KODA architects remains open

KODA architects Hereford are open:

KODA architects are committed to the wellbeing and protection of our clients, suppliers, colleagues and staff during these difficult and unprecedented times.

The developing global situation has affected every member of society with restrictions put on our day-to-day activities. With the challenging environment many, who are able, have set up home offices to carry on working. KODA architects are happy to announce that we continue to deliver projects to our customers and are working from their home offices.

With the Prime Minister, Boris Johnston, announcing this week that the UK will be on lockdown, we are therefore limited in what we are able to do. However, we are keeping up to date with our clients and how this affects them during these difficult times.

We hope that normal service will resume shortly but in the meantime we are continuing meetings via online video conferencing, emails, telephone and through our various social media platforms.

We will shortly be posting a blog post on how this affects building contracts and onsite works so check out our news page shortly.

Stay safe, stay indoors and look after each other.

For more information on the current situation please see .GOV website.

koda architects hereford

KODA architects celebrates turning 1yr old

KODA architects Hereford celebrates its first year in business 

KODA architects today celebrates their first year in business and is looking forward to another year working closely with existing and new clients across the region.

During our first year, we have been lucky to work on quite a range of projects across the region including many residential, ecclesiastical, conservation and repair projects as well as a number of commercial and developer led proposals. A number of our past projects are list on the portfolio page of our website but we look forward to showcasing some of new projects very soon.

KODA architect conservation architect Fred Hamer said: 

“Our first year has been a great success and we have really have established a foothold for an architects practice in Herefordshire, Cheltenham and Worcestershire, as well as Monmouthshire and Shropshire too. We have developed and made new relationships throughout the year and are looking forward to developing on these in the forthcoming new year”

This year we have been busy working on a number of projects through planning and technical drawing stage. We have been working closely with a number of other professionals. Next year sets to bring a hive of activity on a number of sites throughout the region as KODA architects are acting as contract administrators. Stay tuned to our Instagram page as we follow the progress of these projects until completion. 

 

    conservation architect Hereford

    Archbishop to launch Mission and Mortar Tool

    Archbishop Launch Mission and Mortar

    The Most Rev Justin Welby to launch the Mission and Mortar tool which KODA architects have been developing with the Diocese of Hereford. Over the past three years, Conservation Architect Fred Hamer has been assisting the community and partnership and church buildings teams at the Diocese of Hereford in developing the new strategic online tool.

    The Launch will coincide with the Archbishop’s visit to Hereford, the first time in 20 years. The Archbishop will be visiting churches across the diocese from the south of the county to the north, seeing first hand the forefront of church diversification Hereford Diocese are spearheading.

    The tool, will be launching the new tool kit this week at St. Laurence in Ludlow which seeks to better provide resources for churches wishing to develop mission, repair and church reordering projects or advice on parish giving schemes, how to add to their tourism share and much more.

    Conservation Architect Fred Hamer Said: “the tool will be a powerful tool in how to address the on going issue of sustainable growth in the church of England. Often churches are burdened by ever increasing church repairs and maintenance costs and with declining congregation numbers, the burden is often too much. The net result is the churches historic fabric declining to a point where the building is no longer able to hold congregations and services central to local communities.”

    Wendy Coombey, Community Partnership and Funding Officer for the Diocese of Hereford, said: “Our church buildings are key to rural community life. They’re sacred and holy spaces, loved by many whether they’re Christians or not. But we must make our church buildings fit for the 21st century – we need more loos, more kitchens, more creative use of the space.”

    KODA architects have a wealth of experience in bringing forth church reordering projects and other diversification schemes. We believe that it is vitally important to preserve these important community buildings as they are testament to our past which contributes heavily to our sense of place. However we cannot hold these buildings as museum pieces, they are ever changing and should be allowed to adapt as they would have been done on the past, meeting the needs of their congregations. Take a look at KODA architects church reordering page.

    The new Mission and Mortar tool is based online and accessible through the Diocese of Hereford website.

    KODA architects Hereford
    conservation architects herefordshire
    Diocese of Hereford

    HSE to Investigate Dust Levels

    KODA architects have learnt that the from the beginning of next week, October 7th 2019, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be visiting construction sites throughout the UK specifically looking for measures to control dust.

     

    Across all of KODA architects projects the team carry out a Principal Designer role in Hereford, assisting and supervising the health and safety process throughout the design stages. Our appointment is furthered through the construction stages where we assist the Principal Contractor in operating in a safe and ordered way. We carry out these duties under the Construction Design Management Regulations (CDM) 2015.

    Health and Safety is at the forefront of our design process and where possible we will always strive to design out risks during the construction process or at a maintenance level.

    Among other serious risks, dust can be a major issue during any stage of a construction project whether it is during the demolition and take down or through applying plaster and finishing touches, each activity has their own risks.

    During the demolition phase dust can be a serious issue not only to the wider environment but also to the people carrying out the activities. Added to this risk is Asbestos within the construction material itself.

    The Health and Safety Executive have published many guidance notes on working with dangerous materials. Click on the links below for further information:

    Asbestos Essentials

    Dust Guidance

    Respiratory Equipment Guidance

    The additional measures are to target and reduce the longer-term affects of dust on construction works of occupational lung disease, which may not manifest itself straight away but many years later.

    KODA architects principal designer in Hereford oversees the health and safety management of our project throughout the design phase. On all of our projects the team at KODA architects carryout a designers checklist which then is used for the basis of our pre construction health and safety plan.

    For more information, take a look at the HSE news bulletin .

    If you would like to discuss anything in post, please do not hesitate to contact us.

     

     

    Class Q Barn Conversions

    KODA architects have a wealth of experience for planning and delivering Class Q Barn Conversions. We have recently been successful in a class Q Barn Conversion in Herefordshire as well as in neighbouring counties of Shropshire and Gloucestershire. 

    Planning Permission

    Formal Planning permission is not needed for the Class Q Barn Conversions under the General Permitted Development Order. Subject to a set list of requirements, some barns may be converted into offices and residential premises provided they meet the criteria set. The criteria list is quite long however the headline points are as follows:

    • The building is not listed;
    • The area is not in the a conservation area, national park or area of outstanding natural beauty;
    • The barn must have been in agricultural use on the 20th March 2013 or ten years prior to the conversion which ever is greater;
    • Once converted the finished building must not be greater than the original footprint;
    • The building must be able to be converted without any structural interventions i.e. no new footprints, floor slabs or load bearing walls;
    • No new significant openings i.e. windows and doors are permitted only ones to allow conversion.

    Do I need an Architect?
    In short – yes. As architects, it’s our job to ensure compliance with the legislation whilst maximising the design, getting the most out of the building. We can also assist with the additional information required including a structural appraisal of the existing building, landscape impact and submitting a certificate of Lawfulness to the local authority to ensure that your project complies with the order.

    If you have a potential Class Q Barn Conversion and you would like to know more about our process and routes to convert the building, get in touch with us. 

    Local Requirements:
    Each local authority as an approach to Class Q Barn Conversion. As part of our process when approaching a Class Q application, we would seek out their requirements.

    We have had a number of successful projects delivering Class Q Barn Conversion in Herefordshire and the neighbouring counties. For Herefordshire Local Requirements click here.

     

    Farm Diversification

    Competitive farming the current economic climate is challenging with many key people stepping out of the industry for a more glamorous work is farm diversification the answer?

    Farms throughout the country have many attributes which they can capitalise on whether it be offering new camping or glamping facilities’ through new activities or conversion of redundant buildings through farming permitted development and Class Q.

    Adding additional revenue streams to existing farming businesses make sense. Taking the pressure off the main source of income the release of assets can be used to reinvest back into the main business. Diversification could be the answer:

    More than half of UK farms have carried out a form of diversification according to new figures realised by DEFRA. A recent study found that over a twelve-month period the total revenue from these farm diversification activities was £580million in 2015/16. A study carried out by the UK Government found that on average farm diversification provided an extra £10,400.00 in additional revenue per farm.

    Many activities include cheese making, pick your own fruit or participatory events such as One Man and his Dog or learning new country skills.

    In some cases, offering bed and breakfast through holiday lets or converting redundant buildings have far exceeded traditional revenue streams offering a wealth of investment opportunities and development potentials.

    What can I do on my farm?

    Class Q allows conversion of certain types of barns into houses, even if they are isolated. Whilst these are subject to stringent conditions, this does offer a route of realising capital out of the land or a more passive conversion through holiday let portion.

    If you have a project in mind and you would like to discuss it with the team at KODA architects, drop us a line or email us through out contact us page.

    What this space for more helpful information in house secure planning permission for class Q barn conversions and more…

    koda architects barn conversion

    Barn conversion in Herefordshire

    KODA architects have been appointed for a suite of barn conversion in Herefordshire this week.

    The farm located in a very rural part of Herefordshire and has a range of barns including traditional rubble stone with pitched roof to a modern steel portal frame and concrete buildings. The farm has a great deal of potential for conversion and KODA architects are working closely with the wider design team to bring about a carefully considered intervention, maximising the sites potential.

    The farm dates back to the early 1800s just prior to when farming activities intensified during the industrial revolution. As such, there are remnants of old agricultural practices such as a surviving stone cider press and press. It seems as though the inhabitance have just left, making this part of the building highly significant, attributing to its grade II listed status. KODA architects are planning to incorporate the original press by leaving it in situ, making it a feature to the room.

    We are prepare a master plan for the whole farm site to bring about a new range of development, offering new houses in a rural part of the country. Past farm diversification projects include Barn conversion in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire where conversions and carefully planned interventions have been included to supplement farming income.

    Recently the government have announced new class Q regulations further allowing the conversion of agricultural buildings. For more information see KODA architects guidance on getting planning permission on barn conversions and how to get planning permission under class Q.

    We will be following the progress of our investigation works and the development of the site through our Instagram and News posts – stay tuned for more information. 

                                                                                                     

     

    KODA architects Hereford

    KODA architects in Hereford learn that £95 million announced for #HistoricStreets

    KODA Architects Hereford has just learnt about a new suite of funding to revive historic High Streets.

    This week, the government has announced £95 million to revitalise 69 High Streets in England, with Leominster, Herefordshire being the lucky recipient of some the cash injection.

    Conservation Architect Fred Hamer said ” High Streets across the UK are struggling to challenge the might of internet selling agents. This new cash injection is part of the governments drive to help high street adapt to the changing environment.” 

    Leominster will share part of £21 million investment allocated across the Midlands area and joins Plymouth, Bedford and Tottenham. The funding has been awarded by three main contributors including £52million from Ministry of housing, Communities and Local Government’s Future High Street Fund, £3million from National Lottery Heritage Fund and £40million from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. 

    This week, Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan announced the boost as said “Our nation’s heritage is one of our great calling cards to the world, attracting millions of visitors to beautiful historic buildings that sit at the heart of our communities. It is right that we ensure these buildings are preserved for future generations but it is important that we make them work for the modern world.”

    A large portion of KODA architects in Hereford historic and current work is working and careful adapting historic structures, meeting the needs of the current owners or users. KODA architects in Hereford currently have projects across the country including Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. For some examples of you previous work, please contact us or take a look at out PORTFOLIO OF WORK.

    Our historic environment is a finite resource and once it is lost, we cannot recreate it honestly. This environment is critical in our association with a sense of place and homeliness. The £95million will allow these assets to be carefully repaired but also adapted to meet the changing nature of the high street in the 21st Century. 

    KODA architects in Herefordshire are working with a number of community groups and retail projects, with regular updates to follow, stay tuned for more. http://www.instagram.com/kodaarchitects/

     

    koda architects hereford

    KODA architects Hereford launch website

    KODA architects Hereford are proud to launched their brand new website.

    We have been working hard over the past couple of months in generating content and revisiting past projects to take photographs. 

    Conservation Architect Fred Hamer said ” Revisiting past clients has been a great and a very rewarding experience. It has allowed us to see how the projects that we spent a long time detailing and working on have changed how you clients lives. Revisiting our many happy clients has been great, reconnecting and catching up. 

    KODA architects do not just cover Herefordshire, but have projects currently in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, London and in Shropshire. Geography isn’t a problem as our past projects include working in Exeter and Lincoln. We will consider projects throughout the country so if you have a project you would like to discuss with us, please get in touch with us. 

    At KODA architects Hereford, we love seeing our clients dream come to a reality and this is realised by working through our process in close collaboration with you the client. For more information on our process working with our private clients: https://kodaarchitects.com/private-clients/

    As RIBA Chartered Architects, we follow the RIBA Plan of Work but have adapted it to provide a bespoke process for our clients. Our new website outlines our services across the RIBA stages whether it be from initial inception right the way through the detailed design, construction and handover. We believe in adding value at each stage. From our initial inspection of the site, we will look for every opportunity available to maximise the development, whether it be a small house extension to a brand new house, business headquarters, retail outlet or sensitive repair project.

    Our thanks goes to our website developer Do it UK who can be contacted through their website at https://doituk.com/

    KODA Architects in Herefordshire are overseeing a number of projects across the country with regular updates to follow, stay tuned for more. http://www.instagram.com/kodaarchitects/

     

    Architects Worcestershire

    Extension in Worcestershire

    KODA Architects in Worcestershire are delighted to announce that planning permission had been granted. The works include a full schedule of repairs and replacement of some previous extensions to a Grade II listed property in Worcestershire. 

    The property was built in the 16th Century and once was a formed part of a wide country estate. With the country estate being demolished, little remains of the estate with the cottage being one of the surviving elements. The quintessential Cotswold property with Cotswold Stone walls and a black and white timber framed sits in a prominent location in the village. The property was a house for many years but spent some time as the village shop and then turn back into a house. The property has undergone significant alterations throughout its history with many replacement timbers, being reused from other timber frames buildings and a replacement roof. 

    Prior to KODA architects involvement the property had a series of unsympathetic extensions including a UPVC conservatory. The proposals include removal of two phases of extensions and replacement with one, better considered, space. The new proposed extension is a striking a contrast to the existing medieval cottage. The large open glazed wall give views over the private garden whilst maximising the light into the newly formed kitchen. 

    The new extension uses traditional green oak framing together with black bi folding doors, creating a close relationship with the garden.

    KODA’s, Conservation Architect Fred Hamer said “working with historic structures is a pleasure. Before we propose any alterations or repairs, we first must investigate why and how the building was built. Then to find out what has caused the failure. Sometimes the cause can be obvious but other it takes a little opening up by removing plaster or brickwork to discover what the cause is.”

    KODA Architects Worcestershire are overseeing the construction phase, with regular updates to follow, stay tuned for more. http://www.instagram.com/kodaarchitects/