architects cheltenham Archives

The Old Rectory | Gloucestershire

KODA architects working closely with a garden designer has developed a new walled garden proposal to this stunning grade II listed former rectory in rural Gloucestershire. The proposals celebrates the seamless fusion of historical charm and modern design in the heart of Gloucester. We are thrilled to share our latest architectural venture – the creation of a walled garden for a listed building, deeply inspired by the collaborative spirit that defines the Chelsea Flower Show.

Inspired by the collaborative and innovative projects showcased at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show, our team embarked on a journey to create a walled garden that would not only honour the rich history of the 18^th Century former rectory building but also serve as a testament to our close working relationships with our clients and the garden designer.

One of the hallmarks of our project was the close working relationship we fostered with our clients. We recognized that their vision and passion for the walled garden were integral to its success. From the initial concept discussions to the final details, we listened attentively to their ideas and requirements. We were inspired by their enthusiasm for preserving the heritage of the listed building while introducing elements of contemporary design. This collaborative approach ensured that the garden seamlessly integrated with the historical setting. In addition to our clients, we had the privilege of collaborating with a talented garden designer who shared our vision for this project. Drawing inspiration from the artistic and creative displays at the Chelsea Flower Show, the garden designer played a crucial role in bringing a touch of horticultural magic to the walled garden. Their expertise in plant selection, layout, and the use of decorative elements enhanced the overall design.

We were committed to preserving the historical integrity of the listed building, which posed unique challenges. Our collaborative efforts enabled us to strike a balance between the old and the new. The use of period-appropriate materials and techniques was essential, and the garden designer worked in harmony with our architects to ensure that the garden complemented the architecture flawlessly. The end result is a walled garden that harmoniously blends history, innovation, and natural beauty. It stands as a testament to the power of close collaboration and mutual inspiration. The spirit of the Chelsea Flower Show lives on in this exquisite project.

Our Gloucester walled garden project is not just a reflection of our working partnership we share with our clients and the garden designer. Together, we've created a space that encapsulates the timeless beauty of Gloucester's history while embracing the future with open arms.

Stay tuned for more updates on our architectural endeavours.

Conversion of Dinham Hall in Ludlow

KODA architects provided full architectural services for the conversion of a Dinham Hall, a former mansion house into seven unique luxury apartments. Dinham Hall is Grade II listed and is one on Ludlows finest buildings located in the Town centre, just outside of the Castle walls.

Built in 1792, by Samuel Nash for Richard Payne Knight of Downton Castle, the building has a long and interesting history. Once a grand private Georgian home, the building was complimented by a generous garden, ice house, stables and views over Ludlow. The building remained a private house until the mid 20th Century when it was converted into a boarding school with fond memories of former pupils. Recently the building had regained an element of grandeur of its former self in use as a boutique hotel boasting fine dining, to critical acclaim.

KODA Architects submitted planning and Listed Building consent applications for the conversion, provided detail design and full contract administration through to the completion of the project. The project was finished to an extremely high standard creating unique benchmark residencies in Ludlow.

As part of former historic interventions to the property, the building had lost a significant amount of historic detailing including cornice, fireplaces and finer elements such as architraves and doors. As part of the new conversion project, the conservation team at KODA architects replicated historically accurate features to enhance the buildings significance. KODA Architects conservation team are complimented by a wider design team including agent, Fire Engineer, lift manufacturers tanking specialists, and mechanical and electrical Engineers. Part of our appointment included historic mapping of the building and a carefully detailed schedule of repairs and sympathetic interventions to the historic fabric were undertaken.

The new apartments provide unique accommodation with classic Georgian design with the modern benefit of lift access. The refurbishment of the entrance hall grand central cantilever staircase provides a great sense of theater as you enter the building. Each apartment boasts fine historic details, private parking and landscaped gardens together with long reaching views over Ludlow, countryside and of course, the adjacent grade I listed and scheduled ancient monument of Ludlow Castle.

Watch our Instagram for updates of similar projects to this throughout the RIBA stages.

Class Q Barn Conversion

KODA architects working with Tomkins Thomas Planning have successfully secured planning approval for a class Q barn conversion in Herefordshire. The existing barn occupies a unique location near the Black Mountains.

The scheme reuses the original curved form of the Dutch barn roof to form a double height space with mezzanine level. Agricultural materials such as corrugated metal and industrial steel frame have been used in the walls and roof, these are complemented by the insertion of large modern slim profile aluminium windows and doors maximising the exceptional vistas.

Class Q was introduced in 2014 as a form of permitted development designed to help ease the pressure on housing in rural areas. This type of planning permission allows the change of buildings that meet certain criteria from agricultural to residential use. This can often be a creative route to a new home in open countryside which would otherwise be difficult to achieve.

There is more guidance available on Herefordshire Councils website. If you have a redundant agricultural building fulfilling the criteria that you think has the potential to be a striking home in a unique location then please get in touch.

Replacement Dwelling

KODA architects successfully secured planning approval for a replacement dwelling in the Herefordshire countryside. The new 4 bedroom home replaces a former 1970’s bungalow that did not meet the space and layout requirements of our clients family. Furthermore the building is expensive to heat and maintain and moreover costly to upgrade thermally and adapt to meet the families specific space requirements.

The proposal replaces the dated bungalow with a larger 4 bedroom, thermally efficient home meeting our clients living requirements. Local Planning Policy stipulates that a reinstated dwelling should be of a comparable scale of the replaced building. Creating a much larger home presented us with an interesting design challenge. The new home takes the form of a 'H' shaped plan with a partly hidden basement forming a south facing undercroft and courtyard hidden to the wider landscape. Whilst the new home is considerably larger than that it replaces, we worked a with the Local Planning Department in justification for the scheme and finally secured planning approval for the home our clients desired.

The main building takes a traditional form and constructed from local stone and a natural slate pitched roof. In contrast the building utilises large aluminum framed sliding doors and full height windows and furthermore the elevations are punctuated with elements vertical Cedar cladding and frameless balconies.

The layout utilises a double height height entrance hall and gallery staircase. The main ground floor living spaces are interconnected but divided by large sliding walls to create a versatile space. The basement level utilises the sloping site and extends into an undercroft and open courtyard discreetly hidden from view. Correspondingly the attached double garage and carport site below a grass roof that merges discreetly into the topography of the site.

Our client was elated with the result and equally our service, the house is currently under construction and due for completion 2023.

Sustainable self-build homes in Ludlow

KODA architects have successfully secured planning approval for 3 new sustainable self-build homes in Ludlow. The site 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 that 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 for the homes. Rainwater is collected and harvested on site for re-use in the buildings and gardens.

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

Quinquennial Inspection in Cheltenham

KODAs architects conservation architect Fred Hamer has carried out the Quinquennial Inspection in Cheltenham at St. Martin de Tour’s Church. The church of St. Martin’s is thought to date back to Saxon period however record of the building before its rebuilding in 1499 as limited.

Located on the edge of Cheltenham, St.Martin’s is an excellent example of Perpendicular architecture which evident throughout the Diocese. KODA Architects conservation architects Fred Hamer is the quinquennial inspecting Architect in Cheltenham for St. Martin de Tour Church in Gloucester Diocese.

The church is an excellent example of 15th Century medieval architecture with later additions. Built from Cotswold Stone, the church features medieval glass the building is a picturesque addition to the surrounding village of Woolstone. The church however is know best for it leaning tower. The 15th-century is said to lean at a greater angle than its more famous Italian counterpart, the leaning tower of Pisa.

The leaning tower however is not a result of poor medieval construction, but rather it is down to the underlying geology of Crane Hill, which is formed of clay which expands and contracts depending on its level of moisture. This makes the ground susceptible to subject movement and shifting over time. The lean of the tower concerned inspecting architects in the 1970s so much that Italian engineers were called in to carry out repairs and stabilisation works to the structure. Engineers inserted a number of long steel rods set in concrete beneath the tower to spread the load over a broader area. The tower lean continues to be monitored during each Quinquennial Inspection to see if the movement is ongoing.

KODAs conservation architect, Fred Hamer said "St Martin de Tours church is an interesting one, locally known as the church with the leaning tower, the tower is always a topic of conversation. Each inspection, we closely monitor the tower to see whether the movement if still on going, but we’re happy to report the tower is still standing following our recent inspection"

As with many other churches across the country, congregations are facing increasing repair costs against ever dwindling congregation numbers. KODA architects are specialists in working with PCCs in carefully adapting church buildings, diversifying their revenue income and managing change to these important buildaings. Take a look at out Church reordering page for more information on our process.

Imperial Square | Cheltenham

KODA architects Cheltenham have gained planning and listed building consent for building repairs and extensive refurbishment to this Grade II* listed property. Accompanying the planning application and listed building consent applications, the proposals were to to restore this fine Regency home back into a single dwelling.

Built in the early 19th Century, Imperial Square was built as part of the booming expansion and gentrification of Cheltenham. Built by Robert Todd and William Prosser to designs by eminent architects Cheltenham, John Forbes. The building is home which forms a terrace of properties providing a formal frontage along Imperial Square, Cheltenham. The uniformity , significant contribution to the Cheltenham Townscape and architectural evidence is the reason why the terrace is Grade II* listed.

KODAs Conservation Architect in Cheltenham Fred Hamer said: "Working with such an iconic building as Imperial square, we were very careful in how we can restore this small part of the wider terrace back to its former glory. The building has been completely renovated from top to bottom allowing the it to be a family home once again."

The regency architecture of Cheltenham is known as one of the most complete architectural styles in the UK. As such, the town is covered by the largest conservations area which protects the historic and architectural significance. Added to this layering of protection, Imperial Square is Grade II* listed and is listed as the same significance as Buckingham Palace and The Palace of Westminster.

A high quality of finish achieved at the property in the result of meticulous attention to detail. The property has been carefully designed to reestablish the house as a busy family environment. The lower ground level has a close connection with the courtyard with off street parking whilst the drawing room has extensive views over the centre of Cheltenham. The property boasts five bedrooms with four bathrooms together with preserving the period details of the original building.

Being listed however does not mean that we cannot make changes to these buildings, however we must consider the impact our proposals have on the historic fabric. Once historic fabric has been removed, it cannot be replaced. Before any intervention can take place, a closing inspection and investigation of the existing must take place.

Holiday Cabins | Herefordshire

KODA Architects obtained planning permission for 7 holiday cabins in Herefordshire. The rural location offers a truly exceptional views 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 relaxing verandah, large picture windows to frame the unique vistas. Rustic materials in the walls and roof include reclaimed timber and corrugated metal cladding fitting the local context. The cabins are also built to an exceptionally high standard by the applicants son Paul, a talented Carpenter who specialises in timber frame construction.

Paul designed and built the fitted kitchens, bathrooms and furniture which make creative use of the space available. We love his work and please check out his projects on Instagram and at joypadscabins.co.uk

The planning 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 themselves are constructed on site in a sustainable timber frame that are highly insulated. They are generously separated and focus on the quiet enjoyment of the outdoors. Guest enjoy the covered verandahs and outdoor seating around the fire pit where they fully appreciate the unique location.

You can follow Brilley Cabins on Instagram and gives a great insight into their ethos and their promotion of sustainability and wellbeing. They have been getting exceptions reviews and feedback. We are extremely proud to have been instrumental in obtaining planning consent and enjoyed the journey to seeing them finished to such a high standard as well as being enjoyed by their guests.

New self-build low carbon home in Herefordshire

KODA Architects carried out the detail design and tendering and are currently managing the project for our clients to build them a new self-build low carbon home in Herefordshire.

The clients brief was to design and realise a home that would fulfil their needs without ever moving from their Herefordshire Village where they have formed strong connections. The site is within a Conservation Area and adjacent a Grade II Listed thatched cottage. The proposed design has a low roof and partly concealed by being sunken into the landscape which mitigates its visual impact upon the heritage asset and wider Conservation Area. Whilst the front elevation has a down played traditional design the rear features a glazed gable and a double height entrance hall and cantilevered reading gallery.

The clients brief for a highly energy efficient self-build low carbon home was at the forefront of the design. The building is fabricated from 172mm SIP panels supplied by Glosford Timber Solutions . SIPS or structural insulated panels are a highly efficient form of construction. The panels are manufactured locally by Kingspan Insulation in Pembridge, Herefordshire and cut to accurate tolerances by a CNC machine in the workshop. This is a highly efficient process that produces little waste and yields the high thermal efficiency and airtightness essential for a low carbon home.

Although large elements of south facing glazing were precluded by the planning restrictions, large south facing rooflights will flood light and provide solar gain to the double height space coupled with an array of photovoltaic panels providing electricity. Additionally the house also incorporates an air source heat pump and a rainwater harvesting system reducing demand on external resources. The external envelope is clad in locally sourced oak weather boards and a natural slate roof befitting its context.

Despite initially being hampered by restrictions due to the Covid 19 pandemic works are progressing on site with their home due for completion later this year.

Original scheme design by Alex Whibley, whilst employed at RRA Architects Ltd.

The Old Rectory | Gloucestershire

The Old Rectory | Gloucestershire

Project Information

A Country House

Conversion of Dinham Hall in Ludlow

Conversion of Dinham Hall in Ludlow

Project Information

Conservation Architects in Ludlow

Class Q Barn Conversion

planning approval for a class Q barn conversion

Project Information

What is class Q planning permission?

Replacement Dwelling

Planning approved for replacement dwelling in Herefordshire countryside

Project Information

Planning approved for new self-build home

Sustainable self-build homes in Ludlow

Planning approved for sustainable self-build homes in Ludlow

Project Information

Planning approved for sustainable self-build homes in Ludlow

Quinquennial Inspection in Cheltenham

Quinquennial Inspection in Cheltenham | Gloucestershire

Project Information

Quinquennial Inspection in Cheltenham

Imperial Square | Cheltenham

Imperial Square | Architects Cheltenham

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