Already the days are getting shorter, and the hedges are full of berries, so it must be time for us to write our Autumn News! the chancel on completion of the works
Meanwhile, here is a taster of what’s going on in our office just now.
We have undertaken Quinquennial Inspections of some very lovely churches, including the church of St. Mary the Virgin, Gestingthorpe, which has a magnificent double hammer beam roof. See photo. Reports are now being written up.
A large oak framed extension has been added to the side of a grade two listed 15th century Hall House, creating a kitchen, bathroom and utility. Extensive renovations to the existing house were also made including installing a new heating system which is run by a ground source heat pump; inserting insulation into the walls and floor; and new electrics throughout. During the stripping of the old render to accommodate the new insulation and render, it was discovered that a lot of timber frame repair work was needed. Skilled craftsmen undertook the repairs to the timber frame, and modern and traditional materials were used throughout. The project is now complete and the clients are moving back in.
We received confirmation of building consent to carry out renovations to a timber framed barn dating to circa 1700s. The barn sits within the grounds of a Grade II moated farmhouse; and archaeological digs will be carried out as part of the renovations and landscaping. The works will create bed and breakfast accommodation. Part of the renovation works include insulating the timber frame, using wood fibre board insulation externally. For KPT this is a new method of insulating. We re-introduced old features, which over time have been removed from the barn, such as a mezzanine floor and a midstray to the front. An air source heat pump is being used for heating.
For a grade two listed C19th brick house in Essex, we designed a timber framed single storey extension to incorporate a new kitchen and utility area. Internal remodelling was also carried out to the existing house, making it more practical for modern day living.
We will shortly be putting in applications for Planning and Listed Building Permission for conversion of a barn to guest bedroom and kitchen accommodation and entertainment area. The barn sits within the grounds of a Grade II C15 hall house with gabled crosswings.
The planning application is being prepared for the creation of an extension to a C17 timber-framed house in Essex.
Working drawings are progressing for the remodelling of internal house layout and for conversion of a Coach House to guest accommodation and a games room for a Grade 1 farmhouse in Norfolk.
Sketch proposals are being drawn up for a six bay oak framed garage, to also contain an upper floor office overlooking fields in Essex.
Celebrations after the successful handover of the completed gym, cinema, games room and pool, and complete decorations for a house in Cambridgeshire, dating from circa 1820. Interior design works included the design and creation of a bespoke ten seater sofa and a fabulous bespoke carpet, along with other bespoke furniture and furnishings. The carpet was too large to be taken into the house in the normal manner, and had to be craned into the basement cinema – see photo. An integral high-spec surround sound audio visual system has been installed into the cosy cinema. Design, manufacture and choosing of furnishings for the house now continue with a mix of antique and new upholstery and furniture.
Pre-winter roof repairs are being carried out to an exceptional Grade II*Hall House, dating from early C.16th, in Essex.
Working drawings are progressing for the Grade II* listed parish church of St Mary, at Walton, which has C.14 origins. The works will include reorganisation of the service area, incorporating cupboards for the servery, Fairtrade, IT, and for use by the choir.
In South Cambridgeshire, we are full refurbishing a C16th timber framed farmhouse. The works have been on site for five months and, after significant repair, the house is ready for re-plastering and re-roofing. A single storey extension is being constructed off the Victorian rear range, to provide a fabulous new addition to an already impressive family home.
In South Essex, the re-modelling of a substantial farmhouse continues. The remnants of a poor quality build from the 1970’s have been swept away to reveal the origins of this wonderful property. The original roof form has been restored, with the attic spaces converted to form additional guest room suites. An oak framed link leads to a spectacular new kitchen, with plenty of natural light, lots of volume and full glazed doors opening onto a secluded terrace.
An application to convert a collection of farm buildings nears its conclusion. The scheme involves the restoration of historic building forms using the built archaeology to advise our designs. The finished scheme should result in two highly desirable and individual 4 bedroom barn conversions.
We have been to some unusual, interesting and beautiful initial visits, and we look forward to sharing news of those with you in our next news bulletin.
In May, our project for St Michael and All Angels, Galleywood, undertaken with Lodge and Sons, was awarded Highly Commended by the Diocese of Chelmsford DAC Design Awards, this is their highest award.
Congratulations to Richard, who, in September, became an accredited member of the CIAT Conservation Accreditation Register.
We are thrilled that, once again, Church and Heritage Magazine have asked us to produce an article on for them, this time regarding the design works and overseeing the Big Project for St Michael and All Angels, Galleywood to re-locate their repaired organ from the north transept to a dedicated gallery at the west end of the nave; extend and relocate the screen at the west tower arch to reflect the position of the new organ gallery; install a mezzanine floor in the north transept, with screens to the chancel and north aisle arches; install an accessible WC; re-order the east end of the nave, relocating the font; adapt the raised platform at the east end of the nave to create level access routes.
We all enjoyed a very pleasant Christmas party at Trinity Restaurant, Cambridge, and some members of the team carried on the festivities when they went further afield into Cambridge afterwards.
Congratulations to Adam and Gemma, on the great news that their daughter is to have a baby brother or sister in March!
