See this web link for the latest update on the project.

By Vic Johnson of Johnson Design Partnership, Low Town, Bridgnorth A few of our clients are currently very interested in installing eco orientated heating or electricity generation devices into their homes. It’s an excellent idea, especially for those of us keen to ‘think green’ in terms of our homes.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that the payback on electricity generating photovoltaics still appears to be several years but solar heating pays for itself very quickly especially when you take up some of the grants that are on offer. If you have a swimming pool then there should be no question at all – get a solar heating system installed and save loads on the heating bills! I really like the way some of the solar collectors actually look, but I guess this is an acquired taste.

Average household heating bills comprise at least 70 per spent on heating rooms and heating water. Any eco-orientated householder should look at installing solar water heating as a priority – and it does require plumbing and heating experts to size, install and balance the system correctly.

The systems use radiation from the sun to heat water in a panel often sited on the roof which in turn can supply that heat as hot water or to run a central heating system If the system has been sized correctly, it can provide at least 40 to 60 per cent of all your hot water requirements throughout the year and it’s worth considering that the average domestic system reduces carbon dioxide emissions by around 400kg per year.

Some suppliers are now offering to site a photovoltaic (PV) panel next to a solar panel, which will generate electricity that can be used to power the solar heating pump. It’s all interesting stuff – and what could be better than saving money on fuel bills whilst also doing your bit to save the planet?

A group of Bridgnorth-based architects has come up with the concept and dubbed it the “Wolves Bridge”, saying it would be ideal for supporters heading to and from Molineux. They believe the structure would cost between £1million and £2m and funding has yet to be found. But the firm, Johnson Design Partnership, say they are considering putting in a planning application to Wolverhampton City Council and are keen to know what people think of the idea.

The planned bridge is currently golden-coloured in a reflection of Wolves colours, but this is subject to change as the design is still at the concept phase.

Associate architect Matt Spinks is involved in the design. The 29-year-old lifelong Wolves fan said the idea was for the bridge to seem like it was “floating” across Ring Road St Peter’s. He said he felt it could offer an alternative for fans making their way to Molineux. “I always park the other side of the city centre to go to the ground,” he said today. “We just thought Wolverhampton needed something iconic that would put it on the map and help the supporters who can’t get to the subway to cross a busy road safely. “We are not trying to take people away from using the subway – it could be used to divide home and away fans.” He said the design had already been put onto Wolves supporter websites and he felt the general consensus had been positive.

Councillor Neville Patten, leader of Wolverhampton City Council, said: “Quite honestly, I think it’s a brilliant idea. It would open up that part of town and make life easier for a lot of Wolves fans.”

Wolves spokesman Matt Grayson said: “We’re always willing to listen to new ideas.”

Johnson Design is excited to to announce we have been short listed for the Best Green Business in the 2009 Shropshire Business Awards.

This award seeks to reward companies which realise their responsibility to help protect the environment, and take a proactive approach to eco-friendly issues. The Shropshire Business Awards are in their 9th year and has established itself as the biggest event on the county’s corporate calendar, giving companies within the region the chance to celebrate their achievements.

The winners will be announced on Friday 3rd July 2009.

Bridgnorth’s historic townscape will get an injection of 21st Century design after a decision to block a state-of-the-art development at the rear of Bishop Percy’s House was overturned by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate.

Architect Vic Johnson, head of Johnson Design Partnership, was delighted with the decision which will see four contemporary homes built on the site of a derelict gymnasium.

Bosses at English Heritage said they “fully supported” the development and added that it would make “a positive but fitting contribution to Bridgnorth’s delightful and variegated townscape”.

Bishop Percy’s House, a Grade I-listed Elizabethan manor, is one of the most significant properties in the Midlands, yet it has stood empty for five years. Planners at Bridgnorth District Council granted permission to convert it into three luxury apartments but had vetoed the development at the rear of the building – previously the home of Bridgnorth Boys’ Club - until the Planning Inspectorate stepped in last week.

Mr Johnson, whose architectural practice in Bridgnorth has won a coveted CPRE award for its landmark eco-design of a school in Northamptonshire, explained: “The gymnasium is an eyesore and the decision to block the development was nothing more than nostalgia getting in the way of common sense.

“One of the major benefits of this modernist scheme is that, for the first time, many residents of Cartway will no longer be looking out over the existing asbestos roof. Indeed, those lucky enough to live in one of these new homes will see riverfront living in all its glory.

“Bridgnorth’s landscape is a wonderful hotch-potch of different designs from different periods in history and now it’s the turn of high-design.”

John Yates, inspector of historic buildings for English Heritage, gave his categoric support for the: “I confirm that English Heritage firmly supports the design approach adopted here.

“In a sensitive but varied historic environment such as this, the really important architectural considerations are quality and scale, rather than style. Quality comes from intrinsically high standards of design and construction, with a consistency of logic and an awareness of physical context. Scale concerns both the overall size of the development, and the scale of individual volumes, planes, lines and components.

“The selection of external materials, finishes and colours is an expression of both quality and scale, and makes a major contribution to the eventual harmony of the new building with its surroundings.

“We are satisfied that the design now proposed for this site can meet these high standards, and can come to be a positive but fitting contribution to Bridgnorth’s delightful and variegated townscape.”

Johnson Design's first YouTube video - check it out here.

Vic Johnson has been invited to present at the Defense Estates Sustainability conference to be held at RAF Cosford on 17th October. The conference, run by Carillion, aims to encourage best practice in the delivery of sustainable solutions for maintaining the MOD's estate. Leading experts in the area of eco-architecture and sustainability will be sharing best practice and presenting ideas for the future to the top-brass at the Ministry of Defense.

Keeping with the military theme, Johnson Design have also recently obtained planning permission for a military project of a different kind. A serving officer, who has recently returned from Iraq, is building his own library in his garden in Shropshire. The building will be partially sunk into the ground and will house over 5,000 books on two floors. The unique design blends into the hillside whilst also providing the best use of space and light for access and enjoyment of the books.