Wastewater Heat Recovery System

Thankfully, as a country we are becoming more and more environmentally conscious. As we know, it is critical to protect the environment so as to reduce the destruction of eco-systems. It is more of a moral obligation for humans to protect the environment from pollution and other activities that lead to environmental degradation.

Excitingly, lots of manufacturers now produce approved equipment that effectively recovers heat from your hot water before it runs away down your drain. This saves us both energy and money – a winning combination. None of us want to waste money. Certainly, most of us do not want to waste energy and will look for ways to be ‘greener’ wherever possible. When we take a bath or shower or use appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines, the hot water waste simple goes down our drain.

How does the system work?

A heat exchanger pipe is used inside the the waste water pipe. The heat eaxchanger pipe has cold water running through it. This could be installed under the shower tray, for example. Inside the heat exchanger pipe, the cold water will collect some of the heat from the waste warm water. This warmed up water then takes less energy to heat than it would had it been heated from cold. Your preheated water can be sent to your hot water cylinder, or it can be sent directly to the cold water feed on your mixer tap.

The devices are typically around 60% efficient, so they convert 60% of the potential energy in the waste water back into heat for the incoming water. This can save you money on your bills, especially if you use a lot of hot water in your home.

If your system is being used for bath water or for your washing machine or dishwasher, the process is a little different. In this instance, a storage vessel is required to hold the the warm water until the cold water runs through it to collect the heat. Though these systems can be less efficient than the exchanger pipe system, it will still have an impact. Unfortunately, they can often take up a bit of room (storing the waste water) too.

How is it installed?

Most wastewater heat recovery (WWHR) units are about 80mm thick, one metre long and simply look like thick pipes. Suiting an upstairs bathroom, they plumb in vertically. Alternatively, Showersave produce horizontal units which are suited to ground floor showers as they sit inside the shower tray and capture the warm water as it enters the drain. Installing a WWHR in your shower is a great place to start as the you generally have a pretty consistent stream of waste warm water.

What’s the cost?

At a cost of upwards of around £400 plus installation costs, they’re not the cheapest bits of kit. However, these systems have no running maintenance costs. The impact on your energy bill won’t be gigantic, however, the impact using less energy will have on our environment is important. In an average household, you could expect to save around £20-30 a year on your energy bill. Of course, if you use a lot of hot water, it can begin to look a lot more attractive. For hotels or other businesses that use an awful lot of hot water, it could be a great investment too.

Is it worth retrofitting one of these?

If you are not building a new extension or self-build and not renovating your bathroom or kitchen, is it worth retrofitting this equipment in your home anyway? In some cases retrofitting may be possible, but the bulk and length of the recovery device means that most showers or baths wouldn’t be suitable. It is much easier to get it installed when you are fitting a new bathroom.

Interesting fact: Most people believe having a shower is more energy efficient than having a bath. However, an eight minute power shower uses 136 litres of water, whereas the average bath uses just 80 litres in comparison.

The Team @ Acre Design hope we have given you some food for thought! Please check out or latest projects if you’d like to see more of what we’re made of. Our Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook pages are all brimming with extension, loft conversion and self-build inspiration too!

Please contact us if you would like to arrange a free design consultation

How to choose the right fireplace for your home extension

Why do we love a fireplace?

More and more of our clients are opting for a striking fireplace or hearth. Our post on inspiring design ideas discusses the idea of Hygee. If you haven’t already read about the Danish idea of Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”), get reading. What freedom is to Americans, Hygge is to the Danes. The idea of Hygge is about finding joy in simple, cosy things. These things include: candles, blankets, fireplaces and so on. There is even a word for that favourite pair of jogging bottoms that you would only wear in the comfort of your own home – “Hyggebusker”. To us, a crackling fire is the epitome of cosy calm. Our busy lives can impact on our health, so planning spaces which invigorate and recharge us both mentally and physically is important.

With so many styles and fuel options to choose from, how do you know which to pick?

Firstly, the fireplace needs to be suitable for your property. Secondly, you need to decide upon its primary function – heat, aesthetics. Or do you need both of these needs to be met?

Fuel

Wood burners and open-flame fires will, of course, require a chimney or flue. Wood burners are very efficient and are currently very fashionable. Obviously, real fires will require some level of maintenance (cleaning out etc.) but some even have built in boilers enabling you to heat your water and radiators too! Check with your local council before getting your heart set on a real fire. Some areas are smoke-controlled and burning wood and coal is not permitted.

You can find information on Newcastle Council’s smoke-control policy here. If you are in North Tyneside, have a look here, for Northumberland council, it’s here and for Geteshead, it’s here.

Modern fires are often gas-fuelled and you can find flueless options. Bioethanol fires have very low emissions and don’t require a chimney or flue, however, they can be exceptionally expensive to run! Bioethanol is considered one of the greener fuels. With so many realistic-looking electric options out there, they are a good option too. However, it is questionable whether an electric fire has the same relaxing, stress-busting effect as a real, burning fire. For a fuss-free real flame, a gas fire is your best bet, as an open-basket gas-burning fire with ceramic “coals” is virtually indistinguishable from a real coal-burning fire. It’s a relatively simple task to run a pipe to the fireplace opening. However, this will need to be installed by a CORGI-registered fitter.

Appearance

It is important to love your fire when it is both active and inactive. During the summer months, will it still be beautiful to look at when putting it on or lighting it would make your home hotter than hell? With more contemporary designs, we find that they can look a little odd when unlit. Think empty fish tank with some coals in the bottom.

Traditional fires tend to suit most spaces and Architectural salvage and reclamation yards may offer the best chance of finding something appropriate. We have found that traditional designs in light-coloured stones such as limestone and marble are very popular at the moment. If modern styles are more your thing, they offer flexibility of scale and proportion. Whether the fire is gas, gel or electric, contemporary surrounds use sleek and minimalist modern materials. Glass or polished steel and lots of other materials are easily available. A hole-in-the-wall design does away with the hearth completely, and often the surround, too. These fires are usually gas, and can consist of a burner providing a regimented row of flames, a firebowl, or a pile of driftwood or pebbles. Hole-in-the-wall designs are often more suitable if you have a smaller room, where floor space is limited.

The size of your fire surround is important – too large and it will overpower your room but too small and it will look insignificant and lost. If you are renovating or altering rather than building a new space, the size of the existing opening, chimney breast and flue will influence the size of fire and surround that will be suitable for the room. If possible, it may be worth considering structural alterations to get exactly what you want.

Chim chiminey, chim chiminey, chim chim cher-ee

If you are fitting a fire, getting your chimney swept and assessed is very important. When renovating an existing property and using the current chimney, you’ll need to ensure you choose a suitable fire. However, if you are extending or building a new-build home, you have a lot more flexibility. It is worth bearing in mind that a chimney must be at least 4.5 meters tall.

If there’s no flue in your home or design, or even no fireplace opening, there are still some electric and gel models that can create an interesting focal point in the room. There is a choice of flue-less gas fires available too, where the waste gases are taken out of the room via a pipe that is ducted through an outside wall.

Look at our recent projects in Newcastle and the surrounding areas for further inspiration! Get in touch with the Team @ Acre Design to arrange a free, no obligation consultation at your home!

While you’re mulling over all of the fabulous fireplace options out there, here’s a nice warming fireplace video…

https://youtu.be/UgHKb_7884

Errors to avoid when building your house extension

Having completed over 400 house extension projects in Newcastle and the North East, The Team @ Acre Design have seen it all! If you need extra space (bedroom/s, living space or that luxury kitchen, diner and lounge, for example) how can you avoid some common stressful and costly errors?

Seeking out advice from a local architect and doing your research is essential. This is why we’ve put together a list to get you started. If you have any questions, we’d love to offer our professional advice. Email us @ office@acredesign.co.uk or call 0191 608088.

Taking some extra time when planning your home extension will pay off and give your project the best chance at success. Here are some of the more common mistakes people make when planning their dream extension:

#1 Not keeping an open mind or seeing the big picture!

You need to consider your house as a whole when designing any extension or alteration. It is often all too easy to focus on that dream additional space. However, you must keep in mind how you will move around in and use the rest of your home once your building works are complete.

Think carefully about:

Will value be added to your property?
Who will use each space and is there sufficient room for how they will be using it?
How will you access all areas of your home? How will you get outside, for example?
How will your furniture taste suit the extended space? And how will the new furniture tie in with the old?
Will you want to phase works? If you think you may extend further in the future, should you also plan for this now?

Having a clear vision of how you would like you and your family to live in your new home is essential. Your architect will help you build this vision. Acre Design also offer up to four drafts of your design, meaning we can create a starting point and build your home extension dream from there. Exploring all possible options for your home is a really important step in the design process. At your consultation with our design team, you may find that we are able to recommend a solution or design which you had not thought possible!

If you have big dreams for your home extension but need to phase the build, it is worth putting some real thought into this early on. For example, if you would like to eventually build a two storey extension, you may start with a single storey extension first. In this case, we would advise on ensuring your footings are deep enough to support a single and two storey extension, for example. Or perhaps ensuring you have plenty of natural light as you will not be able to incorporate a roof light if you are planning to build your second storey above. You may do this for financial reasons or in order to spread out the disruption of building work perhaps?

#2 Having an unrealistic schedule

Realistically, some building work can take longer than expected. Until you break ground, there are some things you simply can’t predict or plan for. Being aware of this from the start of your project will minimise your disappointment should things take a little longer than you thought. This will also make for a better relationship with your contractor. If an unforeseen complication arises and you are prepared for a potential delay, you will be able face it with a far more positive and relaxed attitude. Building your dream home extension should be exciting and enjoyable!

#3 Rushing into your planning application

Taking professional advice from your architect is the best way to ensure you achieve planning permission easily and without stress. Being impatient and pushing ideas your architect does not feel will get approved is a huge mistake. Architects know what they are doing and do not want your application to fail. Waiting until you have a design that both you and your architect are thrilled with, which will achieve planning permission, is a much more sensible approach. Not all work will require planning permission. If this is a concern for you, ensure you ask your architect for advice and solutions that may avoid this part of the process. Ticking the right boxes at this stage will also ensure a smooth sale, should you choose to sell further down the line.

#4 Upsetting your neighbours

Ensuring a positive and friendly relationship with your neighbours before and during your build is very beneficial. We always advise our clients to communicate their extension plans with their neighbours as soon as they can. This means that there are no surprises and you can gauge their feelings on this. Often, building works can be disruptive to neighbouring properties. Understanding this and being as respectful and polite about it will make for an easier process for everyone. You also need to be aware of the 1996 Party Wall Act. The Team @ Acre Design are able to advise on this but you may need to create a written agreement with your neighbours about any new building work. This agreement is usually done by a third party Party Wall surveyor.

#5 Going with a dodgy builder

It can often be tempting to go with a cheap quote for building work but it essential to consider why one quote may be so much cheaper than another. If anything, what are you missing out on? We can recommend a selection of local, reliable and reputable builders in Newcastle and the North East. Ultimately, it is your decision who builds your home extension. Ensuring you receive a detailed quote, with adequate explanation of the contractor’s process is important. If anything unexpected crops up, you need reassurance that this will be dealt with effectively and within your budget/contingency fund. Always seek references from previous clients before going ahead with a building firm. There is no safer way to check a firm’s reliability than by asking people with direct experience. We are always more than happy to put clients in touch with other clients who have worked with firms that we recommend. We also offer a service where Acre Design will act as your project manager, checking and completing contract documents and managing your build throughout. This is a more expensive method of completing your extension, however it ensures we bare the brunt of any stress on your behalf. An architect will also be able to advise you on cost saving measures, should your build quotes come in over budget.

#6 An unspecified budget

Running out of money is one of the most disastrous mistakes when building an extension. Ensure that you get fixed quotes and estimates from building contractors to mitigate this. Acre Design would always advise our clients to have a contingency fund – just in case! This will take the pressure off and if you have a bit of extra cash left over and a perfect home extension, what could be better?

#7 Being indecisive

We see a lot of clients who change their mind about certain design elements during their build. Sometimes, this is absolutely no problem and can be a really positive development. However, it can also incur additional cost if plans need updating or if planning permission applications need adapting for example. We can emphasise enough the importance of taking your time over your design. Getting it right early on will save you time and money later on.

#8 Choosing the wrong materials

Materials must be compatible with type of building you own and the period of the house. Ensuring your materials are suitable, aesthetically pleasing, energy efficient and budget friendly is very important. With a lot of experience and professional knowledge of building materials, The Team @ Acre Design are here to help! Local authorities may have guidelines about what is deemed acceptable here too so it is always best to consult an experienced architecture firm about you extension.

#9 Choosing the wrong windows

Choosing the wrong windows can make or break your extension. Researching your options and ensuring your chosen style fits with your current property is key. For more detailed advice on this, see our post on window styles.

#10 Not insuring your extension project

When you start building your extension, your existing home insurance policy may become invalid. When we get caught up with a build project, it can be easy to forget this detail. We always recommend that you contact your insurance provider to ask for advice as soon as you begin the design process. This ensures that you have plenty of time to shop around for a competitive policy and also that you don’t forget about this important aspect.

We hope that you find this information helpful, at Acre Design Newcastle we are passionate about all things design and would love to discuss your project with you.

Take a look at our recent projects for further inspiration! Get in touch to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation at your home

What do the updated Permitted Development Rights mean for you and your extension plans?

You may not be aware but the Government’s ‘Larger Home Extension Scheme’ has now been made permanent in England. Previously, this was a temporary scheme, applying to developments completed before 30th May. Permitted Development Rights mean that homeowners may be able to undertake some works without the need to apply for planning permission. This raises some innovative opportunities for you if you are looking to extend your existing home.

Planning legislation changes. Permitted Development rights are no exception and these have been revised quite a bit in recent years. The changes aim to take the pressure off planning departments processing planning application (lucky them, lucky us). A key change is that we now have a right to build larger single storey rear extensions under Class A. This scheme means that if you are planning to build a single storey rear extension under Permitted Development Rights, you are now allowed to double your permitted development allowance size. Applying to extensions up to 8 metres (from 4 metres) for a detached house and up to 6 metres (from 3 metres) for other types of houses.

Permitted Development explained

Permitted Development Rights are policies which effectively give homeowners more freedom to enlarge their home, with pre-approved planning permission being granted. Within these rules, you can extend your property (within certain perimeters), without needing full planning permission. Obtaining planning permission can be a long process for some and can delay the start of your build at a time when you may be keen to get going.

These rights do not usually apply to larger extensions, larger loft conversions or where your property may be protected (in a conservation area for example). It is worth engaging with a local architect early on in your project as they will be able to advise you on work that may be considered as ‘permitted development’ and therefore, not need planning permission.

The Team @ Acre Design are used to navigating these policies. Alistair Crerar, Managing Director of Acre Design, also has over ten years of experience in Building Control. Importantly, Alistair is well equipped to advise on the legal requirements when building your home extension. The Planning Portal also has some useful information on its website and the Government’s general planning permission advice site can also be helpful.

How will I know if my single storey extension idea qualifies for Permitted Development Rights?

To gain the additional allowance for extensions under Permitted Development Rights, your plans must extend no more than 8 metres (for a detached home) or 6 metres (for other types of house) from the rear elevation of your home. This applies to how your home was positioned on 1st July 1948. This means that if yourself or a previous owner has already extended your home, your permitted development rights may already have been used.

If you aren’t sure, Acre Design can advise you on this. You can also visit your local authority’s planning permission website to view any applications made in connection with your address. The relevant information is freely available to the public.

Other rules which apply when utilising Permitted Development Rights:

You cannot build upon more than half of the land around the original house.
Your extension must be a maximum of 4 metres high, from the highest point of natural ground. However, this does reduce to 3 metres if your extension will be within 2 metres of a boundary.
You must use materials which are in keeping with the existing house.
Additions such as: verandas, chimneys and balconies are not included.
Rights are restricted if your home is in a conservation area, national park, area of outstanding natural beauty, world heritage site or The Suffolk or Norfolk Broads.

Different types of rights

Class A: Extensions (single storey rear), Class B: Additions to the roof. E.g. rear dormers, hip-to-gable extensions, Class C: Roof alterations (other), Class D: Porches, Class E: Buildings (such as outbuildings), Class F: Hard surfaces, Class G: Chimneys and flues and Class H: Microwave antennas.

Neighbourhood Consultation

The Larger Home Extension Scheme calls to approval process for extensions in this category a Neighbourhood Consultation Scheme. Once your architect has finalised your plans, your local authority will notify your neighbours. They will ask them to make any objections to your house extension within 21 days. If there are no complaints and your build complies with the relevant regulations, you should be about 42 days away from the approvals you need to start constructing you home extension. Although it is unlikely if you work with a reputable architect, such as Acre Design, an application may (rarely) be refused. You can appeal to this decision but may need to alter your plans.

Lawful Development Certificates

On paper, if a proposal meets the criteria for Permitted Development no Lawful Development application should be required. However, it is still advised that you apply for the Certificate of Lawful Development to make sure your design meets all of the required standards. This essentially covers your back, should you be faced with any difficulties post construction. In essence, going through this small process ensures that your building work does meet the requirements of Permitted Development and fully complies. A better safe than sorry approach!

Choosing Acre Design to guide you through your extension design process…

All of these policies and regulations may seem a little daunting. That’s why Acre Design are here to help. We submit all applications on your behalf, meaning we can deal with any technical questions which may arise. We simply inform you upon the success of your application! This removes any stress from this part of the process from our clients. At your free initial consultation, we will be able to advise you on the feasibility of your project.

Even where planning permission is not required, detailed plans are vital. They will save you time and money.

We hope that you find this information helpful, at Acre Design Newcastle we are passionate about all things Architecture and design. We would love to discuss your project with you in detail!

Take a look at our recent projects for further inspiration! Get in touch to arrange a free, no obligation consultation at your home!

Extension Design: Lighting

Pendant lights add a lovely, stylish finish to a room. We often see them places elegantly over dining tables or kitchen islands in the extensions we design. There is good reason for this – they look great! Whether you decide to make a statement with your lighting or subtly complement your colour scheme, there is a pendant lighting style for everyone’s taste. If your budget is IKEA or a high end designer supplier such as Chaplins, there are some beautiful options available. However, it is important to ensure your proportions are correct. Our 3D modelling software makes it easy to understand the dimensions of your project (whether it’s a self-build, extension or loft conversion) and build your interior design scheme. Ask your architect about this if you are not confident about the size of your spaces.

Tynemouth Extension, Newcastle, Acre Design

Choosing a pendant light that is too big may overwhelm the space and a smaller option may end up looking lost.

Sizing up:

Width of pendant: If you add the length and width of your room together and then divide this number by 12, it will give you an ideal pendant width for your space. For example, if your room measures in at 3m by 5mm, added together this makes 8m. 8m divided by 12 = approximately 67cm wide. If you are thinking of opting for a multiple pendant light, you can simply divide this by the number of pendants you’d like. So, using our example, a three pendant piece should measure in at around 22cm per shade.

Height (or drop length) of your pendant light: Firstly, multiply the floor to ceiling height of your space by 3. For example, a room that is 3m high would equal 9m. Next, divide this measurement by 12 to give the ideal height of your pendant light. Our example would therefore need a drop of 75cm to suit the space.

How low can you go? Can you go down low?

Ensuring you have adequate clearance for your furniture and family, these rules are helpful:

Where people may walk underneath your light, allow 2.13m from the floor to the bottom of your pendant. If you’d like to place your pendant above a dining table or kitchen island for example, allow around 71cm to 91cm from the bottom of the fitting to the top of the surface. For a hallway, your pendant should be at least 15cm higher than the top of your front door, unless you have a very large amount of floor space of course.

Choosing the right style

There are so many different styles of pendant lighting, so it’s wise to begin by considering the function of your lights. Thinking about the type of illumination you want for the space will also depend on the other light sources in the room. A room with large windows or bi-fold doors will need less illumination for daytime use, however you may also require task lighting in certain areas and ambient lighting in others.

Types of lighting

There are four basic forms of lighting: task, ambient, accent and decorative.

Task lights are functional, helping you to see clearly whilst working (chopping, writing etc.) If your pendant lighting will help illuminate tasks such as children completing homework, reading or chopping food, you want a fixture that aims light downwards, preferably with an open bottom. Open bottom fixtures can create too harsh a light if paired with powerful bulbs, so bulb choice is also important. If the light proves too severe, you can always swap in a lower output bulb or install a dimmer to adapt to the use of the space and time of day.

General lighting which gently illuminates a whole space is called ambient lighting. A softer, ambient fitting will create a nice intimate mood for socialising.

If you want to highlight a design feature such as an art piece or an interesting building material, you could use accent lighting. Typically, accent lighting will be a picture light, however you can target your pendant lighting if you want to draw attention to the material of your worktop or table for example by having it closer to the surface or with a brighter bulb.

For simply adding a bit of sparkle and interest, decorative lighting is effective. These do not usually cast targeted light or serve any particular purpose other than to add to the feel or mood of the room.

We hope that you find this information helpful, at Acre Design Newcastle we are passionate about all things lighting and would love to discuss your project with you in detail.

Take a look at our recent projects for further inspiration! Get in touch to arrange a free, no obligation consultation at your home!

14 Inspiring Self-Build or Extension Design Ideas

We love designing self-builds, who are we kidding… we love designing full stop. But, if you are lucky enough to be able to build your dream home from scratch, it doesn’t get much more exciting.

Developing a detailed brief with your architect is an essential stage of your build process; communicating your needs and having these understood is paramount! You get to decide how your house will look, perform and function. You are in control of the budget.

Putting extra thought into the small details will make your new home truly exceptional. We love working with clients to help their dreams come to life, so we’ve put together some inspirational self-build design ides to get your creative juices flowing.

#1 How about a sunken bath?

Now, we LOVE a nice freestanding roll-top bath or a trendy ‘egg’ shaped bath. However, there’s something about incorporating a sunken bath into your self-build or home renovation design that gives off such an exquisitely opulent, organised feel. When the lighting is right, your bath can become a real treasure in your home. It doesn’t take much designing in and this element could really make your home stand out from the rest. Imagine stepping down into a large, warm bath, filled by a generous waterfall tap… heaven.

#2 Timber cladding, inside!

With the rise in popularity of the ‘Scandi’ design style, earthy, natural feeling spaces are so fashionable. What’s more, they just make you FEEL so good. The warmth, texture and colour brought by wood cladding is so refreshing. Another good thing about interior timber cladding is it can fit a traditional or a modern taste pallet. Talk to your architect about how best to incorporate internal wood finishes, it may sound trivial but when it is planned well, it can look incredible!

#3 Not just a kitchen island…

Installing a kitchen island has become a bit of a must when designing a kitchen. We love the idea of getting creative with your island. Making your kitchen island a focal point will create a real stand out space for entertaining. Huge, sweeping designs can also add masses of storage! Have a look at our pinterest boards for further kitchen inspiration.

#4 Booze, glorious booze!

Displaying your collection of wines, spirits or beers has become a very fashionable, and, we have to admit, satisfying thing to do. Loads of our clients are designing wine fridges or racks into their kitchens. If you have the luxury of the space and it’s something that floats your boat, why not think about making a feature of your collection? We’ve designed wine storage to meet traditional tastes as well as crisp, modern looks and we have loved all of them.

#5 Hidden ceiling lighting

Adding some secret, hidden LED lighting is a fantastic way to soften a space and create a warm, inviting, homely feel. This can also be a nice opportunity to add some colour to your interior design scheme too! Thinking about this at this stage allows you to incorporate crevices for lighting in your build, making it much easier and cheaper to install.

#6 Wood storage

Like most of our clients and us, you probably love the romantic idea of a wood burner. They are becoming more and more popular and for good reason: they are good for the soul! If you haven’t already read about the Danish idea of Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”), get reading. What freedom is to Americans, Hygge is to the Danes. The idea of Hygge is about finding joy in simple, cosy things such as: candles, blankets, fireplaces and so on. There is even a word for that favourite pair of jogging bottoms that you would only wear in the comfort of your own home – “Hyggebusker”. To us, a crackling fire surrounded by neatly organised wood piles is the epitome of cosy calm. Thinking about incorporating wood storage into the design of your home takes it from a pile to a beautiful feature.

#7 Pocket doors? What are they?

Pocket doors are a stylish space saving solution. They slide effortlessly into your wall, removing the space reduction and layout limitations of an opening door. Plus, we think they look pretty stylish. You’ll need to think about having your architect design these in as the adjacent wall will need a cavity for the door to slide into and you’ll need to avoid any plumbing and wiring.

#8 Non-standard doorways

Pocket doors could be really effective with a non-standard doorway. Thinking outside the box on door openings could create a truly exceptional space. A standard door opening is great but imagine one that mimics the angles and lines of your roof or windows. Or perhaps a curved opening could add a softer touch to your design?

#9 Stylish storage

If, like us, you love everything to have a place; it is well worth considering your built-in storage early on in your design process. When building a new extension or self-build home, you have the perfect opportunity to create storage that is perfect for your belongings. You could make an inventory of any bulky items or things you have a lot of (shoes for example) and then think about where they would be used and how you could create a stylish storage solution within your design.

#10 Relaxing window seats, with a view…

The window seat always adds a traditional, peaceful, elegant touch. We’ve incorporated a lot of these into our extension designs recently. A window seat can turn your open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner into a tranquil haven for you and your family. Incorporating one or more of these in your self-build project can add a special space for you to sit, reflect and deeply enjoy the space that you have created. If you love your garden, can you imagine anything more satisfying than sitting on a rainy day and looking out onto your hard work? See our post on window choices to add some even more exciting dimensions to this idea!

#11 Marvellous mezzanines

Our team get a little excited if a client mentions the word ‘mezzanine’. There is something beautifully dramatic about creating a grand, yet practical split space. Utilising a mezzanine floor as your office, play or relaxation space means that you can incorporate a vaulted ceiling without feeling overpowered by the enormous space. When you incorporate a high-volume ceiling, this also gives you the opportunity to use giant, invigorating windows. Winner!

#12 Work with nature

If you are building a self-build project or adding an extension, looking at the natural make-up of the plot is vital. Trees and other natural elements don’t have to be a hindrance. Try working alongside your architect to use these elements as starting points for your design. Obviously, careful consideration and planning needs to go in to designs around trees; roots can require engineered and creative solutions!

#13 A sheltered outdoor space

By continuing an interior wall to the outside of your home, you can break down boundaries between the garden and your home. In Newcastle and the North East, also adding a covered area for shelter from the elements is great common sense too. If you incorporate bifold or sliding doors/windows, these outside spaces can make your new space feel gigantic.

#14 Outdoor fireplace

If you love relaxing outdoors but are realistically pessimistic about the amount of time you can spend doing this in Newcastle, an outdoor fireplace might be for you. Chimeneas and firepits are readily available in DIY stores, however an integrated fireplace outdoors would make an incredible centrepiece for entertaining or relaxing after a long day. You could even ensure that the fire was visible from both inside and out.

Your home extension project: Choosing the right windows

Lots of our clients ask us about glazing and how to make the right choices. Whether you are working with an architect to build a new build house, convert your loft, add space with a single or two storey extension or create a sunroom/orangery; window choices can often make or break an architectural design.

Windows are also a big part of your build budget, so we understand that getting it right is vital! Large windows often take centre stage in the facades of modern design, which means that energy efficiency and thermal performance needs serious consideration. Research is key. Acre Design are Newcastle’s leading architectural designers and we are here to help!

Inspiration in the North East and Newcastle

We don’t have to look far from our front doors to find some exceptional examples of stunning, efficient and innovative glazing solutions:

The Sill, National Landscape Discovery Centre in Hexham, Northumberland is a purpose build visitor centre which promotes the local landscapes. The glazing meets the highest standards of sustainability (a focus of the project) whilst standing strong against the unpredictable and harsh elements in the area. With The Sage (Gateshead), The Baltic, Newcastle City Library and The Centre for Life (Newcastle) also leading the way with innovative glazing solutions, we really are spoilt for inspiration here, in Newcastle.

Which is the right window style for your home?

Room layouts and the shape of your house itself will greatly inform the positioning and size of windows, unless you are designing a self-build home of course. Whether you are building a new build, extension or loft conversion, we always consider the style of the property when presenting glazing solutions. For example, an old cottage would not suit extra large glazing forced into thick stone walls. However, a contemporary, single-storey home would be improved by this style of window. This is where the classical architecture idea of the golden ratio is a helpful tool. The ratio proportions should be 1:1:618, meaning a vertical sash window, for example, should be 1300mm tall if it is 800mm wide.

What about different window styles?

Fixed windows do not open or let in ventilation, their function is to let in natural light and maximise views from your property. Without the need for an opening mechanism, these windows come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and you can get really creative with them. We love to use these in stairways in particular, providing light and decoration in an otherwise often wasted space.

Another option, useful for kitchen design and extensions, if the fixed and operable splashback window. Much like the glass or tiles you can fix behind a surface such as a sink or cooker, you can also have splashbacks that double as a window. They come in two forms: fixed or operable. These showcase your views, invite natural light in and provide extra ventilation (if operable of course). These are perfect for dimly lit kitchen spaces and they are practical, stylish and modern.

Now, if you love bringing the outside in to your garden but do not have the floorspace for bifold doors, bifold windows could be a viable and satisfying option. Allowing you to open the window entirely, they are refreshing, modern and very stylish.

Rooflights or skylights bring so much natural light to a new space where a conventional window just wouldn’t fit. There are so many options to choose from here, depending on your taste and the style of your property. Flat glass rooflights are modern and minimalistic, with a low-profile flat glass plane. They are unobtrusive but provide a great deal of natural light. Polycarbonate domes also provide a lot of natural light and are a great low-cost solution. We’ve used roof lanterns and pyramids in many of our orangeries and extensions – they are large and beautifully decorative, creating a contemporary and open feel to your space. Sliding rooflights are a nice ventilation option. If you’re considering incorporating a balcony above, walk-on rooflights are completely safe to walk on. This means that you can utilise the roof space of your new extension with a balcony above. For awkwardly shaped spaces, we love suntubes – they let in an incredible amount of light and are becoming very popular here, in Newcastle.
Sash windows are often a beautiful, traditional addition to a new build home and are an essential factor if you are renovating a Georgian or Victorian home – a popular housing style in Newcastle Upon Tyne. They come in non-standard sizes and are often bespoke for each project. We love the feeling of lifting a sash window to feel fresh air rush into a room.

Another traditional British option, also very common in Newcastle, are open-out casements, which come in a range of forms. Large casements are often the cheapest and these are usually standard sizing so a lot cheaper to source and fit. These are great for ventilation, opening really wide. However, if you have a young family or animals in your home, you need to think about safety catches for this reason.

If you love the Continental style, tilt and turn windows might be for you! This style of window opens inwards and provides a tilt option for secure ventilation. Often, these windows suit a more modern design and they are great for a smaller room.

How about triple glazing?

Triple glazed windows are the new standard in today’s windows. They are great for noise reduction and energy efficiency. Some suppliers can even offer special coatings to allow solar gain when required – utilising the sun’s heat when it is wanted in the winter but minimising overheating in the summer. We have found this is near-essential on elevations receiving a lot of direct sunlight, but you may not need to spend the money here on elevations where sunlight is rarely directed.

Traditional style homes

Choosing appropriate materials is vital if you’re building a period style self-build home or renovating your older style home. Timber window casements and sash windows are the usual choices for these styles. PVCu is a great choice but replicating a traditional wood grain finish is pretty tricky. It can be quite the challenge to find the perfect period style windows, so we recommend starting your research as soon as possible. Acre Design can help with this.

Contemporary homes

The size of windows we use has grown rapidly over time as glazing methods evolved and larger panes became affordable. A minimal amount of frame is very desirable in contemporary builds, with aluminium frames rising in popularity. We often find, the more modern the house or extension, the bigger and cleaner the glazing should be.

Which material should I choose?

Alloy, metal or fibreglass windows are really popular in contemporary-style houses, though they are not as thermally efficient as wood. GRP (fibreglass) can create a strong load-bearing frame, which is great when you are renovating or extending, and these come in a huge range of colours! This style is really low maintenance and allows for a very small frame around the glazing if this is desired. Though this is an expensive option, the aesthetic rewards are huge.

PVCu or plastic windows are a quick and easy option, whilst being low-maintenance and cost efficient!

A main advantage of timber windows is the authentic feel offered to period style homes. You just can’t replicate the feel of timber windows. They may require a little more maintenance and will be more expensive than other options however, so it is a decision worth taking some time over.

Using composite windows is a great compromise solution if you are undecided. This style mixes framing materials, usually weather-proof capping (aluminium or plastic) over a timber frame. These are great for longevity and withstanding harsher weather and are a low maintenance option which also provides the insulation pros of timber. These can be a pricey choice, so again, a great deal of thought and research is recommended.

We hope that you find this information helpful, at Acre Design Newcastle we are passionate about all things glazing and would love to discuss your project with you in detail.

Take a look at our recent projects for further inspiration! Get in touch to arrange a free, no obligation consultation at your home!

Home Extension Budget Saving Ideas

Extending your home is a great way to add space if you’re feeling cramped. It also allows you to create bold entertaining areas and even increase the value of your property. Whether you choose a rear extension, side extension, loft conversion or a sunroom, these ideas will help you to maximise your home’s potential.

Before deciding on your home extension idea, you should familiarise yourself with planning permission – something our experienced team can advise you on from your free initial consultation. Deciding on a budget is essential and enables our designers to get you the most for your buck. Once you’ve got a rough idea, it’s time to explore the world of home extensions. We’ve created this list to help you find the inspiration you need to create your dream home.

A Loft Conversion

Expanding out isn’t always an option so using your roof space could be the right option for you. As well as giving a great return on investment, loft conversions also create interesting, quirky spaces for bedrooms, en-suites, studies or games rooms. Installing skylights in these spaces creates a beautiful flood of light from the angled roof, while also opening up the space. Natural light is perfect for these types of spaces and reduces the need for as many lighting installations in the build.

Often avoiding planning permission, loft conversions are considered minor constructions – we can advise you on this from your free initial consultation.

A Cellar Basement Conversion

Again, if extending out isn’t an option for you using the downstairs space available could be the key to creating your dream space. Basement conversions can really add another dimension to your home with minimal disruption to your home-life. A great design solution to enable natural light in an otherwise dark, gloomy area is to use a cleverly placed lightwell, you can really bring these spaces to life with light pouring in from above. We can advise you on many other strategies to make the most of your basement/cellar space at a free initial consultation with one of our experienced designers.

A Rear Extension

One of our most popular extension choices, rear extensions are becoming increasingly common in the UK for a number of great reasons. Placed in the sanctuary of your own property, a rear extension affords privacy and doesn’t often impede your neighbour’s view – causing a very amicable build process. You can work with our designers to choose to be bold or understated – depending upon your personal preference. From low-pitch extensions that match your home to contemporary steel, wood, and concrete extensions that create a striking perspective; the possibilities are endless and truly exciting. Adding value to your home while creating space for precious family memories, the rear extension is a real winner. At Acre, we love designing these as they can take so many different forms – we can really create a space tailored to you.

Our design for a run-down house in Rowlands Gill is a perfect example of how you can add space while also creating a beautiful looking home. We included a modern living space and master suite with balcony views over the Derwent Valley… stunning.

A Side Extension

A lot of period terrace homeowners end up scratching their heads when looking for ways to increase their living space. Luckily, the answer is often right under their nose with a side extension – the perfect way to expand. Whether you decide upon a single or two storey extension, we design side extensions that really compliment your existing home. This video of a complete side extension in North Shields demonstrates how easy it can be to gain so much additional space…

Perhaps it is time for a home extension designed by Acre Design, Newcastle.

Let’s face it, it’s January and you’re feeling the effects from the festive period? Perhaps you had a house full of your nearest and dearest and upon reflection, you now realise you should change the structure of your home. Well, don’t worry, because Acre Design is here to help! Take a look at just a range of project types below to see if they would benefit your home renovation in 2019.

Extensions

Single storey extension

Single-storey extensions are perfect for creating an open-plan living area or kitchen space. Nowadays, people want a large kitchen space where they can have the whole family in one place to relax while the cooking is being done – doesn’t this just sound ideal for Christmas 2019?

Two-storey extension

Adding a double-height extension to your house gives you added living space to the ground and those all-important extra bedrooms to your first floor. If you were looking at creating extra bedrooms but didn’t know what you could put in the extra ground floor space then just see our suggestions below:

A new entrance where you, your pets and your family can get showered and changed before coming into the house.
A cinema room for film lovers.
A ‘granny annexe’ with an en-suite on the ground floor for when the grandparents come to stay.
Add a utility to hide the washing machine and add some extra storage.

Sunrooms

If you want a nice, airy room to entertain guests, and have dinner with many other uses then you should definitely invest in a sunroom. They are a great place to sit and read all year round! The main difference between a sunroom and a conservatory is the amount of time during the year the room can be in use. Conservatories are often too hot in the summer, and too cold in winter. This is due to their construction (an aluminium frame, covered in PVC, and massive amounts of inefficient glazing). A sunroom has less glazing and is built using more traditional methods like the slated roof, and brickwork piers.

Garage Conversions

Converting a garage into a more practical space is becoming increasingly popular! This space is ideal if you want to create a separate living space for your property or even a breakout room. Converting these wasted spaces into a separate reception room, or dining room, or even opening up to the existing house is a really cost-effective way of increasing the size of your home. It will require building control but our detailed plans will fly through to approval.

Contact Us Today!

If you’re looking to expand your home or even rebuild it then don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information or a quote. The team at Acre would be more than happy to help.

Ten Questions To Ask An Architectural Designer

Here at Acre, we like to respond to our clients questions and queries as often as we can! With 2019 coming to a close, we have compiled our top ten questions to ask a architectural designer and our advice to give a little helping hand for those looking to transform their space! If you’re planning a project to improve your home and want to recruit an architectural designer to help you, it is critical to ensure you ask all the right questions to guarantee they know exactly what you want from the project. Whatever your query, we are more than happy to help and we hope you find this article helpful valuable…

Question #1

What will the architectural designer advise for your site?

When meeting an architect, he or she will want to talk to you about your building project so they understand what you are looking for. You should take your architect’s advice into account when making decisions, but if they suggest something that you are not comfortable with, please say so. If you both clearly understand what you want at this early stage, it may prevent problems as the project progresses. It is your project, and the architect will want to make sure that you are satisfied with the end result.

Question #2

Will I need planning permission?

After the measured survey, we will draw the existing plans and produce a first draft proposal. We will then invite you into the office to go over the plans, this is an opportunity for you to tell us ‘what a great idea’ or ‘we never would of thought of that’ or alternatively tell us of any changes you need or areas you don’t think will work for you. We then make those changes and the process starts again (with another meeting or over email) until you are happy, then we will invoice you and apply for the relevant approvals.

Question #3

How long will my project take?

Unfortunately, every project in entirely unique and this means that the length of the project will depend on the size of the project. To get a time scale from your architectural designer they will need to visit your property or site. If you are looking for a design quotation, call Acre today and arrange a free meeting – we would be able to give you an idea of timescales and costs, specific to your project.

Question #4

Are your proposals achievable on your budget?

Be realistic and make sure you know if what you want to achieve is possible with your budget. You should remember that your budget will also need to cover any third party costs such as structural engineers and surveyors etc.

Question #5

How much will my project cost?

Like time scales, cost will differ extensively depending on the type of project you are looking to conduct. When using Acre Design we advise that you budget between 5-10% of total build costs for Acres Design fees, structural calculations (if required) and the council fees. We charge on an hourly basis for our work at £70 per hour. The time it takes to complete each stage will depend on a number of aspects:

We are required to measure the existing, so the bigger the house, the more time it will take.
The complexity of the existing house. A bungalow takes less time to draw that an stately home.
Do you know exactly what you want? If so we won’t need to show you as many options, reducing the time to agree a design.
The scope of the works. The larger the project the more time it will take to complete the proposals.
The complexity of the proposals. If you are looking for a cantilever balcony from a zinc clad dormer window this takes longer than a simple detached garage.
Planning requirements. In a conservation area you will need a heritage statement and design and access statement to be submitted with your planning application for example.

We will give you a price at our free initial consultation where Alistair will go through the stages, and apportion an amount of hours to each stage, you will then get a fully detailed quote within 48 hours of our visit.

Question #7

What different project types are there?

When transforming your space there are a number of ways through which this can be achieved. Here at Acre, our project types include:

Two storey extension
Single storey extension
Sunrooms
Timbre frame
Garage conversions
Loft conversion
Commercial
New build houses
Conversion

Click to read in more detail about what these project type entail.

Question #6

Can I achieve an attic conversion in my home?

If you want to add space and value to your house, and there is little room to the side or back of your property (or you love your garden too much), then attic conversions are a great way to do so. However, we adding an attic conversion there are a few considerations. This includes making sure there is sufficient headroom, that you inform your mortgage and insurance lender about your conversion and so on. For more information on attic conversions click here.

Question #8

Why do I need a measured survey?

At Acre, we draw your house exactly on our 3D drawing software, we need the exact measurements so we can show you what you will have once building work is complete, it helps you make an informed decision, and get the most out of your extension, new home or whatever it is we are designing!

Question #9

What happens during the design process?

Question #10

Will you keep me updated throughout the building process?

Acre Design will provide you with updates throughout the whole process. We can get your first draft to you within 10 days. After this we will invite you to the office to go through our initial design, we also give you a full print out to take home and look over. Once you have got back to us with any thoughts we make the changes quickly, ready for you to approve our final design and we can prepare the drawings for planning permission. This next bit is where patience becomes a virtue, once we have applied for planning permission it can take 8 weeks for a decision to be made. Acre Design will send you a link once we have applied to the local authority public access where you can keep an eye on your application in real time.

If you are looking to start your building work as soon as planning is approved, we will immediately begin preparing your technical building control drawings. Once these are complete (usually within a week of planning being applied for) we will send these to you. If required we can forward a couple of plans to our trusted contractors for them to begin pricing the job for you. You can also arrange in this time meeting them or going to see some of their previous work.

We hoped you found this article helpful! If you are interested in any of our architectural design services then please do not hesitate to contact us today, we would love to hear from you.