Elke and Pablo are featured in the Guardian

Elke and Pablo talk to the Guardian about their experience as EU citizens living in the UK

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/12/politically-we-dont-count-eu-citizens-fear-for-future-in-uk

DHVA Charity Walk in Aid of Curzon Cinema Clevedon

Thank you to everyone for coming or contributing to our rather wet charity walk in aid of Your Curzon Charity #Clevedon to Oldbury-on-Severn. Morgan Structural Limited

For more information please check out: https://www.thebiggive.org.uk/s/campaign…

Planning consent for infill house in Bristol

DHV architects have recently obtained planning consent for a new build, 2bed house in South Bristol. The plot comprises the street-facing, bottom end of our client's garden. The client (not a professional property developer) spotted the potential and asked us to assess the viability of getting planning consent for a new, self-contained unit.

In this case the best option is to start the process with a pre-application enquiry. There is no set format for a pre-app, submissions range from a few simple sketches to a full set of planning drawings including a written statement. If the project is contentious it is worth enclosing good quality drawings (key plans and elevations) and attractive 3d visuals to illustrate the visual impact of the new development. Hand sketches (to suggest that the scheme is still 'work in progress') at this stage might be better than fully developed CGIs.

Infill developments have to fit their context and reflect the scale and proportions of the neighbouring buildings and the local urban grain. In this South Bristol project the design references elements of the local interwar housing (gable elevation, timber cladding, hip roof) and re-interprets them in a contemporary, crisp volume.

As well as a comprehensive set of drawings, we always submit a thorough Design and Access Statement explaining step-by-step the design rationale from first principles down to the finer details. Small infill developments are often contentious and most applications are turned down due to poor design and impact on the amenity of the neighbouring properties. 

After obtaining planning consent the clients decided to sell the plot at auction to maximise the financial returns. These plots are very sought after, as builders like to have a project “on the side” to keep their workmen busy during quieter periods. The auction was a success with the plot achieving 35% over and above the guide price.

DHV contribute to Houzz article

"the doors should suit the project rather than the project the doors": DHV Architects share their professional knowledge of metal-framed doors on Houzz. We outline the different options in term of configuration, energy efficiency and aesthetics. You can read the full article here:

https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/everything-you-need-to-know-about-metal-framed-doors-stsetivw-vs~124848302

Planning Consent granted for new visitor centre at National Trust Tyntesfield

Planning consent has been granted by North Somerset for a new visitor welcome centre at Grade I listed National Trust Tyntesfield. A new contemporary timber clad building located between Home Farm and the existing car park will improve and help with the orientation and flow throughout the site.

DHV Architects featured in House Beautiful

DHV Architects' remodelling project in Redland, Bristol is featured in House Beautiful. The lower ground floor of a Redland Townhouse has been transformed into a large and generous family space by redesigning the internal staircase. By moving the kitchen into the front the rear dining area could be opened out to the garden with supersized sliding doors. Strong colour accents and high quality materials create a contemporary and stylish look and feel.

Best of Houzz Award

DHV Architects has won “Best Of Customer Service on Houzz®, the leading platform for home renovation and design. We were chosen by the more than 40 million monthly users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 2.1 million active home building, renovating and design industry professionals.

"Best of Houzz is a true badge of honor as it is awarded by our community of homeowners, those who are hiring design, renovation and other home improvement professionals for their projects,” said  Marcus Hartwall, Managing Director of Houzz UK and Ireland. “We are excited to celebrate the 2019 winners chosen by our community as their favorites for home design and customer experience, and to highlight those winners on the Houzz website and app."