Tuesday 8 December 2015
Friday 6 November 2015
Tuesday 20 October 2015
Study corner
Read the full article below:
Sunday 27 September 2015
Barn extension completed
DHV architects extended a converted barn in South Gloucestershire to create a large kitchen diner with a glass front opening to the garden. Work has now been completed on site.
Tuesday 15 September 2015
Doubling the Bungalow
DHV architects in Bristol have obtained planning consent for the redevelopment of a 1960s bungalow in South Gloucestershire.
The project comprises building a new first floor over the original single storey footprint, and extending to the front and side to increase the floor area from 120sqm to over 200sqm. As well as adding a substantial amount of floor area, this provides the opportunity for a complete exterior makeover.
The eaves and ridge will be raised by approximately 2m; the existing openings are to be re-sized; two crisp dormer windows will animate the entrance elevation and generous aluminium windows will open the rooms to the garden.
For longtime associated with declining seaside towns and ageing communities, bungalows are currently experiencing a popularity surge due to their redevelopment potential.
In desirable locations they are often purchased to be demolished and rebuilt ('bungalow eating'). Replacing an existing unit is often the only way to obtain planning consent for a new house in green belt or AONB.
When budget or planning constraints do not allow a complete re-build, a radical remodel might be a better option. This can involve: converting an existing roof-space, with or without raising the ridge; building one or more extensions; remodeling the internal layout; remodeling external openings and adding features such as dormers or chimneys; any combination of the above.
The key to these projects is to turn the existing constraints into opportunities and retain enough building fabric to avoid costs spiraling out of control. For example, an existing external wall could be turned into an internal dividing wall rather than demolished, and the boiler or the main underground drain run kept in its original location.
Each unit should be carefully assessed to find the optimal solution,
however it's worth remembering that a new build will be zero-VAT rated
whereas a renovation will attract 20% VAT on labour and material.
The project comprises building a new first floor over the original single storey footprint, and extending to the front and side to increase the floor area from 120sqm to over 200sqm. As well as adding a substantial amount of floor area, this provides the opportunity for a complete exterior makeover.
The eaves and ridge will be raised by approximately 2m; the existing openings are to be re-sized; two crisp dormer windows will animate the entrance elevation and generous aluminium windows will open the rooms to the garden.
For longtime associated with declining seaside towns and ageing communities, bungalows are currently experiencing a popularity surge due to their redevelopment potential.
In desirable locations they are often purchased to be demolished and rebuilt ('bungalow eating'). Replacing an existing unit is often the only way to obtain planning consent for a new house in green belt or AONB.
When budget or planning constraints do not allow a complete re-build, a radical remodel might be a better option. This can involve: converting an existing roof-space, with or without raising the ridge; building one or more extensions; remodeling the internal layout; remodeling external openings and adding features such as dormers or chimneys; any combination of the above.
The key to these projects is to turn the existing constraints into opportunities and retain enough building fabric to avoid costs spiraling out of control. For example, an existing external wall could be turned into an internal dividing wall rather than demolished, and the boiler or the main underground drain run kept in its original location.
Each unit should be carefully assessed to find the optimal solution,
however it's worth remembering that a new build will be zero-VAT rated
whereas a renovation will attract 20% VAT on labour and material.Wednesday 26 August 2015
1960s home redesign
During the last couple of years we have noticed a trend for purchasing
post-war properties with a view to modernise, extend and upgrade them,
often with significant budgets. As a result, we have carried out several
projects involving the re-design of 1960s houses.
Infill developments of post-war homes can often be found in desirable suburbs, providing a cheaper alternative to period houses of a similar size.
Whereas period properties' renovations are somehow constrained by deference to the original design and consideration for the historical features, a post-war home can be treated as a "blank canvas": a contemporary aesthetic can be developed for the exterior (this will usually require planning consent), in some instances akin to designing a new-build house.
Energy upgrades can be carried out more effectively. External wall insulation with a render finish is preferable to internal insulation: it eliminates cold spots at wall and floor junctions, and does not pose the risk of interstitial condensation. High-performance timber or aluminium windows can be installed. In some instances a pitch roof can be turned into a flat one to increase ceiling and window height.
Given the chronic lack of individual building plots in the UK, potential self-builders should start thinking outside the box: a radical 1960s house re-design might just be the next best thing.
Whereas period properties' renovations are somehow constrained by deference to the original design and consideration for the historical features, a post-war home can be treated as a "blank canvas": a contemporary aesthetic can be developed for the exterior (this will usually require planning consent), in some instances akin to designing a new-build house.
Energy upgrades can be carried out more effectively. External wall insulation with a render finish is preferable to internal insulation: it eliminates cold spots at wall and floor junctions, and does not pose the risk of interstitial condensation. High-performance timber or aluminium windows can be installed. In some instances a pitch roof can be turned into a flat one to increase ceiling and window height.
Given the chronic lack of individual building plots in the UK, potential self-builders should start thinking outside the box: a radical 1960s house re-design might just be the next best thing.
Thursday 9 July 2015
Real Homes Feature
A double storey timber clad extension in Westbury designed by DHV Architects is featured in the August 2015 issue of Real Homes
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| Double storey timber clad extension in Westbury by DHV Architects in Bristol featured in Real Homes |
Tuesday 30 June 2015
RIBA Flower shower installation at the Bristol Harbour Festival 2015
DHV Architects and Karena Batstone Design are preparing an exciting landscape art installation at the RIBA City Green. Plants in recycled milk bottles will be connected to a scaffolding structure to create a flower shower. Sofas made from hay bales will invite visitors to have a break from the hustle and bustle of the festival and enjoy a green solar tea which will be made with a kettle powered by solar panels. The RIBA City Green is an interactive city square at the Bristol Harbour Festival (from 17 - 19. July) with exhibition space, family activities and workshops. Come and help us to set the Guinness world record for the world's largest colouring in book (5x2.2m). The book will contain 20 different images of Bristol by several Bristol artists.
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| Flower shower installation at Bristol Harbour Festival 2015 by DHVA and Karena Batstone Design |
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| Going shopping for Flower Shower |
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| Flower bounty in Karena's car |
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| Vertical bottle wall |
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| Flowers for Flower Shower |
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| Flowers everywhere |
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| Horizontal overhead planting coming along |
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| Plants for Flower shower installation at Bristol Harbour Festival 2015 by DHVA and Karena Batstone Design |
Wednesday 20 May 2015
Sunday 12 April 2015
Who deserves the design award?
the perfect garden toilet or the home made kids' hut? The hut was build during one day by 4 kids with scrap materials and one bag of nails.
Saturday 11 April 2015
DHV Architects wins Bristol LABC Building Excellence Awards 2015
We are delighted to announce that our eco extension in Redland has been chosen as the winner in the
category of Best Small Extension. The high standards of design and execution by Samuel Construction has convinced the judges.
Thursday 2 April 2015
Good Homes May 2015
DHV Architects' clever kitchen extension in Bishopston (Bristol) has been featured in the May 2015 issue of Good Homes. With the help of architect Federica, Clare and Rick created an amazing kitchen / dining / living area including a small study corner and utility room.
Wednesday 4 March 2015
DHV Architects wins Best Of Houzz 2015
DHV Architects have won Best of Houzz 2016 in the Design and Service categories.
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Monday 2 February 2015
Real Homes March 2015
DHV Architects' garden room for a writer in St. Andrews in Bristol has been featured in the March 2015 issue of Real Homes. Federica chats to journalist Sarah Warwick about upgrading versus rebuilding and what to consider when planning a house extension.
Wednesday 21 January 2015
DHVA are Houzz Kitchen of the Week
DHVA's kitchen remodelling in Westbury Park in Bristol has been featured as Houzz Kitchen of the Week.
Monday 5 January 2015
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