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Riverside Revival: A Family Dream Comes True in Starcross
Nestled along the picturesque banks of the River Exe lies Exeleigh Lodge, a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered. What was once a charming but tired bungalow is about to undergo a remarkable transformation into a contemporary riverside haven for a young family. Join us on this captivating journey as we unveil the story behind this exciting first floor extension project that promises to breathe new life into Starcross.
Discovering Potential
Exeleigh Lodge captured the hearts of our clients with its idyllic location and breathtaking river views. Situated on the tranquil south coast of Devon, this sprawling property boasts a canopied garden and easy access to Exeter and the Torbay area. Despite its enchanting surroundings, the lodge required some TLC to fulfil its potential as a modern family home.
A Collaborative Vision
We were entrusted with the task of retaining the lodge’s character, while infusing it with contemporary flair. From the outset, collaboration was key as our clients shared their vision through Pinterest boards, paving the way for a truly bespoke design journey. Led by Ellen, our PassivHaus Designer and architect, and Kirsty, our conservation accredited architect, our team embarked on a creative exploration to marry tradition with innovation.
Navigating Challenges
The journey wasn’t without its hurdles, with the lodge’s proximity to a listed building on the Powderham Estate presenting a unique set of challenges. However, with expert guidance from a planning consultant, input from ecologists and arboricultural surveyors, and enthusiastic input from our clients, our proposals struck the perfect balance between preservation and progress.
Designing for Tomorrow
The culmination of our efforts is a sleek, pitched roof extension that seamlessly integrates with the existing structure. Featuring a spacious family room with panoramic estuary views, a cosy wood-burning stove, and eco-conscious elements such as solar shading, a PV array, and triple glazing, the design reflects our clients’ commitment to sustainability and comfort.
Success in Planning
Planning applications are never straight forward, even with the best design, however we always stay in touch with the planning authority to enable discussion and a more collaborative approach. Approval came swiftly and seamlessly, which was helped by the clarity of our drawn information that enabled the planners and conservation officer to understand the scheme. The project is now on site and the hard work has begun to realise our clients vision of a home overlooking the river.
Looking Ahead
As we eagerly prepare for the next chapter, our focus turns to bringing the design to life. Technical drawings are underway, signalling the start of construction this summer. Keep an eye out for our signboard as you wander along the riverside, and join us in celebrating the rebirth of Exeleigh Lodge – a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and the unwavering dedication to creating home that capture the imagination and inspire generations to come.
Designing your Dream Home: A Guide to Bespoke New Homes
Designing your dream home is an exciting journey, and bespoke architecture allows you to create a home that reflects your vision and lifestyle. Let’s delve into the process and explore the unique aspects of creating custom-designed homes in the South West of England.
1. The Bespoke Approach
Bespoke architecture is all about tailoring every detail to your own preferences. Here’s how it works:
2. The South West : A Perfect Canvas
The southwest offers a picturesque backdrop for creating your dream home. Here are some key reasons why people love building here:
Remember, your dream home is an expression of your lifestyle, values, and aspirations. Whether it’s by the sea, nestled in the countryside, or in a historic town, the South-west offers endless possibilities for bespoke living. Happy designing! 🏡✨
For more information, visit Living Space Architects.
3. Living Space Architects: Crafting Your Vision
When it comes to bespoke new homes, Living Space Architects in Exeter, Devon are experts. Their RIBA-chartered team specialises in sustainable, high-quality designs. Whether you’re renovating an existing property or starting from scratch, they’ll guide you through the process.
Class Q Barn Conversion: My favourite Living Space Architects project
Without a doubt, my favourite Living Space Architects project is this Class Q barn conversion in Dartington. The transformation this shell of a building underwent is miraculous and there is no denying my feeling of complete awe and enchantment. From a cavernous barn to a striking and beautiful family home, it is hard to comprehend how much potential this timber frame truly had stored within it. It poses the question: how much unlocked potential exists elsewhere? With countless unsuspecting barns scattered across the country, it seems a shame not to grant more the same beautification.
But what is it specifically, that makes this particular barn conversion so special and the top contender for my favourite LSA project ever?
After overcoming the initial shock of “WOW! What a transformation,” a more in-depth inspection reveals just how well-crafted the use of space, light and natural materials are, combining to create a pervasive sense of calm and balance. I think the architects’ ability to capitalise on the existing features of the structure, such as the sloping roof, the open plan space and the large mass of light through the front of the property is one of the most successful aspects of the project. The large windows not only help the exterior retain its open, barn-like appearance but they dually enrich the interior space with a seamless connection between the outside and in, framing the beautiful view and providing a degree of light that most could only dream of.
I also think the separation of interior space is particularly clever. The main living space contains an open-plan kitchen, dining area and living room, which echoes the feel of a spacious large barn. However, I feel that the addition of a beautiful curved wall separating this space and an entrance hall/ walkway elevates the sophistication of the building by subtly reinforcing the fact that this is no longer a barn but a functional and stylish family home.
If you own an agricultural building that you want to convert, the Class Q legislation may enable this without full planning permission. However, it is important to note that there are a few requirements that your build must meet. For example, the new house must retain the existing external dimensions; it cannot be larger. Nevertheless, as proven by this beautiful home, a barn conversion will allow you to create a space that is unique to your surroundings. For more information on Class Q legislation or enquiries about a barn conversion, feel free to email us at studio@livingspacearchitects.com.
Sophie Batten
New Build Interview – Exeter Living
Building your own new build home?
We asked Stuart Bayley for his top tips…
What ‘homework’ should a person have already done before they approach an architecture firm like yours?
It is helpful to have created a scrapbook or Pinterest board of houses and projects that you like – including their materials.
What is a really important thing to think about before proceeding?
Consider the orientation of the house to the sunshine and views – ideally, combine the two together so the house can open up to the landscape whilst still benefitting from an ideal solar orientation for natural/passive design.
What are the main pitfalls?
Rising material prices and construction costs are increasing the contingency that builders are having to apply to their tender / fixed prices – making the overall projects more expensive.
When it comes to design how much do you do and how much does the customer do? How does that relationship work?
We like to create a few alternative layouts at an early stage for our clients which can then lead to a strong element of client-guided development and working together in developing a suitable design. Many of our clients are families and couples – rather than developers – so they engage us to help them create their unique dream house.
Any new trends we should be paying attention to?
the increasing need to incorporate renewable technologies to heat our houses in the future and the need to create our own PV for electrical supply – often in conjunction with a large storage battery for the home.
Is there an increased demand at the moment for new builds/ extensions? How has Covid affected your company?
land with planning permission and that is suitable for new houses in short supply – so consider barn conversions or replacement dwellings as a fall-back position for a new contemporary home.
The brief was to create an eco-friendly family home. The client’s vision was rather unusual though they wanted an upsidedown house. Stuart Bayley, co-director at living space architects, tells us how they did it…
As anyone who loves their property programs will know connecting with nature is currently a big thing for those designing and producing a new home, especially in these parts. few pull off the development which immerses itself so unequivocally in the surrounding landscape as this family home though.
Located in Dunsford, just outside of Exeter nestled into lush greenness the smooth curved roof is the first thing you notice it sets the tone for the property and conveys that this is a place of calm; a gentle space where there is something of a free flow between the inside and outside.
The house split level is a quirky design; all the bedrooms are on the ground floor, the living spaces on the first floor (hence being called an ‘upside-down’ house); and amazingly, all rooms in this property have access to the outside garden.
Stuart tells us that his favorite space are the windows of the ground floor bedrooms as these are designed to avoid any potential overlooking off the neighboring land and house.
What are the other eco-friendly credentials of the property?
Read the full latest edition of Exeter living here.
Are small houses going out of fashion?
An article in the Times a few weeks ago suggested that Autumn will be the season for ‘up-sizers’. The article stated that since the mortgage crisis began, home-movers with growing families have had to wait as higher mortgage costs have left them stranded in properties they would rather move our of. It suggested that many buyers understandably didn’t want to take out the considerable extra debt needed to afford a bigger home.
With mortgage rates are now falling consistently, analysts think that this autumn may be the time when up-sizers re-enter the market to find those extra bedrooms they desperately need.
Adding to this, our changing living habits mean that larger properties are more popular than ever. Estate Agents Savills say that four years after Covid the percentage of people working from home is still twice as high as the pre-pandemic average; so the demand for flats and apartments continues to be low, whilst the demand for large family homes is rising. The issue is that large family homes are still not readily available and if they are, they are often dated and badly laid out for modern living. Smaller bedrooms, only one bathroom and kitchens that are dislocated from other living spaces are common issues.
How can Living Space Architects Help?
Living Space architects offer initial consultations to home buyers to help them see the full potential of any home they are considering purchasing. This can include looking at re-organising the space, removing walls and creating a better flow, or adding an extension to create the all important open plan family room. “Often homes will have the right number of bedrooms (even too many), but they might be too small for a double bed” says director Kirsty Curnow-Bayley “we frequently look at how rooms can be combined so that there are no arguments over who has the biggest room!” Other issues might be only one bathroom for 4 or 5 bedrooms, or kitchens tucked away in the darkest corner of the house, reflecting the fact that these houses haven’t been changed for 30 or 40 years.
Other issues to consider when you re looking at a larger family home are how well it performs thermally and what the existing heating system is like. Stuart Bayley, who specialises in retrofitting properties at Living Space, says this is often something that buyers don’t have enough information about when they are looking at homes “You need to be incredibly careful when you are introducing new insulation, particularly with a solid wall house. We can very quickly asses what might be required so that you better understand what might be possible”. Once an initial assessment has been done of the property better choices can be made about the type of sustainable heating solution and what options theres are for windows, doors and insulation. “A fabric first approach is always better if possible” says Stuart.
So if you are looking for help with your home renovation or extension in Devon, Cornwall or Somerset Living Space Architects in Exeter are ready to help.
So where is hot right now?
As people are still feel constrained by finances, the areas where property sells the quickest still tend to be regional cities or cheaper suburbs as buyers try to get more space for their money. People will be demanding value and while London and the southeast remain expensive, cities such as Exeter, with its high quality of life combined with good transport links will be likely be high on the agenda for this looking for value combined with work life balance. Towns like Topsham, Chagford, Tavistock, Exmouth and Shaldon have always been high on the list. Other areas like Star Cross, Exmouth, Crediton or Okehampton might also be good bets as they have train stations and good access to beautiful countryside. Those with a desire to live a more off grid life (whilst still being able to dial into a meeting online) might consider being further into Dartmoor or Exmoor – towns like Ashburton and Tavistock offer the best of both worlds, with the facilities of a town combined with great access to the moors. Beautiful villages like Lustleigh, Meavy or on Exmoor Dulverton, Dunster or further north the gorgeous Porlock and Lynmouth.
When it comes to the hottest cities, Bristol is topping the current list for the highest number of properties under offer, with Plymouth and Bath also in the top 10. Schools are an important driving factor, with enquiries for good state schools likely to have been accelerated by the government’s plans to put VAT on private school fees. With the south west offering a large number of state run grammar schools and excellent state secondary schools it is no surprise families are looking at moving westwards.
If you are looking at buying a new home in Devon or the Southwest and would like help looking at alternative plans, renovations or extensions, get in touch with us here at Living Space Architects. We can help you with the layout, imaginative ideas for alterations and the potential build costs. If you re worried about whether your proposals will require a planning application we can also give advice about planning restrictions and possibilities. We have experience of all the Local Authorities in the southwest and have submitted successful applications for extensions and new homes in Teignbridge, East Devon, West Devon, Mid Devon, Dartmoor National Park and Somerset Local Authorities.
If you need help get in touch now by clicking here:
Historic England’s new guide to converting Listed Buildings into Homes
We were pleased to hear the news that Historic England has published new guidance for converting disused historic buildings into housing. Often historic or listed buildings are left empty and un-used as converting them requires a good understanding of how any changes will impact their historic significance. Often developers will either avoid Listed Buildings, or come up against red tape when they want to make changes that although make sense commercial, are not acceptable in Conservation terms. This guide should support developers and design teams, enabling projects to go ahead and providing much needed housing.
Heritage Works for Housing provides detailed guidance on the process of converting a historic building for residential use, and sets out the current development context and priorities for the sector.
The guidance, which was commissioned by Historic England and drafted by Deloitte, includes expert advice on feasibility testing, stakeholder engagement, heritage appraisal, project concept and design development, building consent and ongoing maintenance.
Historic England, the government’s statutory adviser on the historic environment, says the guidance is aimed at small to medium-sized developers.
Historic England aims to support developers in their journey to reusing historic buildings. This guidance highlights how historic buildings can be reused, repurposed and refurbished to provide residential development. It outlines the process from buying a historic building to long-term occupation and management; and the key challenges and approaches to overcome.
Successful reuse of historic buildings can create sustainable and dynamic places to live. Historic buildings are a tangible opportunity to address ongoing industry challenges, including the housing requirement whilst minimising carbon impacts.
38-40 Southernhay in Exeter is an excellent example of the conversion of a redundant office space to create housing at upper levels, whilst retaining commercial space on the ground floors https://www.livingspacearchitects.com/portfolio-item/keywordstitle/
Living Space Architects are experts in the design of projects for the alteration and re-use of Listed Buildings, combining Conservation and Sustainability expertise to deliver successful schemes.
Space to Live In
An Article by Jamie Crocker for Drift Magazine
Living Space are a Chartered RIBA Practice based in Exeter, established 20 years ago by Kirsty Curnow-Bayley and Stuart Bayley. Along with their team, they have a passion for creating beautiful, well-designed, sustainable homes, also working extensively with charities and housing developers. Specialising in energy-efficient design for both new and existing buildings, Living Space possesses particular expertise in Passivhaus and Heritage Conservation.
The story really took off in 2004, when the team moved to the coastal city of Plymouth with a clear and ambitious plan: to establish a young and contemporary architectural design practice that was forward-thinking, innovative, and deeply in tune with space and environment. This vision brought about Living Space, an architectural fi rm committed to creating designs inspired by their surroundings and harmonious with the natural world.
Twenty years have passed since that pivotal moment, and the practice now has an established office in Exeter with work spread across the Southwest from Cornwall, through Devon and into Somerset and Dorset.
From the outset, Living Space’s mission has been to craft contemporary architecture that not only suits its site, history, and environment but also, and most crucially, meets the specific needs of its clients. The team thrives on problem-solving and relishes collaborative efforts with clients and consultants to discover the optimal design solutions.
As the years have progressed, Living Space has honed its focus on sustainability, heritage, and conservation, finding the intersection of these elements particularly exhilarating. The firm subscribes to the belief that “the most sustainable building is an existing building.” They find great satisfaction in assisting clients to make their buildings relevant to modern life while preserving the unique features that initially attracted them to the property.
A significant advantage for Living Space is the presence of both a qualified RIBA Conservation Architect and a certified Passivhaus Designer on their team. This unique combination enables the firm to provide top-tier advice on upgrading historic and listed buildings, helping clients reduce energy costs while maintaining historical integrity. Many of Living Space’s projects involve clients who have recently acquired listed buildings or older properties with solid walls that they wish to modify and extend. These projects are particularly rewarding for the team as they offer opportunities to enhance existing structures without compromising their historic significance or distinctive features. Common client requests include maximising natural light, optimising views, and incorporating modern amenities such as en-suite bathrooms and open-plan living spaces.
One notable project that exemplifies Living Space’s expertise is the transformation of Staddons House on Dartmoor. Here, the team significantly altered the house layout, upgrading it to meet modern family living standards while preserving its historical essence. Collaboration with an archaeologist provided a thorough analysis of the existing layout, distinguishing between original Medieval longhouse elements and later Victorian additions.
This meticulous research allowed for the removal of the existing staircase and the creation of an open cross passage, highlighted by a contemporary staircase. The redesign included opening up the space to reveal the original cruck frame, blackened by centuries-old smoke, and adding a small roof light to flood the area with natural light. Despite the challenges and extensive negotiations with the Conservation Officer, the project garnered an award from the Devon Historic Buildings Trust and resulted in a stunning family home.
Living Space has a portfolio of projects where they have completely transformed existing houses to better utilise their locations. A personal favourite is the conversion of a mid-century bungalow in Lympstone, Devon, into a strikingcontemporary home. The project involved a complete roof rebuild, resulting in a design that appears as a large dormer within a pitched roof space due to sensitive setting and planning constraints. The first-floor open-plan living rooms create a loft-style space with breath-taking views of the landscape.
The firm’s expertise extends to designing new homes, informed by their experience with sensitive locations and listed buildings. A standout project in this regard is a new house in Dunsford, builtin the grandparents’ garden for a family who had struggled to gain planning consent with a previous architect. Living Space’s involvement, alongside a planning consultant, led to a more sensitive design scheme. The house, which feels as if it has organically grown from the landscape, features laminated timber beams from Buckland Timber in Somerset and a locally supplied green roof. The use of natural materials throughout results in a modern yet gentle structure.
Although Living Space has constructed numerous new homes, the firm has noticed a significant shift in the architectural landscape. The trend towards knockdown and rebuild projects is waning, replaced by a more sustainable approach focused on adapting and reusing existing buildings. This shift helps reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects and aligns with a broader trend towards material reuse and recycling. Living Space actively encourages clients to consider reclaimed bricks and recycled structural elements, which not only reduce carbon emissions but also imbue projects with unique character and history.
Written by Cassidy Perkin
Agricultural buildings hold an important place in the history of the UK and hold a special place in my heart. Being able to protect, and future-proof these buildings is something that that I am passionate about. An incredible example of this can be found in a barn beautifully converted in Chagford. This barn shows modern, contemporary renovations and updates while still skilfully incorporating the historical features that give the barn character and historical qualities. I love how a balance and blend of modern living and functionality can be achieved be breathing new life into older barns that no longer have an agricultural use.
The barn is constructed of a gorgeous pale stone used locally on many other properties, and this stonework has been retained and restored as a clear attractive design feature, with exposure inside, and outside the building. This natural stone finish paired with the natural slate roofing pays homage to the heritage of the previously agricultural barn. Mixed sympathetically into the roofing are conservation rooflights that allow natural light into the first floor with modern fittings that still consider the setting and relationship with the local history. I love how the existing fabric of the barn is used as a strong feature rather than a constraint. These features combined set the barn as a harmonious aspect of the surrounding landscape and local area.
There are many reasons why people choose to convert barns and this project demonstrates many of these reasons through its location, character, attractive open plan living, and sustainability through avoiding making a completely new home. Seen in the below pictures, historical features can be skilfully weaved into the fabric of the building the conversion can become and provide eye-catching design features that leave clues into the buildings past, while clearly showing its future as a stylish family home.
If you own an agricultural building that you want to convert, the Class Q legislation may enable this without needing full planning permission. However, it is important to note that there are a few requirements that your build must meet. Nevertheless, as proven by this beautiful home, a barn conversion will allow you to create a space that is unique to your surroundings. For more information on Class Q legislation or enquiries about a barn conversion, feel free to email us at studio@livingspacearchitects.com.
Amendments To the Class Q Permitted Development Right (May 2024)
The UK Government has introduced significant changes to the Class Q permitted development right, which facilitates the conversion of agricultural buildings into dwellings. These amendments will take effect from 21st May 2024. While the increase in the maximum allowable dwellings from five to ten has grabbed headlines, there are several other key points to consider. Let’s explore them:
1. Increased Allowance and Floorspace
2. New Build Single-Storey Rear Extensions
3. Qualification Criteria for Barns
4. Transitional Arrangements
In Summary
While the headlines focus on increased dwelling allowances, it’s essential to understand the nuances of the new legislation. If you’re planning a barn conversion, seek professional advice to navigate the process effectively.
For bespoke advice related to the Class Q changes and their implications for your development projects, feel free to get in touch with us at Living Space Architects. We’re here to assist you! 🌟
Remember, each barn has its unique story waiting to be transformed into a beautiful home! 🏡✨
Starting your PassivHaus project
Wow! The end of 2023 and beginning of 2024 has been busy for us here at Living Space Architects, and despite our best intentions, we could not keep up with the Blog Posts recording Ellen’s progress through the training for the PassivHaus Designer course.
2024 has bought excellent news for Ellen and the team at Living Space Architects, passing the exam with flying colours and confirming Ellen’s status as a fully qualified PassivHaus Designer!
What is PassivHaus?
What does this mean for our clients?
Ellen is now qualified to provide the expertise required to realise your PassivHaus aspirations. Whether you are looking to uplift your project’s eco status, or take it to the next level of comfort with a PassivHaus, we are here to help you.
So are you dreaming of a low energy, high performance, comfortable home with low heating bills? Get in contact to start your PassivHaus journey!
PassivHaus with Living Space Architects – Week 2
Week Two has focused on solar gains and internal gains.
Solar gains (using the sun to warm up) look at window placement, design, size, and shading. Getting these aspects right will help balance your solar gains (warming up the building) against your heat loss through the windows – windows do not insulate as well as walls.
There are lots of things to consider here – do we want solar shading, where should the shading be, do we want openable windows, do we want blinds, where do we want our windows? Openable windows are desirable, but security, external noise or even just stopping the pets from escaping could stop you! Blinds are helpful in reducing glare and increasing privacy, but internal blinds will not stop the glass itself from heating up, and maybe we want to maximise our views out.
Internal gains refer to everything else inside the building (apart from the heating system) that can warm the building up. This will include how many people are in the building, what type, and the number of appliances in use. The internal gains will change dramatically based on how the building is being used – is it a home, a school, or an office building?
We make assumptions about occupancy and build these into our calculations with a generous buffer to ensure that the comfort of the occupants is maximised while reducing reliance on space heating.
Lessons Learnt
The lesson from this week has been the need to talk to our clients really early to understand how they want to live and work in their homes and PassivHaus projects. Everybody lives in slightly different ways; some people sleep with the window open, some people need complete silence; some have vegetable plots and want extra freezers to store their produce; some families work from home with extensive office setups; some people bought their home for the view, and don’t want to spoil these with blinds and curtains.
So tell us how you want to live, because every detail is important to us and will help ensure your PassivHaus will reflect you.
Research Trip
Amos Lighting
Sapphire Spaces
https://www.amoslighting.co.uk/
http://www.sapphirespaces.co.uk/