Preparing to submit planning for Nichols Road

Following a few alterations to the design we previously posted, we have finalised the design and layout with the client through a series of design meetings and are preparing to submit this scheme to planning.

Layout

The design looks to create a new storey above the existing bungalow. The new first floor will accommodate all the social and shared spaces of a home. A kitchen with walk-in pantry, dining area, W.C., and snug are now closely located and will allow the family to enjoy more time together rather than at opposite ends of the bungalow. The first floor balcony will take advantage of the views out to the Bristol estuary. An external staircase will also provide access to the first floor and ground floor from the garden.

A new entrance space has been created on the ground floor which accommodates the new staircase to the first floor and plenty of storage for coats, shoes, bags, etc. The existing kitchen and dining room on the ground floor will become the master bedroom with walk-in storage, and en-suite. This now takes full advantage of the existing balcony on this level. The existing lounge on the ground floor will be retained and used as another space for the family to enjoy together.

Sustainability Upgrades

The exterior walls of the new first floor will be clad in cork to improve the energy efficiency of the dwelling. Solar panels will be fitted to the south facing roofs to create energy on site which could be further paired with a battery system to store the energy for later use. The existing ground floor will also see a number of upgrades to the walls and floors to improve the u-value of the house. This will create more comfortable living spaces and reduce the need to use energy to heat the home.

Overall, the client is very pleased with the design and looks forward to taking the project to the next stage. We will publish detailed progress as this project continues to move forward. You can read more about this project here, or explore all of our projects here.

Barn conversion planning success

We are delighted to have finally gained planning consent for the design of a new dwelling in the North Somerset south of Bristol. The design is for the conversion of a redundent agricultural barn into a new three bedroom dwelling for our client and their young family, which will be built to the highest environmental standards by following passive house principles.

Planning permission in england is normally very difficult to achieve for new dwellings in the countryside. In many cases the the only way to achieve this kind of development is through alteration of an existing building which is suitable for conversion. Agricultural buildings can provide a perfect opportunity for conversion where a robust exisitng structure can provide a framework for new building elements. When considering whether this kind of development is feasible it is important to check whether there are any existing conditions on the site preventing residential conversion, as well as consulting with an enginner for an assessment of the existing structure. It is also important to check the local authoritie's approach to new dwellings in the countryside as well as national policy (National Planning Policy Framework)

The barn conversion will be built to the highest quality finishes and materials which justify the spectaclar site position which has views overlooking Bristol to the north and east. The build will also follow the highest environmental standards where high levels of insulation, controlled ventilation and draft-free construction will produce a very low energy home. We are looking forward to preparing the detailed technical drawings for building regulations, as well as preparing the passive house (PHPP) model for the design.

If you are interested in talking to us about this kind of project then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Planning permission granted for a dwelling in St. Andrews, Bristol

We are pleased to announce that we have recently been granted planning permission for a rear extension and dormer extension to a dwelling in St. Andrews Bristol.

Interior Layout

The final design was the outcome of detailed discussions and meetings with the clients to better understand their living needs. The ambition was to create a large open plan kitchen and dining space to enjoy together as family and to entertain guests. Utility and storage space were also important elements to the design on the ground floor as was a W.C. We designed within the dwelling's existing footprint resulting in only a minor extension to be built to bridge the interior spaces together. Structural steel elements will allow lots of existing walls to disappear and open up the rear of the dwelling to create the client's desired space.

The rear reception room has become a snug; a space for the family to enjoy together. It is enclosed enough to enjoy as its own space but still maintains a connection to the open plan kitchen and dining area. The street facing reception room remains separate from the rest of the ground floor living spaces.

The existing garage will be used for storage and workshop space and will maintain accessibility from the streetside to the rear garden.

A new staircase on the first floor will lead to the dormer roof extension which will accommodate a bedroom and ensuite.

Exterior Material Finishes

We discussed with the client in detail about what external materials we might use. After thinking through a few options, the client has opted for timber cladding for the walls, powder coated aluminium framed windows, and a metal roof. These materials express a contemporary and high quality aesthetic. These materials are also low maintenance and long lasting.

The walls of the dormer roof extension will be rendered and this will match the existing rendered walls.

Overall, the client is very pleased with the design and looks forward to taking the project to the build stage. We will publish detailed progress as this project continues to move forward. You can read more about this project here, or view all of our projects here.