We have just received Building Control approval for our domestic refurbishment and extension project in Taunton, Somerset.

In the first phase of works, a rear extension will be added to the existing dwelling, providing a new open plan living / kitchen / dining space. Large format Bifold doors will grant access to a new brick paved terrace overlooking the garden, while a raised window seat will frame views towards the stone spires of Taunton School.

Phase two will include a new side extension to accommodate an office and library for the Client, an avid collector of rare and antiquarian books.

We look forward to getting started on-site in a few weeks!

Excited to be back on site this weekend for the professional photoshoot at Warren View.

Although completed earlier in the year, we decided to give the soft landscaping and planted beds some time to mature before the taking our final photographs.

Thanks to the unpredictable English weather, we had some last-minute date changes while waiting on an appropriate weather window – but thankfully were gifted some photoshop worthy blue skies on Saturday! Thanks to Guy Archard (GG Archard Photography) for being so accommodating – we look forward to seeing the final images!

Spent a great bank holiday weekend in West Sussex, touring the rewilding project at Knepp Estate and re-visiting the fantastic Weald & Downland Living Museum for some traditional detailing inspiration – a bus mans holiday!

The City Council has approved our Building Control application for works to a small mid-terrace house in South Belfast.

A whole house refurbishment will be undertaken and a small extension will be added to the rear, providing a new dining room off the kitchen. A large roof light will wash the new space in natural light. A series of internal slot windows will allow this light to penetrate the main circulation spaces and open up some interconnecting views, making the house feel larger and brighter. New sliding doors will grant access to the rear yard which will be softened with planted beds and incorporate a new external sitting area.

The new extension will employ reclaimed Belfast brick and a rendered parapet wall to the edge of the flat roof. This references the local material palette and pays homage to the typical white painted window lintel details in the area.

Works commence on-site in May!

We’re delighted that our Co.Down bungalow refurbishment has reached Practical Competition.

Built in the 1930s, this large pebbledash bungalow had previously been used as a rural B&B. Historic alterations had prioritized private rooms, resulting in a series of disjointed, poorly-lit living spaces which failed to meet the demands of the new owners.

The Clients sought to improve the spatial flow of the house and add a second living room for their growing family.

Internally, minor structural alterations have allowed us to reconfigure the existing layout, creating a generous open-plan living/kitchen/dining room with direct access to a new external terrace. The attached garage has been converted into the much-needed snug room and the bedrooms have been regrouped into one wing of the house, with a new dressing room and ensuite added to the master suite.

We thoroughly enjoyed working with the wider design team on this one, collaborating with a cabinet makers on the new kitchen and working through the bathroom layouts & specifications with local suppliers and craftsmen.

We look forward to re-visiting in a few months time!

Planning has been approved for our new build family home in Co.Sligo, Ireland.

Split into two pitched roof volumes and flanked by low masonry walls, the new dwelling responds to its rural setting by evoking the character of a small courtyard farm.

The front block, constructed in local stone, will accommodate the main living, kitchen, dining spaces, embracing the southwesterly views. The low-pitched roof will overhang an intimate corner window seat, while large format sliding doors grant access a raised terrace overlooking the new meadow garden. To the rear, a two-storey pitched roof volume will accommodate the bedrooms, a snug room and main utility spaces.

The garden played a key role in the design. The new access road sweeps through meadow planting toward the house, with native trees and wild grasses strategically placed to obscure the road from view when looking out from the main GF living space.

We look forward to progressing through the detailed design phase with the team!

We are delighted to be involved with The Dorset Climate Action Network as we offer our input on the draft masterplan for Dorchester Town Centre.

Attending a meeting with the Town Council and Dorset Council we commented on the current proposals and presented our own ideas to improve the walkability index of the town, boost cultural tourism (centred around the re-excavation of the roman bath house), and breath life back into the high street (through the promotion of mixed-use development and above-shop living).

We look forward to more engagement with the council and are excited about the possibilities for the town moving forward.

Our domestic refurbishment and extension project in Bournemouth has just received planning permission!

Constructed in the 1970s, the existing dwelling has been much altered over time, resulting in a series of disconnected living spaces, unconducive to modern family living. Our proposals have relocated the kitchen and converted the attached garage, allowing us to create an open plan living/kitchen/dining space at the rear of the house.

The connection with the garden has been improved, with large format sliding doors linking the main living space to a raised external terrace, and a new corner window in the dining nook opening up views over Upper Bourne Gardens towards the river. An additional bedroom has also been added on the FF to support the needs of the growing family.

We look forward to engaging the wider design team and progressing this project through the next stages!

Working with Transition Town Dorchester we have successfully surveyed the Orchard in Poundbury, just in time for apple pressing day!

60 apple trees were donated to the group by the Duchy of Cornwall to celebrate the 60^th birthday of Prince Charles (some 13 years ago). Working with a Pomologist, we have successfully surveyed, named and recorded the condition of each tree. The survey will form the base information for future environmental planning on the site and the adjacent community farm.

Transition Town is a movement that has been growing since 2005. Community-led Transition groups are working for a low-carbon, socially just future with resilient communities. Encouraging more active participation in society, the group have set up renewable energy projects, re-localised food systems, and created community green spaces, much like the successful orchard and farm projects in Poundbury.

Our Comber GP Surgery refurbishment has reach Practical Completion today!

The existing building has been reconfigured and refurbished, adding additional treatment rooms to better serve the needs of the local community. Two new multidisciplinary rooms were created on the ground floor and an office was added on the first floor, doubling as a space for video consultations.

The original building presented a defensive elevation to the main street, with steel roller shutters and high security fencing creating a sense of hostility. The refurbishment works also presented an opportunity to reconfigure the main entrance and improve the connection with the public realm.

We’re all very happy with the results and are looking forward to a visit from the Health and Social Care Board later in the week.

Thanks to the main contractor Keelryan Developments for all their efforts over the last few months!