HAVING THE COURAGE TO CHANGE COURSE WHEN THINGS AREN'T WORKING

When you hear yourself saying “That will do” when it directly effects you and your families future home, tough decisions are required.

We met the owners of this property at a self-build exhibition in Farnborough earlier this year. They loved our work and felt connected with our design philosophy. They were well advanced with an alternative designer, but felt that the process hadn't given them something that matched their vision for their future home.

When we discussed the opportunities that were currently being overlooked, they decided to appoint us to take over and explore a new approach. Having led them through our process with renewed energy and creativity, we completed the new design and made a submission for planning approval. The application was recently granted. We are now working with our Client helping them to decide how the project should proceed, with the next objectives to obtain quotes before moving forward into the construction phase.

The new design embraced a 'whole site' approach, where previously the ideas, in our view, had been too constrained to the envelope of the existing property. This new perspective was key to finding a solution where the house and site feels connected. As with every project, we undertook a thorough interrogation of the clients lifestyle needs and design preferences. This was then followed with well thought out ideas balancing the flow and feel of spaces with practical and technical considerations including good aesthetics.

It is not unusual for self-builders to explore different design services before finding a good match. This project is an good example of how the client's courage to try something new, when they were feeling underwhelmed, rewarded them with something special.

TONY HOLT DESIGN | PLANNING GRANTED FOR BUNGALOW REMODEL | EAST SUSSEX

We are proud to report another great consent for an adventurous bungalow remodel in East Sussex. The design doubles the floor area of the existing property to 340m² (3,659 ft²). The spatial arrangement and external appearance has been transformed raising the standard of design in the area, whilst providing a great home to meet our Client’s long term lifestyle needs.

TONY HOLT DESIGN | PUBLICITY | FEATURED IN DORSET LIVING

Picked up Dorset Living Magazine to see and read our feature on self build remodel project. Read the full article by clicking here

TONY HOLT DESIGN | FEATURED PROJECT IN DORSET LIVING

Check out our featured project in June’s Dorset Living magazine showcasing an adventurous bungalow remodel self build.

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View the article online by clicking here

See more on this project by clicking here

TONY HOLT DESIGN | PLANNING GRANTED FOR REMODEL | DORSET

Tony Holt Design recently secured planning permission for this remodel in Christchurch. The design proposals transform an existing 50’s bungalow into an impressive family home. The rising cost of moving means remodelling has become popular. This transformation uplifts 130m² (1,400ft²) of living space into a spacious 240m² (2,583ft²) spread over 3 floors. Relocating the existing bedrooms from ground to first floor unlocks space for a significant increase of primary habitable living spaces. Externally the existing bungalow has been given a fresh New England style appearance. using cedar shingle, composite weatherboard, slate roof and decorative joinery elements to complete the new style.

TONY HOLT DESIGN | PLANNING GRANTED FOR REMODEL TO EXISTING DWELLING IN TYNE AND WEAR

Securing this approval in Tyne and Wear was a first in this county for us. This takes our design services across 41 counties out of the 48 in England. The proposals transform this dated property into a building of its time. As well as a radical remodel to the external appearnce, the internal layout has been changed to increase the sizes of primary living spaces and increase natural light penetration wherever possible.

The existing 267m² (2,873ft²) 4 Bedroom, 2 bathroom dwelling, will be increased to 365m² (3,928.13) 4 Bedroom, 4 bathroom dwelling (all bedrooms have been increased in size to be comfortable doubles).

We have been instrcuted to commence on the working drawings and look forward to supporting the Client through the self build journey.

TONY HOLT DESIGN : PLANNING GRANTED FOR CONTEMPORARY BUNGALOW REMODEL IN DOREST

Fantastic result to get this adventurous remodel in Poole, Dorset. Our proposals add a single storey extension in traditional construction and the replacement of the existing roof with a site fabricated timber frame structure to provide additional bedroom accommodation. The remodel is complete with a new palette of materials including slate roof tiles, natural stone cladding, brick slips and crisp white spray render.

STAY SAFE, STAY HOME, STAY POSITIVE! PLANNING GRANTED FOR TONY HOLT DESIGN REMODEL IN ESSEX

Having secured planning consent for this adventurous remodel in 2019 we recently completed the working drawing package and works are progressing on site. We are currently liaising directly with the Client who is involved daily working alongside a general builder. When complete the design takes an existing internal floor area of 166m² and delivers a new floor area of 429m². We have a number of projects in Essex and are looking forward to dropping in to see if we can help when the lockdown lifts!

TONY HOLT DESIGN | REMODEL OF EXISTING HOUSE

Existing Floor Area: 106m²

Proposed Floor Area: 170m²

Expected Procurement Method: Fully managed by Client using subcontractors purchasing materials direct from suppliers.

Construction Technique: Mass concrete trench fill foundations with suspended concrete beam and block ground floor; On site fabricated timber frame external walls; Pre-fabricated timber truss roof (main roof) and traditional cut roof for ground floor extension.

Tony Holt Design Appointment: Design and planning, full working drawings and assembly details.

STAY SAFE, STAY AT HOME, STAY POSITIVE! PLANNING GRANTED : TONY HOLT DESIGN FOR REMODEL OF EXISTING BUNGALOW

* Posting this hoping it provides a welcome distraction for all those currently isolating *

We obtained grant of planning for this radical remodel of an existing bungalow in Surrey in 2019 and have been working on the technical design for the client. Obviously most non-essential works particularly for self builders are currently on hold. Looking forward to getting through these difficult times and hopefully seeing some of these exciting projects move forwards.

Existing Floor Area: 115m²

Proposed Floor Area: 200m²

Expected Procurement Method: Partially managed by Client using main builder for most of the work elements.

Construction Technique: Mass concrete trench fill foundations with suspended concrete beam and block ground floor; Traditional load bearing masonry cavity walls with localised steel frame; Pre-fabricated metal web rafters and flat roof joists.

Tony Holt Design Appointment: Design and planning, full working drawings and assembly details. Ad-hoc support during construction phase.

PROJECT UPDATE : CONTEMPORARY BUNGALOW REMODEL

We are really pleased with how this challenging bungalow remodel in Surrey has turned out. The client delivered the design intent with brilliant results. We think this is a great example of how to turn an old bungalow into a contemporary luxury home. We hope to have more photographs to add to the website shortly. Click here for more photos and information.

PROJECT UPDATE : SELF BUILD BUNGALOW REMODEL IN HAMPSHIRE

Good to get the scaffolding down on this remodel project and get a preview of how the completed version may look. Looking forward to completing the interior and the Client being able to enjoy some dramatic internal spaces with some stunning views over the the Hamble river. We provided design services and then project managed the shell and exterior finishes for the Client and they took on the interior themselves in order to deliver this build on a challenging budget.

PROJECT UPDATE : SELF BUILD REMODEL OF BUNGALOW IN HAMPSHIRE

Great to drop by and see this completed remodel. The light wasn’t the best for photographs so will be going back in the spring for more!

PLANNING GRANTED : SELF BUILD CONTEMPORARY REMODEL IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

We secured planning consent for this design in Tring, Buckinghamshire in 2016 and we’ve been delayed in posting to the blog. We have recently completed the working drawings and works commenced on site a few months ago. We are looking forward to visiting the project and seeing it progress!

PROJECT UPDATE : SELF BUILD REMODEL OF BUNGALOW IN POOLE, DORSET

Absolutely thrilled how this project has turned out! It’s probably the most adventurous remodels we’ve ever undertaken on an incredibly challenging site.

The Client had the energy and ambition to take on this difficult challenge and has transformed the existing 1,500ft² bungalow into a 3,500ft² contemporary luxury residence.

The remodelled property was redesigned to take advantage of the incredible view on offer over Poole Harbour.

When we took on this project we all knew the site, the brief and the budget was going to test everybody, not least the Client. It’s safe to say that all things considered it’s been an absolute success!

PLANNING GRANTED : SELF BUILD REMODEL IN RINGWOOD, HAMPSHIRE

We are pleased to have obtained planning consent for a radical remodel of an existing bungalow in Hampshire. The photomontage shown is for our originally submitted scheme which was initially refused. Following discussions an amended scheme was submitted and consent granted on the 2nd attempt which resulted in some reductions to the central element an unfortunately diluted the architectural intent. We are hoping that the Client will appeal the original decision which has good chances of success on the basis that the difference between the refused and approved is insignificant. Although we didn’t obtain consent for the preferred scheme it’s still a great result for the Client and another example that demonstrates the value that good design can bring to self builders. It really shows how investing in design at the start of the project pays off.

The proposals elevates a 175m² tired and dated property into a 430m² modern luxury residence. Internally the new first floor storey delivers 4 large double bedrooms, 3 of which benefit from dedicated dressing rooms and en suites. We also managed to obtain consent for a first floor terrace which takes advantage of distant views over the countryside to the rear of the site. Relocating existing bedrooms to the first floor then gave an opportunity to create some fantastic living space on the ground floor.

The Client’s brief for this project was to take design direction from a nearby project shown above. This is reflected in the design by the use of a twin gable form. Alternative architectural details were adopted to lower the cost and create a more maintenance friendly finish. The internal design was significantly different to reflect the Client’s personal requirements and to fit with the existing structure.

PLANNING GRANTED AT APPEAL : TONY HOLT DESIGN SELF BUILD REMODEL IN HAMBLE, HAMPSHIRE

We are delighted to report we have successfully won a planning appeal to secure consent for this remodel of an existing bungalow in Hamble, Eastleigh. The Local Planning Authority had refused to grant permission as a result of it's harmful impact on character of the area. The appeal inspector disagreed and whilst accepting that the property would become visually different, quoted the following from Paragraph 60 of the National Planning Policy Framework: 

"The style of the property would become visually different to the other properties, but as paragraph 60 of the National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) indicates, planning decisions should not attempt to impose architectural styles or particular tastes and should not stifle innovation, originality or initiative through unsubstantiated requirements to confirm to certain development forms or styles. It has not been shown that the area is so locally distinctive that it is necessary to promote or reinforce such distinctiveness. While it would clearly be different from the other properties in the close vicinity this does not mean that it would be incongruous."

We are delighted for our Client's who had the courage to fight for a scheme they loved. They now have the opportunity to deliver a unique property that will take full advantage of the river views the site offers.

HBR MAGAZINE : TONY HOLT DESIGN SELF BUILD REMODEL IN BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET

We are absolutely delighted to see this completed project featured in August's Home Building and Renovating. Great end result for a brilliant Client. Fantastic working with adventurous people who really engaged themselves in the self build process. They completely understood what self-build means and the challenges it involves. The rewards however, speak for themselves!

Read the full article below and to view more photographs and information on this project please click here.

PLANNING GRANTED : REMODEL SELF BUILD IN POOLE, DORSET

New England style is proving a popular style for remodels. This one is a great example of what can be achieved if enough thought goes into the joinery details to really lift the design and create a property full of character. Borough of Poole agreed and planning was granted at committee along with some great praise from members.