Archives: Projects

Our client wanted to enlarge and enhance available indoor space by making better use of a relatively narrow side pathway. The pathway adjoined a stone boundary wall and large hedge so we also advised our client and her neighbour on Party Wall considerations.

We designed a simple lean-to which linked seamlessly to the rear extension and incorporated a gutter along the boundary. The side extension was set back to maintain drive space and to sit level with the end of the hedge. The rear extension was opened up to the roof to create a light bright all-purpose space.

Working with our engineer, we devised a method of retaining the wall and hedge, whilst excavating down to the required levels. We also undertook a ‘soft’ Party Wall agreement with the co-operation of the neighbour which included recording the condition of their boundary prior to work starting.

Owner Siobhan says:

“Nick was approachable, realistic but also encouraging. He came up with solutions to problems as they raised their head, and spent valuable time with neighbours explaining the details and alleviating anxieties in order for us to obtain a Party Wall Agreement. 

He was happy to discuss queries with the builders and provide clarification when needed. 

The end result is a dream come true – thank you”

Our client is a photographer who needed this Grade II listed building to work as a studio for his business. Acting as structural surveyor and project manager, we designed a new mezzanine and spiral staircase to maximise the space available, providing a separate upstairs darkroom.

The historic original doors were retained but the Coach House was comprehensively re-insulated and refurbished, allowing us to obtain listed building consent for our client and also comply with modern building regulations.

 

This ordinary 1950s 4 bedroom house had the extraordinary advantage of a partial view over the landmark Prior Park estate to the South of Bath. The new owners wanted to create a large kitchen/dining area and a separate music room that took advantage of this lovely aspect.

Planning and project managing from start to finish, Nick created extension plans that removed and supported a corner of the original building, so ensuring that the dramatic views were maximised. The extension had a grass roof plus lots of glazing to bring natural light deep into the huge new room.

 

This 1960s bungalow, home of a local artist, was built on the site of a former convent garden in Wells. The owner wanted a larger yet simpler light-filled space to enable her to exhibit her artwork.

The building was stripped out and extended, with an additional area converted to create an artist’s studio. A key feature of Nick’s design was a cantilevered structure that avoided unsightly structural posts and beams, leaving a bright, uncluttered space. A zinc roof was specified to avoid overheating.

This design received a construction award from Mendips Council.

Oak framed barn construction to harmonise with ancient surroundings

A new ‘green oak’ barn within the courtyard of a Grade 2 Listed thatched cottage and outbuildings. We obtained detailed listed building consent, and continued a dialogue with the local officer during the course of the project. The oak framing was undertaken by carpenter Oak & Woodland. The exterior of the building has been clad in horizontal oak boarding, with oak windows, doors and staircases.
The house has underfloor heating throughout, together with high specification glass, and insulation to the walls, floor and roof.

The house was built above the local flood level. Extensive consultation was undertaken with the Environment Agency to agree the method of sewage treatment and discharge into the local brook.

Modern Bath stone building with a view of Bath

Replacement of an existing 1950s bungalow set within the Green Belt and AONB which neither acknowledged nor responded to the spectacular views to the south west over the city of Bath.

A key design objective was to create a private courtyard opening to the main view, without the imposition of cars. The slope of 2½m across the site was accommodated by a series of four linked pavilions stepping up the hill, lifting the main open plan kitchen up to the highest part of the site to take full advantage of the views to the South West.

Traditional load bearing masonry walls are rendered Bath stone colour. A timber roof is supported on six contemporary stainless steel trusses over the open plan kitchen.

This new house replaces an existing Colt building on an open site within a village in the Cotswolds.
It was designed for our client as a retirement home, with a large private bedroom suite to the rear on the ground floor, and two further bedrooms provided on the first floor for visiting children and grandchildren. The kitchen was made particularly light, with a strong connection to the garden, and contains an area set aside as a painting studio. A covered shelter links the garage, parking courtyard and rear door to allow ease of access for day-to-day use and shopping.
The house is a simple traditional load bearing masonry building, arranged on a ‘Z’ shape plan to create privacy within the courtyard and rear garden, and giving natural daylight throughout.
Built by HB Lewis of Wotton-under-Edge 

Grade 2 listed barn conversion and extension

Converted barn to provide additional accommodation and stabilise the building

This is part of a stunning group of buildings which once comprised a farm on the Hackwood Estate. The project involves the restoration and conversion of the larger barn into a dramatic open plan contemporary living space.

Retaining the character of the former storage barn, only the end sections are converted into two-storey living spaces, leaving a large central open area complete with a dramatic hanging gallery and stairs.

The barn will be heated by ground source heat pumps using water extracted from and returned into the ground. Energy saving features are being incorporated, including high levels of insulation and LED based lighting.

Oak framed building designed to optimise views of the surrounding countryside

The shape and design of this oak framed house is a direct response to the site layout and its orientation, maximising use of the south facing garden.

A first floor balcony overlooks a large, open double height kitchen, dining and living area. The oak frame features some unusual geometry around the staircase, forming a major feature of the design.

Externally the house is clad in brickwork as seen from the street. The private garden elevation has a more contemporary look with a great deal of glass and oak exposed. Under floor heating and conventional gas fired heating is supplemented by a wood buring stove as well as solar gain through the windows.