Author: Rene

We are currently working on the conversion of an old Threshing barn on a listed farm site in Worcestershire into a new family home. The building was originally in agricultural use constructed of a solid oak beam frame structure with a double pitched roof, which was later replaced by a corrugated vaulted metal roof as often applied to these buildings. The building survey we carried out recently mapped the authentic old beam structure as well as the replacement beams added over time. The new design will reintroduce the original building shape with a new external treated timber cladding, an additional floor forming a gallery in some places to accommodate open plan areas for kitchen, dining and spacious living as well as bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms to the upper floor. Large window openings cut into the façade will allow stunning views over the adjacent fields from both floors. 

We have recently been appointed to design and build a detached contemporary and very generous two-to-three-bedroom family dwelling of around 450m2 situated at the southern end of a sloping 4 ha site. The lower part of the site had been used as a chalk quarry around the 1870’s and seems ideal for the construction of a new two storey single aspect family home with intensive green roof cover so invisible from the top of the site. A further smaller plot at the bottom of the site is forming part of the dense forest with the idea that  another single storey barn-like small family home can be constructed at a later stage where workers originally had sheltered structures. 

We have worked recently on the conversion of an existing detached 3-storey office building (plus small basement) on a corner plot in the fringes of Guildford town center to create upmarket individual apartments. We suggest to extend parts of the front of the building to add additional habitable space to each floor and mirror at the same time the full height bay window feature already present on the facade whilst relocating the main stairs to access the new apartments on all levels as well upgrading the existing basement underneath. We currently await planning response from the council. 

We successfully received planning approval for the full width extension at the rear of this Edwardian Richmond five-bedroom townhouse around 250m2 in size. Internally we fully redesigned the lower ground floor to give the client more storage, better use of the existing vaults under the access bridge and front stairs to the house, bike storage, dropping the floor level to follow the slope of the site whilst achieving generous ceiling height within the rear areas with clearly defined spaces for a large kitchen, a dining area next to a gas fire and a cosy rear lounge as part of the glazed extension to enjoy the amazing views over the Thames river. A small terrace allows for outdoor enjoyment in the summer with gentle steps leading down to the richly planted garden meandering sown the hill. 

After the successful coordination with our local architect in Lefkada, we received approval for this stunning single family dwelling on a sloping site with sea access and close views over Skorpios. Carved out of an overgrown plot into the typical topography of this island, we created a small private access road down to the private beach with a covered veranda structure with outdoor kitchen and changing facilities. Guest accommodation in form of oval single storey structures sit on each bend of the road leading up to the main building and further to the entrance of this site. Passed the gate a buried gate house provides accommodation for the house keeper and guests, with all facilities as well as underground garage for cars and maintenance parts to this property. Whilst a spacious wine and vegetable garden nestles along the right boundary, a beautiful garden opens towards the left of the site displaying flower beds, a water fountain and a small chapel. Whilst the guest sleeping accommodation will be covered by the natural fall of the site with cut in light wells to invite enough daylight, two large pavilions sit on top of the main structure to create an open plan living and family bedroom area with entertainment space, bathroom and changing facilities facing the pool. A circulating water steam cuts through the building originating in the guest bathroom across the connecting courtyard and terraces to cascade down a shoot into the heated infinity pool. Works to the main building is starting soon. 

We are starting works on the refurbishment and extension of an existing 1720’s Grade 2* listed terraced 7-bedroom family dwelling of around 390m2 close to Marble Hill House including the  construction of a potentially full width single storey rear extension with replacement of the existing rear infill kitchen extension, the conversion of the existing lower ground floor dining area and adjacent room to form an independent one bedroom nanny accommodation. We also redesign parts of the first & second floor to provide additional en-suite bathrooms as well as overall upgrade to the building envelope and thermal performance where possible in close cooperation with the local conservation department. 

We are developing design proposals on this unusual forest hill site involving the demolition of an existing single-storey detached timber cabin style dwelling to erect a new 3 bedroom detached family home with annexes of around maximum 200m2 in size. The new building will be constructed of a single storey linear timber framed structure with a single pitched roof supported on pillows on a sloping site within the wooded setting. A separate timber framed annex building or two annex buildings close to the main house as well as a potential carport with space for two electric cars and charging station as well as an outdoor jacuzzi with wood burner will feature as part of the designs. 

We have been appointed to redesign and extend this terraced Victorian family dwelling in Richmond conservation area to create an additional bedroom in the loft with shared bathroom facilities, an all glass extension to the rear whilst adding ensuite bathrooms to the first floor level. An elegant interior with modern accent to the open plan ground floor refines the designs, upmarket products and materials elevate the value of this small town centre property. The contractor has completed all shell works in the meantime and nearly completed the internal fitout. 

We just won planning approval on the refurbishment and extension of an existing detached Victorian 4-bedroom family dwelling in the Cambridge Conservation area. The proposal includes the construction of a single storey ground floor wrap around rear extension replacing the existing garage structure, with a full height infill side extension; redesign of the current lower ground floor and upper ground floor area, rearrangement of the front bedroom at first floor level with en-suite as well as a further guest bedroom and en-suite facing the garden; the redesign of the current loft level as the new master bedroom with dressing room and master en-suite bathroom; improvements to all facades where applicable as well as further internal changes to layouts at all levels. We are currently working on the detailed construction information and interior designs in preparation for full tender.