We're hot down under!

Further working drawings and tender packages are being drawn and compiled together in the office currently. The Olde English Hotel building that we showed some model photos of in our blog in November is moving towards construction. Currently we are discussing the finish on the stonework and trying to find a tooling that works over the large areas of stone on the elevations, provides a contrast of finishes between the 'frame' and infill panels and also adds to the contemporary design whilst not appearing overly commercial. It's a tricky task. Luckily we have a client with a quarry on hand to provide us with lots of samples!

A tender is being issued this week for the restoration of a series of local historic barns. The information includes detailed survey sketches recording damage to the original structure:

Rob and Andy have both now joined the OPUN design review panel. OPUN promote good design practice across the East Midlands. The review panel meet regularly to critique local schemes and offer advice on improving design quality. Last week Andy attended a workshop in Leicester that explored changes in the planning system and what the National Planning Policy Framework implies in respect of neighbourhood planning and community engagement and the difference roles for Design, Support and Enabling.

Lastly, we received a package from Australia in the post today, including a copies of a new book, 'Best Coastal Homes'. The book contains some great new houses in some beautiful locations, and features on page 100 our design for Sea House, Portloe! We're honoured to be included and will no doubt be looking at the books other projects for some future inspiration!

Detailed design...

Its been a hectic couple of weeks in the office. The working drawings for The Cow Shed drawings have been completed, including a little detail for a sliding ventilation panel door that allows for ventilation and views between a first floor bedroom and the double height entrance hall.

Sliding ventilation door detail

We've also been looking at some designs for fitted furniture. In the Cow Shed, this included a stone hearth for the woodburning stove, with fitted cupboards adjacent in oak with leather handles, and on a Church Hall project a secondary hall space has been developed to include storage units including pull out toy boxes for the Nursery that will occupy the space frequently.

Toy box storage unit for Community Hall

Early design work has also been progressing on several projects, including an extension for a house in the Peak district, which is looking to extend at the rear to include a contemporary Kitchen and Sunroom alongside the traditional cottage.

Sketch model options for house extension in the Peak District

We're currently looking at options for how best to extend to the rear to provide maximum daylight into the Sunroom and existing house, whilst not allowing the extension to effect the village streetscene - more models needed!