Stephen Brown’s Post

Questions we ask Architects/Builders: Will all areas of the building be heated, cooled, and ventilated? Above Grade Wall Construction/Insulation Type/Thickness? Roof/Ceiling Construction/Insulation Type/Thickness? What is the peak occupancy for the building?

It is an offence to alter or demolish a listed building without the proper consent, as it may affect its special architectural or historic value. Understanding the status of a building is crucial before carrying out any works which Simon Kelly explores in our blog -  https://lnkd.in/ejH-nK32 

*New blog post* Do you want to build your dream home in the countryside? In December 2023 the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was updated. Due to a series of amendments earlier in the framework the guidance for new isolated homes built in the open countryside was bumped from Paragraph 80 to Paragraph 84. Despite the reference number change, the wording remains unchanged. However, we will take the opportunity to review this and what the update to the policy means for the design of these aspirational new homes. Building an isolated home in the countryside would be many people's dream. However, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is generally written to encourage sustainable development within existing areas of settlement, where there are existing services, infrastructure, and transport. However, within the NPPF, special circumstances are set out that allow new isolated homes to be built, subject to certain requirements. Formerly, homes built in the open countryside were nicknamed “Paragraph 55”, “Paragraph 79” or more recently “Paragraph 80” houses after the section in the original NPPFs that they fell under. Thread Architects believe that the detail, analysis, knowledge and collaboration needed to achieve this level should be applied to all project types to ensure the best outcomes for our Clients. This is therefore how Thread looks to develop any of their designs through our carefully created design process, creating designs that we and our clients are proud of. Follow the link to read the full blog entry, or contact us to learn how we can help you on this journey. https://lnkd.in/eg-xavN9

There was much coverage at UKREiiF and in industry news about the UK’s continuing housing crisis, with the Architects’ Journal announcing its support for the Architects’ Action for Affordable Housing. From a commercial perspective more developers are looking to maximise the potential of their assets, particularly within constrained city sites, by adding additional storeys on top or over existing buildings. Vertical extensions, or airspace developments, open up opportunities for more affordable housing purchases and residential rental opportunities, as well as commercial development for major landlords and developers alike. While a site may achieve planning permission for additional storeys, the technical viability must be considered to assess cost and buildability. SD has a growing reputation for delivering complex vertical extension developments and so we have put together some key items for consideration. You can find more information here: https://lnkd.in/etsEZKwQ We very much enjoy delivering these sorts of complex projects and so please do get in touch about your next vertical extension development. #verticalextension #verticalextensions #property #construction #airspacedevelopments #additionalstoreys #structuralengineering #civilengineering #structuralengineers #civilengineers #constrainedsites #architecture #engineering #builtenvironment #housingcrisis #housing #housingdevelopments #affordablehousing

Now coming up to 5 years lobbying cash-strapped public bodies to make better use of their greyfield land and brought forward precisely zero homes. During this 5 years, we've audited over 25,000 greyfield homes for public bodies (and one very large semi public institutional landowner). Little Ships is now focusing on local communities as the engine for delivering these homes and I'm pleased to greet Nicola Clayton onto the Little Ships NED board providing housing expertise for this next next phase. The public get it though, as does the private sector, and my architecture business Urban View now has over 300 greyfield homes in planning for developer clients with many more in the pipeline. Simplicity is key. Giving architects an MMC framework around which they can exercise their creative problem solving and not limit them to wallpapering bespoke high carbon concrete boxes. Our MMC solution, TopHuis, is just the tip of the iceberg. When British architects, engineers and manufacturers get stuck in, this sector will surpass the traditional volume housebuilder's bland, ubiquitous, (sub)urban tat.

What are your thoughts on the Future Homes Standard progress? A group, which includes the Good Homes Alliance, UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) and LETI, as well as a number of architects, have written to the government and highlighted that the options put forward in the government’s consultation go far enough: https://lnkd.in/et72JG-e #FHS #FutureHomes #BuildBackBetter

The Highland Council recently confirmed the Section 75 Agreement for new homes in Conon Bridge, allowing Tulloch Homes to proceed with their approved plans to deliver 160 private and affordable homes in the area. As the project architects, Bracewell Stirling Consulting has been integral to the design and planning process, working as part of a team with engineers, transport consultants, ecologists, and landscape architects. We held consultation events with the public as part of the planning process and consulted with the Highland Council pre-planning. This early-stage engagement helped streamline the application through the planning process. We were the design architects for the site layout, which has been planned to be sympathetic to the existing landform, providing attractive landscaped open spaces and active travel connections with adjacent routes, amenities, and the wider Braes of Conon residential areas. The buildings and layout are designed with consideration for reducing energy use. We are experts in advising clients on cost-effective sustainable design solutions, and all houses in this development will be fitted with air source heat pumps. Construction of the Conon Braes South development, an extension of the existing Conon Bridge North, is expected to start next summer, with a focus on working with local trades and suppliers. #CononBridge #Architects #DesignAndPlanning #HousingDevelopment #PrivateHomes #AffordableHomes

Commercial Construction Cost Per Square Foot Before commencing the construction of a commercial building, the biggest and initial concerns are always the construction costs per square foot. Commercial buildings are used in different sectors such as education, health, and retail. Dependent on usage and other factors such as location, the costs can vary greatly. The area’s zoning and geography also affect the construction costs per square foot, whereby materials are more expensive in earthquake-prone regions. Read More >>> https://lnkd.in/eaybnQz7 #ShannonConstruction #Construction #ConstructionNews #ConstructionIndustry #ConstructionManagement #DesignBuild #Constructor #GeneralContractor #Contractor #Contractors #LEED #GreenBuilding #Buildings #Architecture #GeneralConstruction #ConstructionSafety #ConstructionCareers #MarylandConstruction #WashingtonDCConstruction #PittsburghConstruction #PAConstruction #GovernmentConstruction #VisionforGrowth

It's great to see #architects collaborating to advocate for simple planning changes that can make a measurable difference in improving the number of new homes delivered. I have a few more examples of this kind of advocacy that I'll share throughout the week. #housingcrisis #architecture #solutions

Working on converting a Grade II Listed Building involves navigating complex planning regulations and careful design considerations to preserve its historic fabric whilst meeting modern standards. Some key facts learned over the past decade as we designed and delivered over 30 listed buildings: - The process of obtaining planning and listed building consent lasts on average 6-9 months but has occasionally taken more than 12 months to conclude. - Preserving the original plan form of a building and its key features is fundamental to respecting the heritage of the asset and it is always valued by conservation teams in local councils. - A thorough analysis of the existing building, its provenance, and its structure are fundamental to planning negotiations and good design solutions, this means good digital measured surveys, heritage reports, design and planning strategy. - Introducing modern standards in sensitive ways is very challenging, but it can be a driver of change. Every project has its quirks, which is why we put our hearts and minds into every single one. Fundamentally I believe that re-using and re-purposing existing buildings is too important not to care. 🙂 https://lnkd.in/dgTihmDh