Croft Architecture Blog

Croft for National House Designer of the Year

sarah@croftarchitecture.com (Sarah Croft) — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 11:26:20 GMT

Croft Architecture have been shortlisted for 'House Designer of the Year' at the Homebuilding & Renovating Industry Awards.

This award category recognises architectural practices that have been able to demonstrate how they’ve played a pivotal role in successful self-build, extension, and renovation projects, highlighting how problems have been solved through a variety of creative solutions, from communication and teamwork to innovative designs and professionalism, that ultimately have led to a safe, sustainable, high quality, successful projects for clients.

Croft Architecture win LABC Building Award for Best New Home

sarah@croftarchitecture.com (Sarah Croft) — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 18:00:00 GMT

West Midlands Local Authority Building Control Awards 2020

In April we were extremely pleased to bring news that Croft Architecture had been shortlisted as a finalists within two categories for two separate projects within the West Midlands Local Authority Building Control Awards 2020.

We've Been Shortlisted for Two Building in Excellence Awards

sarah@croftarchitecture.com (Sarah Croft) — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 18:07:00 GMT

West Midlands Local Authority Building Control Awards 2020

Planning Success for a Sustainable Barn Conversion

sarah@croftarchitecture.com (Sarah Croft) — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 10:37:14 GMT

Making the Right Move

We’ve all watched the property programs where families search for their perfect place to call home and struggle to tick all the boxes on their wish list. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for young people to buy a house in the village they grew up in. Rural life is under threat and there is a severe and growing shortage of good quality housing in the UK, especially in more rural areas. These factors are polarising communities, forcing people from the villages in the countryside where they grew up. Our clients, like many young families across the UK experienced a limited amount of choice when searching for property in the rural communities surrounding Stafford.

Like many families throughout the UK our clients were in search of a family home that fulfilled their criteria. After searching for the ideal property, they had many discussion with their parents and they realised that they had the space, land and redundant barns available to develop a new home for their young family.

Could multi-generational living be the solution to retaining family life in small rural communities?

Once labelled as a granny annex, family accommodation is now known as ‘multi-generational living’. The concept certainly isn’t new and sharing a home with your relatives dates back thousands of years. However, with little out there on market for good quality housing for growing families of the 21^st century a solution could be to self-build or adapt an existing property with relatives who have space, land or redundant buildings available. Our clients contacted us to do just this!

We were appointed by our client to help them create a design solution to convert their parents’ historic brick-built barn into a four-bedroom family home. The whole family were motivated to see the barns get a new lease of life, with their aspiration of transforming them into a striking new home that’s within striding distance of their parents’ property. Their aim for the project is to create a multi-generational family hub that offers flexibility for the whole family for years to come. Conversion of the barns will allow the extended family to stay close together, whilst giving our clients the independence they need with their two young children.

Their parents live in the main house on the site which sits within a generous amount of land along with their old barns. Although the barns are old, they’re not listed, nor is the site in a conservation area. However, the land is located on the edge of a small attractive village in Staffordshire which sits on the cusp of the greenbelt with views to the open countryside on all aspects.

Barn Conversions

Barn conversions are one of the most inspirational types of home in the UK, due to the history, the scope for large open spaces and double height spaces and they’re always set in idyllic rural locations.

They consistently maintain a premium price on the property market making them out of reach for many family buyers and buying a barn to convert is not for the faint hearted. Under their romantic rustic charm and lure you’re faced with an almost guaranteed state of dilapidation and problems to overcome.

Converting a barn can certainly be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. To achieve the desired results the first time it’s so important to get the right advice, guidance and knowledge from an experience architect who will steer a project to success. Our clients did just the right thing and contacted us initially to discuss their ideas and aspirations for the barns. Contacting us at the outset of the project meant that we were able to advise what could be achieved, and how, what consultants may be required to ensure not only planning success but also a safe and successful project.

Our Approach

The existing barn is currently in a poor condition and in need of modernisation and repair. The original first floor is failing, the floor to ceiling heights are inadequate and the ground floors are not to modern standard.

Although the barn is not Listed, or in a conservation area, it is on the edge of the Green Belt. Therefore, our design proposal required careful planning and consideration to sensitively retain and restore the original character, whilst injecting some subtle contemporary details for the young family and to ensure that the building thermally performs.

We were conscious from the outset that the family required adequate spaces and facilities within the barn to suit a young growing family; yet we needed to respect the original barn by retaining as much of the existing features and openings as possible all within the original building envelope.

Design Approach

Our design proposal intends to provide the growing family with four generous bedrooms, living accommodation, with private and social spaces to meet the needs of the family. To maximise the outlook onto the stunning countryside surrounding the barn, large bi-folding doors offer views and transition from the living areas out into the garden area.

The features of each block will be retained, however, there will be a small up lift in height to the roof of both the double and single storey sections of the barn. The extra height will ensure that the floor to ceiling heights are at the required levels, allow for the roof to be insulated to the required modern standards of thermal performance and to make sure that the pitch is complimentary and in context with its surroundings.

We have incorporated a small infill extension into the design which will create extra space for the entrance hall, fourth bedroom and new kitchen area. The new space is mainly hidden from view and will blend into the existing barn by following the original ridges and by emulating the features of the old barns. The new and the old will be broken by a glazed link entrance which provides a distinct definition between old and new whilst seamlessly creating a new connection.

We take the warnings regarding climate change very seriously at Croft Architecture and we endeavour to help our clients to create sustainable buildings that are low-energy or even energy-positive. At the outset of all projects we chat with our clients and discuss the advantages of an energy efficient build.

Our team and clients wanted to ensure that the new building surpassed the minimum requirements for thermal performance. It’s our intention to create a highly insulated building envelope to maximise the thermal efficiency. SAP calculations will be undertaken to ensure that the building will be designed to last and reduce the amount of energy used, creating financial and environmental benefits.

Natural light plays a key part throughout the new dwelling. We’ve minimised the need for artificial lighting to improve the look and feel of the internal environment. Natural light is so important to our health and well-being. Improving the levels of natural light in your home can trigger natural chemicals in our bodies called, serotonin. The more natural light that we are exposed to the more serotonin we produce. As a result, we feel less sleepy, more energised and less likely to become depressed.

Natural sun light has a multitude of benefits our health and it can also be used to produce clean energy too. We have recommended photovoltaic tiles and ground source heat pumps as options for renewable energy sources. Coupled with an energy efficient boiler and heating system the new smarter technology will significantly reduce the amount of energy they consume and reduce their energy bills.

The overall design will have a traditional feel through a carefully considered choice of traditional rustic materials with subtle contemporary details that will bring the development a sense of quality. We aim to introduce minimal modern aluminium glazing in the roof and glazed gable elements to flood the new dwelling with natural light and to gain from the solar heat. The proposed extension will be set back from the adjacent elevation and clad in rustic charred timber.

Our design respects the privacy of the existing property on the site. Although the barn and their parents’ home are currently interlinked through their family connection, this may not always be so, and they need to exist as separate dwellings in their own regard. Both families also require their own independence and privacy too. To respect each dwelling’s space, glazing is placed along the elevations and it has been kept to a minimum. The extension is also behind the neighbouring property to ensure that no overlooking occurs.

A close collaboration between the client, the planning officer, the planning consultant and our team has enabled us the deliver a design that retains as much of the original aesthetic of the building as possible. Our aim is to enhance the original barn’s character while giving the family the space they need.

Pre-Planning Approach

To ensure that all aspects of the project remained sensitive and sympathetic to the locality of the site and the existing buildings we appointed an experienced independent planning consultant to assist proposal in a planning policy and regulation context. This then makes it really easy for the planning officer to understand our application and for them to write their report.

Before we submitted the project for planning approval, we engaged with the local planning officer to discuss our design intent for our clients’ project. Being on the edge of the Green Belt we felt that it was important to understand the planner’s perspective on the project and how we could work towards obtaining planning approval on the first submission. Their feedback was valuable to make small amendments to the design aligning it with the relevant policy with had a direct influence on the success of the application. As a result of our close contact with the planning consultant and planning officer during the pre-planning phase this meant that when the plans were submitted for approval the officer received the drawings, plans and documents that they were expecting and they were happy with our proposal.

We’re pleased to bring news that we have successfully gained planning approval for their barn conversion upon the first submission.

Follow their story so far to find out how a rustic gem is soon to be converted into a beautifully converted barn for their family to grow and enjoy the space within easy reach of their extended family.

Happy Clients

We've received this lovely testimonial from our awesome clients on Instagram.

It's always a pleasure to receive feedback from clients and especially whilst their project is still progressing through the stages of work. Thank you to our clients for such a fantastic review.

We place customer experience and satisfaction as a priority so we’re thrilled to hear that they are enjoying their experience with us. The team will definitely be happy to read their kind words. It’s a pleasure working with them to help the family to create a home that works now and for the foreseeable future, oh, and looks fantastic! Thank you. 👍😀

Take a look at what they're saying below.

Carl Croft becomes the New President for Stafford Chamber of Commerce

sarah@croftarchitecture.com (Sarah Croft) — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 07:45:00 GMT

Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) welcomes Croft Architecture’s Managing Director, Carl Croft, as the new President of the Stafford Chamber.

Stafford Chamber members were invited to the Annual General Meeting at the Judges House in Stafford on Monday 18^th November 2019 to hear an overview of the regions achievement from the previous 12 months, to welcome new board members to the panel, and for Philip Osman to hand over the presidency to, Carl Croft, the newly elected leader of the Stafford Chamber for the forthcoming year.

Planning permission for a new warehouse brings new jobs to Staffordshire

sarah@croftarchitecture.com (Sarah Croft) — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 10:01:00 GMT

In brief

Croft Architecture shortlisted for two Awards

sarah@croftarchitecture.com (Sarah Croft) — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 19:03:00 GMT

We're delighted to announce that Croft Architecture has been shortlisted as a finalist for two prestigious West Midlands LABC Building Excellence Awards.

What are the LABC Awards?

Revisiting a past client Reaffirms why you should use an architect

sarah@croftarchitecture.com (Sarah Croft) — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 12:00:00 GMT

Cast your mind back…

Four years ago, we met with our client, Kimberley, to discuss how we could help her to transform the ground floor living space of her grand Victorian home. Her family was growing and their lifestyle and living patterns were struggling to work in a property that was designed for family life over a hundred years ago.

Big Ideas for Small Home Extensions

sarah@croftarchitecture.com (Sarah Croft) — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 20:01:00 GMT

Small extensions can be a great way to create more space, more light and more wow, whilst adding value to your home. Find out how to get yours right the first time.

Small extensions can make your home work for you in the little ways that matter every day. Remodeling or extending is a great alternative if you lack the space or budget to add a large extension, move home or to self-build.

WHY MOVE WHEN YOU CAN IMPROVE?

You can liken home extension design by an architect to getting a bespoke tailored outfit as opposed to buying a shop bought piece. An architect really fits the building to your personal circumstances, your needs and they will spot the opportunities to deliver a building for you; that will delight you day in day out.

Wouldn’t be great to have your home designed around your needs and lifestyle, making every day feel like a holiday, so that you feel so relaxed and so comfortable in your home that you don’t really need to travel elsewhere?

When you buy a new home whether it’s from a new development or second-hand, you’re compromising from the outset. There are things that you can tweak of course, but when you’re spending such a large amount of money on moving you need to think, ‘Could I achieve the space we need and add value to our property by using an architect to re design our home to work for us?’

HOW DOES AN ARCHITECT ADD VALUE?

An architect can deliver a tailored service that you just won’t get from an off the shelf house or second-hand home. Typically, the build standard is better when you extend, you get a lot more value for money, your home will be better insulated and with enhanced detailing.

Your project doesn’t have to be the next multi-million-pound Grand Designs showstopper. No matter how big or small a project the most important thing is that you achieve a home that works for your family now, and into the future. By using the experience and skills of an architect they can ensure that good design doesn’t have to cost you the earth. A modest, but well-designed addition can be trans formative, changing the aspect of a room, bringing in valuable extra daylight, linking existing spaces or improving circulation and flow.

DETERMINE WHAT YOU REALLY WANT

There are a multitude of answers, but they usually fit in with one or a few categories:

This is your forever home and you’re extending to maximise the space for your long-term enjoyment.
You want to add value to you home.
You need to create much needed extra space in the short term until you can afford to move.
There's just that bit of your home that niggles you every time you see it or use it.

Whether you're converting the garage or adding a modest loft extension, a small single storey extension or remodeling, you can add both value and space to your home if you get it right. These small extension ideas will get you started.

You can find much more advice on extending a house in our ultimate guide here.

HOW MUCH DO SMALL EXTENSIONS COST?

Don’t proceed with your head in the clouds!

Many people clam up at the mere mention of the word budget. The purpose of setting a proper budget is so that design time isn’t wasted and so the final design is something that can be afforded by you, and actually delivered.

Your budget is not to do with setting architectural fees, or your consultants and contractors spending up to the top end of your budget.

If you know from the outset what your budget is, and what you would be prepared to spend, then a professional architect will always try to bring projects in under budget and provide the best value. However, most people want more than they can actually achieve with their budget.

Unless you tell your architect what your budget is, then there is no way that they can tell you whether your expectations are realistic.

As a rule of thumb indication of the overall cost of your extension, you can expect to pay approximately £900 to £3000 per square metre for the building cost. This will of course vary in relation to the location, size, quality and complexity of construction.

Basic quality: £900 to £1,250
Good quality: £1250 to £2000
Excellent quality: £2000 to £3000

Remember: Be mindful of ceiling prices in your area — you’ll want to make a return on the money you spend on an extension so make sure the numbers add up!

For a good idea of the cost of your small extension, give us a call on 01785 248542 or contact us by email on enquiries@croftarchitecture.com

Planning consent for town centre apartments

sarah@croftarchitecture.com (Sarah Croft) — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 15:00:00 GMT

In Brief

Millward hall is an old school hall on Salisbury street in Leek, in the Staffordshire Moorlands. It was converted from a school hall into a youth centre run by Staffordshire County Council. Our client purchased the building from Staffordshire County Council and appointed us to get planning approval to convert the building into new residential dwellings.

Croft Architecture Blog

Croft for National House Designer of the Year

Croft Architecture have been shortlisted for 'House Designer of the Year' at the Homebuilding & Renovating Industry Awards.

Croft Architecture win LABC Building Award for Best New Home

West Midlands Local Authority Building Control Awards 2020

We've Been Shortlisted for Two Building in Excellence Awards

West Midlands Local Authority Building Control Awards 2020

Planning Success for a Sustainable Barn Conversion

Making the Right Move

Could multi-generational living be the solution to retaining family life in small rural communities?

Barn Conversions

Our Approach

Design Approach

Pre-Planning Approach

Follow their story so far to find out how a rustic gem is soon to be converted into a beautifully converted barn for their family to grow and enjoy the space within easy reach of their extended family.

Happy Clients

Carl Croft becomes the New President for Stafford Chamber of Commerce

Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) welcomes Croft Architecture’s Managing Director, Carl Croft, as the new President of the Stafford Chamber.

Planning permission for a new warehouse brings new jobs to Staffordshire

Croft Architecture shortlisted for two Awards

We're delighted to announce that Croft Architecture has been shortlisted as a finalist for two prestigious West Midlands LABC Building Excellence Awards.

Revisiting a past client Reaffirms why you should use an architect

Cast your mind back…

Big Ideas for Small Home Extensions

Small extensions can be a great way to create more space, more light and more wow, whilst adding value to your home. Find out how to get yours right the first time.

WHY MOVE WHEN YOU CAN IMPROVE?

HOW DOES AN ARCHITECT ADD VALUE?

DETERMINE WHAT YOU REALLY WANT

This is your forever home and you’re extending to maximise the space for your long-term enjoyment.

You want to add value to you home.

You need to create much needed extra space in the short term until you can afford to move.

There's just that bit of your home that niggles you every time you see it or use it.

HOW MUCH DO SMALL EXTENSIONS COST?

Basic quality: £900 to £1,250

Good quality: £1250 to £2000

Excellent quality: £2000 to £3000

Planning consent for town centre apartments

In Brief