Stage 4b. Detailed Design & Technical/Construction Drawings
In tandem with Stage 4a, construction details are prepared; these illustrate how important or non-standard details are to be built.
These drawings are concerned with aesthetic, finishing and unusual details such as the roof edges, box gutters, timber cladding, green roofs, large dormers, timber structures, special window details and thresholds.
This also includes other additional drawings – window and doors schedule, indicative electrical layout, kitchen layout and any other drawings needed to smooth work on site.
If the design includes any elements that are other than absolutely standard (or the contractor is unfamiliar with the materials or technique), these additional drawings help the contractor build on site easily and ensure a higher level of quality and crisper finish.
Included in Stage 4b:
- Architectural drawings to illustrate key details where further information may be needed – eaves/ridges/abutments.
- Where applicable: Kitchen Plan, Indicative Electrical Layout, Window and Door Schedule.
Drawing Board and Instagram Feed
Reunited with some amazing clients last week!
These were some of my lockdown heroes - we tackled online presentations, project delays, and on-site questions together.
While I couldn`t wait for the professional photoshoot later this month, I had to share some sneak peeks. This was absolutely a challenging project! We squeezed in a staircase, a kitchen renovation, a lower-ground shower room, and even the boiler and washing machine – all within a tight space with tricky existing features and site levels.
But now, it looks deceptively "easy" and open – just as good design should!
The final result is remarkably close to the original vision, with details like the double-story round column, the slatted balustrade (including the beautifully detailed "slatted" newel post by the carpenter), the curved shower room wall, and the exposed structural beams bringing it all together.
The clients truly trusted the process, and the contractors at @marptree absolutely delivered. Can`t wait for the professional photos to truly showcase this project!
#architectureproject
#homedesign
#renovationproject
#completedproject
#clientlove
#designbuild
A visit to Hampton Court Flower Show last week!
Maybe not directly work-related, but gardens always ignite my passion for design. It`s fascinating to see how they soften and can bring life to the architectural forms I create.
While I`m definitely not a landscape designer (though the skill is something I admire!), the show got me excited about the possibilities of incorporating small ponds, pools, and diverse plant textures into future projects.
I also loved the increasing presence of wildflower meadows. While lawns remain a classic choice, a shift in thinking seems to be happening. This is fantastic! It promotes biodiversity and creates stunning beauty – a true win-win.
#hamptoncourtflowershow
#architecturaillandscape
#gardeningforarchitects
#softscaping
#bringingtheoutdoorsin
Back to the house with the floorplan options! Which did you choose?
The clients went with Option 2b, but we then collaborated to refine the layout to perfectly suit their needs. Design is all about a feedback loop between us and our clients!
Here are some floorplan extracts from our building control drawings. These drawings provide the basic construction information suitable for typical extensions using traditional building methods. If you`re considering a more complex project, we recommend more detailed full construction drawings.
#FloorplanFriday #HomeExtensions #ClientCollaboration
Our new build in Shrewsbury is progressing well! ️
The careful preparation you see here is for the upcoming airtightness testing, a crucial step in ensuring the home is energy-efficient.
This means a warm, cosy, and most importantly cheap to run, cost-effective home for our clients!
#Shrewsbury #NewBuild #Dreamhome
"Helped" some friends out at the weekend.
Unfortunately digger lessons weren`t a part of architectural education.
I`m painfully slow and have to concentrate far too hard! Definitely would be bad value on a day rate, think I`ll stick to the day job!
Renewed appreciation for skilled drivers working in tight, steep and challenging sites!
Mostly enjoyed the fabulous weather and an excuse to "help" in the sun!
Floorplan Friday!
This week, we helped clients explore the possibilities of a home extension with greater flexibility. Unsure of their budget, we created plans for several extension sizes, along with cost estimates for each. While not as common, this approach was ideal for these clients juggling family priorities.
The twist? We also included an option 4 - maximizing space through clever reconfiguration without an extension!
Which option would YOU choose?
#FloorplanFriday #HomeExtensions #PlanningYourHome