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. 

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. 

Conservation repair works start onsite

KODA Architects Hereford appointed to oversee repair works  to a Grade I listed church

KODA architects are pleased to announce that conservation repairs have started onsite at a Grade I listed church in Herefordshire. KODAs Conservation Architects in Hereford are acting as contract administrators overseeing the repairs to the Smalman monument at St. James’ Church in northern Herefordshire.

It was found that the Smalman monument, which is located within the chancel of the grade I listed church, was falling away from the north wall. The fine marble and alabaster monument is held in to position with iron fixings but over a period of 150 years, these fixing had rusted and fractured the masonry behind. A faculty was petitioned to Hereford Diocese to strap the monument to the chancel wall as a temporary measure before funding could be sought to make repairs. 

Cliveden Conservation Workshop in bath, who specialise in fine and detail conservation repairs were appointed and works started onsite earlier this month.  The works have started with carefully dismantling the marble to unveil the iron fixings into the rubble wall behind. Once these fixings have been replaced with stainless steel, providing a mounting system which cannot rust, the fine marble carvings will be reinstated back in position with lime.

We will be making regular visits to site to monitor the progress of the repairs. Stay tuned our Instagram page for regular updates. 

equestrian holiday cabins Herefordshire

Expansion of Equestrian Business Approved

The expansion of equestrian business and 

holiday cabins approved in Herefordshire

In association with Moule and Co., our scheme to provide 3 new log holiday cabins as part of the expansion of an equestrian business in rural Herefordshire has been approved. The scheme also includes a new outdoor arena and additional car parking allowing the applicants to develope their growing business. 

The location holds a prominent position in the landscape, KODA Architects scheme is designed to reduce its landscape impact but also shield new horse arena from the prevailing winds. 

The location offers exceptional views of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire landscape including the Malvern Hills and British Camp.  The site makes the most of the abundance of local footpaths and bridle ways for the guests to enjoy by foot or horseback. 

The expansion of Equestrian Business and Holiday Cabins will allow Tipton Hall Riding School to appeal to a much greater number of visitors and give the added attraction of being able to stay over night in this beautiful location. Tipton Hall will now be able to host equestrian events drawing further visitors to the area. 

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.

The cabins will also be built by a local carpenter who will fell, prepare the cedar logs and build the cabins on site. We will be follow the progress and giving updates via our social media. 

  • view from holiday cabin
    View from the new holiday cabins
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.

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.

  • Views from the proposed cabins
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