Tony Holt Design | Self Build Case Study | Hawthorns

REMODEL OR REBUILD

Approached to remodel an existing property in 2013 by a professional couple with a growing family, Tony Holt Design helped explore the full potential for their new home. This case study provides an insight into how an open mind can lead you to a better outcome.COMMON DILEMMA

Our design philosophy always embraces a context driven approach. This means that whilst designing the internal layout and external composition, we also observe the fixed constraints and opportunities that influence the use of the space and how it feels. These influencers already exist and overlooking their importance will ultimately dilute the quality of the design. Identifying and understanding the effects is crucial to determining the level of consideration should be afforded to each one. If the right balance of how the building works, looks and feels is achieved, then we can create the best possible spaces.

HAWTHORNS

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The best outcomes can only be found, through committing full exploration either side of the project boundaries

FIRST STEPS

FINDING THE STARTING POINT

Most self builders believe that to appoint a designer and handover a design brief that the choice of remodel or new build must be confirmed.

In some cases the choice is obvious, but we are often approached by clients struggling with this choice. When this happens our preference is to assist the client by sharing our knowledge and expertise and include this within the design process.

The remodel vs new build exploration can happen when exchanging initial ideas, but may only be identified as we move through the design process as a greater understanding is obtained.

This case study demonstrates how a client secured a better outcome by being open to a change in direction, armed with all the information required to make the right decision.

DESIGN BRIEF

The key objectives included the delivery a high quality, long term family home meeting current and future needs. The Client’s preferred architectural style leaned towards classical Georgian architecture.

The families lifestyle needs called for an increase in floor area alongside better quality of space. In addition the new layout should allow them to connect and make better use of the large mature plot.

REMODEL VS REBUILD

The size of the existing property could already be considered a large house, capable of providing most of the rooms required to meet the Client’s brief. The changes to the property would be mostly driven by the creation of a new architectural style, including enhancing the flow of the internal layout. This led to the initial exploration of a remodel, in order to see if this could deliver a home that matched the Client’s vision.

A key consideration when initiating the exploration of the remodel, was a new build property would occupy a similar position on the plot. This didn’t present any significant advantages in terms relationship with other fixed constraints. Our starting point was to explore how much of the design brief could a remodel deliver, before exceeding perceived economic and practical limits.

IN NEED OF MODERNISATION

The existing house already provided in the region of 400m² ( 4,305ft²) of accommodation, sitting centrally on a square plot of around 3,000m² (0.75acre). Access to the plot was served from a private road on the southern boundary. The existing fabric was in need of an overhaul but was structurally sound, presenting a good opportunity to explore a remodel solution. In other words the condition of the existing property was such, that most of the structure could be utilised providing a design could be found.

EXISTING ENTRANCE

Existing vehicular entrance on the Southern boundary led to retention of existing driveway and parking arrangement. It controlled the initial visual impact of the property and forced a South facing front elevation.

Through analysis of the site, fixed constraints and opportunities can be identified. They are high level considerations used to explore possible design solutions. They should be seen as sign posts pointing towards the destination. The weight given to each one and how the designer balances their importance against the clients lifestyle needs, will be key to getting the best results.

ORIENTATION

Orientation and South facing frontage meant consideration was required to how the sun moved across the site. Main habitable spaces positioned to the rear where they enjoy private garden space but subject to overshadowing.

SIZE AND SHAPE OF SITE

The size and shape of the plot combined with the central position of the house, created generous external areas to all sides of the property. This provided opportunities for breakout space capturing sun and shade throughout the year.

EXISTING PRIVACY

Mature boundary trees and hedges and the resulting high levels of privacy, provides freedom to redefine the relationship of internal and external spaces.

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Knowledge the is essential the best DRIVEN THE

We come across sites with different sizes, shapes and orientations. Adopting our design philosophy allows us to be flexible when forming ideas.

Embracing a site wide approach brings unique solutions creating spaces that respond to the environment and designed specifically for the context.

It’s rare to design on a site with fixed constraints that align perfectly with the most desired qualities, such as aspect, natural light and privacy.

On this project we created a strong visual presence, balanced with the challenges presented by the orientation.

Giving consideration to the importance of natural light enables the delivery of spaces that feel right. We are instinctively drawn to natural light. It can make small spaces feel bigger and reduces the perception of confinement. It can also be a mood enhancer with health and well-being benefits.

A central stone portico creates the primary visual element drawing the eye to the front entrance.

Different design approaches places varying weight to primary considerations. These could include the Clients spatial requirements, the external aesthetics and responding to the sun path. Not every client will have the same priorities. Through interrogation of the site, the brief and the Clients wider goals we can start to shape what will be the main drivers behind the design. Focusing the effort where most needed creates a hierarchy. It avoids compromising the most important elements by giving too much to less important elements DRIVERS

VISUAL IMPACT AND SYMMETRY

Rectangular form with symmetry creating strong visual presence on arrival, reflecting the preferred design direction..

DEFINITION OF EXTERNAL SPACES

Triple garage with annexe accommodation and new landscaping to create sense of enclosure and define front and rear amenity areas.

EXTERNAL BREAKOUT SPACES

Single story rear projection in contemporary contrasting style, forming open plan kitchen family space breaking out onto private rear garden.

BETTER USE OF THE SITE Pool house and swimming pool located to receive late afternoon/evening sun bringing areas of the site into more frequent use. 3

GETTING THE LOOK RIGHT

A low pitched roof with generous overhangs and joinery features give elegance to the overall form.

Plain clay tiled roof, red facing brickwork, Portland stone and render provide contrasting colour and texture. All the materials used closely reflect those used in the Georgian era.

In a time when we see many poor examples that try and replicate architecture from a different period, this building is a great example of how to honour and respect what we still love about Georgian buildings.

All bar timber sash windows replicate the essence of Georgian proportions.

DESIGN EVOLUTION

ENHANCE AND ELEVATE

The remodel design met the brief, but just fell short of the true Georgian symmetry the Client was looking for. The triple garage was originally positioned to create a sense of enclosure to the front amenity space helping to define and create more privacy to the rear private external spaces.

Through analysis of the site, fixed constraints and opportunities can be identified. These can be used to explore possible solutions. They are like sign posts pointing towards the destination. How much weight should be given to each one will depend on the how the designer balances their importance against the clients spatial requirements.

REMODEL VS REBUILD

Most self builders have yet to gain the experience required to know if a remodel or rebuild is the right choice. Many believe that in order to appoint a designer and hand over a brief that this decision should already be confirmed.

We prefer to encourage our clients to keep an open mind during the exploration of ideas. No harm can come from reviewing the direction and check if departure from the original brief still makes financial and practical sense.

As client and designer get swept away with pushing the boundaries, you can sometimes realise everyone has lost sight of the original intention. Reflecting on viability during early design stages brings the benefit of identifying where concessions may be needed.

If the ideas turn out to be more exciting than originally foreseen, it provides the opportunity for the Client to achieve something beyond their original aspirations.

Taking opportunities to reflect on the original intentions can gift flexibility, allowing changes in direction to benefit the key objectives

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Originally the single storey element to the rear was designed to appear as a later addition to the original Georgian house. It creates a large open plan space freed from the constraints of formal traditional Georgian interiors. The space benefits from three sided glazed aspect onto the grounds of the house, including large lantern style roof light providing additional natural light.

LIFTING THE CONSTRAINTS

The remodel process had exposed the importance of the Client’s passion to create an authentic Georgian property. They understood to achieve their vision, the project boundaries needed to shift. In order to deliver their vision as a remodel, the practical limits of retaining enough structure would compromise economic viability. The remodel viability test was essential to gift understanding and knowledge to make an informed decision.

REMODEL REFLECTION

The initial design brief called for the delivery of a high quality, long-term family home, that made bets use of the site whilst meeting current and future lifestyle needs. The Client’s preferred architectural style leaned towards classical Georgian architecture. The remodel delivered everything required with the exception of delivering Georgian symmetry.

Once a decision was made to explore a new build, the constraints lifted and gifted the project new purpose and freedom of design. The Client was able to decide with confidence to reach further than initially anticipated backed up with solid justification and reasoning.

At this stage we expressed the importance of making full use of the opportunities presented by a fresh perspective. A small step back in order to fully assess the opportunities can avoid inheriting a design approach from an inferior version. It felt right to take the opportunity to interrogate more than required to fully explore and deliver the .

We moved forward designing a new build, now only constrained by the requirement of creating a Georgian inspired home, adopting this as the primary driver.

BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER IT HAPPEN

There are several options for self builders to deliver their build. The final route and structure of payments and appointments can have a huge impact on the final cost. Selecting a build route that fits well with the clients availability and confidence to take on particular elements is crucial to an efficient approach.

THE ROUTE TO BUILD

During the design stages the client made contact with local builders to gauge interest and enquire how they work. A father and son team were chosen who managed the site and executed the majority of the work. The client engaged with suppliers for the more specialist elements (kitchen, audio visual, lighting, etc) and purchased high value materials direct (windows, bathrooms). This allowed the client to cash flow a large proportion of the costs and avoiding main contractor mark up seen in more traditional procurement routes.

The builders were paid on a cost plus basis, working alongside the client with full transparent of costs. This enabled the client to make decisions as the build progressed directing the final spent as required.

This suited the client who was confident with taking on a part management role available to direct the process generally with the support of experienced trades, retaining the design team as and when required for additional advice.

The Client had a clear vision of interior style which aligned beautifully with external architecture. This created a joined up approach delivering an authentic feel to the whole property.

Our small team have supported over 500 self builders, across 44 counties throughout the UK. The energy, passion, experience and knowledge gained are available to help you through your own journey. If you are looking for a designer to explore the full potential of your project, we would love to hear from you.