“Our Architectural Department consists of our in-house Architectural Designers based in Hereford (working in all areas of the UK up to the Scottish Border and sometimes internationally) and our Regional Architectural Designers(who work within their own regions, again covering all areas of the UK, including Scotland).
Quarterly meetings bring the in-house and regional designers together. We discuss and attend CPD training on any developments within the architectural and construction industry; this ranges from updates to Planning Policy, Building Regulations, and CDM requirements, to working alongside specialist consultant services, products, and specification.
When we meet, the focus concentrates on offering an exceptional and quality service to our clients, where we are heading as a company and how we are contributing towards the growth and development of our business. Regular discussions centre around architectural design style, presentation and the architectural packages that we can offer enabling us to provide the best possible service to our past, present, and future clients. Futhermore, this enables us to design and create stunning oak-framed Architecture that will look beautiful and work well for its users for many years to come.” Helen Needham, Architectural Department Manager
Our quarterly meetings have been held for the past three years at our base in Herefordshire, as well as being hosted by regional designers, Derrick Whittaker, Pete Tonks, Darren Williams, and John Williams. The meetings provide a valuable opportunity for the team to share knowledge; discussing new techniques and approaches, regional design variation as well as news of changes within the industry.
Our autumn meeting was the first to be hosted by Craig and Andrew, and was a meticulously planned tour of their recent projects. It began slightly west of Edinburgh with a visit to a beautiful GreenRoom extension which fitted seamlessly alongside the original home. Internally it delivered a practical utility and garage as well as an impressive face-glazed double height living room with master bedroom above, complete with en-suite and dressing, and internal balcony. Views from the glazed rear face were of spectacular rolling countryside towards the distant Pentland Hills.
From there we travelled north-east across the estuary to a stunning oak framed new house. The striking design boasted an impressive exterior, with large face-glazed gables and a turret, yet felt proportionate and elegant within its quiet setting. Internally, the double height entry hall and vaulted kitchen-living space were set within an intricate oak frame designed by our specialist in-house frame designers alongside Craig and Andrew. In each and every room the bespoke oak frame created a variety of unique spaces from large sling frame with boss over the master bedroom, to the intricate detailing on the underside of the turret’s roof which was a distinct feature of the master bedroom’s en-suite.
Our first day finished with a visit to a retirement farm cottage in Strathaven. The extension to the original (working) farmhouse allowed for separation from the main dwelling in the form of a self-contained cottage. The vaulted farmhouse style kitchen and living room to the rear took advantage of the spectacular countryside views as well as giving access to their beautiful country garden. The GreenRoom complemented the original farmhouse in scale, whilst bringing a new material, oak, into the exterior appearance of the dwelling.
Day two started with a visit to an oak-framed barn which was being converted into a large detached home west of Glasgow. The site, which is still under construction, provided the opportunity to see how the frame and natural encapsulation system work alongside other construction techniques and materials. It provided a beneficial insight into the build process and its regional variety of oak finishings such as sand blasting (a process where grit is blasted at the surface of the oak to remove a thin layer, giving it a clean finish whilst also making the grain in the timber far more prominent) and other alternative approaches to design within Scotland.
Overall, the two days provided an invaluable chance for us to meet, share knowledge and visit examples of our work in Scotland. It is always important to see designs in the flesh once they are built, to walk around them, get a feel for how the frame and layout works, and indeed speak to the clients, who are all extremely pleased with their beautiful home renovations and new-builds.
Our final architectural meeting of the year will be near Christmas, and will be hosted by our In-House team here in Hereford.
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