Tag: house

Architecture & Building, Planning Permission

Plans for over 130 new homes to be built and Kent villagers are not happy 

6th June 20230

Plans to bring around 132 new houses to the village of Dymchurch have been met with a flood of objections. The planning application for this project has been submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council. On the land at High Knocke Farm.  

Located roughly about 400 meters away from Dymchurch village centre. The proposed site comprises a total 6.3 hectares of mainly undeveloped greenfield land in agricultural use. 

What do the plans propose?

The plans put forward by Redbridge Estates declare that the site offers an opportunity to produce sustainable high quality houses to the Dymchurch area. The houses are proposed to be mainly two storey detached, semi-detached and terrace houses. With a small number of flats alongside them.  

In addition, because there is so much land to work with 38% of the site area will be used as public open space. The plans show there are large open community spaces, water course’s, and children’s plan and activity areas.  

Although, building a large number of houses might sound like a great idea, many locals disagree. Since the application has been submitted, around 200 comments have been made raising their concerns for the project.  

Dymchurch Parish Councillors wrote a group statement that states. “As both current and former Dymchurch Parish Councillors, we jointly feel that is important that we make our voices heard on a proposed development that will have significant impacts on the historic coastal village of Dymchurch. One that potentially will change the face and character of the village forever. 

Here are a few comments made by locals on their thoughts and opinions of the plans –  

George Baker – As a local resident I highly object to the proposed development. The local infrastructure is already strained at the moment and will not be able to accommodate more residents especially through the tourist months. The proposal of using marshlands as access for the site is ridiculous. The bin men Struggle to fit down this road I can’t see site traffic working. 

Kathy Pamphlett – We are sick and tired of all the houses been built already traffic has got a lot worse and how are doctors going to cope we cant get to see them now schools will not have the capacity to cope with more now this planning application should definitely not go ahead leave dymchurch alone it’s lovely as it is. 

John william Bloomfield – I object to the proposed plan for 132 houses to be built on the land adjacent to 65 Seabourne Way, Dymchurch. Firstly, because the infrastructure in the village of Dymchurch is insufficient to support the additional residents the scheme would generate. Schools and doctors surgeries are already at full capacity and any further numbers would overload the facilities. The land is currently farm land where sheep graze and the loss of this green field site is not acceptable. Dymchurch is a holiday village and during the summer months the number of residents almost doubles. This scheme would further compound the crowding in and around the village. During construction work additional pressure caused by additional traffic on the A259 would result in further disruption on a very busy road, especially during the summer months. 

Find the application here –

Folkestone and Hythe District Council’s planning committee is scheduled to meet and decide on June 6th. Full details on the application and all comments left on the proposals can be found here.  

Loft Conversion

Step by Step Guide for Loft Conversion

5th June 20230

There are lots of steps that you need to take for a loft conversion. One of the daunting tasks is to find where to start. But fear not as we are here to help make this process easier for you. In this article, we are going to share the key steps that you consider for converting your loft.

Can You Convert Your Loft?

The first thing that you need to ensure is whether the loft space is suitable for conversion or not. Many houses have permitted development, which means the owner can convert the space without planning permission. But if you are living in another area of your roof space is not tall, then the process can be complicated. You need to ask a builder, architectural services provider, or a surveyor to figure this out for you. However, there are other checks too that you need to carry out on your own.

Other Conversions on Your Street

One of the best ways to figure out whether you can convert your loft is to see similar houses on your street with loft conversions. If there are some houses, then there is a possibility that you can do this too. We will advise you to take a step further and ask them to take a look at their loft.

Head Height

Another thing to consider is the height of the head. The minimum height required for a loft conversion is 2.2m. You do not need an expert to measure it, just take a tape measure and run from floor to the ceiling. If it is 2.2 or more, then you can easily convert the loft.

Type of Roof

The type of roof depends on when your house was built. Some of the homes have roof rafters, and some have trusses. You can quickly tell which kind of roof you have by looking through the loft hatch.

The rafters usually run along the edge of the roof. They leave most of the triangular space below hollow. In the case of trusses, these are supports that run through the cross-section of the loft. If you have trusses, then it is easy for you to convert the loft, but you will need extra support for the structure to replace them. Hence, it can cost more than rafters.

Flooring

Most of the people ignore the floor under the ceiling when planning a conversion. You need to consider the place where the staircase will go and how much space they will take up. Even if you have a well-designed staircase, it will still take a sizeable space. So, make sure that you have spare space to lose.

Type of Loft Conversion

Do you know about the types of a loft conversion? Fear not, there are only four main types of conversions: dormer, roof light, mansard, and hip-to-gable. Several factors determine your choice, including age and model of the house, and your budget.

Roof Light Conversion

If you are looking for a cheap and disruptive option, then roof light conversion is what you have. The reason is that this conversion does not require any changes in the pitch and shape of the roof. You just need to add skylight windows, adding a staircase, and laying a proper floor. However, you need to have a lot of space for this type of conversion.

Dormer Loft Conversion

This type of conversion is just a House Extension that protrudes from the slope of the roof. Flat-roof dormers are very popular these days and suitable for any house with a sloping roof. This type of loft conversion is expensive than roof light but cheaper than hip-to-gable or mansard. However, it can still help you get extra floor space and headroom.

Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion

The third type of conversion is hip-to-gable, which works by extending the slope of the roof. You need to create a vertical ‘gable’ wall. In this way, you can create more space inside the loft. However, this type of conversion is only suitable for detached houses.

If you have a detached house, then you can build a hip-to-gable extension quickly with more space.

Mansard Loft Conversion

In this conversion, you need to alter the angle of the roof slope to make it more vertical. It is the most expensive conversion, but you can get a significant amount of extra space. It is suitable for many kinds of properties, such as detached, terraced, and semi-detached houses.

How to Choose A Builder?

You can find many builders in your region, but it is always better to start with a recommendation. You can ask your friends or family, or you can search online if there is any local builder. If anyone in your neighbourhood had done a loft conversion, knock at their door and ask about the builder. When searching online, never forget to read reviews before hiring them. We will advise you to contact their previous clients and ask about their experience working with the builder.

Architecture & Building

Timber Construction in the UK: Embracing Sustainable Solutions

1st June 20230

Timber construction has emerged as a popular choice for builders and architects in the United Kingdom. As it offers numerous benefits ranging from sustainability and energy efficiency to aesthetic appeal and versatility. This blog post explores the growing trend of timber construction in the UK, highlighting its advantages, prominent projects, regulations, and the future outlook for this eco-friendly building method.

The Sustainability Advantage:

Timber construction stands out as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials like concrete and steel. Timber is a renewable resource that can be responsibly harvested and replenished, reducing the carbon footprint associated with building. It also stores carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change. The UK government and various industry bodies are actively promoting sustainable building practices, making timber an attractive choice for meeting green building standards.

Energy Efficiency and Thermal Performance:

Timber possesses excellent thermal insulation properties, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower heating bills. Timber structures can be designed to minimize thermal bridging and achieve high levels of airtightness, ensuring optimal energy efficiency. This advantage aligns with the UK’s focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving energy performance in buildings.

Aesthetics and Design Versatility:

Timber construction offers architects and designers endless possibilities in terms of aesthetics and design flexibility. From traditional timber-framed buildings to contemporary timber-clad structures, timber can complement any architectural style. It can be used for both load-bearing structures and decorative elements, creating visually appealing and unique spaces.

Regulations and Standards:

The use of timber in construction is governed by several regulations and standards in the UK. Building regulations, provide guidelines for the structural performance, fire safety, and durability of timber structures. The British Standards Institution (BSI) has also developed standards specific to timber construction. Including BS EN 1995 (Eurocode 5), which covers the design of timber structures.

In addition to building regulations, various certification schemes and voluntary standards promote sustainable timber sourcing and responsible forest management. These include the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These certifications ensure that timber used in projects comes from well-managed forests and supports sustainable practices.

The Future of Timber Construction in the UK:

The future of timber construction in the UK looks promising, with growing awareness of the environmental benefits and advancements in wood technology. Architects, engineers, and builders are increasingly incorporating timber into their designs to meet sustainability targets and reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.

The UK government’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and its focus on sustainable building practices further supports the growth of this type of build. Initiatives such as the Timber Innovation Fund and the Future Homes Standard are encouraging the use of timber as a primary building material.

Conclusion:

Timber construction has gained significant traction in the UK due to its sustainability, energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and design versatility. As a renewable resource, timber aligns with the country’s environmental goals and regulations. Prominent timber construction projects in the UK showcase the beauty and strength of this building method. With the support of regulations, standards, and technological advancements, timber construction is poised to play an even more significant role in the future of sustainable building in the UK.

Credit – https://www.glasgowarchitecture.co.uk/benefits-of-timber-frame-houses

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Architecture & Building

The costs of building a house in 2023  

24th May 20230

Building a home is something many people dream of. However, with the rising costs of materials and labour the thought of building is putting doubts in people’s minds. So, in this blog we are going to breakdown all the factors and averages costs of how much it will cost to build a house in 2023.  

Building cost factors –  

Size –  

One of the biggest factors when it comes to building a home is the size of the property. Here is a rough guise of average build costs: 

  • Cost for building a 2-bedroom house: From £185k to £280k.  
  • Cost for building a 3-bedroom house: From £240k to £365k.  
  • Cost for building a 4-bedroom house: From £295k to £440k.  
  • Cost for building a 5-bedroom house: From £320k to £480k. 

These costs are for standard designs, if you chose you go for a more abstract design the prices may increase.  

Location –  

The price of construction is going to depend on the area of the UK you are looking to build in. Labour and land costs are lower in some parts of the country. Land located near popular cities are more likely to be more expensive than places in less populated areas.  

Types of finishes –  

The finish and materials you choose will have a big impact on the price of the project. From the flooring to the tiles, to the lighting, every decision you make will affect the overall cost of your project.  

Professional services –  

You will also need to consider the costs of professional services. For example, your architect, project manager, local authorities. This usually adds on an extra 15% of the total project’s costs.  

Will construction costs go down in 2024?  

The soaring prices of construction materials won’t likely decrease until 2024. In 2023, prices are expected to go up by another 7% before they return to the long-term average of 2.7% in 2024.  

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House Extension

Extending your home on a budget: Ways to save money  

19th May 20230

If you are looking to add value to your home, extending is the way to go. The high costs of houses on the market, on top of the cost of living is making it difficult for homeowners to move houses. However, here is a list of way you can extend your home on a budget. 

Use simple materials –  

One of the best ways to keep the prices of extending your home down is by using the simplest materials. For example, you could use basic glazing and a felted roof which is low in cost and can be negotiated between builders.  

Go with a simple design –  

If you want to save money don’t complicate your extension plans. Bringing the ground floor wall out a few meters, under permitted development will reduce the price compared to going the maximum and needing full planning permission.  

Project manage the extension yourself –  

Most builders will add 10 – 25% onto the total cost of materials and labour to cover their time while working on your project. Being your own project manager will mean liaising with your designer/architect, your local authority’s building control department, and finding and hiring tradespeople etc. Although, this can be time consuming and a bit stressful, the savings can be enormous.

Opt for a loft conversion –  

In general, a loft conversion is much cheaper and straightforward than building an extension. loft conversions will mostly come under permitted development and if you have limited outside space, it won’t eat into it. A standard 40 sqm loft conversion with a dormer would cost around £35k.  

Use affordable cladding –  

Cladding or rendering the exterior of an extension built with a timber frame or block work will work out much more affordable than facing it with brick. This is ideal if you are looking to achieve the modern look.

 

Image: David Butler

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Extensions

Things You Need to Know About Rear Extension

17th May 20230

Want to improve or expand the living area in your home? Then a rear extension is a great way to do this instead of moving house. We know that the living space in most of the houses in the UK is very tight, especially in the cities. Home Extensions are a great solution to cope with living space issues. Well, getting an extension is not an easy task are requiring a decent amount of capital. However, it is a significant investment that can help increase the value of your property. It is best to invest in an extension if you want to sell your home in the future. So, in this article, we will share expert advice on things you need to know about rear extension.

Types of Extension

There are mainly three types of House Extensions that you can found in UK cities: the side return extension, the wrapped extension, and the rear extension. But when we talk about a rear extension, it means an extension that goes across the full width of the house. It goes out towards the garden.

On the other hand, a side return extension increases the living space at the side of the rear projection. Many properties in the UK have a small alleyway on the side. So, we just need to incorporate this space into the home.

One of the most common types of extension is a single-story rear extension. It is a great way to link areas together to make them bigger. Furthermore, it also adds to the value of your property and makes it more pleasant.

Permitted Development Rights For Rear Extension

In many areas in the UK, you can add an extension without planning permission because they come under permitted development. For this, you need to download some documents from the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and local councils to see what you can do under permitted development.

Let us explain; the document says that you can extend your existing home by a percentage of the volumetric space. By it means that every extension is included, such as loft extension, etc. You need to submit an application that consists of the volume of the property and sketches of the design. It is better to go through the process even you are withing permitted development. You can do this on your own as it is not a complicated task.

If you want rules regarding an extension, you can read them on planning porta. All the regulations related to height, distance, and size of an extension can be found there. It is easy to get confused by permitted development. So, it is better to get help from local authorities to make sure that you do not step outside. It is also better to hire a professional at this state who knows about these limits and who can help you make these changes without planning permission.

Planning Permission

Suppose, the extension you want does require planning permission, then what you need to do? Well, you can apply for it yourself. You need to submit elevations, drawings of plans, and its relation to the surrounding properties. Some of the people are nor comfortable with the process, so in this case, you hire a professional. If you want an expert opinion, then we will recommend you to get the help of a professional in the early stages. An architectural services provider can provide valuable input regarding the design of the space.

Conservation Areas

If your property is in a conservation area, then you need planning permission. If you are not sure whether you live in a conservation area, you can check with local planning authority online. In short, most city centers are conservation areas. Local authorities designate an area as conservation when they want to maintain the feel and look of that particular area.

Rear Extension Design

Architectural services providers can help you with the planning and design of the extension. First of all, you need to discuss their packages. They will survey the job site and will tell you whether the project is feasible or not. If it is possible, then they will provide you with initial sketches of the design. Once you are happy with the initial plans, they will give you detailed drawings that you can use for planning permission.

They cannot only help you with the designs but also with project management. We are also providing these services; a client can go as far as he or she wants. Some of our clients are capable of managing the project, so they only need some advice on the design. Some of them want our help with planning regulations and permission.

On the other hand, some clients want us to manage their whole project. The cost of our services depends on what you want from us. Getting the help of a professional is a good idea because they know how to deal with builders and contractors.

Credit: http://www.theartofbuilding.co.uk/blog/category/residential/page/4
Architecture & Building

The world’s best cities for architecture fanatics

17th April 20230

A city can be shaped by many things, the food or people for example. However, nothing can define a place as distinctly as its architecture.  

St. Petersburg, Russia  

Firstly, much of St. Petersburg’s architecture is baroque and neoclassical. Baroque architecture focuses on elaborate ornaments, detail, and decoration. Neoclassical architecture response was to go back to simple, massive, classical form of the Greek and Roman era. The Rocco movement came about in the 18th century, it had elements of its own: think curves, pale colours and light-hearted themes. The style made its way around Europe where it found favour with the female rulers in St. Petersburg. 

Saint Petersburg
Photo: Alamy

Athens, Greece 

The ancient Greeks had a unique style of architecture. Athens was the centre of ancient Greek theatre, a city embellished with open-air structures constructed on the sloping hillside. Visiting the buildings and the ruins in Athens is like taking a step back in time to ancient Greece. In addition, the stonework dates back to 400 BC.

Athens, Greece
Credits:  Harrieta171 assumed (based on copyright claims).

Budapest, Hungary  

Notable architecture styles in Hungary include Historicism and art Nouveau. It also has many Romanesque, gothic, renaissance, and baroque styles. However, art nouveau came into fashion in Budapest in the late 19th century, and the city remains one of the best places to see the style today. Its characteristics are curving forms, organic shapes, use of iron and glass, and colourful flourishes. 

Budapest

Rome, Italy  

The types of architecture used were: Corinthian, Doric, and Ionic. Roman architecture is famous for its domes, arches, amphitheatre’s, temples, and many other factors that made it unique. The Romans were great innovators. Today the city is one of the biggest centres for architecture.  

Italian Architecture in Rome,
Photo © Dreamstime.com.

Hanoi, Vietnam  

Vietnam architecture is a composition of both Asian and European styles. They often used French colonial architecture, which is a style used by the French during colonization. They combined the two styles and added eastern and western traditions to the buildings. For example, they used red tiles on the roof. They used the colour yellow a lot because it is associated with royalty in Vietnam. 

Vietnam
Credits: iStock

Barcelona, Spain  

The two most popular styles of Barcelona architecture are Catalan Gothic, a medieval style and modernism. Architect Antoni Gaudi wanted to create organic, urban spaces in the city he loved. The main features of Barcelona include signature ceramic and stained-glass mosaics, as well as stonework and ironwork. 

Barcelona, Spain
Credit: © Jean-jacques Serol

Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

 Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building and a seven-star hotel. Dubai’s original architecture, from the 19th century, was influenced by Iranian, Indian, and Islamic designs. However, nowadays it’s becoming more modernised.  

Burj Khalifa Dubai Architecture

Marrakech, Morocco 

Finally, Morocco is full of Islamic architecture. It’s famous for horseshoe arches, Islamic domes, towers, and ornate and complex geometric designs.  The presence of riads, palaces with interior courtyards and gardens and open skylights, are specific to Morocco and essential to Islamic design because of their emphasis on privacy. The lack of street-level windows and the use of clay walls also lends to the feeling of intimacy and grace. 

Morocco
Getty

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Advice Center

Common reasons why HMO’s get refused 

12th April 20230

Although, HMO’s can be a great investment there are a range of factors you need to keep in mind. An HMO refusal can be inconvenient and expensive. Councils can refuse to licence HMO’s if the property doesn’t meet certain conditions. Or, if the licence applicant is not a fit and proper person to hold the licence.  

Here is a list of common reasons why HMO’s may get refused –  

The bedroom sizes are too small –  

To avoid refusal, the bedroom sizes in your home must be at least:  

  • 4.64 square meters for a child under 10 years old  
  • 6.51 square meters for a person 10 years old or over  
  • 10.22 square meters for 2 people aged 10 or over  

All rooms that are being used as sleeping accommodation must have a ceiling height of at least 2.14 meters over a minimum, of 75% of the room area. If any floor area has a ceiling height less than 1.53 meters, it will be disregarded when calculating room size. The council will also consider the shape of the room and useable living space, to determine whether its suitable.  

Too many rooms/changes of use –  

When converting your house into an HMO it is important that you use the correct change of use. This is often one of the main reasons they get refused.  

Standard houses and flats belong to the use class C3. These are usually occupied by a single household.  

Whereas, depending on the number of occupants, an HMO is either use class C4 or sui generis. If the HMO is occupied by 3-6 people is C4. Furthermore, if the HMO has 7 or more occupants, its sui generis.  

The area of the HMO –  

Before you make any big decisions, you should speak to your local council and planning department and seek advice. You might find out that there are policies restricting HMO’s. If many properties have been converted into HMO’s, you might have a harder time getting permission.  

Here are some basic rules to follow –  

  • Inner bedrooms are not acceptable (This is a bedroom which can only be accessed by passing through another room, such as a lounge, kitchen or bedroom.) 
  • No common areas are to be used for sleeping purposes  
  • No one is allowed to sleep in a room without any access to natural light, heating, and ventilation.  
  • So, children, 11 years or older should not share a bedroom with their parents.  

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House in multiple occupation
Architecture & Building, Planning Permission

Planning A Porch Extension For The First Time

4th April 20230

First impressions are important to people. So you should create a warm welcome for guests by adding a stylish and functional porch extension to the front of your home. 

What Is A Porch Extension?

A porch is a single storey structure. That can be enclosed and projects out from the front of the house.

Designing The Porch –  

A porch not just adds an extra bit of storage for shoes, or coats, it can be completely bespoke to suit your needs. A porch also can provide extra security benefits because it creates a barrier between your front door and the outside. Closed porches also are energy efficient because they prevent heat escaping and it saves you a bit on your bills. There are many different porch designs and choices when it comes to building one. Starting from brickwork, front doors, windows, and roof options. However, when you are making these choices, you need to make sure you are integrating the design of your original house.  

Planning Permission –  

A porch is considered to be permitted development. This means that you do not require an application for planning permission, provided: 

  • The ground floor area would not exceed three square meters 
  • No part would be more than three meters above ground level.
  • No part of the porch would be within two meters of any boundary of the dwelling house and the highway 

You would also need to check if you live in a listed building or a conservation area before you start your project.   Prices of a porch extension –  The prices of a porch extension can vary depending on what you want to do to the property and if you have a budget. Adding a porch typically costs around £1000-£1,200 per meter square. Installing a porch will very likely increase your home’s value. When it’s time to sell your home, some sources say the average return on investment for a porch addition is around 84%.  

Porch extension
Credit: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/13159023902288428/

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Architecture & Building

A guide to Passive houses: definition, benefits and cost   

17th February 20230

Passive house design is an alternative to regular heating. Instead of having a boiler and radiators, they use a special ventilation system and effective insulation. Read on to find out more about passive house standards  

What is a passive house?  

A passive house is a design standard that is energy efficient, comfortable, affordable and ecological all at the same time. The houses attain thermal comfort with minimal heating and cooling. They achieve this by using insulation, appropriate windows and doors, airtightness, elimination of thermal bridges and ventilation systems with heat recovery.  

Who invented the passive house?  

The idea of the house was created by researchers in Germany however, they were originally called passivhaus. It all started with early conversations in the 1980s, led by academics Bo Adamson and Wolfgang Feist. Later, their concept was further developed through a number of research projects. 

What are the requirements for passive houses?  

To achieve the passive house standard, you must meet several criteria, such as:  

  • Airtightness – these houses are very airtight and shouldn’t have no more than 0.6 air changes per hour at 50 pascals pf pressure.  
  • Space heating – The energy demand for space heating must not exceed 15 kWh/m2 of living space per year or 10W/m2 at peak demand. This contrasts with the 100W/m2 needed in a typical house.   
  • Thermal comfort – Living areas should be comfortable all year round, with no more than 10% of the hours in a given year exceeding 25°C. 
  • Primary energy – Total energy needed for all domestic applications (heating, hot water and domestic electricity) must not exceed 60 kWh/m2of living space per year. 

Are passive houses expensive?  

Passive buildings don’t require the expensive heating or cooling systems of conventional buildings. This means even though the buildings require high quality materials they are still affordable. Also, they make for a great investment because you save long term on energy bills.  

Advantages –  

  • Affordability  
  • Lower heating costs 
  • Energy saving  
  • More durable buildings  

Disadvantages – 

  • Boxy and ugly – although there are many benefits of passive houses, many people think the homes look boxy and ugly. This is because it relates to the total surface area of all of the external walls (the Heat Loss Area) divided by the total floor area. A lower number means there’s less surface area for heat to escape. 
  • They don’t add value when resold – one of the main reasons that people don’t buy passive houses in the UK is because they don’t add much value. The owners usually live in them for the rest of their lives.  
  • These homes don’t fit in every location – it must be constructed in a location that allows uninterrupted sunshine to reach the south side of the home. In some big cities, this might be a problem. 
  • Noise concerns – because they are airtight noise can’t enter or leave a passive house. tiny noises will be audible throughout the entire building.