Bere Admin January 24th, 1998
In the Independent on Saturday Magazine on 24 January 1998, Bridget Bodano said
‘A large table dominates the offices of bere:architects - a huge slab of glass supported on cast aluminium legs, connected by what looks like a sparkling glass backbone. The analogy is not accidental: Justin Bere had been working on the idea of a system of construction based on timber “vertebrae”. To fulfill his philosophy of creating new systems using cheap, readily available components, mass-produced but using high-quality materials and craftsmanship, he was trying to find a supply of large wooden cotton reels. He spotted the glass equivalent masquerading as a candlestick in a friend’s house.
These big, chunky glass reels turned out to be isolators - a component in everyday use on top of electricity pylons used to carry high-voltage cables. Invented by Pilkington some years ago, manufacturing rights for the isolators had been sold to a French company but they were easy to obtain and well priced. Each is capable of supporting 18 tonnes, and when threaded on to a high-tensile stainless steel rod, they form an incredibly strong column which is slender, elegant and quietly dramatic. Continue Reading »
Bere Admin January 1st, 1998
A guide to Britain’s best young architecture practices
Supported by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport
Assessor’s Comments
This small practice is strongly lead by Justin Bere who takes a craftsman-like intensive approach to all office projects. Attention to the smallest detail is impressive and this is strongly shown in furniture and lighting design.
Management is professional and responsible using a management handbook, which draws heavily on RIBA established procedures. Meticulous care is taken over all project work, which currently ranges from product design to buildings up to £1 million in value.
