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

 

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

KODA architects celebrates turning 2 years old

KODA architects Hereford celebrates its second year in business 

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

During our second year, the range of projects we saw in our first year continued with work including many residential, ecclesiastical, conservation and repair projects as well as a number of commercial and developer led proposals. This year, whilst a difficult  year in terms of the wide spreading pandemic, we saw the start and completion of projects onsite with numerous planning and listed building consents awarded.  The team at KODA architects have been working closely with contractors and other specialists to continue as normal process as possible during difficult conditions.  A number of our projects are listed 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 second year has been a great success and we have been lucky to have such a wide range of projects.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 there has been a hive of activity on a number of sites throughout the region as KODA architects are acting as contract administrators. We have more exciting projects in the pipeline, which will share with you when we’re onsite.  Stay tuned to our Instagram page as we follow the progress of these projects until completion. 

 

Specialist-Conservation-architects-hereford

Specialist Conservation Architect title awarded.

KODA architects Hereford are proud to announce that the Royal Institute of British Architects have awarded Fred Hamer title of Specialist Conservation Architect.

Fred Hamer now joins the RIBA’s register of skilled professionals who have “an authoritative knowledge of conservation practice and extensive experience of working with historic buildings”.

Fred said “I have been lucky to have working on a range of historic buildings throughout the country ranging in significance from grade I listed cathedrals and churches, listed public and private buildings to scheduled ancient monuments and other sensitive sites. Being awarded the title Specialist Conservation Architect is the culmination of many years hard work, learning about these structures and considering how to authentically to repair/ preserve and conserve them. There is no one solution to fix all historic buildings and our approach must be carefully nuanced to each project. Before we propose any changes to any historic building, first we must learn about them and understand not only their physical condition but also their place in history and social context.”

This award and new title allows KODA architects in Hereford to continue their commitment to carefully conserve the past and help our clients understand their stewardship as custodians of these fine buildings.

KODA architects was set up in early 2019 and based in Hereford, reaching out into the neighbouring counties and across the UK. Since its inception, the practice has grown from strength to strength. Today Alex and Fred have projects throughout the country including Cheltenham and Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and into Shropshire and Monmouthshire. Using our specialised knowledge and approach to help deliver numerous projects across all project sectors our approach has been welcomed by our clients, earning us many accolations.

For a small collation of our projects and to learn more about KODA architects please see our social media instagram @kodaarchitects and facebook: KODA_architects

www.KODAarchitects.com

 

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.

architects-cheltenham

Planning & Listed Building Consent Granted!

Planning & Listed Building Consent Granted in Cheltenham!

KODA architects Cheltenham have the pleasure to announce that planning permission and listed building consent application in Cheltenham for an extension to a grade II listed property.

The grade II listed, villa style property is located within the Cheltenham Central Conservation Area, close to the town centre. Built in the early 19th Century as part of a new urban extension to the town, the generous housing plots are dominated by grand regency style properties along tree lined rods. The front façade boasts fine Cotswold stone ashlar set over two storeys with cellarage. Commanding the front façade is a decorative porch with classical proportions and Doric columns.

The property had been previously altered and adapted to suit the needs of the previous owner however this did not lend itself to a new family environment in the 21st Century.

KODA architects Cheltenham were approached to carry out a series of sensitive repairs to restore the building back to its prime. In doing so to relocate the existing bathroom which subdivided a principal bedroom.

A small but carefully considered extension was proposed to the first floor to rehouse the main family bathroom aswell as a new ensuite to serve the master bedroom. The extension is proposed to be clad with a contemporary red zinc to show a clear difference between the existing and historic fabric. Both ensuite and bathrooms are to be lit from a perimeter roof light

The permissions were the result of long and detailed discussions with the planning and conservation officers at Cheltenham Borough Council. As part of the discussions, Conservation architect Fred Hamer detailed the development of the building throughout its history mapping the various alterations since the building was first built. It was here we could demonstrate that the building had once been L shaped but later an infill rear extension was added.

The project is set to commence onsite later this year – watch our instagram  for progress throughout the process.

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. 

 

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.