Design & Planning
After
initial sketch-work, our architects use CAD for all of their drawings.
This enables 3D visualisation coupled with realistic rendering of the
plans to produce a photo-like image of the house in its actual plot of
land – all before we start work.
We put great emphasis on innovation, environmentally friendly design, and proper consideration of the implications of our actions. Consequently, each building that we have produced has been designed specifically to benefit fully from the plot’s location.
Our preferred construction technique uses Timber Frames which we design, manufacture and erect. These designs form a portfolio from which customers can choose, should a design meet their needs. We offer a full design service for the construction of New Houses, Extensions, Barn Conversions etc, including surveying, drawing plans, and frame design.
Many builders and other businesses claim to be environmentally friendly:
this is what it means to us:
- Super insulation, using re-cycled newspaper (WarmCel)
- Timber from FSC/PEFC sources
- Solar water heating
- Intelligent use of glass for solar gain
- Under-floor heating for more efficient operation at lower temperatures.
- Waste re-cycling on-site and in the workshops.
Energy efficiency and full compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations means that our houses are able to achieve substantial energy cost-savings. Solar panels can save 70% of the annual cost of heating water, and super-insulation means that we are approaching the stage where the only heating sources in the house will be TVs, Fridges and other electrical devices. At present, we advocate under-floor heating downstairs; this provides an efficient, low-energy means of heating the whole house, although many customers also choose radiators upstairs (to keep the towels warm!)
In
planning your building, you will need to produce drawings for the Planning
Department so they can approve the building’s location and appearance.
Once this has been approved, you will need to produce structural drawings
for the Building Control Department so that they can check that you will
be building in accordance with the government’s national Building
Regulations.
Unless architecture or technical drawing is your trade, you will need to employ someone to translate the outline design and ideas into plans which will be accepted by both the Planning and Building Regulations Departments.
We have developed good relationships with the planners and building regulations
staff, and within the company have a wealth of knowledge of the relevant
processes, rules and regulations. This ensures that our plans rarely experience
any significant obstacles, and ensures the quickest possible turn-around
time for your application. We offer a full planning consultancy service
to enable you to cross these bridges as painlessly as possible.
