Tag: design

Extensions

The Ultimate Guide To The Kitchen Extension Of Your Dreams

11th October 20210

A kitchen extension is a project that’s at the top of many homeowners’ Wishlists. Gaining more space, creating room for dining as well as preparing food, achieving a more sociable arrangement are all great reasons to plan a brand-new kitchen.  

For many people adding an extension will transform life at home. Creating an open-plan space can bring families together. The kitchen is usually the heart of the home, the room you spend the most time in – cooking, eating, socialising, working, and relaxing. 

How to plan an extension – 

The key to creating the perfect kitchen is getting the space and the layout right first. There is no point in spending money on an extension that is too small or one that is too big and looks out of place.  

The first thing you should do is write a list of all the features you wish to add to the space, for example 

 kitchen extension desires  

  • Island unit 
  • Bi-fold doors 
  • Breakfast bar 
  • Outdoor dining area 
  • Separate utility room 

Once you have made the list you should then give all of these ideas to the architect and they can incorporate them into the design.  

Where to put the extension – 

You need to find the area that is most beneficial for an extension. Luckily, there are a lot of options when it comes to extending your kitchen. For this type of project rear and side, extensions are the most common because people like to incorporate indoor-outdoor living with the garden.  

Small extensions to a house may not need planning permission if they fall within the definition of permitted development. However, if it’s a larger extension they will always need planning permission. And if your house is a listed building, to make alterations you always require listed building consent. 

Anyway, if you are unsure of where to have your extension or don’t know what permission you need, talk to your architects and they will advise you.  

The next step is to find a good architect. You will need plans and construction drawings for the builders, and to show compliance with building regulations. Architects can inspire you with designs you may not have considered.  

How long will a kitchen extension take? 

Depending on the project and how bespoke you want it, you can expect a small kitchen extension to take between 10-12 weeks. And a large kitchen extension could take up to 6 months. However, each project is different and these timings do not include the planning and design stages.  

Kitchen extension cost-  

Prices will vary depending on the work you want to do. Although here’s a guide: 

  • Building work: between £1,200-£3,00 per m2 and upwards 
  • New kitchen: £20-£200 per m2  
  • Painting and tiling the walls: will cost between £50-£100 per m2 if you use a contractor 
  • Flooring: £25-£100 per m2  
  • Building regulation costs, depends on what work is involved and the area of the proposed project. Expect it pay upwards of £200.  

Maximise light  

Adding an extension could possibly displace some of the daylight that would normally reach your original room, so you should consider supplementing it. Skylights and bifold doors are a good modern way to light up the room. If a skylight or new doors are not in your plans, you could add mood lighting to your kitchen, which will ensure adequate illumination in the evenings.  

As your kitchen-diner will be on display and the heart of the home getting the details right is essential. You should choose materials and accessories that help the room work as one.  

An Industrial Style Kitchen Extension By Burlanes - Industrial - Kitchen - London - by burlanes interiors | Houzz UK

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Architecture & Building

7 Types Of Expert Architects And What They Design

6th October 20210

Residential Architects 

Firstly, the residential architect’s design homes. they work with the homeowners designing custom homes or adjusting existing home plans. These architects also work closely with developers and home builders. Most of these architects will be dealing with clients directly and they will be handling many other tasks. 

Architecture & Design

Commercial Architects 

Commercial architects design buildings with a commercial purpose. This includes: 

  • Hotels 
  • Office buildings/ Skyscrapers 
  • Bridges 
  • Schools 
  • Museums 
  • Government buildings 
  • Anything that’s not a residential home 

Commercial architects are a very important branch of this career path. They will mostly work with businesses rather than individuals and they help design larger commercial properties. People who design commercial projects need to have an understanding and knowledge of building and engineering. However, many architects like this role because the buildings they create become important parts of the cities.  

Here's How Much Architects Earn In Every State

Landscape Architects 

A landscape architect focuses on creating outdoor spaces for people to enjoy. They create outdoor structures in spaces such as parks, college campuses, garden areas, and more. They also design the paths and the layout of the outdoor area.  

To be successful in this line of work you will need to have a lot of knowledge about plants and what is going to work well in the environment you are working with. The location of each landscape is planned out very thoroughly because it has to engage the public and pique their interests.   

Why Do Some Graduate Landscape Architects Have a Poor Understanding of Planting? - Land8

Interior Design Architects 

Many say interior design architects are just as important as the ones that design the building. In addition, they need to make sure that the interior elements are looking as good as possible and they understand how to get the most out of your living space.  

Those who are working as interior design architects will need to have a lot of understanding of design elements. They will need to know everything about different fabrics that are available. Many people consider interior architecture an art form because it involves a lot of pairing colours and matching different elements.  

10 Mistakes That (Almost) Everyone Makes in Interior Design

Urban Design Architects 

Urban design architects have the interesting challenge of making an entire area as beautiful as possible. The designer will be tasked with something such as designing a neighborhood. They need to plan the entire layout of the block for example where the houses will go, features such as trees and shrubs, maybe even a park adding some beauty into the area.  

A large project like this provides the chance for an architect to show off their overall skills. It is a great responsibility serving an entire community and it will be challenging but also fulfilling.  

Urbanism (Planning & Design) - Architecture & Urban Design - Research Guides @ Fordham at Fordham University Libraries

Green Design Architects 

These architects are specifically trained to be able to design homes to be as environmentally friendly as they can be. With environmental concerns at a high, people are thinking about the impact they are having on the environment. You need to be able to design the homes to use as many renewable energy sources as possible while also considering the materials the home is using.  

The architects trying to make homes green will keen a lot of knowledge in specific areas. Understanding how to use the natural properties of the sun and the shade will be important. Aerodynamics often plays a key role. 

Amazing Projects That Take Green Architecture To New Heights

Industrial Architects  

Finally, an industrial architect is able to translate and integrate the different processes, machinery, equipment, and other requirements of a specific industry into a functional building design. Industrial facilities are designed by professional architects.  

A professional is going to be able to design the facility in a way that will operate as efficiently as possible. They can get the most out of the space and ensure that everything looks great too.  

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Architecture
Architecture & Building, Design and Inspiration

Digital Progression – The Ever-Evolving World of Modern Architecture

29th September 20210

Before the digital age, geometry generally dictated what architectural designers could achieve. Some extraordinarily talented individuals were ahead of their time when it came to creating building designs with unusual patterns.

This changed with the arrival of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and BIM (Building Information Modelling). In recent times, technological tools like these have provided designers with more powerful means to render complex designs.

Below, Pro Arkitects – Design & Build Experts take a look at some of these new technological gizmos. Plus, we explore the constructions that continue to push the envelope of what is possible in building design.

Geometry Projects Defined by Computer Algorithms

New programs, such as Autodesk’s Project Abaka, make it possible for designers to go beyond the rules of geometry. Now, an architectural designer can tell a computer the requirements of a design they want to produce.

After entering the client’s desired criteria, the computer will provide a vast quantity of project design solutions and geometric configurations. This will only take the computer a few seconds to complete, whereas, for a person, it will take much longer.

Computer Printout Buildings

In a spectacular feat of architectural science, the Landesgartenschau Exhibition Hall in Germany was constructed. Although, a combination of bio-mimicry elements, Robotically prefabricated beech plywood plates, and digital architecture software were used to accomplish this. However, the exterior design itself is based on sea urchin skeletons.

Not only did it draft the plans for each panel – but it also controlled the CNC (Computer Numerical Control Milling) machinery. This cut each piece and directed the robotic arm which joined them together.

The revolutionary building designs state that the Hall is the only commercial building to have been made from prefabricated plywood beech plates by a robot.

Expanding Possibilities

Gramazio & Kohler Architects are at the forefront of digital fabrication. They use a combination of CNC milling, 3D-modelling software, and hand-drawn conceptual mock-ups to finalise projects. Examples of this are the ceilings of the Federal Court Building in Bellinzona, Switzerland.

As described in a recent publication of Architectural Record, “The ceiling panels, which include perforations and a swirling pattern, perform both aesthetic and acoustical functions.” The report elaborated; “They reflect light from a central skylight above the rooms and help ensure that the court proceedings are audible.”

In addition, only a generation or two ago, these fabrication techniques and building designs would have solely taken place in fiction. But now, courtesy of the continued innovation in the field of digital architecture software, they are gradually becoming a reality.

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Advice Center

Top 10 University In The UK For Architecture

27th September 20210

A Uk architecture degree in University will focus on the design and mechanics behind the construction of buildings. Architecture study takes in the areas of technology, design, and theory. 

1. University of Cambridge – Cambridge, London  

Firstly, the department of architecture at Cambridge is an exciting place to study. In fact, it is one of the leading architecture schools in the world. The students at the school study under the guidance of world-renowned researchers and ground-breaking practitioners. 

Their design program is balanced with teaching the history and philosophy of architecture. Also, the contemporary culture and urbanism construction, structural design, and environmental design.  

Similarly, in 2021 the tuition fees will be around £9,250 for the year. 

University guide 2022: University of Cambridge | University guide | The Guardian
University of Cambridge

2. University college London – London  

Secondly, as an architecture student, you will be spending your time in the studio and the workshop. And with approximately 70% of the program taught and assessed through your portfolio. Generally, at this university, the design teaching is delivered by leading practitioners, specialists, and academics in small groups or one-to-one tutorials.  

The tuition fees for undergraduate entry will be £9,250. 

University College London

3. University of Bath – Bath, England  

The university of bath combines periods of professional work experience within its courses. Which gives you the opportunity to benefit from a combination of academic and practical study. 

Throughout the course, you’ll develop design skills and learn cultural, historic, and economic factors. They also let you work with civil engineering students to develop your understanding of the technical aspects of designing structures.    

The tuition fee for a full-time campus-based course will be £9,250. And for MArch Architecture year 1 is £5,550 

University of Bath

4. Cardiff University – Cardiff, Wales  

This school of architecture has the reputation of being one of the best in the UK. They teach a full range of skills that you need to become an architect. For example creative design, building construction and performance, environmental design, matters of professional responsibility, and the duties of an architect. And they have an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of architecture and urban design.  

Likewise, the tuition fee in 2021 was £9,000.  

Cardiff University

5. University of Nottingham – Nottingham, England  

Their courses will give students the knowledge needed to design spaces that improve their surroundings. They also look at how to create new o improve existing buildings through environmental design.  

Furthermore, with a mixture of teaching through workshops, fieldwork trips, and working with real customers on projects, their course gives you the skills that the architectural industry looks for.  

The tuition fee per year is £9,250. However, you should factor additional costs into your budget. This School gives you the option to go to South Africa for a live build field trip.  

University of Nottingham

6. Queens University Belfast – Belfast, Northern Ireland 

Queen’s University is one of the best places to study, it ranked 6th overall in the UK for studying architecture. With students supported by a diverse group of academic staff and external tutors engaged in international, award-winning research and practice. In like fashion, over 75% of students graduate with a 1st class or 2.1 degrees.  

Queens University Belfast

7. University of Strathclyde – Glasgow, Scotland 

In fact, Strathclyde is ranked number 1 in Scotland and number 3 in the Uk for architecture. 

As a result, you will be taught in a studio-based environment taught by some of the best.  

To list, they offer three types of architectural programs: Undergraduate and postgraduate programs, specialist postgraduate taught programs, and research degrees 

University of Strathclyde - Wikipedia
University of Strathclyde

8. Oxford brooks University – Oxford, England  

The university is located in the historical and culturally diverse city of oxford. Their undergraduate programs include a RIBS part 1 BA architecture, ARB and LAM accredited course, and a BA interior architecture course. In addition, these courses give you the opportunity to challenge, explore and develop not only you as an individual but also your portfolio.  

Oxford brooks University

9. Manchester school of architecture – Manchester, England 

Nevertheless, they are currently known as being one of the top fifteen architecture schools in the world.  Being a student at MSA gives you the unique advantage of studying at two of Manchester’s universities.  

“We profit from access to an unparalleled number of workshops, libraries, and studios across both campuses, and benefit from superior tuition and facilities” – Benjamin Carter, architecture graduate.  

Manchester School of Architecture

10. University of Sheffield – Sheffield, England 

Finally, their degree provides a balance of theory, design work, and professional experience. You will learn how to lead on projects, solve complex problems and communicate your ideas while thinking about the wider responsibilities of the architect. 

Most importantly, the standard tuition fee in 2021 is £9,250. However, if you have a scholarship, you can pay £1,200 each year. You would also need additional costs to fund field trips and anything else you might need. 

University of Sheffield

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Design and Inspiration

Top 5 Best House Styles in the UK

23rd September 20210

Put simply, Architectural Styles are what define the way a house feels and looks. In Britain, there are many house styles to choose from. They reflect the trends, wealth level, and the general mood of the era they were built in.

In many instances, a walk down the street can take you on something of an immersive trip through history. Undoubtedly, you will pass by houses that were all created at various points in time.

Here, we have selected 5 of the most popular house styles for you to sink your teeth into. Perhaps you are building your own home and are trying to recreate a certain style. Or maybe you are simply carrying out a renovation project and want to know how to remain authentic. Easy. At Pro Arkitects – Design & Build Experts, we’ve got the guide for you.

1. Georgian styles (1714 – 1830)

Spanning multiple generations, Georgian Architecture receives its namesake from the reigns of the first four King Georges of England. They’re large in size and are known for their elegance. Their satisfying symmetry, accomplished partly by applying the golden ratio, is extremely pleasing to the eye. Furthermore, they offered natural light, which had been noticeably absent from many earlier architectural styles.

A varied and highly influential category, Georgian Architecture encompasses many types of houses. These include stately English country mansions, as well as terraced townhouse blocks in London and Dublin.

2. Modern/ New Build styles (1990’s and Beyond)

By the 1990s, the British public desperately craved a change in the house style. People wanted more traditional features in their homes, following the exposed shortcomings of the popular modernist structures of the 1960s. As a result, new build houses outwardly mirrored older buildings once more. Rendered walls, mock timber framing, and cottage feature all appealed to buyers, approaching the end of the century.

Insulation started being introduced into walls and loft spaces around this stage. Additionally, double glazing began to be fitted into the majority of homes. However, there are more security measurements nowadays. Such as gas and fire safety rules.

3. Eco-Build (2000’s and Beyond)

If the 1990’s saw modernism rejected, in the 2000s, it rose significantly in popularity. This, along with people’s desire to live in more environmentally-friendly, sustainable homes, has led to the modern minimalist style.

The shape and form of these properties take into consideration the importance of shade and sunlight. Solar panels are fitted into new homes, and open plan interiors can be designed without the problems caused by droughts.

Exposed steelwork and timber cladding are common features in modern builds, as are large expanses of glass. Double and triple glazing windows can be fitted whilst maintaining thermal efficiency.

4. Pre-Georgian (1660 – 1688)

Unlike Henry VII, the Stuart Kings were more open to the architectural fashions from Europe. Inigo Jones became one of the first individuals to apply this style to buildings for the Royal Family. However, it would not be until after 1660 that this style would begin to transform housing.

Timber-framed homes were still popular with merchants and farmers in the countryside during this period. However, the homes of those who were better off were becoming increasingly built of stone and brick. It was at this point also that 2 storey homes with bedrooms above ground floor rooms became more common.

5. Edwardian styles (1901 – 1910)

During the Edwardian era, the Baroque style was adapted for grand houses and public buildings.

In addition, as many rejected the mass-produced goods of the industrial age, craftsmanship and traditional forms of the building were revived. It was during this time that the Arts and Crafts Movement led to a rise in vernacular architecture and timber framing. White painted timber porches and balconies, with intricate fretwork and balusters, were also popular.

The exterior of Edwardian homes was still colorful, but the patterns were generally more subdued than in the Victorian era. With the arrival of gas and electric lighting, houses did not get as dirty. This encouraged people to decorate with lighter, brighter wallpapers and curtains.

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Advice Center

Top 10 Greatest Architect Of All Time

21st September 20210

1. Frank Gehry architect (28/02/1929) – 

Firstly Gehry was a Canadian-born American architect and designer. A number of his buildings have become world-renowned attractions. So, in 2010 vanity fair labelled him as “the most important architect of our age”. Furthermore, some of his most famous works include the Guggenheim Museum in Spain, the museum of pop culture in Seattle. The dancing house in Prague, the Walt Disney concert hall in Los Angeles, and many more amazing and popular buildings. And he has been assessed as someone who “produced buildings that are fun, sculpturally exciting and a good experience”.  

Frank Gehry and his design

2. Frank Lloyd Wright architect  (08/06/1867 – 09/04/1959) – 

Secondly, Wright was an American architect, designer, writer, and educator. In fact, he has designed more than 1000 structures over a period of 70 years. Wright believed in designing in harmony with humanity and the environment. As a result the philosophy he called organic architecture. This philosophy was exemplified in Fallingwater (1935). Which has been called “the best all-time work of American architecture”. Some of his most famous work includes the imperial hotel in Tokyo, Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Robie House in Chicago. In addition, he was known as one of the pioneers of modernist architecture.  

Frank Lloyd Wright

3.Leoh Ming Pei (26/04/ 1917 – 16/05/2019) – 

Thirdly, Pei was a Chinese-American architect who was raised in Shanghai and moved to America in 1935. After he graduated from university in Pennsylvania, then he enrolled in the Harvard Graduate school of design. His major recognition came with the Mesa Laboratory in Colorado and became chief architect for the John F Kennedy Library in Massachusetts. Then he also designed one of the most popular landmarks to this day, the Louvre in Paris. in Addition, Pei found the pyramid shape best suited for stable transparency. Therefore considered it “most compatible with the architecture of the Louvre, especially with the faceted planes of its roofs” 

Leoh Ming Pei and the louvre

4. Zaha Hadid (31/10/1950 – 31/03/2016) – 

Fourthly, Hadid was a British Iraqi architect, artist, and designer. However, she was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize. And in 2010 and 2011 she won the UK’s most prestigious architectural award. Some of her main works include the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics, the broad art museum, Rome’s MAXXI Museum and the Guangzhou Opera House.  As a result, she was made dame by Queen Elizabeth ll for services to architecture. 

10 Zaha Hadid Buildings You Need to Know if You're an Architecture Lover
Zhah Hadid

5. Philip Johnson (08/07/1906 – 25/01/2005) –  

Johnson was an American architect. Was best known for his works of modern and postmodern architecture. In 1978 he was awarded an American Institute of architect gold medal. And in 1979 he won the first Pritzker architecture prize. Some of his most well-known designs are his glasshouse in Connecticut and the postmodern 550 Madison Avenue in New York. Also, the one Detroit centre in New York. In 1993 Johnson came out as gay. And nonetheless, was known as “the best-known openly gay architect in America”. 

Philip Johnson, the Man Who Made Architecture Amoral | The New Yorker
Philip Johnson infront of his Glasshouse

6. Tom Wright (18/07/1957) –

Wright qualified as an architect the same year he was accepted as a member of the Royal Institute of British architects. Wright then became a design director in Dubai and wanted to create an icon for the city. Much like the Eiffel tower in Paris. Wright created the Burj Al Arab, and it has become one of the tallest hotels in the world.  

Tom wright with the Burj

7. Ludwig Meis Van Der Rohe (27/03/1886 – 17/08/1969) – 

Meis was a German-American architect. In addition, he was known as a pioneer of modernist architecture. Furthermore, after Nazism’s rise to power, with its opposition to modernism, Mies emigrated to the US. Meis strove toward architecture with minimal framework and freedom of unobstructed free-flowing open space. Some of his well-known work includes Crown Hall in Chicago, the Seagram building in New York, and the Barcelona pavilion.  

Mies van der Rohe with a model of Crown Hall (photographer: Arthur... | Download Scientific Diagram
Ludwig Meis Van Der Rohe

8. Renzo Piano (14/09/1937) – 

Piano is an Italian architect. In fact, his notable buildings include the shard in London, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. And the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre in Athens. Piano also won the Pritzker Architectural Prize in 1998. The jury citation compared Piano to Michelangelo and Da Vinci and credited him with “redefining modern and postmodern architecture”. 

Renzo Piano: Ecological Innovator - Organized Architectural Case studies!
Renzo Piano

9. Jean Nouvel (12/08/1945) –

Nouvel is a French architect. Therefore, he has obtained a number of prestigious awards over the course of his career. Including the Ago Khan award for architecture, the wolf prize in arts, and the Pritzker Prize. Some of his notable works include the Arab world Institute in France, the Torre Agbar in Spain, and the Doha Tower in Qatar. And also, the Louvre Abu Dhabi.  

Jean Nouvel

10. Moshe Safdie (14/07/1938) –

Finally, Safdie is an Israeli, Canadian and American architect. And, his projects include cultural, educational, and civic institutions. Also, Safdie has had projects in North and south America, the Middle East, and Asia. As a result, he is most identified with designing Marina Bay sands, Jewel Chani Airport. And as well as his debut project Habitat 67. He was awarded a Gold Medal from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Also the American Institute of Architects, and the Wolf Prize in Architecture. 

Moshe Safdie | Architectuul
Moshe Safdie

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Architecture & Building

New Build houses for New Beginners

13th September 20210

Building a home allows you to enjoy a new property that’s been designed specifically for you and your family. On the other hand, it is a daunting prospect that requires careful management at every stage.

Are you thinking of designing and building a new house, but don’t know where to start? No worries. Pro Arkitects – Design & Build Experts are always on hand to help. With these 7 simple steps, we will help you understand the process of successfully building a new home.

Step 1: Build Choices

When it comes to building a new home, there are several options at your disposal. These vary from; house and land packages, project homes, custom-built properties, or DIY kit dwellings. Each one has its own pros, cons, and costs, so it’s important to figure out where you want to build. Furthermore, it is crucial to establish early on how much you can spend and which options best suit your requirements.

Step 2: Do Your Research!

Unless you’re building on your existing property, you must make sure that your designs work with the land you wish to buy. This significantly affects building costs, so gaining expert advice before committing to land purchases or designs is highly recommended.

Step 3: Choosing a Builder

It is pivotal that you spend time researching builders who are right for your project. There are a vast amount of ways you can go about doing this. Friend recommendations are a popular choice, or you can contact the Master Builders and Housing Industry Associations. Alternatively, you can even invite qualified builders to quote your new home.

Make sure that the contract your desired builder provides covers all areas of your project. In addition to this, it is incredibly important that they agree to a timeline for the completion of the build.

You should get the plans agreement preparation, home indemnity insurance, the building contract, and contract variations agreement verified by a solicitor. This should be done before you sign any form of documentation.

Step 4: Financing Your build

Keeping on top of finances is essential to the successful construction of your home. Ensure that you know how much the total work will cost. Also, if applicable, make sure you have your home loan in place. These requirements must be finalized before the build commences.

Additionally, you must determine how much deposit you will need to pay. Get your solicitor to examine your contract and see how progress payments will be implemented.

Please note that the following section is only relevant to those who require a home loan.

Before you apply for your home loan, you should consider additional costs. These usually include; stamp duty, legal fees, and costs associated with your loan. You may also like to consider applying for a construction loan. This will give you access to money progressively as you complete different stages of construction.

Step 5: Signing the Contract

Once you’ve agreed to the costs, you must review the contract carefully with your solicitor. Many common building errors come as a result of inaccuracies in the contract. Make sure you feel confident in signing the documents to prevent costly changes down the line.

You should check the laws and council requirements in your area to see if your contract is compliant. Moreover, make sure your builder is responsible for securing licences and permits from the relevant authorities.

You may also like to get insurance before construction begins. This will protect your land, the new property, and the people visiting the site.

Step 6: Monitoring the Build

It’s important to stay involved at every stage of construction. You can choose the design elements and make sure it stays on time and within budget.

You may like to keep a diary to record important details of the project in writing. These may include; discussions with the builder, updates on progress, weather, copies of letters, and notices. You may also wish to take photos of the site throughout the project.

If you don’t feel confident managing the contractor or tradespeople building your home, you can assign an independent building consultant. They will then monitor the construction on your behalf.

Step 7: Completing the Handover

Around a week after practical completion of the house, you should be ready to move in. You should receive a copy of all relevant warranties and certificates as per your contract. Make sure you have the builder’s written authority that the building is completed and safe to move into.

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Garage Conversion

The Ultimate Beginners Guide To A Garage Conversion

7th September 20210

What is a garage conversion? 

A garage conversion means that you are changing your garage into something other than storage or a place you park your cars. It can be anything from a bedroom to a family room and anything in-between. It will open up the space in your home and allow your family to have more room.  

If you use your garage as a storeroom or a place you just put your junk, maybe it’s time to consider making use of what could be a valuable asset.  Having a garage conversion increases the house’s value up to 20%. This is because it is one of the speediest and most affordable routes to adding floor space. Garage conversions are often completed in a week and, depending on the project it could take up to a month

How Much Will The Garage Conversion Cost? 

The average cost of a garage conversion varies it is often between £7,500 – £20,000 in the UK. This would cost around £469 – £1,200 per meter squared. However, every company has its own prices, and it could be different from the average cost.  

The first step to a garage conversion is to conduct an assessment of the existing structure, in particular the soundness of foundations, walls, and roof. This will go a long way in revealing to work required to create a comfortable living environment. And a popular route that many seem to do is use a company that specialises in design and build.  

Key works when converting a garage:  

  • Make sure the walls and roof are sound.  
  • Existing floor need to be levelled, damp proofed and insulated.  
  • Roof insulation  
  • Wall insulation  
  • Heating and electrics  
  • Windows and doors 

Planning permission isn’t often required for a garage conversion. And you should consult with your local authority before you begin.   

A garage conversion will always be subject to building regulations, so you or your contractor need to inform the local authority of your intent to stark work 48 hours prior to commencing on site. And with more complex projects you may prefer to have full structural plans drafted.  

Tips to comply with building regulations: 

  • Have wall, floor and loft insulation so it is energy efficient.  
  • Be structurally sound. 
  • Make sure its damp proof.  
  • All electrics safety tested 
  • Good ventilation and moisture-proofed 
  • Have escape routes and fire-proofed  

It is possible to plan and convert your garage yourself. This could be a good option if you have a small budget. Just be aware that your work will be checked by a buildings control officer and if it doesn’t comply with building regulations you will have to put it right at your own expense. 

43 garage conversion ideas to add more living space to your home | loveproperty.com
A modern garage conversion.
Design and Inspiration

Minimalist Design Taking Over? Everything You Need To Know

30th August 20210

What is Minimalist Design? 

Minimalist interior design is very similar to modern interior design. The design involves using the bare essentials to create a simple and uncluttered space.  It is characterised by simplicity, clean lines and a monochromatic palette with sometimes a small amount of colour.  

Why it Became Popular

Minimalist design has been popular for a long time, but it’s become even more so recently. It is popular because it works well with a lot of designs and has many benefits. Minimalist architecture became popular between the 1960-1980s. This is because in London and New York architects and fashion designers worked together in boutiques to achieve simplicity. They used white elements, cold lighting, and a large space with minimum objects and furniture.  

Why is Minimalism a Trend Today?

Most millennials have reported that they prefer to spend their money on experiences then on material things such as furniture and décor. This has marked a shift in priorities from people just a generation ago.  

Positives and Negatives of Minimalist Interior 

There are a lot of positives and negatives to this design for example: Minimalist interior is good because the spaces are instantly recognisable for their clean, crisp, and clutter free look. Studies have shown that decluttering your space helps declutter your mind, and creates a sense of visual calm. However, with the minimalist interior, you could run the risk of feeling slightly soulless and it can optimize your mental health.  Having the worry of creating a mess and focusing on only having things you need can cause people a lot of anxiety. Whereas, with some people, the minimalist interior is great because the brightness leads to less stress, and because of the minimal furniture the occupant doesn’t feel cramped. 

Many people have a fear of the minimalist design because they fear that it wouldn’t be homely without warm or bright colours and clutter. Designers and architects like to add different textures such as: timber, glass, pottery, cloth and canvases. They have found that using these textures make the home feel fuller and warmer and adds more character.  

If you are trying to become a minimalist the best way to start is to pick a good base colour and build around that. Also choose smaller, nicer pieces of furniture so it doesn’t bulk up the room. You shouldn’t try to hide stuff places either, because it will end up creating clutter again. And you shouldn’t involve needless items in your designs.  

Minimalist Interior Design for a living room
A Minimalistic Living Room