Building projects are sorted by 3 main categories;
householders,
community groups and
commercial clients. Building types and specialisations are listed under the sub-headings. See the
services page for additional services available such as feasibility studies and visualisations.
We transform buildings of any age and condition into residences fit for the 21st century, creating an enjoyable way of life for the residents and often exceeding their expectations.
We work with local materials and skilled local artisans in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire to deliver highly sustainable, low energy homes with a heart.
We enjoy working with communities of all types and have experience working with groups as diverse as The Police and Local Authorities, disability groups, community sports, museums, music venues and village shop trusts.
Throughout, we seek common ground with all those effected by proposals to ensure that all voices are heard and inform a resolution of the brief. Community buildings are so diverse they provide some of our most fascinating experiences and enjoyable clients.
We make efficient use of precious brownfield land using appropriate urban designs to mend and revitalise the fabric of towns and cities by the creation of high quality, mixed use schemes. We specialise in delivering housing and mixed use schemes on complex and historic inner city sites.
We have a well respected reputation for Urban Design and have advised on many major urban design projects in the South-West from the redevelopment of the Docks in Bristol, to the regeneration of Frome town centre.
We strive to make places where people love to work; pleasant, uplifting and which encourage talking and meeting one another. This is done by patiently questioning the purpose and meaning of the organisation.
We have an established reputation for creating successful working environments in new build and conversions for organisations of all shapes and sizes.
The Frome valley is home to many Mills which are ripe for conversion. We have specialism in hydro schemes as a result of finding new uses for these Mills. We work closely with the Environment Agency and hydrologists to find the correct solution to power the converted buildings.
These are projects where we have looked carefully at the existing property as a whole and, by sometimes minor extensions and alterations, have transformed how the house is used, appreciated, and made naturally comfortable for modern life. The results have transformed families appreciation of their houses. In some instances clients have found that the added value was twice that of the cost of the work.
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” is our expectation when adding to an existing building. There is respect for the old, the new is the best of today. The result should enhance what exists, and this can often require changing the existing to create an integrated whole.
We have helped transform cowsheds, water mills, milking parlours and malthouses into energy efficient comfortable homes for life in the 21st Century. In each the original purpose and features of previous use are celebrated in the new. It is challenging to introduce energy saving measures into historic walls, roof and windows. Constructive dialogue with Conservation Officers and English Heritage helps to achieve this goal.
These projects all embody forward looking measures to reduce their energy consumption. This ranges from planning layouts to optimise the sun’s warmth, to use of renewable building materials. This is the background assumption to ensuring each house enhances the clients lifestyle and makes the best of its surroundings so that house and garden are equally appreciated.
Working with Listed Buildings requires a pragmatic approach and sensitivity to the needs of the owner and the Conservation Officer. We have a wide range of experience from large commercial projects to tiny specialist jobs. Here is a selection showing some of the special buildings we have repaired or converted.
Housing schemes for commercial developers or housing associations have been mainstays for the practise.
We are always keen to look at opportunities for positive urban interventions, to create and adapt public spaces that are underused or underdeveloped.
From time-to-time we get involved in what can only be described as special projects. These may be non-building projects, ones which are difficult to categorise, or just a tiny interesting element within a larger project. As project managers we have a wide range of organisational skills from community consultation to exhibition design.
Many of our clients want to set up a rural retreat, for themselves or for paying guests & visitors. We can prepare
feasibility studies and sketch layout ideas.
We can assist with guidance on setting up a campsite or glamping facility without the need for planning consent.
We can design holiday lodges, garden dens, convert your outbuildings or whatever special project you have in mind. We work with planning consultants, ecologists and structural engineers to bring your project to fruition.
