Extension with a view in Redland, Bristol

The new extension by DHV Architects creates a new generous family space for cooking, eating and relaxing. The corner glazing allows for far reaching views onto Redland Green and towards the city. The muted colour scheme creates a calm and tranquil atmosphere.

LABC awards winner

 
It's awards season again and we are delighted to announce that our 'Courtyard House' project has won a Bristol LABC award for 'best extension or alteration to an existing home'.

Every year the LABC (Local Authority Building Control ) sponsors the Regional Building Excellence Awards to celebrate and reward design, innovation and good practice in the construction industry. Our entry demonstrates how remodeling within the existing footprint can transform a series of disjointed additions into a delightful and usable space. The cedar cladding straddling external and internal walls creates a striking feature that adds the wow factor to the property. The project will now be entered in the regional finals, whose winners will be revealed in July.... 

Synergy between designers on residential projects

On larger schemes several consultants work together in a design team to create a building project. On small scale residential projects the clients mainly employ an architect and engineer to design an extension, remodelling or refurbishment project.

What gives the project its final wow factor? It could be the generous uninterrupted roof light, amazing finishes, supersized glazing, a sleek kitchen or an amazing garden. The key is to consider the external look, interior layout and design and garden design in a holistic way.

The moment of truth often comes when the amazing new extension is out of the ground and you look through your newly full height glazing and see a mudpit with a forlorn shed and trampoline in the corner. Working with a landscape designer bridges that gap and allows the design to flow into the garden. Think Capability Brown: strategically places elements, framed vistas and viewpoints combined with practical requirements such as patios, seating areas and outbuildings (stylish ones of course).

We have worked with Karena Batstone on a project in Clifton which is featured below. The small urban garden of a Grade II listed building was overlooked by garages and neighbouring buildings. Karena created an urban sanctuary which is tranquil yet practical with corten steel raised planters for growing vegetables, pleached limes for privacy, a pond for contemplation and seating area for relaxation.