When does a house extension become a new build? The question whether to demolish an existing property and replace it with a new build, or whether to extend and transform the original house sometimes is a hard one to answer. If the property has architectural merit, or emotional connections then maintaining the existing and sympathetically [...]
Sometimes the simple designs make the most difference. This new extension to a handsome detached East Belfast home in the desirable Wandsworth Road has transformed it from a tired and badly planned house into a wonderful family friendly home. We’re hoping it will be finished within a few weeks but here is a quick picture [...]
Under the current planning system, if you have current planning permission which is due to expire, you do not necessarily have to commence construction... The original application can be renewed for 25% of the full application fee, subject to a number of conditions. It can be a much cheaper alternative to renew planning permission than [...]
The Passive House Institute has announcd the launch of its two new certification categories, Passive House Plus and Passive House Premium, which recognise on-site renewable energy generation. Renewable energy is the ideal complement to the efficiency of the passive house standard. In order to provide reliable guidance for this combination, the Passive House Institute introduces [...]
Consultation on proposed revisions to the Construction (Design Management) Regulations in Northern Ireland are set to conclude on 25 March 2015. The revisions mirror changes to the UK regulations which come into force there on 6 April 2015. It is anticipated the Northern Ireland version of the regulations will be brought into force in late [...]
At this afternoon's seminar run by the NI BIM Hub, Tina Pringle - NBS Head of Technical Information ran through what we can expect from the NBS BIM toolkit and outlined the areas still being refined. "The completion of the Digital Plan of Work and classification system will not only complete the Level 2 BIM [...]
On 3 March 2015, the leading building science centre BRE introduced a voluntary, national Home Quality Mark for new housing that will transform the way consumers choose the homes they buy and rent. The consumer focused standard will enable house builders and developers to differentiate their homes in the marketplace and independently demonstrate performance and [...]
At a Royal Town Planning Institute NI event this week, a representative from the DoE’s Planning Reform Guidance Team set the legislative scene with an overview of the legislative requirements and regulations for Planning Application Notices (PANs) and pre-application community consultation for proposals that fall within the major category. Requirements will include a period of [...]
The latest edition of Northern Builder magazine contains an article by C60 Architects and Town Planners director Roger Perrott. The article includes expert advice on how to ensure construction programmes are accepted by the Project Manager, with information on: Key Dates Time Risk Allowance Float Critical Path C60 provide specialist consultancy to assist contractors [...]
A number of developers are now starting to re-engage with the market and are looking at small sites, previously not regarded as possible. With our combined experience in architecture and town planning we advised our client on how best develop this small site. "garden development" This site within Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, has great [...]