Planning success for the revival of St. Nicholas House.4

Planning success and the revival of St. Nicholas House.

KODA Architects have have secured planning approval for the remodelling and a new glazed rooftop pavilion to St. Nicholas House, a prominent office building in City Centre of Hereford.

 

St. Nicholas House was originally built in 1970 in the centre of Hereford as a financial office. Having a number of subsequent uses recently it lay redundant creating a negative impact on the City Centre skyline. KODA Architects have been appointed and fulfilled the clients brief in reimagining this prominent building whilst creating an attractive visual asset to the City Centre Conservation Area. 

The project comprises the remodelling of the entire building and includes the recladding of the existing tired concrete structure with an envelope of contemporary Equitone rainscreen cladding. This not only greatly improves the aesthetic of an otherwise blight to the Hereford Cityscape, but also enhances its efficient sustainable future use.  The introduction of a the glazed roof pavilion adds a final element of the composition atop St. Nicholas House. This new and unique vantage point affords unrivalled elevated views of Hereford Cathedral and vistas over the City to the Black Mountains and surrounding countryside. Access to the building is completely redesigned creating an inviting landscaped transition to a new attractive entrance foyer

The extension, refurbishment and re-cladding of the building reuses an otherwise empty deteriorating building and secures its most optimum and viable use. Within the site lays a section of the Historic City Wall and rampart, KODA architects worked alongside our client and other stakeholders to overcome initial resistance from elements of the Local Authority. By doing so we have utilised the underused resources embodied with the existing structure to provide 21st century commercial accommodation and an efficient re-use of land within Hereford City centre.

The reuse of this otherwise redundant building further extends KODA architects creative portfolio of rejuvenating City Centre sites and working closely with clients and other stakeholders. Further projects that showcase exceptional commercial design in Hereford include Bastion Mews and Sullivan House.

Planning success for the revival of St. Nicholas House.2

St. Nicholas House 2
 

the revival of St. Nicholas House. 5

3 sustainable self-build homes approved

Planning approval for 3 new sustainable homes in Ludlow.

KODA architects have successfully secured planning approval for 3 new sustainable self-build homes in Ludlow. The site is combines an underused hidden parcel of land with part of a large formal garden within the Town.  Sustainable design was at the forefront of the brief and the homes are positioned to take full advantage of the southern aspect whilst also affording views of St. Lawrence’s Church.

The scheme develops an underutilised urban site to provide high quality housing utilising energy efficiency measures. They are built from highly insulated and sustainable materials. The dwellings are designed with large, glazed wall areas to the south and west elevations benefiting from passive solar gain. The first floor areas include recessed balconies featuring long roof overhangs protecting the bedrooms from excessive solar gain in the summer months. This still allows sunlight to reach the depths of rooms promoting thermal gain in the winter when the sun is lower in the sky. Internal air quality and comfort is supplemented by automated mechanical ventilation and heat recovery, MVHR. 

The buildings include standing seam metal mono pitch roofs which reduce impact on the neighbouring amenity but also being orientated to the south and west present an ideal location for the arrays of photovoltaic and solar thermal panels producing heat and power. Rainwater is collected and harvested on site for re-use in the buildings and gardens.

The development resists temptation to optimise numbers in preference the new high quality homes are sited within generous individual plots and will be sold to independant self-builders. 

For more information, check out our Portfolio Pages or instagram for this and other projects.

Bastion Mews Planning Application Approved!

KODA Architects scheme at Bastion Mews approved.

KODA architects are delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted for an exciting new mixed use redevelopment at Bastion Mews in Hereford City Centre. The application was unanimously supported by the planning committee members, many praising the imaginative design approach. Success was achieved by working closely with the applicant and TT Planning. The proposal provides a landmark independent quarter comprising offices and shops,  a new restaurant as well as accommodation that work in conjunction with the existing businesses.

KODA architects have perused an industrial visual underpinning to develop a mixed use scheme over the expansive site reusing shipping containers as a base. The shipping containers are used in varying creative configurations including  vertically stacked incorporating stairways to the upper levels. The designs are also supplemented by balconies formed with patinaed steel and oak loures that combine planting to softening the aesthetic. The proposal integrates inherent flexibility that allows the buildings to be adapted as the site evolves. 

Bastion Mews in Hereford City Centre is encircled by the Hereford City Wall which was constructed in the 13th Century by Royal decree. The site, Bastion Mews, is named after the defensive bastion which once stood at the site and protected nearby City gate. KODA Architects acted as Heritage Consultant fully exploring the significance of the site and surrounding location.  The site has had many uses in a vibrant history with the latest use being home to the Shack Revolution and Bastion Street Feast. Quickly gaining a local reputation for great quality street food, entertainment and a buzzing atmosphere the team at Shack Events have made it a huge success for the City. 

Bastion Mews Elevation

Part of the underpinning philosophy of the sites redevelopment is a diversity of uses and users. This multi use ideal elaborates on the ethos of the highly successful Shack Revolution and Bastion Street Feast where different street food vendors pitch up their stalls and sell high quality food in a sharing and collaborative atmosphere. The urban event space also hosts weddings as well as highly successful, comedy nights, musical acts, DJ’s and of course the annual Oktoberfest!  The masterplan calls for a mixture of live work units as well as recreational areas and amenity space in this highly sustainable location on the edge of the City Center. Complimenting the existing uses of the site, the new proposals are testament to 21st Century design, innovative and flexible to allow them to be easily changed should the site need to in the future

For more information, check out our Portfolio Pages for this and other projects.

Student accommodation hereford section

KODA architects Design New Student Accommodation in Hereford

KODA Architects Design New Student Accommodation in the Centre of Hereford

KODA architects worked closely with a commercial developer client and TT Planning to obtain planning permission for new student accommodation in Hereford. The scheme converts a distinctive existing warehouse building in the City Centre.

The proposal converts a redundant office and warehouse building located along Widemarsh Street. The 1960’s  building formerly housed a fruit and vegetable wholesaler. As such, the building boasts a large square footage and ample space to provide purpose built student accommodation and ancillary services.

The scheme provides 27 self contained apartments that maximise the opportunities that the building has to offer with its highly sustainable location being so close to the centre of Hereford. Students will benefit from a range of generous accommodation including en-suite bathrooms and large New York style mezzanine apartment units. The scheme includes shared communal living and study area as well and outdoor roof terrace. The team at KODA have worked carefully to retain and preserve the existing 1960s modernist facade whilst maximising the unit of units within the building. 

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) were highly supportive of the scheme stating that ‘the proposal set a new benchmark in the design quality of student accommodation‘. The scheme also includes an array of photovoltaic panels to the existing roofs that will provide low cost energy for the students. 

equestrian holiday cabins Herefordshire

Expansion of Equestrian Business Approved

The expansion of equestrian business and 

holiday cabins approved in Herefordshire

In association with Moule and Co., our scheme to provide 3 new log holiday cabins as part of the expansion of an equestrian business in rural Herefordshire has been approved. The scheme also includes a new outdoor arena and additional car parking allowing the applicants to develope their growing business. 

The location holds a prominent position in the landscape, KODA Architects scheme is designed to reduce its landscape impact but also shield new horse arena from the prevailing winds. 

The location offers exceptional views of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire landscape including the Malvern Hills and British Camp.  The site makes the most of the abundance of local footpaths and bridle ways for the guests to enjoy by foot or horseback. 

The expansion of Equestrian Business and Holiday Cabins will allow Tipton Hall Riding School to appeal to a much greater number of visitors and give the added attraction of being able to stay over night in this beautiful location. Tipton Hall will now be able to host equestrian events drawing further visitors to the area. 

The application was unanimously supported and adheres to the principles of Herefordshire Councils Policy RA6. It sets out the conditions under which the Council will be supportive of proposals, which help to diversify the rural economy and generate employment. This includes both sustainable tourism proposals of an appropriate scale.

The cabins will also be built by a local carpenter who will fell, prepare the cedar logs and build the cabins on site. We will be follow the progress and giving updates via our social media. 

  • view from holiday cabin
    View from the new holiday cabins
Accommodation-adults

Accommodation for vulnerable young adults approved

KODA Architects conservation team have secured planning permission and conservation area consent for the conversion of an underutilised Edwardian property to form accommodation for up to six vulnerable young adults.

The scheme will provide a vital service for homeless and vulnerable young adults and includes measures to restore the property by the removal of unsympathetic alterations. Furthermore the proposal returns period feature that had become eroded by its previous conversions.

KODA Architects worked collaboratively for the applicant and Housing Solutions with Herefordshire council and Environmental Health departments overcoming issues of noise and traffic pollution due to the buildings immediate proximity to a busy trunk road.

The proposal overcame concerns through implementing high performance acoustic glazing to the front façade and an innovative ventilation system to filter out airborne pollutants.

The Housing Solutions Team carries out prevention work which includes assisting applicants to find and secure their own accommodation. There have been a large number of cases in which homelessness prevention was successful in securing accommodation for vulnerable young adults helping them find their feet, find employment and in some cases kick addition.

We are extremely proud to have been a small part in delivering such an important local initiative, which has become acutely critical due to the effects of the on-going pandemic. Works are due to start shortly and we look forward to it opening its doors soon.

We would also like to thank M-EC Acoustic Air who recognised the importance of this project and carried out their consultancy work at a discounted rate. 

planning and conservation area consent
one of the elegant fireplaces being restored
Lift the moratorium in Herefordshire

Help Lift The Housing Moratorium in Herefordshire

The provision of thousands of new homes is still in limbo – help lift the Moratorium on new homes in Herefordshire.

 

Since the middle of last year there has been a moratorium on the majority of new housing developments gaining planning approval in the River Lugg catchment in Herefordshire. An area that covers most of the north of the County.

In brief Natural England have found that phosphate levels in the river are above acceptable limits. Therefore Herefordshire Council are unable to approve new housing development or planning applications that may increase levels of phosphate entering the watercourse. Phosphate pollution can be caused by the run off from digest fertilisers being spread on fields, sewage treatment works and package sewage treatment plants. High levels of phosphates have a harmful effect on the ecology of the Lugg and Wye which have Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) designations.

More detailed information can be found on Herefordshire Councils website.

As well as a reduction in new homes being built this has had a disastrous effect on the construction industry across Herefordshire. Faced with no route to a timely resolution a number of local planning agents and construction professionals set up the Herefordshire Construction Industry Lobby Group (HCILG) to represent our industry and force a resolution. Members of the group have dedicated a great deal of time and effort pooling their expertise. A funding page has been set up to pay for the appointment of a Specialist Barrister to challenge the ruling. Incredibly since being set up at the end of January over £13,000.00 has been raised to date – just short of the £15,000.00 target to cover the legal fees. If you are affected by the moratorium or wish to support by making a donation please do so on the gofundme page to help reach the target and assist in lifting the moratorium.

Holiday Cabins in Herefordshire

Holiday Cabins in Herefordshire approved 

KODA architects scheme to provide 7 new holiday cabins in rural Herefordshire has been approved.

The location offers a truly exceptional view of of Hay Bluff and the Black Mountains. The scheme includes ecological enhancements designed by the applicants, who are landscaped gardeners, which propose to restore a previous orchard and include local apple species such as Hereford Redsteak Cider and Hereford Russet. As well as supplementing new native hedgerows the ecological enhancements provide a large area of flower meadow complete with owl posts. The site makes the most of the abundance of local public rights of way for the guests to enjoy by foot and bicycle 

The cabins themselves are designed to enhance the enjoyment of the area, they feature a bench seat in a large oriel window to take delight of the unique vistas. Rustic materials in the walls and roof include reclaimed timber and corrugated metal cladding fitting the local context. The cabins will also be built by the applicants son Paul, who is a talented Carpenter https://www.joypadscabins.co.uk/

The application was unanimously supported and adheres to the principles of Herefordshire Councils Policy RA6. It sets out the conditions under which the Council will be supportive of proposals, which help to diversify the rural economy and generate employment. This includes both sustainable tourism proposals of an appropriate scale.

We can not wait to see them being built and look forward to updating you on their progress.

  • Views from the proposed cabins
apartments - hereford city centre - koda architects

Breathing New Life into the High Street

KODA Architects have successfully gained approval for the conversion of a redundant commercial building close to the City centre of Hereford. 

It is a common problem to see City Centre commercial buildings become empty. This is not only due to pressure from online shopping but also due to the underutilised floorspace on the upper floors of many City Centre commercial buildings.  The tenant not only has to pay rent on this space but also local business rates based on total floor area. By diversifying these buildings we can make the commercial element more attractive to smaller businesses. 

The approved scheme modernises and efficiently re-orders the empty 1960’s three-storey building to provide much needed affordable accommodation. In total there are 10 spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. The scheme also retains the fully occupied commercial premises to the ground floor.

This is one of a number of similar projects that KODA Architects have completed. It has enormous benefits in providing much needed affordable housing to the City by repurposing an underutilised resource.  The development will breathe new life into the high street and positively enhance the street scene.

Architects in ludlow

Planning Permission Granted for alterations and additions to cottage near Ludlow

KODA architects are delighted to have received planning permission for alterations and additions to a cottage near Ludlow which had been severely damaged by a fire. Although not habitable the new owners of the building could see the potential of the property which commands striking views of the Shropshire countryside. Our clients brief is to maximise additional floor space for them and their family to enjoy.

Initially the Planning Officers were not in favour of the contemporary design or increase in footprint proposed by our scheme. However after providing justification KODA Architects successfully negotiation with the Local Authority and the proposal was recommended for approval.

KODA Architects design seeks to restore the existing building to its previous status by replacing the PVCu windows with sliding sash timber windows similar to that original to the building. The extensions take the form of a two storey rear addition integrated with a single storey side extension which incorporates an open plan sitting roof glazed floor to ceiling to take advantage of the stunning views.

The design successfully doubles the original buildings footprint whilst also respecting the original buildings prominence. The new walls are in stone to reflect that of the existing building coupled with floor to ceiling glass maximising both natural light into the building and views out. The internal layout was also re-ordered to complement the layout of the building creating a larger open plan feel to the property. The key element of the proposal has to be the new opening planning living room extension which incorporates a rooftop terrace taking full advantage of the views.

Working with our private clients, we seek to realise their brief and maximise the potential of each dwelling, needless to say out clients are thrilled with the result. KODA Architects services will be retained though to the next phase of the detailed design.