Holiday Lodges...

Drawings were prepared for the siting of 2No. holiday lodges from Wessex Park and Leisure Homes - "The Coach house". Presented for a planning application submission, the proposal was granted permission in October 2009.

http://wessexparkhomes.co.uk/page/47/

With Swimming Pool!...

Ground Floor Plan.

Front and side elevations.

Rear Elevation visualisation with trees that exist on the site.

Dwelling.

Prepared for a submission to the local planning authority, this design has been created for 2No Executive homes in a pseudo 'period' style on a site in Exeter.

Barn Conversion...

Internal layout design and Building Regulations for the conversion of a Grade 2 listed stone and cob former milking parlour stalls and roundhouse in to a holiday let in rural Devon.

Outbuildings...

Planning Permission

Rules governing outbuildings apply to sheds, greenhouses and garages as well as other ancillary garden buildings such as swimming pools, ponds, sauna cabins, kennels, enclosures (including tennis courts) and many other kinds of structure for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse.

Other rules relate to the installation of a satellite dish, the erection of a new dwelling or the erection or provision of fuel storage tanks.

Under new regulations that came into effect on 1 October 2008 outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:

· No outbuilding on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation.

· Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof.

· Maximum height of 2.5 metres in the case of a building, enclosure or container within two metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the dwellinghouse.

· No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.

· No more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings.

· In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the maximum area to be covered by buildings, enclosures, containers and pools more than 20 metres from house to be limited to 10 square metres.

· On designated land* buildings, enclosures, containers and pools at the side of properties will require planning permission.

· Within the curtilage of listed buildings any outbuilding will require planning permission.

*The term "original house" means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.

*Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.

Please note: the permitted development allowances described here apply to houses not flats, maisonettes or other buildings.

The Building Regulations on Outbuildings...

If you want to put up small detached buildings such as a garden shed or summerhouse in your garden, building regulations will not normally apply if the floor area of the building is less than 15 square metres and contains NO sleeping accommodation.

If the floor area of the building is between 15 square metres and 30 square metres, you will not normally be required to apply for building regulations approval providing that the building contains NO sleeping accommodation and is either at least one metre from any boundary or it is constructed of substantially non-combustible materials.

Saving Energy...

Solar Panels...

In many cases fixing solar panels to the roof of a single dwelling house is likely to be considered 'permitted development' under planning law with no need to apply for planning permission.

There are, however, important exceptions and provisos which must be observed.

These permitted development rights apply to houses. If you live in a flat and are considering fitting solar panels you are advised to contact your LPA for guidance.

If you wish to install a solar panel on your roof building regulations will normally apply.

The ability of the existing roof to carry the load (weight) of the panel will need to be checked and proven. Some strengthening work may be needed.

The Building Regulations on Solar Panels...

Building regulations also apply to other aspects of the work such as electrical installation. It is advisable to contact an installer who can provide the necessary advice.

Wind Turbines...

The planning regime for installing wind turbines is complex and evolving.

At present in most cases you will need to apply for planning permission from your local authority to add a domestic wind turbine to your house, or grounds surrounding your home.

It is up to each local authority to decide what information you may need to provide with your application. It may be helpful to contact your authority before applying to discuss the following planning issues

· Visual impact

· Noise

· Vibration

· Electrical interference (with TV aerials)

· Safety.

Always check with your local planning authority about planning issues before you have a system installed.

The Building Regulations on Wind Turbines...

If you wish to install a wind turbine which will be attached to your house building regulations will normally apply.

Size, weight and force exerted on fixed points would be considerable.

Building regulations also apply to other aspects of the work such as electrical installation. It is advisable to contact an engineer who can provide the necessary advice.

If the wind turbine is not attached to your house, then only the electrical installation and connection will be captured by the requirements of the building regulations.

Loft Conversions...

Planning permission is not normally required. However, permission is required where you extend or alter the roof space and it exceeds specified limits and conditions.

Under new regulations that came into effect from 1 October 2008 a loft conversion for your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:

· A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced houses*

· A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached houses*

· No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highway

· No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof

· Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house

· No verandas, balconies or raised platforms

· Side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor

· Roof extensions not to be permitted development in designated areas**

· Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back, as far as practicable, at least 20cm from the eaves

*Bear in mind that any previous roof space additions must be included within the volume allowances listed above. Although you may not have created additional space a previous owner may have done so.

Roof windows...

You do not normally need to apply for planning permission to re-roof your house or to insert roof lights or skylights.

The new rules introduced on 1 October 2008 allow for roof alterations without the need for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:

· Any alteration to project no more than 150 millimetres from the existing roof plane.

· No alteration to be higher than the highest part of the roof.

· Side facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.

· The permitted development regime for solar panels has different limits on projections and in relation to protected areas.

These permitted development rights apply to houses. If you live in a flat and are considering work on your roof you are advised to contact your LPA for guidance.

The Building Regulations on re-roofing...

If you want to carry out repairs on or re-cover less than 25 per cent of the area of a pitch or flat roof, you will not normally need to submit a building regulations application. You will need approval, however, if:

1. You carry out structural alterations

2. The performance of the new covering will be significantly different to that of the existing covering in the event of a fire

3. You are replacing/ repairing more than 25 per cent of the roof area, in which case, the roof thermal insulation would normally have to be improved.

There are separate rules for construction of new roofs.

Building Regulations generally...

The control of building standards is completely separate from Development Control, and approval under the building regulations must not be confused with planning permission. Approval under the building regulations does not mean that planning permission has been given and vice versa. Once approval has been given, you are required to notify Building Control of commencement and subsequent visits as required.

Some building works are exempt from the Building Regulations, although Planning Permission may still be required. Even if the work does not need planning permission, it may require approval under the Building Regulations.

Building Regulations are concerned with maintaining the health and safety standards of buildings, energy conservation and access and facilities for disabled people. These are broken down into guidance notes, more commonly referred to as Approved Document A, B etc. The full list is as follows:-

A - Structure
B - Fire Safety
C - Site Preparation and Resistance to moisture
D - Toxic Substances
E - Resistance to the Passage of Sound
F - Ventilation
G - Hygiene
H - Drainage and Waste Disposal
J - Heat Producing Appliances
K - Stairs, Ramps and Guards
L1A - Conservation of Fuel and Power (for new domestic buildings)
L1B - Conservation of Fuel and Power (for works to existing domestic buildings)
L2A - Conservation of Fuel and Power (for new build non domestic dwellings)
L2B - Conservation of Fuel and Power (for works to existing non domestic dwellings)
M - Access and Facilities for Disabled People
N - Glazing - Materials and Protection
P - Electrical Safety

Completion Certificates

Council's can now issue Completion Certificates for the benefit of developers and purchasers alike, this is ESSENTIAL when selling the property.

Demolition
With certain small exceptions, no one may demolish a building unless notice of this is given to the Council. An inspection will then be made of the building to be demolished and a notice will be sent to the person concerned, specifying certain works which must be carried out, e.g. disconnecting, sealing or removing drains; supporting and weatherproofing exposed walls; removal of rubbish from the demolition to leave the site level and free from danger. If this work is not carried out satisfactorily, the Council can undertake the work and recover the cost.

3D Visualisation...

This is just a taste of what this 3D visualisation company can create, though this pales in comparison to some of their other work that can be seen in a video on their website homepage where the graphic presentation of the built environment is stunning.

http://www.pauleylandscapes.co.uk

Big Kids Toys...

Lego have created a series of ‘Architecture’ models comprised of the Landmark Series and the Architect Series which currently includes two of the greatest works by the brilliant Frank Lloyd Wright. Grown up Lego, not that we oldies ever needed an excuse to play with Lego, but now we are “creative” and don’t just look like big kids.

Here’s the sucker punch...these sets are only available at the moment in the USA and Lego can’t tell me when they will be available in the UK. However, to soften the blow, the company that collaborated with Lego on the sets, called ‘Brick Structures’, do ship internationally. Yeh!

http://www.brickstructures.com/SiteStore.html

http://architecture.lego.com/en-US/default.aspx

Art & Skiing...

As winter draws ever nearer my thoughts are drawn to Christmas 2008 and skiing in Flaine, France. http://www.flaine.com/en/index.php

Flaine is located in the Haute-Savoie region, close to Geneva and Mont-Blanc. The resort of Flaine was created in the 60s by Eric and Sylvie Boissonnas, lovers of modern art and classical music. The primary directive of Flaine was to create in France a prototype of architecture, town planning and design, based on aesthetic choices and on environmental protection . The Architect of Flaine was Marcel Breuer, a boss of Bauhaus, born in Pécs in Hungary in 1902, died in 1981 in New York.

We stayed in the newest addition to the community, an apartment block called Les Terrasses d'Eos, a ski –in, ski-out development, which was constructed by Intrawest, a world leader in destination resorts. http://www.flaine-montsoleil.com/en/discover/

Psst...I’m in the last promotional picture on the website...just (picture below)...I’m in the red jacket preparing for a day on the slopes!

Simple Flyby...

A 2-storey extension to the front of a dwelling in the village of Willand, Devon. This simple flyby was created in a couple of hours to demonstrate to the the local planning authority the effect of the extension on neighbouring properties. Whilst it may appear a little crude, it clearly demonstrates the 3D form in a highly effective manner.

Land, Sea + Air...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder they say, but I am sure that few could deny that the Icon A5 Aircraft is stunning and classifies itself as a sports plane in much the same way we have sports cars. I don't usually post this sort of thing but good design comes in many forms. This 2-person aircraft is capable of water, as well as a ground take off and landing with wings that can fold to the side in under five minutes. I think this is a wonderful contribution to the design world and frankly wouldn't be out of place in a Bond movie.

http://www.iconaircraft.com/index.html

Sixth Form Common Room...

Newly refurbished sixth form common room at Sherrardswood School in Welwyn Hertfordshire by Gardiner Design Associates, in association with R. Taylor Design Associates.

"The project took six weeks from a bare shell to hand over and comprises a newly formed IT suite, tutorial room and open area with cafe and soft seating break out areas. Furnishing is a careful selection of Herman Miller, Allermuir and IKEA and modern energy saving architectural lighting by Concord. A simple blend of Marley vinyl flooring and cord carpet pulls the scheme neatly together. The partitioning with fully glazed panels and full height doors, is beautiful RAL finished frame system with integrated fine blinds. The building creates a healthy and inspiring teaching establishment which the students and teaching staff will all benefit from". [http://wwwgardinerdesign.blogspot.com/]

Extensions and Planning Permission...

Under new regulations that came into effect on 1 October 2008 an extension or addition to your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:

• More than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings.
• No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.
• No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
• Maximum depth of a single-storey rear extension of three metres beyond the rear wall for an attached house and four metres beyond the rear wall for a detached house.
• Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres.
• Maximum depth of a rear extension of more than one storey of three metres beyond the rear wall including ground floor.
• Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres.
• Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house.
• Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house.
• Two-storey extensions no closer than seven metres to rear boundary.
• Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house.
• Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house.
• No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
• Upper-floor, side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.
• On designated land* no permitted development for rear extensions of more than one storey.
• On designated land no cladding of the exterior.
• On designated land no side extensions.

* The term "original house" means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.

* Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.

Building Regulations...

• Most extensions of properties require approval under the Building Regulations.
• There are a number of classes of new buildings or extensions of existing buildings that do not need Building Regulations approval, i.e. are exempt from the Regulations.

ITV Meridian Newsroom, Southampton...

Lighting design and spacial planning for new news studio including break-out area and reception by Gardiner Design Associates, in association with R. Taylor Design Associates.

New corporate offices, Hertfordshire...

Interior design and lighting design by Gardiner Design Associates, in association with R. Taylor Design Associates, for UK head office of a pharmaceutical company.

Storage wall solutions.