural housing projects from concept through to completion with clarity and confidence. Our planning team is hugely experienced in identifying and utlising those policies that provide an opportunity to assist in the delivery of rural housing in the appropriate location. Meanwhile, the architectural team brings fresh, creative thinking to ensure each scheme adds lasting value to its setting.
A Legacy of Rural Impact
Whether revitalising historic farmsteads, supporting the growth of rural villages, or creating new rural communities from the ground up, BoonBrown’s portfolio reflects a consistent commitment to rural life. Our work helps tackle rural housing shortages, supports local economies, and reinforces the social fabric of countryside communities.
This Rural Housing Week, we salute our clients, collaborators, dedicated team, and all those working to create high-quality, sustainable homes in rural areas. Their work reminds us that good design, rooted in place, purpose, and people, has the power to transform rural living for generations to come.
Join us for our 2025 London Festival of Architecture event!
Videos
We’re proud to be taking part in this year’s London Festival of Architecture with our interactive exhibition Who Gets A Say? — running from 16–30 June at our studio in Brixton.
Location:
Tunstall Hall, Bernay’s Grove
London SW9 8DF
Save the Date:
Mark your calendars for June 16-30 as we unveil our interactive exhibition. Come and play to see how our cities are shaped—and how your voice could make a difference!
Event Highlights:
Step into the shoes of different people shaping our cities — from residents to developers and planning officers — and explore how decisions are made in the built environment. Through a playful, thought-provoking game, you’ll discover how voices are heard, challenged, or overlooked in the planning process.
Booking Information:
Free to attend, booking now open! https://lnkd.in/eCG4KkN7
Numatic Manufacturing Facility Update
Videos
Written by
Another fantastic update from our Numatic International project, showcasing the latest progress on their new manufacturing facility. This footage from Apex Media captures the preparation, pouring, and finishing of the FM1 floor slab in the new distribution centre—covering an impressive 6,000m² and requiring approximately 2,100m³ of concrete.
It’s incredible to see this development taking shape, with each milestone bringing us closer to completion. Stay tuned for more updates as the project continues to progress!
Credits
Architect & Contract Administrators
BoonBrown
Client
Numatic
Main Contractor
CG Fry & Sons
Media Creator
Apex Media
Numatic Manufacturing Facility Update
Videos
Written by
Our project for Numatic in Chard is developing rapidly, with significant progress to key work packages such as the external envelope, preparations to pour the concrete slab, and the external works.
The roof is nearing completion, and work has begun on the adjoining Assembly building roof, with preparations underway for the Biodiverse roof installation. The extensive steel frame is now enclosed with Kingspan Micro Rib cladding in Umber Grey, which looks striking in the autumn sunlight. The top 4 meters of cladding around the distribution building is translucent polycarbonate and as this is combined with roof lights across the 5,500m² roof, the interior is filled with natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
The sprinkler tank has now been installed, ready to hold one million litres of water, while the pump house building has been erected, fully fitted with pumps and pipework to ensure facility safety. Around the site, external work is progressing steadily, including concrete retaining walls, the now hidden surface water attenuation tanks, and perimeter road construction.
Apex Media’s drone footage captures the rapid changes in development between flights, showcasing the impressive progress made by CG Fry and their subcontractors, which can be seen across this 30,000m² site.
Since this footage was shot, the subfloor piling structures have been exposed, reinforcement for the FM1 super-flat floor has been installed, and the first of eight massive concrete pours has begun. We look forward to seeing more updates from Apex Media as it is an excellent way of documenting progress throughout the development of the project.
Credits
Architect & Contract Administrators
BoonBrown
Client
Numatic
Main Contractor
CG Fry & Sons
Media Creator
Apex Media
Views on the refurbished Dorset Museum
Videos
Interviewed by
We are proud to revisit the beautifully refurbished Dorset Museum & Art Gallery!
Founded in 1846, this iconic museum now features a blend of Victorian charm and modern enhancements, following a carefully planned restoration and extension. We were honoured to serve as the project architect and principal designer, working alongside contractors Acheson, guiding this transformation following the grant of planning permission through to completion.
Since reopening in May 2021, the museum showcases 250 million years of Dorset’s history, with highlights including the Fordington mosaic, a new wing, subterranean stores, and revamped spaces like the 50-seat restaurant and members’ library.
Recently, we returned to capture the voices of staff and visitors in our latest vox pop. Hear what they have to say about the revitalised museum!
For the Love of Books
Videos
Happy Book Lovers Day! To celebrate, we asked our team of architects to share their favourite books on architecture, and their recommendations were truly inspiring!
Whether you’re looking to revisit a classic or discover something new, today is the perfect day to dive into a good book. What’s your favourite?’
My favourite architect, Peter Zumthor, has written books that are mostly very expensive. This one, however, is affordable, and it changed the way I consider the experience of the user within architecture while I was at university. It showed me how scale, materiality, and mass can be used to create powerful experiences within a building and elevate architecture to another level. It’s my favourite architecture book, and one that I will read and re-read throughout my career!
Taras Mandziuk | Part 1 Architectural Assistant
Master plantsmen Piet Oudolf and Henk Gerritsen offer invaluable advice for landscape architects and garden designers alike in this book. It’s my go-to resource for advice on tough, resilient planting. In an age where maintenance budgets for landscape design are often limited, the book provides advice regarding the selection of tough planting from an expert’s perspective, ensuring that planting schemes can still be beautiful with minimal maintenance in public spaces.
People will know Piet for his work on the Highline in New York and, more recently, for designing the gardens at Hauser & Wirth. He is a great inspiration for the naturalistic planting movement.
Elizabeth Malone | Senior Landscape Architect
So many to choose from, but I think this one is the best. I appreciate companion books—a reference to accompany me, as Pevsner would say, on a perambulation. I also enjoy books about the architectural interest of what, at first sight, might be considered everyday and mundane. This book highlights the delight of the humble terraced row and brings that delight to the fore. Take a bow, Stefan Muthesius.
Simon Sharp | Associate Planner
It’s not a glitzy coffee table tome filled with glossy pictures and inspiring architectural content, but it is a must-have item containing useful information on everything from anthropometric data to zinc roofing. This book has been with me throughout my career, sitting quietly in the background, always within arm’s reach and ready to save the day—especially when it comes to paper sizes!
Jeff Martin | Associate Architect
This book is not exclusive to architecture but prompts a re-evaluation of material choices. It emphasizes that materials should be used continuously and reused without harming the environment. While most environmental debates focus on emissions, this book highlights the equally important issue of waste. It has inspired me to design with a building’s end of life in mind and to consider how the space and materials can be repurposed.
Martin Bignell | Part I Architectural Assistant
As an Architectural Technologist, this is a must-have. This book guides you on architectural detailing elements to use and avoid, and it highlights the common mistakes many people make today when trying to replicate traditional architectural styles. It has proven very useful when working on traditional detailing.
Matt Gray | Architectural Technologist
During my university days, Architects’ Sketchbooks was a constant source of inspiration. The book collates examples of architectural presentation—from sketches to montages to models—and demonstrates the variety of ways you can present your ideas as an architect. I have always found representation and infographics fascinating (another great book being Information is Beautiful by David McCandless!), as I believe great architecture can never reach its full potential if it’s not communicated in beautiful and inspiring ways throughout the design process.
Abigail Baggley | Architectural Director | Architect
This was the architecture bible when I was studying architecture at the University of Greenwich back in 1997.
Form, Space, and Order’, is wonderfully illustrated, and continues to be a go-to for anyone getting started with architectural design. It delves into the core aspects of space and form, all to fuel your thought process and make architecture more relatable. It simplifies complex design ideas and brings abstract concepts to life. It explains form and space in relation to light, view, openings, and enclosures. It also explores how space is organised, the elements of circulation, and the importance of proportion and scale. I loved the detailed illustrations that show the evolution of fundamental architectural elements through ages and across cultures.
Beryl Chung | Marketing Manager
I appreciate Neufert Architects’ Data for its thoroughness and practicality. This book is an essential tool that provides precise and comprehensive information, greatly assisting in the design and construction process. Its detailed illustrations and organized layout make it easy to find the necessary data quickly and efficiently.
Ven Bekyarov | Architectural Technician
A multi-faceted novel and captivating read, Invisible Cities transports you to a series of imagined cities. Although a work of fiction, Calvino’s poetic prose and vivid imagery explore themes such as culture, memory, time, and human experience through the descriptions of each fictional city and its architecture. The short chapters make it an easy book to dip into, and it’s one I will return to again and again!
Lucy Edwards | Architect
Rasmussen argues that architecture has historically been a collective effort, rather than just an individual endeavor. Homes were built with an innate sense of place, materials, and function, leading to what he described as “a remarkably suitable comeliness.” While we cannot return to past practices, Rasmussen suggests that we can still create spaces that are both beautiful and functional by embracing architecture as an experiential art form. A true understanding of good design comes not only from professional expertise but also from the shared, everyday experience of architecture.
Yousef Bouzid | Part II Architectural Assistant
Weather Architecture by the late Jonathan Hill explores designing with environmental conditions rather than sealing them out. All of Jonathan’s books are worth a read, but the way our urban relationship is discussed here as a parallel to both the cultural history and creativity of weather itself is fantastic.
Charles Rose | Architect
The Artist's Map
Videos
Written by
After countless hours of meticulous sketching, ‘The Artists’ Map,’ a centrepiece of our LFA exhibition, is finally complete! Measuring approximately 2m x 2m with 289 individual squares, this monumental project has surpassed our expectations, beautifully capturing the essence of our original vision.
Each square has been thoughtfully placed, showcasing various aspects of London, including buildings, landscapes, memorials, roads, and, of course, the river. This arrangement invites viewers to guess the locations depicted, adding an element of discovery. Embracing the theme ‘Reimagine,’ we encouraged our team and collaborators to experiment with their artistic interpretations, posing questions such as: How would this detail look if altered? Can it be drawn from a different perspective? Or simply, how would it appear in your unique style? This collaborative approach has resulted in a diverse and captivating piece of art, reflecting our distinct perceptions of the world.
The experience of nurturing everyone’s drawing skills and playing a game of identifying individual styles has been immensely rewarding. The vast number of drawings ensures that even after multiple viewings, new details continue to emerge. Personally, this journey has bolstered my confidence and taught me the value of embracing my unique abilities without comparison.
Here are a few reflections from those who participated in the process:
I’ve always found free-hand sketching to be an incredibly powerful tool for analysis. It requires breaking down scenes into shapes, proportions, tones, and textures. Sketching various places and buildings has allowed me to discover new areas of London and see familiar ones in a fresh light.
Returning to sketching was not only fun but also an educational experience, revealing many parts of London I hadn’t seen. This office project united us, fostering teamwork and skill-sharing. It was a fantastic collective effort!
Collaborating on the collective drawing map with the team was a dynamic and enjoyable experience. It blended our diverse perspectives on London into a vibrant visual that both we and our visitors can appreciate.
Our exhibition will remain on display in the coming weeks, and ‘The Artists’ Map’ will have a permanent place on our wall. We warmly invite you to visit and explore our work. Please drop by and see us!
Location
Tunstall Hall, Bernay’s Grove
London SW9 8DF
Time
10am – 4pm
Tickets are available here:
RE-IMAGINING BRIXTON EXHIBITION