DHV Architects appointed for Elizabethan House Museum in Plymouth

DHV Architects have been appointed as lead consultants for the regeneration of the late 16th Century Elizabethan House Museum for Plymouth City Council.
The Elizabethan House is a Grade II* listed quay-side merchant's house in the Barbican area of Plymouth' beautiful historic old town. The museum is the most complete and unaltered example of a jettied merchant's house in Plymouth.

We are leading a team of specialist consultants to help deliver an imaginative interpretation strategy alongside carefully considered repair and conservation work. The project is being delivered in collaboration with James Mackintosh Architects as part of a growing strategic partnership between the practices.

The Museum is due to re-open in 2020 as a leading component of the Plymouth Mayflower 400 celebrations.

Extension with L shaped Open Plan Family Space in Redland, Bristol by DHV Architects

A 1930s house in Redland, Bristol has been extended with a half width extension with corner glazing to create a generous kitchen / diner / living space with ample space for the owner's family.

Extension to 1930s house in Redland, Bristol by DHV Architects 01

Extension to 1930s house in Redland, Bristol by DHV Architects 02

Extension to 1930s house in Redland, Bristol by DHV Architects 03

Extension to 1930s house in Redland, Bristol by DHV Architects 04

Extension to 1930s house in Redland, Bristol by DHV Architects 05

Planning granted for new build house

DHV architects have received planning consent for a new build infill house in Bedminster, South Bristol. Set on a trapezoidal plot measuring a mere 73sqm the building offers an imaginative solution to a constrained urban site. The 3bed house spans over three levels achieving a total floor area of 92sqm - as required by the Technical housing standards (nationally described space standard).

The massing of the house reflects the traditional Victorian terraces; the roof ridge and eaves are lower than the adjacent property so that the new building appears to step down the hill, continuing the pattern of the existing terrace.

The street facing elevation is contextual yet contemporary with vertical-emphasis windows and offset fenestration pattern. A timber-clad porch provides vertical storage for two bicycles  and helps articulate the facade. The scheme is unashamedly modern and sets a model for contemporary infill housing within the historic grain of the city. 

Training Opportunities in Stone Conservation at Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff

As part of the forthcoming Clerestory Shaft Repair Project at Llandaff Cathedral we
are offering five work placements to trainees to work alongside the stonemasons and conservators who will be working on the cathedral. Each placement will be of 3-4 week’s duration. Most work will be inside the cathedral on high-level stonework and windows. There will also be an opportunity to visit the mason’s workshops in Carmarthen.

You need not have direct experience of stone masonry or conservation, but you must be either considering a career in building conservation in Wales, or looking to improve your existing construction skills. You will need to be fit, reliable and able to work at height on a scaffold. A stipend of £56 per day will be paid to trainees to cover travel and accommodation expenses.

Contact enquiries@olivercoe.com for more information

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.