Church Repairs Finished

Church Repairs Reach Completion

KODA architects conservation architect, has been working closely with Treasure and Sons of Ludlow in the careful repair and conservation of Grade I listed St. Michael and All Angels Church in Kingsland. This month, the works came to the end of the defect period which is a period, meaning the building has been back open to the community again following the repairs for a whole 12 months. The intensive repairs works saw the re-roofing of the nave and north aisle, repointing, as well as internal redecoration and stained glass repairs. New forest of dean stone has been skilfully carved throughout to include three new gargoyles as well as ridge crosses and copings. 

St. Michael and All Angels Church was constructed in the 14th Century with later alterations in the 15th and 16th Centuries. The building is Grade I listed and has very fine medieval glazing featured in the chancel, north and south aisles. The chancel features a very ornate painted wagon vaulted ceiling which was installed as part of the restoration by GF Bodley in 1866-68. The building features fine stone carving throughout with a number of gargoyles, grotesques and label stops, which is great to see.

The works were funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund and others. It was the largest funded project by the NHLF in the region to a total of £600,000.00. The project formed a flagship project for the NHLF to inform how the organisation funded projects moving forward.

We are enormously proud of this project and the dedication by all has been showcased by the craftsmanship throughout. Check out our project page for more information and for lots of in progress and completed photographs. 

 

KODA Architects Monmouth Appointed to Repair Listed Fire Damaged Building

KODA Architects Monmouth Appointed to Repair a Listed Fire Damaged Building

KODA architects have been appointed to carry out repairs to a severely fire damaged building in the centre of Monmouth. The end of September usually brings the beginning of autumn, however it also brought significant damage to this grade ii* listed Georgian Townhouse in the centre of Monmouth. 

Fire crews were called to the scene to tackle a blaze which was spreading through the 18th century timber roof structure of the townhouse. The building had been scaffolded to allow redecorating works but the team painting the building were using heat guns to help strip away layers of previous paint. Usually hot works, such as heat guns, are not permitted on sites, however this wasn’t the case here. Quickly the fire was out of control and all the painting team could do was to raise the alarm. 

Thankfully all the occupants of the building were able to evacuate without injury which is a combination of the quick response by the fire brigade and the early warning. Within a few hours the the fire was contained and under control but causing extensive damage to the building.

This week, KODA architects were appointed to oversee the stabilisation and consolidation of the existing building. KODAs Conservation Architects are working closely with the contractors to ensure what surviving historic fabric is accurately recorded before the structure is made safe.  The immediate works will include the building being fully scaffolded with a temporary roof preventing any further water ingress. 

Once the existing building is protected and made safe, KODA will move onto the reinstatement of the existing building. The previous building layout will be enhanced and architectural features will be carefully conserved and reinstated. As part of the works, surviving historic fabric will be carefully consolidated and retained with new materials being carefully chosen alongside. 

We will be posting on our social media about the progress of this detailed work so connect with our Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn pages for more information. 

Can a Water Tower be a House?

KODA Architects Hereford have developed proposals to convert a former water tower in Worcestershire into a new house

KODA Architects in Hereford have been working up proposals to convert a former water tower to a large family home overlooking the Malvern Hills in rural Worcestershire. 

The water tower was built during the Edwardian period and occupies a dominant location in the flat surrounding landscape. Tanks once filled with sand and lime filtered the water, making it safe for drinking, before a gravity fed system once supplied water to near by villages. 

The site became redundant since the advent of a pressurised water systems across the country and has since laid dormant. In the drawing board, this week, KODA architects have been looking at how this surviving utilitarian structure may be converted to accommodated a new family with expansive views over the Worcestershire Countryside. 

KODA architects have explored retaining the mass of the original water filtration tanks and providing a subservient super structure. The aim is to maximise the views out in the first floor whilst retaining as much of the original structure as possible. 

Using the mass of the filtration tanks, the lower ground level has a mass which grounds the proposal to its surroundings. On top, a new light weight super structure is proposed with glazing to take full advantage of the surrounding landscape.

Main living areas of sitting room, snug and kitchen are located on the first floor which has an open and light feeling, taking full advantage of the outstanding views over the Worcestershire countryside and to the Malvern Hills. Adding to this contrast, KODA architects have employed light-weight materials to including timber cladding and glass to differentiate between super structure and rusticated lower ground floor. A projecting zinc roof structure, which is under drawn in a rich red cherry cladding, sheltering the large expanses of glazing from the summer sunshine and the surrounding terrace. 

At a contrast to the superstructure, the bedrooms, evening sitting room and back of house areas are grounded within the massing and bulk of the filtration tanks and bunded structure. This reflects a change in pace from day to day activities to evening routines and a need for a more confined and soothing environment whilst at night. 

To minimise landscape impact, a three bay garage, studio and driveway are sunken into the landscape. The garage structure is topped with a wild flower meadow. To the south a lap pool offers an interesting opportunity for reflections on the waters surfacewhilst you relax on the evening terrace.

Keep up to date with all things happening at KODA architects through our website and Instagram pages. 

We are enormously proud of this proposal and we are looking forward to seeing the finished article onsite, hopefully very soon.

Sign up for our regular newsletter below to keep in up to date in what we are up to at KODA architects. 

– Subscribe Here –

Sign up to our Newsletter

Sign up to our news letter – we have news to share…

This year has already been a busy one for us at KODA architects and its set to get ever busier. To keep you up to date with what’s going on, we are in the process of developing our first newsletter which we plan will be issued out regularly. We love showing you what we have been up to with our exciting new projects both onsite and what is on the the drawing board. 

We already have our Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest boards displaying the best of KODA architects have to offer, but we want more. This year is going to be another exciting year, with several large projects starting onsite we are planning to bring you behind the scenes of what happens on a building site as well as showcasing what is in development in the office. This year, KODA architects are expanding our portfolio as well as our team and the services we offer. 

Sign up for our regular newsletter below to keep in up to date in what we are up to at KODA architects. 

– Subscribe Here –

 

 

    KODA appointed for Detailed Design at Dinham Hall, Ludlow

    We’re excited to share with you that KODA architects are appointed to carry out detailed design at Dinham Hall in Ludlow

    Dinham Hall is Grade II listed and is just located just outside Ludlow Castle walls. Built in c1792, by Samuel Nash for Richard Payne Knight of Downton Castle, the building has a long and interesting history, once a grand private home. The building was converted into a boarding school with fond memories and more recently a boutique hotel boasting fine dining, to critical acclaim.

    KODA architects are appointed to carry out the planning and designed design to see this fine building converted into seven high spec apartments.

    As part of historic interventions to the property, the building has lost a significant amount of historic detailing including coving, fireplaces and finer details such as architraves and doors. As part of the new conversion project, the conservation team at KODA architects propose to reinstate historically accurate features to enhance the buildings significance, allowing the building to serve to new purpose. KODA conservation team are complimented by a wider design team including agent, fire design, lift manufacturers tanking specialists, surveyors and mechanical and electrical engineers. One of the first appointments is the to have a full measured and topographic survey of the building and plot to carefully detail repairs and new interventions to the historic fabric. 

    New apartments will have generous accommodation with lift access and use of the grand central staircase. Each unit will boast private parking and amenity space together with long reaching views over Ludlow, countryside and of course, the adjacent grade I listed and scheduled ancient monument of Ludlow Castle.

    As the project progresses through detailed design, we will keep you updated with our progress. Stay turned through our new newsletters and other media platforms including: Instagram, Facebook LinkedIn and Pinterest boards 

    Sign up for our regular newsletter here to keep in up to date in what we are up to at KODA architects. 

     

      Bastion Mews Planning Application Submitted

      KODA Architects are excited for new proposals at Bastion Mews

      KODA architects an excited to announce that the planning application for an exciting new mixed use development at Bastion Mews was submitted to Herefordshire Council. Working closely with the wider design team, KODA architects have used the industrial aesthetic to develop a mixed use scheme using shipping containers as a base. The proposal is flexible which allows the building to be adapted and changed as the site evolves, it including independent offices, temporary accommodation and a new restaurant.

      Bastion Mews Hereford 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. The site has had many uses in a vibrant history with the latest use being home to Shack Revolution and more recently, Bastion Street Feast. Quickly gaining a local reputation for great quality street food and a buzzing atmosphere the team at Shack Event have made it a huge success for the City. 

      The industrial aesthetic of the site is the main visual underpinning of the design but supplemented and softened with planting and punctuation with oak cladding. The proposals have been submitted for Planning and we hope to be onsite this summer.

      Part of the underpinning philosophy of the sites redevelopment a diversity of uses and users. This multi use ideal elaborates on the ethos of the highly successful Bastion Street Feast where different street food vendors pitch up their stalls and sell their high quality food in a sharing and collaborative atmosphere. 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.

      conservation architects hereford

      Heritage Lottery Funding Awarded

      KODA Architects Hereford are proud to announce that £600,000.00 of Heritage Lottery Funding has been awarded for extensive church repairs in Herefordshire.

      Over the past 18 months, KODAs Conservation Architects in Hereford have been working closely with St. Michael and All Angels church in Kingsland and we can now say with pride that over £600,000 has been awarded to fund the extensive repairs to this fine Grade I listed, St. Michael and All Angels church.

      The majority of the funding has been awarded from The Heritage Lottery Fund but the total is from the success of numerous applications to several funders. Repair works were scheduled to include reroofing the nave and side aisle as well as extensive repointing and stone repairs. Over the past few years, the roof has decayed to a point where water is now entering the building which in turn causes further problems to the historic fabric. 

      KODAs conservation architects in Hereford have worked closely with the PCC to maximise the repairs and funding available to make this building more welcoming to the congregation it serves. Internally, the building is to be redecorated with enhanced lighting to maximise and highlight the space inside. 

      Where we could, we have taken the opportunity to enhance  the buildings significance through reintroduction of missing gargoyles. For a number of years the gargoyles to the tower have been missing and all that remains are eroded stumps.

      The works are set to commence onsite in the spring / summer and we look forward to keeping you updated as the project continues. 

      We Are Recruiting!

      Part II Architectural Assistant Job Vacancy

      This week, KODA architects Hereford celebrated its two year birthday and with a developing portfolio of work, we now have a Part II Architectural Assistant Job Vacancy. KODA architects was established in February 2019 and since this time, we have seen a wide range of growth in all project sectors. We specialise in heritage works, with a contemporary edge. We currently have a number of interesting and exciting projects in the pipeline which are set to come online over the summer months. We are a dynamic, design-led architects practice based in Hereford and due to significant practice growth we are recruiting for a Part II Architectural Assistant. The ideal candidate will have experience in the residential, commercial and developer led sectors. Some experience in the heritage sector would be beneficial but not essential.

      This is an excellent opportunity for a determined and ambitious individual to learn and gain responsibility within a dynamic practice. 

      Excellent communication and presentation skills are required together with a positive can do attitude. You should have strong technical knowledge together with good creative flair as you will be working on both the design and delivery stages of projects. This is an opportunity for an individual, who has attention to detail, is able to take initiative and work comfortably within the existing team.   

      If you would like a fantastic opportunity to join a fast paced, growing practice with exceptional team members then please send your CV and covering letter to  info@kodaarchitects.com together with a sample portfolio. We will offer the right candidate the chance to work on high quality, design led projects together with work in other sectors the opportunity to develop their skill set over time and a remuneration package will be reflective of experience and skill set.

      Closing date for applications is 15th March 2021.

      Check out our INSTAGRAM page to see what we’ve been up to in out first two years. 

      Cheltenham
      New houses in Herefordshire

      Working with English Heritage & Amazon at Stokesay Castle

      KODA architects in Hereford are working closely with English Heritage and Amazon Prime at Stokesay Castle in Shropshire

      This week, KODA architects Hereford has carried out a schedule of condition at the grade I listed and scheduled ancient monument of Stokesay Castle in South Shropshire ahead of the site being closed to the public until May for the filing of a period drama by Amazon Prime.

      The production which is set in the medieval period is set to be aired later this year. Before the production team could move in and dress the set, a full schedule of condition was required to safeguard the historic fabric against damage. 

      Stokesay Castle was constructed at the end of the 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow, who at the time was one of the richest men in England. It remains a treasure by-passed by time, one of the best places to visit in England to experience what medieval life was like. The great hall has remained  unchanged for over 700 years and is a fine example of construction with spectacular medieval roof timbers. Perhaps the most characterful addition to the complex is the 17th-century gatehouse with fine decorative timber carving. The castle is set within breathtaking views of the Shropshire Hills

      The gate house, although characterful was built much later and would not fit the medieval setting of the drama, neither did the 21st century reception or WCs. Therefore the production team had to this carefully about how to hide this interventions from the finished article. 

      We are eagerly waiting for the screening of the new drama. Watch this space!

      Stokesay Castle

      Appointed as advisor to Gloucester DAC

      KODAs Conservation Architect has been appointed as advisor to Gloucester Diocese Advisory Committee.

      Formally appointed by the Bishop of Gloucester last summer, KODAs Conservation Architect Fred Hamer joins Gloucester Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) as an advisor.

      The Diocesan Advisory Committee is comprised of members and advisors from many sectors and specialisms. The group comprise members of clergy, architects, surveyors, technical members such as structural engineers, M&E consultants and others. Their role is to advise churches through church re-ordering and church repair projects and advise them on the best practice.

      Gloucester Diocese has a wide and long reaching area and within such a wide variety of buildings, ranging from brick built Victorian churches with strong axial focuses eastwards and to the high alter to quaint Cotswold Stone chapels with Medieval paintings and less formal liturgical layouts. 

      The challenges faced by churches today are more apparent with ever decreasing congregations and ever increasing repair and maintenance costs. KODAs Conservation architects in Gloucester have a wide range of experience working with churches and PCCs across the country to bring about careful and sensitive way. KODA architects are working with a number of churches across the region, check out our church reordering helpful guides. 

      This furthers KODA architects commitment to preserving and carefully adapting our built heritage. Working with heritage instead of seeing it as a hinderance, brings about more meaningful architecture, one which is routed in a forgotten age.