Rebuilding Castles

(NEW)CASTLE PROGRESS:  We’re excited that works are firmly underway at our Darras Hall house remodelling and retrofit project outside Newcastle.  

Our client appointed a local architect and approached us for our expertise in accessible design. 

He has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) so came to us because he wanted to ensure a high-quality design that would make his home fully accessible and energy efficient.

The original 180m2 bungalow from the 1960’s had been virtually untouched from when it was built. We worked with the client  to create a plan for a barrier-free home. We produced a series of sketches and a model to explain our vision of opening up the house to the south facing garden with a double height space and reflecting pools to bring shimmering dappled sunlight deep into the heart of the home.  

Design

The plan now boast three bedrooms with direct garden access, with the master bedroom having a desssing room, ensuite and therapy space.  The main spaces are now all open plan with a storage wall providing a sub-division of spaces.  There is ramped access from the garage which is on a split level.

Energy

We completed an energy model so that we could calculate that our new design was predicted to make the home a massive 250% more energy efficient.

The remodelled home  also has UFH (underfloor heating), an ASHP (Air Source Heat Pump), MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery) and Photovoltaic panels on the roof to generate electricity with a storage battery

VAT

As we have significant experience in accessible design, we have excellent knowledge of VAT Notice 707 which is a special condition which allows VAT to be zero rated for eligible building works. We were able to advise the client which enabled them to reduce the VAT burden - saving them money. 

Materials

The client,  who has a medical background, was keen on a clean uncluttered finish. Our design internally, includes polished concrete floors and externally black zinc with scorched timber panel details. The look is completed with a simple white smooth render to the masonry on the boundary facades.

Client's View

 ‘Ian McMillan is an exceptional architect who is extremely personable, helpful, knowledgeable, speedy, and thorough. He produced for me a well-reasoned and highly imaginative design that exceeded all of my expectations!… Do not hesitate to instruct’… Gavin Miller Plastic Surgeon, Darras Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne