Building Innovation Awards 2022 – Finalist

We are delighted that Design Haus Architecture has been shortlisted for a Building Innovation Award.

We are a finalist in the ‘Best use of Augmented Reality or Virtual Reality in a Construction Project’ at the Building Innovation Awards 2022.

These awards recognise and celebrate those individuals and organisations that embrace emerging technologies in the construction sector. Commenting on the awards, editor at Build in Digital, Siôn Geschwindt, said:

"It's impressive to see the calibre of this year's finalists. These projects, people and technologies represent the future of construction in the UK. We look forward to presenting the winners on the night and welcoming you all to an event that promises to be a night to remember!"

We use virtual reality and emerging technologies across all of our residential projects - so it’s fantastic that this has been recognised and to be a finalist is a huge honour for us!

We are very much looking forward to celebrating with all the other finalists at the awards ceremony in October.

See the full shortlist here.

If you would like to know more about how we use Virtual Reality in the design process of our architectural projects, please get in touch with us. We’d love to hear from you.

Published by Siobhan Harris in Architectural design, Awards, News, VR architecture

Tags: Architecture, Business Innovation Awards

22 July 2022

Young Architect of the Year – Shortlisted

We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for 'Young Architect of the Year' at the Building Design Architect of the Year Awards 2022.

"The Young Architect of the Year Awards is organised by Building Design to recognise and reward the UK's most promising new architects or practices".
Building Design

These prestigious awards, reward architects for a consistent body of work rather than just one-off projects. So we are extra especially delighted that we have been nominated! If you would like to see the work that got us nominated for this award, please head over to our projects section.

One of our projects which was referenced by Building Design was North Road.

"North Road is the conversion and extension of an existing bungalow into a modern four-bedroom home. This project brings together a range of different design ideas which required working within the parameters of the existing structure and site boundary.
The new building was developed almost entirely using virtual reality technology. The client was able to wander through the space in realtime, making suggestions and observations long before the project was submitted to planning. Moving walls, changing materials and creating new moments in the design was achievable within minutes."
Building Design

North Road - Architect of the Year Award

Find out more about the 'Architect of the Year Awards' and those shortlisted for the 2022 Awards.

If you would like to learn about how we could assist you with your architectural project please get in touch.

Published by Siobhan Harris in Awards

Tags: Architect, Architecture

10 September 2021

A guide to Class Q barn conversions

The permitted development right known as Class Q was introduced to England’s planning policy in 2014. It allows for ‘prior approval’ to convert agricultural buildings to change their use, such as converting a barn into a residential home.

If the building meets the criteria of the policy, Class Q can be used in place of the full planning application process, which means that it may offer a more straightforward route for those looking to build a home in the countryside or in a conservation area.

Here’s an overview of Class Q and what it means for your barn conversion.

Class Q restrictions

There are several important restrictions that are taken into consideration when determining whether a building is eligible under Class Q.

The following is a simplified overview of these restrictions to give you an idea of what to expect.

Agricultural use

The building must have been used for agricultural purposes on March 20th 2013, or proof must be given that it was in use prior to this date, but not since. If the building was built or brought into use after this date, it must have been in agricultural use for 10 years.

An agricultural tenancy of the site cannot have been terminated within 1 year of the prior approval application, and for the purpose of Class Q, unless there is prior agreement between landlord and tenant that the site is no longer required for agricultural use.

Dwelling size

You can build up to three larger dwellings (over 100 sqm each), or up to five smaller dwellings (up to 100 sqm each).

However, the total floorspace of the larger building(s) cannot exceed 465 sqm. The maximum floorspace you can create is therefore 865 sqm, by building one large dwelling and four small dwellings, each at the largest permitted size.

Permitted works

Partial demolition may be permitted, although buildings cannot be extended in any way. Internal conversion is permitted and may include the addition of an independent first-floor mezzanine.

Structural works designed to allow the building to function as a house are permitted, such as installing or replacing windows, doors, roofs or exterior walls. However, the building must be structurally capable of functioning as a residence without structural additions or reinforcements. The replacement or installation of services such as electricity, gas, water and drainage are also permitted.

How to apply for Class Q

If your barn meets the criteria, you’ll need to submit a prior approval application before going ahead with any conversion work. There are two application options under Class Q.

The first option pertains to changing the use of the building from agricultural use to residential use as a dwellinghouse. The second option includes the development as well as any building operations necessary to convert the building into a Class C3 dwellinghouse. Generally speaking, you should use the second option for your application, unless you’re planning to only convert the interior of the barn without any external renovations.

You should receive a decision on your application within 56 days, which is roughly in line with the typical wait for planning permission.

Need help with a Class Q conversion?

If you’re planning a Class Q barn conversion and you’d like some support from an experienced architect, get in touch with Design Haus.

Whether you’re unsure about the eligibility of your property, you need help with the application process, or you’re looking for a complete architectural design service, we’re here to help.

Published by James Brindley in Advice, Planning permission

Tags: architectural design, Architecture, barn conversion, conversion, Planning Permission

7 September 2021

What’s involved in working with listed buildings?

Working with a listed building can be a real challenge, and not all architects are up to the job.

If you’re planning to make any kind of an alteration to a listed building, it’s really important that you work with an experienced architect who knows the ins and outs of the restrictions, how to apply for planning permission, and how to ensure that any new additions are in keeping with the style and history of the building.

Let’s look at what’s involved in working with listed buildings.

What is a listed building?

First of all, let’s take a quick look at what a listed building is.

Listed status is designed to protect and preserve buildings of “special architectural and historic merit” by placing restrictions on demolition, alterations and extensions. The status of listed buildings is overseen by English Heritage in England, Cadw in Wales, Historic Scotland in Scotland, and Northern Ireland Environment Agency in Northern Ireland.

England and Wales has three main categories of listed building:

Grade I: Exceptional interest
Grade II*: Particularly important
Grade II: Of special interest

Scotland categorises these buildings as A, B and C, while Northern Ireland uses A, B* and B1/B2.

Over 90% of listed buildings are in the lowest Grade II classification, while just 2.5 are Grade I.

Can I extend or remodel a listed building?

The short answer is yes, but within a strict set of stipulations that will vary from building to building.

English Heritage states that listing “doesn’t freeze a building in time” and therefore doesn’t prevent changes altogether. After all, renovation and restoration work is essential to preserve these important buildings for future generations.

However, as the purpose of listing is to protect the unique character and history of a building, any changes that you wish to make must be carefully considered by the local authority’s conservation department. To make your desired changes, you may be required to use a certain material, architectural style, or any other conditions designed to preserve the integrity of the building.

Is it hard to get planning permission for a listed building?

It’s much harder to get planning permission for a listed building than one that is not listed, but it’s far from impossible. In fact, English Heritage reports that up to 90% of listed building consents are approved.

This statistic should be taken with a pinch of salt, however, as it’s likely that these applications are made by experienced architects and builders who understand what is and isn’t likely to be accepted. If you’re considering any kind of alteration on a listed building, it’s important to find someone with this level of experience to help you.

As well as knowing how to apply and having working relationships with the local authority, an architect who is experienced in working with listed buildings will be able to suggest a design that both meets your requirements and offers the best chance of approval. This will help you to avoid the time and stress of repeat applications.

Architects with listed building experience

If you’re looking for professional advice and support for any renovations or extensions to a listed building, James Brindley of Design Haus is the man for the job.

James has worked with a number of listed buildings in the past and successfully secured planning permission to make sympathetic alterations in line with requirements by English Heritage and local authorities to preserve the character and importance of historic buildings.

To discuss your listed building project, or to find out more about how Design Haus can help you to apply for planning permission, please get in touch.

Published by James Brindley in Advice, Planning permission, Working with architects

Tags: Architect, Architecture, heritage buildings, listed building

3 September 2021

What are the architectural restrictions of a conservation area?

If you’re planning a new-build architectural project or extension to an existing building within a conservation area, you will find that you are subject to certain restrictions.

Let’s take a look at conservation areas and their restrictions.

What is a conservation area?

A conservation area is one that has been deemed to be of significant historic or architectural importance, and is therefore subject to certain restrictions to protect the integrity of the area.

Around 10,000 conservation areas have been designated in England since the initiative was first put in place in 1967. They are usually designated by the local planning authority and aim to preserve the distinctive character of a city, town, village or country estate.

Conservation areas are outlined in Part II of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and should protect areas of “special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”.

Planning permission

As with any large-scale building or extension project, homeowners must submit a planning application to the local authority. Along with the standard restrictions, the proposal will also be subject to additional scrutiny regarding its suitability for the protected area.

As well as governing the style or architecture of the buildings themselves, the protection offered by conservation areas also extends to the layout of streets and roads, and the impact on trees and views. This means that homeowners and architects will have to consider many more aspects than in a non-protected area.

Architectural restrictions in conservation areas

As the aim of a conservation area is to ensure that new developments preserve or enhance the individuality of the location, there are certain restrictions that must be adhered to.

Minor changes

Minor developments that might otherwise not require planning permission, such as an extension, dormer loft conversion or recladding of the building exterior, may not be permitted.

Even small changes such as the addition of a satellite dish or the colour of the front door could be controlled by the local authority in a conservation area. As the aim is to protect the unique character of an area, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what is and isn’t allowed.

Demolition

It’s a criminal offence to demolish a building without proper planning permission in a conservation area. You must get permission beforehand if your project requires removing some or all of the existing structure.

It’s not outside the realm of possibility for local councils to permit demolition in a conservation area, but they will usually try to keep the existing buildings as much as possible.

Trees

If you’re planning to cut down, lop or trim any trees in the area as part of your project, you must give the local council six weeks’ notice before undertaking any work.

During this time, the council’s planning department will take into account the impact of the trees on the local area, and whether they are an integral part of its character. Should any tree be deemed deserving of protection, the council can create a tree preservation order (TPO) to prevent cutting down or modification.

Contemporary architecture

As Section 69 of the 1990 Planning Act specifies that developments must “preserve or enhance” the area, this doesn’t necessarily mean that contemporary designs are a no-no.

Where a more modern approach could be seen to enhance the area, you’ve got a good case for approval. However, areas with a strong architectural identity are much less likely to accept an application that is not in keeping with the existing buildings.

For the best chance of obtaining planning permission, it’s worth speaking to the local authority and using their input to inform your design decisions. You might even be able to combine both modern and traditional architectural elements to achieve the best of both worlds.

Work with an experienced architect

Working with an architect who is experienced in working to the restrictions of conservation areas is a great way to improve the chances of having your application approved.

James Brindley, Head Architect at Design Haus, has worked on many planning applications and architectural projects in conservation areas, giving you the confidence that each design decision will be made with the success of the application in mind.

To discuss a project in a conservation area, please get in touch and James will be happy to help.

Published by James Brindley in Advice, Planning permission, Residential architecture, Working with architects

Tags: architectural design, Architecture, conservation area, Planning Permission

25 June 2021

Minimalist architecture: When less is more

Minimalism is much more than just an art movement; it’s an entire design philosophy, and one that works perfectly when it comes to architecture.

Minimalist architecture doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it’s often quite beautiful, with sleek lines, open spaces and lots of light. It’s a great place to draw inspiration from if you’re looking to create a space that’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Here’s why less is more when it comes to minimalist architecture.

Form as function

Minimalist design embraces making the most out of small spaces, or minimising interruptions to the sleek, simple form by integrating functional elements into the structure itself.

This means that a minimalist building won’t have much in the way of decorative architecture, as this only serves the purpose of looking pretty. Instead, you’ll find carefully hidden pipes, underfloor heating and practical design. There’s no clutter and no waste; just efficient spaces designed to work well.

Subtle beauty

With sleek, continuous lines and a focus on simplicity, minimalist buildings feel open, uncluttered and calm.

This style of architecture embraces simple colour palettes, often comprising grey, white and neutral tones. This offers a clean, modern effect that stands alone in its understatement, while also allowing for a pop of colour or a statement piece without overpowering the décor if desired.

Simple materials

A key part of minimalism is paring everything down to the essentials. One way in which this is achieved in architectural design is by using a limited selection of materials.

Concrete, stone and pale-coloured wood are just some of the elements that you can expect to find in minimalist design, and you’ll usually find a lot of them. Sticking to a handful of materials makes the building as a whole feel like a unified space, while also keeping costs down.

Open spaces

Minimalist architecture places a lot of importance on fluid, open spaces. This gives the building room to breathe and creates an atmosphere that is both chic and subdued.

Making the most of natural daylight allows the space to feel bright and inviting without relying on artificial lighting. Floor-to-ceiling windows, mezzanines and open-plan living spaces bring in more light and help to make small buildings feel more spacious.

Seamless transitions

Uniformity of the various spaces within a building is one of the hallmarks of minimalist architectural design.

This means that moving from one room to another is a seamless and fluid experience, bringing a sense of consistency and order. Instead of having several small rooms boxed up with four walls and a door, each creating their own zone or theme, every space in a minimalist building contributes to the overall atmosphere.

Intelligent, beautiful architectural design

Working with Design Haus means that you’ll benefit from years of experience in both architectural and interior design. The flow, transition and usability of spaces is key to the Design Haus philosophy, creating spaces that look great while being practical in the long term.

To discuss your project, get in touch with Architect and Director James Brindley.

Published by James Brindley in Architectural design

Tags: architectural design, Architecture, minimalism, minimalist, minimalist architecture

30 November 2020

Essential questions to ask your architect before starting a project

When you’re bringing an architect on board for a building project, no matter how big or small, there are a few essential questions that you should ask them before committing.

Make sure to speak to a few different architects before deciding who to go with. By asking them all the same questions, you’ll be better able to directly compare them and decide who’s best for the job at hand.

Do you have experience with this type of project?

Finding out whether an architect has worked on a similar type of project before is extremely beneficial when choosing who to go with.

While one architect’s fees may be lower, they may be less experienced in the required area than others. In this instance, you might benefit from paying more for the specialist expertise.

You should also ask to see examples from the architect’s portfolio of similar projects, and for references that you can follow up on.

How do you charge?

Not all architects charge the same way. Make sure you know what to expect from your architect’s fee structure.

Find out exactly what is included in the basic services, what would incur additional costs, and how the architect would deal with any unexpected costs.

It’s also worth clarifying whether the budget includes VAT, as this can make a huge difference in the quote.

What is the proposed timeline?

It’s always worth knowing roughly how long a project will take, though there should always be some leeway for unexpected issues.

Again, this is a good way to find out more about your architect. If you speak to one architect who quotes a much longer or shorter timeframe, ask for details as to why they think it will take this long. From the size of the team working on the project to the architect’s current workload, there are many reasons why you might receive a different answer from different practices, and these could inform your final decision.

What will you require from the architect throughout the project?

Some architects are more hands-on than others, handling all aspects of admin and communication between contractors.

If you’re busy or simply happy to delegate the project admin, this is the perfect solution. However, if you’d like to be heavily involved in the process throughout, this type of architect might not be for you.

It’s also worth asking what input you will be required to make for design decisions, and when, so you can make yourself available.

Who will be working on the project team?

It’s often the case that when you first meet with an architect, they aren’t the person that will actually end up working on your project.

Find out exactly who you will be working with, including any third parties and contractors. Making sure that you like and trust the people on your team is extremely important, especially for long-term builds.

Work with James Brindley of Design Haus

I pride myself in being the sole point of contact for my clients, so they always know exactly who to talk to at any stage of the project. I’ll be there from day one right through to project completion, answering questions and providing solutions whenever you need them.

If you’d like to work with a conscientious, hands-on architect, get in touch with me today.

Published by James Brindley in Advice, Home improvement, Working with architects

Tags: advice, Architect, Architecture, construction, Home Improvement, Working with Architects

30 November 2020

How to appoint an architect

Building design and construction projects can be expensive and complicated. Unless your project is very simple, you will benefit from the expertise of an architect.

An architect’s job is to help you to navigate the design and build process from start to finish, ensuring that the final build is functional, safe, and meets all legal requirements. However, many people have never hired an architect before, so the process can seem a little daunting.

Take a look at our guide to appointing an architect.

Finding an architect

The most important part of appointing an architect is finding the right person for the job.

Research architects in your area to determine their level of experience and areas of expertise, and meet with them to discuss your project in more detail. Most architects will provide a free consultation to assess the job, but you should expect to pay for more detailed advice or information.

Personal recommendations can be a useful way to find a trustworthy architect, but it’s worth bearing in mind whether the two projects are comparable; just because an architect was right for your friend’s job, doesn’t mean that their expertise is suitable for your requirements.

Architect accreditations

Make sure the architect offers what you’re looking for, but don’t pay for more than you need. For a relatively straightforward domestic extension, it doesn’t make sense to pay a premium for an architect that is highly experienced in renovating historic buildings.

The term ‘architect’ is a protected term, and anyone in the UK who refers to themselves as such must be registered with the ARB. It’s also a good idea to look for a RIBA registered architect to ensure that your chosen practitioner offers the highest level of service.

Architect fees

It’s extremely difficult to benchmark how much architects charge, as there are a huge number of factors behind pricing considerations.

The fee will depend on the appointed architect, whether that’s a signature architect, lead architect or junior architect, the size, complexity and type of building required, the location of the project, the level of service required, and many other factors.

When choosing between architects, make sure that you are comparing like-for-like services. Some architects may offer a complete service, from measuring and drawing up designs through to liaising with all contractors on your behalf. This will naturally make their fees higher than an architect offering pure consultancy.

There are three standard ways that architects charge for projects:

Percentage of the total build cost
Lump sum fee
Hourly rate

It’s important to discuss these options with your architect to determine which works best for your project before proceeding with the appointment.

Forms of appointment

Once you and your architect agree to work together, you will need to draw up an appointment to agree the work to be undertaken. This means setting out in writing the scope of the services required, as well as the fees that will be charged.

There are several standard forms appointment available through bodies such as RIBA, ACA and the CIC for more straightforward projects. These options have the benefit of being cheaper and more convenient than bespoke agreements, while providing clarity and legal backing for both parties.

Where a bespoke agreement is used, you should be careful to ensure that all relevant points are covered to ensure protection of both parties, including warranties, payment provisions, copyright, termination and disputes.

If an architect is required for a very minor commission where a full contract may be seen as too much, a letter of appointment may be used. This should cover the same issues as a full appointment contract, outlining the project scope, fees, terms and agreements between the two parties. This less formal method may also be used while a full contract is being drawn up where a client wishes to get the project started quickly.

Looking to appoint an architect?

If you have an architectural project in mind and you’re looking for support, simply get in touch to discuss your requirements. We offer a free consultation, during which we will discuss the scope of the build and address any questions or concerns that you may have.

Published by James Brindley in Advice, Working with architects

Tags: appointing an architect, Architect, Architecture, finding an architect, hiring an architect, Working with Architects

9 October 2020

Why value engineering is an important part of architectural design

Architectural projects of all sizes can be complex and costly endeavours, and finding an architect that is able to minimise costs without compromising on the integrity and usability of the final design is essential.

Value engineering is a systematic approach that aims to reduce the cost of a project without compromising on quality, and I’d like to explore this concept in more detail.

What is value engineering?

Value engineering was first developed by General Electric in 1947 when post-war shortages of raw materials and labour led to a need for manufacturing efficiency, reduced costs, and improved products.

Simply put, value engineering is the process of making a product cheaper through design. It’s a methodology that’s used in all sorts of different industries, allowing a designer to identify problems and eliminate unnecessary expenditure while remaining true to the scope of the project.

Value engineering is most effective when implemented from the project’s inception, allowing for the greatest number of informed decisions throughout the process. The earlier value engineering comes into play, the easier it is to make savings without affecting completion dates or incurring additional costs that outweigh any proposed savings.

Value engineering in architectural design

In architecture, value engineering means creating the most cost-effective solution to fulfill a building’s functional and aesthetic requirements.

Deciding which is the best-value approach is a collaborative process involving the client, architect, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers. By working together, project teams can identify and overcome design issues, explore alternative solutions, and assess a variety of pricing options.

This allows all parties to better understand the project needs and the consequences of each design decision. By basing their choices on the functionality provided by a particular solution, an architect can minimise unnecessary expenditure and produce a higher value-to-cost ratio for the client.

Design Haus’ dedication to value engineering

I believe that value engineering is an extremely important part of the design process, and I ensure that it is built into every project I work on. Your architect is the person that should help to facilitate the project and deliver what you want, instead of saying no or pushing you to go over budget.

As the lead architect, I know how passionate my clients are about their projects, and I understand that there’s nothing more infuriating than dealing with unnecessary stress and unexpected costs. Client relationships are at the heart of everything I do, and it’s my job to help you to achieve what you’re looking for.

I respect the cost of the work and the money being spent on your project, and I treat each design as though it was my own. I work with your contractors to ensure that the design can be achieved within budget, establishing a plan of action that gives you the best value without compromising on quality.

Work with Design Haus

If you’d like to work with an architect that cares about the investment you’re putting into your project, take a look at my design-led architectural service, or get in touch with Design Haus today.

Published by James Brindley in Working with architects

Tags: Architect, architectural design, Architecture, value engineering

9 October 2020

Building the connection between your home and garden

Traditionally, the home and garden are seen as two separate spaces, each serving a distinct purpose. However, creating a connection between them can unify the internal and external areas of your home, leading to a cleaner overall design concept and a more enjoyable living experience.

Here are some ways to build the connection between your home and garden.

Maximise your windows

One of the most obvious ways to connect the areas both physically and visually is through the considered use of windows and doors. This also has the added benefit of bringing light into the home and creating a more spacious, airy feel.

Floor-to-ceiling glass and large picture windows are perfect for allowing an uninterrupted view of the outdoors, bringing it into the indoor space. Sliding or bi-fold glass doors allow you to literally open up your home into the garden, creating a shared space between the inside and outside.

If your home’s layout doesn’t lend itself to sliding doors, consider placing a window that enables a view of the garden or showcases a distinctive piece of outdoor feature. For example, you might wish to direct the eye towards a tree at the end of the garden or a beautiful pond. Using outdoor lighting to highlight these features will create a sense of connection to the garden that you can still enjoy at night.

Bring the outdoors indoors

Adding greenery and natural materials to your interior will help to link the indoor and outdoor spaces on a conscious and subconscious level. In particular, focus on the areas around connective walkways or visual sight lines that lead into the garden.

Place some of the same plants and flowers inside, physically bringing the garden into your home and creating a multisensory bond between the two spaces. Make use of materials like wood, bamboo, terracotta and stone, and play with colours, textures and patterns to mimic natural elements like flowers, leaves and bark.

Create a physical connection as you cross the threshold between by using the same materials in both spaces. This could be natural stone, wooden decking, or colourful Mediterranean tiles. You could even incorporate garden ornaments, wind chimes or a water feature in your interior design to really emphasise the link to the outdoor space.

Create a room outdoors

Strengthen the connection between your home and garden by creating an outdoor space inspired by interior design. Instead of a traditional patio, opt for a kind of outdoor room, offering a blend of shelter and open space.

Combine a canopy or other cover with sliding doors that open out from the kitchen to create a zone that straddles the line of indoors and outdoors. Partial walling can provide protection from the elements and demarcate the area, while pendant lighting and a hardwearing floor will give it the feel of an indoor space.

This is a great option to increase the usable space in your home without the cost of a building extension.

Speak to an architect

Whether you’re looking to update your current space or you’re creating a bespoke architectural design for a new-build project, get in touch with me to discuss how you can make the most of your home and garden.

Published by James Brindley in Advice, Home improvement, Interior design, Residential architecture

Tags: Architecture, Garden, Home, Home Improvement

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