Projects Archive | Page 3 of 4

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.

New Houses in Herefordshire

KODA architects have worked closely with many stakeholders to prepare and submit a planning application to Herefordshire Council for ten, barn style, new houses in Herefordshire. The development maximises the development potential of the site whilst meeting client defined targets of being responsible developers delivering high spec and affordable accommodation in rural communities. Biodiversity of the site is also enhanced through a carefully thought out enhanced landscaping scheme and wildlife corridors.

The design centred around a spine road which provides access across the whole site. Generously spaced along this road, the mixture of new housing is formed of plots including two, three and four bed dwellings, all with generous garden plots and garaging. The design is a contemporary interpretation of a barn style development which is the vernacular in the area. The language of the buildings, maximises views over private gardens and over the wider Herefordshire Countryside. Enhanced planting provides a verdant urban extension to the existing settlement.

Materials for the development were chosen following a close analysis of the existing vernacular and comprise of a red brick ground floor level with timber first floor. The contrast provides a grounding to the ground floor whilst the timber cladding provides a lightweight superstructure which will tone down as the materials weather creating a softer streetscene when viewed with the wider planting scheme.

The scheme is grounded sustainable building practises through limiting thermal loss and maximising thermal gain through large southern windows. Located close to the centre of an established village settlement, the development will benefit from existing services whilst encouraging families to the area, offering support. From the outset of the project, one of the design teams objectives was to retain the existing mature planting and to make enhancements to the bio diversity and the wider environment. The site is focused on these enhancements through enhanced planting and generous amenity space.

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

Dutch Barn Conversion in Herefordshire

KODA architects have submitted a new planning application for a Dutch Barn conversion in Herefordshire as part of the wider redevelopment of the farmstead.

At the turn of the 20th Century the Dutch Barns across the country were built from any materials which were readily available, as such they have become part of the farmyard aesthetic. Often built from telegraph poles, their purpose was to provide sheltered accommodation for hay and straw but this use later diversified to sheltering any farm equipment. With their iconic curved roof structures, they are becoming increasingly lost in favour for larger more practical structures, as such, Dutch Barns are becoming increasingly rare in Herefordshire.

The Dutch barn conversion in Herefordshire uses the rhythm of the new steel frame with punctuations within the structure to allow views out over the Herefordshire countryside.

Using the traditional Dutch Barn forms as a key element of the proposal, the design team at KODA architects expressed the barrel vaulted roof in the first floor volume. New powdercoated steel trusses take reference from the traditional Ironmongery seen in traditional Dutch Barns. To the centre of the barn is the main double height atrium with a bespoke steel staircase and feature walls which bring in the exterior cladding to the interior. The double height volume provides a sense of space and an open feel to the traditional barn aesthetic.

The internal space is maximised through a large open plan kitchen and living area with bi-folding doors leading to an external terrace. The new five bedroom dwelling has a flexible layout, ready for a busy family environment. Additional bedrooms are located on the ground floor can be used as reception rooms or bedrooms, depending on the occupants requirements. A boot room is located off the main living accommodation adjacent to a home study, allowing the building to cater for a range of families at any stage.

The exterior takes its form from the existing farm yard materials pallet with timber cladding but with a contemporary zinc cladding referencing the crinkly tin structures on the site. The long reaching interior views over the Herefordshire Countryside contrast against the sharp grey aluminium windows providing a striking intervention sitting within the Dutch Barn structure.

Complimenting the new Dutch barn house, using the same language and materials pallet, a garage and stabling block has been developed which adds the farm yards aesthetic. The Dutch barn conversion adds to KODA architects Barn Conversion Portfolio.

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

Quinquennial Inspection in Gloucestershire

KODA architects have recently carried out a Quinquennial Inspection in Gloucestershire at this Grade II* listed church. Built in the 13th Century, like many churches in in the area the perpendicular architectural style mimics that of Gloucester Cathedral. The building has under gone a number of alterations and extensions throughout its history including being extended and altered during the 19th Century.

The building is an excellent example of medieval architecture and boasts gargoyles which were primarily designed to throw water away from the building as a cheaper alternative to rainwater pipes. When building churches such as St. Leonard's, as part of their trade marks, Masons began decorating them with stone carvings such as label stops, string courses and gargoyles, today these carvings characterise the medieval buildings and structures.

KODA architects Conservation Architect Fred Hamer assessed the historic fabric to monitor the rate of decay and has made recommendations on the conservation of the building and its monuments. For more information on church repair see our helpful pages Church Architecture.

As custodians of historic buildings, KODA architects work closely with church PCC's to help them understand their building and its complex needs through conservation. Watch our Instagram for updates of this project as it progresses through the onsite stages.

Quinquennial Inspection in Herefordshire

KODA architects have recently carried out a Quinquennial Inspection in Herefordshire on a 18th Century Dovecot. Located in rural Herefordshire, the Dovecote is the centre of village life on the banks of the river Arrow.

Built as a source of food during the winter months, dovecots around the country house pigeons and doves in specially designed roosts. Today the dovecot isn't used to house birds but a community shop and small village museum. KODA architects conservation architect, Fred Hamer, carried out the quinquennial inspection which is an inspection on the historic fabric. The survey is used as a baseline in establishing the condition of the building before a rigorous maintenance plan for the building can be devised.

Fred Hamer said "Carrying out a Quinquennial Inspection in Herefordshire Dovecots are a rare opportunity, as not many are still around. This one however is of a particular fine quality and condition and at KODA architects we relish working with older buildings"

The building was converted into a community shop on the ground floor as well as a village museum to the first floor. Staffed by volunteers, all shop profits are channeled into community projects in the village including planting and maintenance as well as repairs to maintain the 18th Century dovecote. The next steps are to engage with the client to promote a positive and proactive approach to maintenance and the ongoing conservation of this fine 18th Century building.

Dating form the 13th Century, Dovecotes are becoming increasingly rare in the Herefordshire countryside with the majority of them being in private ownership. KODA architects are proud to play a little part in the ongoing maintenance of the building, preserving it as a cherished community asset but for future generations also.

Watch our Instagram for updates of this project as it progresses through the onsite stages.

Church of St. James | Herefordshire

St. James’ Church in north Herefordshire dates from the 12th Century, the building has been adapted throughout its history serving the community around it. The church was one of the final repair and church reordering projects carried out by eminent Church Architect, G.F Bodley. The interior boasts an extravagantly painted Nave, decorated Chancel ceiling and other decorative embellishments typical of high Victorian architecture.

KODA architects were appointed to carry out a sketch scheme for a Church Reordering project to assist in obtaining grant funding for the project. Following a measured survey and site appraisal, a number of options were put forward to then PCC for discussion. The proposals include reopening the original Norman west door to reinstate the axial possession route through the building and to provide level access for wheel chair users.

The principal aim of the church reordering project is to allow the church provide better services for its congregation. At present, the church is used for a short period of time during the week, tnew services will include a new kitchen, together with new WC facilities and introduction of flexible space to the west end.

The church reordering works are set to be coordinated with a series of repair works which include re-roofing the chancel, repairs to the highly decorated Bodley paintings and installation of a new French drain to the perimeter of the building to reduced the levels of damp from within the building.

The Church reordering has been carefully considered to minimise the impact on the fine interior and the setting of the Grade I building. New lighting and heating will enhance the space, allowing it to be used throughout the week instead of only a few hours for services.

As this project develops we will provide regular updates, stay tuned!

Extension in Worcestershire

KODA architects Worcestershire have been working to carefully detail extensive repairs to a 16th Century timber framed cottage.

Built as part of the wider country house estate, the house has undergone extensive alterations and adaptations throughout its history. The building has had a number of uses in its life, including a estate workers house, village shop and returning back to a cottage in the late 1980s.

As conservation architects in Worcester is a pleasure to work with historic buildings and edging on the Cotswold belt, the cottage boasts Cotswold rubble stone walls and is particularly picturesque. The new proposals seeks to enhance the picturesque cottage feel to the cottage by adding an external terrace surrounded by planting and marked by feature lighting.

As part of the project, the property is to be extended to the rear with a traditional oak frame forming an open plan kitchen and living area. Setting a planning precedent, the new extension replaces a former upvc conservatory. KODA architects Worcester are proud to announce that our extension has been awarded planning permission by Wychavon Planning Department. The new structure, whilst using traditional oak framing techniques, is a contrast to the small and dark space of the cottage. The new extension will allow light throughout the new kitchen and living area.

Work repair and extension works are set to commence later on this year with the repair of the traditional oak frame structure first on the list. KODA Architects Worcestershire have worked closely with other consultants in preparing a schedule of repairs and new extension to

What our Instagram for updates of this project as it progresses through the onsite stages.

The Cornmill

Located in rural Herefordshire The Corn Mill was once at the centre of Dore Abbey farm. Bridging over the former mill leat of the river Dore parts of the property are thought to be medieval but a large proportion of the property was remodelled in the Victorian era which saw the removal of the mill wheel and silting up of the leat.

Alex Whibley oversaw the development of this house extension in Herefordshire which included the addition of a kitchen and additional living area together with master bedroom suite. The extension is clad with black zinc on the upper floor and oak cladding to the lower floors. Finished to an exception standard, the property boasts excellent views over the private garden and over the Herefordshire countryside.

Original scheme design by Alex Whibley, assisted by Architectural Assistant Matthew Gaunt up to RIBA Stage 4 and initial part of RIBA Stage 5 by Alex Whibley, whilst employed at RRA Architects Ltd.

Seven New Houses in Herefordshire

St. Mary’s Church

KODAs architects conservation architect Fred Hamer has carried out a Quinquennial inspection Worcester of this fine mainly 17th Century church in rural Worcestershire. Built in the 12th Century, the church of St. Mary dominates the small settlement of Hanley Castle in Worcestershire. The church has undergone a number of alterations throughout its history including remodelling in 13th and 14th Centuries. In the English Civil war however, the church was used to house the kings horses and following a devastating fire, the building was rebuilt in the 17th Century in a modern material for the time, red brick. Some Norman architectural features survive of the previous iterations of the building which can be seen on exterior of the south nave wall. The building was later restored by notable Victorian Architect George Edmund Street in 1858 and boasts some very fine medieval and later stained glass.

Dominating the building is the large brick tower complete with sandstone embrasures and brick lined staircase. KODA Architects conservation architects Fred Hamer has recently carried out the quinquennial inspection and is the inspecting Architect in Worcester for St. Mary's Church.

The church is an excellent example of 17th century brickwork which gives rise to its grade II* listed status.

KODAs conservation architect, Fred Hamer said "Its a pleasure to have the role of inspecting Architect for such a lovely building as St. Mary's. I am an inspecting Architect in the Diocese of Worcester and with such veriety of buildings to work on in the Diocese it always keeps you on your toes"

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.

New self-build low carbon home in Herefordshire

New self-build low carbon home in Herefordshire

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Low Carbon Self Build Gallery

New Houses in Herefordshire

New Houses in Herefordshire

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New Houses in Herefordshire

Dutch Barn Conversion in Herefordshire

Dutch Barn Conversion in Herefordshire

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Quinquennial Inspection in Gloucestershire

Quinquennial Inspection in Gloucestershire

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Quinquennial Inspection in Gloucestershire

Quinquennial Inspection in Herefordshire

Quinquennial Inspection in Herefordshire

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Church of St. James | Herefordshire

Church Reordering in Herefordshire

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Church reordering Herefordshire

Extension in Worcestershire

Extension in Worcestershire

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The Cornmill

House Extension in Hereford

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Seven New Houses in Herefordshire

St. Mary’s Church

Quinquennial Inspection Worcester | Worcestershire

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