Posts Tagged ‘extension’

Carnlough Project progression

Our Carnlough Project has started on site & is progressing well

front elevation of our Carnlough Project facing towards Carnlough Bay

Conversion from first floor flat & ground floor retail space to a new home for our client.

Carnlough Project – This is a redesign of the front with the shop front removed and replaced with two windows and two windows added upstairs.

Upstairs being converted from a 2 bedroom apartment to a living room and kitchen/larder/dining room with a new bathroom and a snug/5th bedroom

the view from the upper living area out to Carnlough Bay

Carnlough has a long history dating back almost 400 years when it had its first harbour, most of it was owned by the Marchioness of Londonderry, Winston Churchill’s Great Grandmother, who built the current harbour and also built Garron Tower in the mid-1800s and early 1900s.

Ownership of the area over the centuries has passed through many hands from Sorley Boy MacDonnell (1500s).
Much to the surprise of our client, when his solicitor sent a copy of the deeds he found the house had previously been owned by Sir Winston Churchill from 1921-47.

It had been left to him along with most of Carnlough by his second cousin who died in an accident.

Churchill then transferred most of the houses to a company owned by the Earl of Antrim in 1947, it is thought he may have visited the village during his ownership on a visit to Northern Ireland.

The Londonderry Arms Hotel has a painting of Churchill and a room named after him.

As featured in – Living Design Magazine

We’re pleased to have been featured in Northern Irelands leading architectural magazine, Living Design.

Our Gorconny Cottage extension and renovation in Ballycastle, County Antrim.

This project was picked by the RSUA Living Design panel for its unique modern design with the traditional Irish cottage.

The proposed extension to the rear creates a larger and more modern open plan space for relaxing, cooking, and entertaining with friends and family.

Merging both traditional and modern styles with locally sourced timber classing, crisp white render, and zinc cladding bring both warmth and contact to the front and rear elevation, which invokes a sympathetic nod to the rural context.

The proposed extension to the rear creates a larger and modern open plan space for relaxing, cooking, a

New project | Dromintee, Newry

We’re pleased to have been appointed as architects for an extension and renovation project in Dromintee, Newry County Armagh.

taking into account the orientation of the site & the amazing views up to Slieve Gullion, there’s a few aspect’s we’ll need to consider when designing.

Plenty of glass will be one material that will be used, along with a possibility of external insulation to bring this old farm dwelling up to current modern day living standards.

Timber cladding and local stone will be added to help blend this extension and renovation into the local countryside.

should you have a project you’d like to discuss, feel free to give us a shout!

new project | granny annexe, broughshane on site

One our of our latest projects has started on site.
A new modern granny annexe to a period home in Broughshane, Ballymena.
Steven from our office has started this & we’ll be overseeing everything onsite… helps when it’s only 2seconds down the road from the office

We work and a variety of projects all over Northern Ireland & in the Republic of Ireland…..feel free to get in touch should you wish to discuss your project on the form below.

tips on planning an extension

The planning stage is an important part of planning your extension or renovation. Working that little bit more now will help in the long run with your project.

It doesn’t matter what size your project will be, it pays to sit down with your architects & go over everything in detail.
This is the part of the project that we find clients most existed.. the before stage, sitting down & going over their ideas for what they want at the end of it all.

In our case studies with our clients, we’ve asked them to pass on some tips for planning your project.

Having done this twice, and saying after the first time never again –I think self-builders should be prepared for the extra effort and time it will take to go through this process. Having lived in quite a few different houses, we were lucky in that we knew how we liked to live,

Tristan & Ruth Kells House

Just really enjoy it, make sure you have a positive mindset towards the project. Choose your architect carefully and encourage them to push the envelope with your brief a little. Remember they have trained to create new and exciting buildings. Look at lots and lots of architecture online and challenge your tastes. I read that your taste will change every 5 years.

Ciaran & Catherine Martinstown House

Be very clear about what you want. Never take anything for granted and write everything down. You will always go back to look for that one name and number. Finally, just enjoy it!

Cathy – Rathkenny House

building a house is one of the most stressful things you can do but also very rewarding,

I would advise anyone who is thinking about it to definitely give it ago but make sure you get the right people behind you from the start.

Mark & Nicola – Buckna House

For renovation inspiration, check out this before and after project just outside Randalstown, County Antrim

Things to Consider Before Building an Extension

extension & renovation of existing 300yr old house outside crossmaglen, county armagh

With the New Year just past, you might be considering building an extension onto your current home.

Extensions can be wonderful additions to houses bringing new light and space, new rooms to explore and help improve energy efficiency. However, before the excitement starts take a step back and consider the project from start to finish.
In our experience building an extension can be just as challenging as any new build but hopefully, we can guide you through some of the finer details.

Why
Before working on any extension project we always ask the party involved why they want to build.
To ensure the best result you need to hone in on exactly why you’re setting out on such a large project. Do you want to increase the value of the property? Or maybe you want to improve energy efficiency or living conditions?
Defining why will always lead to a better end result.

Modern Timber Clad Extension Architects Ballymena

timber clad extension to a semi-detached house – to act as an extension of the house & garden

Goals
This leads us nicely onto deciding on your aesthetic and physical goals for the project.
The most common requests are for the creation of more light and/or space. This could be due to changes in the environment around you (i.e. more buildings) or the growth of your family.
Alternatively, you might be happy with the space on offer but simply require the layout of your house to be reshaped in a way you’re now more comfortable with.
Extensions aren’t usually just about more space, so figure out what your goal is.

Planning Permission
With your goal, firmly set planning permission may be required and if this is the case it should be your first practical port of call when beginning to move forward with your new plans.
Here in Northern Ireland eleven local councils and the Department of Infrastructure handle the responsibility of planning equally. More information can be found at planningni.gov.uk but please be aware of the possible scale of fees involved.

Neighbours
No matter how awkward you think a chat with your neighbours could be, it’s almost always a good idea before you begin any form of extension project.
Common neighbour concerns usually revolve around the existence of a shared wall, the potential loss of natural light or the potential to overshadow their property, specifically their garden. We recommend you keep anyone potentially affected up-to-date with the project to avoid any trouble.

Sustainability
Whether it’s your primary reason for the project or not, building an extension is a great opportunity to improve the sustainability and energy performance of your home. Depending on the current performance of your property, this can be improved with the help of experienced builders and architects through the implementation of properly insulated walls, double glazed windows and in some cases solar panels.

Architect Involvement
Not everyone plans to use an architect when undertaking an extension project and in many cases, this is perfectly acceptable. However, if you’re inexperienced, don’t have a trusted working relationship with your builder, or require planning permission, we would highly recommend getting in touch with us. Not only we handle and advise on everything already mentioned, we will also view the project in a holistic manner from start to finish and be able to recommend on both big and small details.

Duration / Time Scale
Finally, extensions are serious projects and this is generally reflected in the duration or time frame involved.
Coming from Northern Ireland, or realistically anywhere in the UK or Ireland, weather should obviously play an important factor in your thinking and ideally, you should plan around the seasons. Take advantage of the darker, wetter seasons to design and plan before scheduling building to commence when spring and summer arrive.

As with everything we’re more than happy to answer questions, offer advice and steer you in the right direction so don’t be afraid to get in touch even if you’re not sure where to start.

Holywood renovation & extension

Great day out surveying in ‪Holywood ………….‬ ‪County Down‬ !!!
Hollywood California would of been of been great, but on a day like today it’s hard to beat Northern Ireland

The existing farm from the 50’s needing extended & renovating, a warmer house that is more efficient to run along with a more modern look including an orangery to the kitchen area.

barn extension in ballyclare

Planning approval for barn extension outside Ballyclare

Slemish Design Studio Architects, have gained planning approval for a sympathetic extension, to a barn outside Ballyclare.
The 2 bed barn conversion, will be extended to provide 3 extra bedrooms & with living accommodation to the first floor.
providing a balcony off the new living room which will give south-westerly views over Ballymena/Glenwherry area for maximum use in the evening.

Materials such as smooth render, western cedar & slate, helps give this barn extension a modern feel, yet respecting the existing barn.
looking forward to seeing this going on site.

should you have a project you’d like us to look at, feel free to get in contact via our website/email or social media

Planning Approval Cullybackey Ballymena for new extension

slemish design studio have been granted approval from planning for an extension & renovation to a dated property outside Cullybackey in Ballymena

Should you have a project you’d like us to look at, don’t hesitate to give us a call – or pop into our office at Raceview Mill Broughshane

ballycastle extension project for slemish design studio

Architects Slemish Design Studio have been appointed to design a modern glazed extension to a traditional bungalow in Ballycastle, County Antrim.

SHOULD YOU HAVE A PROJECT YOU’D LIKE US TO LOOK AT, DON’T HESITATE TO GIVE US A CALL – OR POP INTO OUR OFFICE AT RACEVIEW MILL BROUGHSHANE

new modern renovation project Ballymena

Slemish Design Studio Architects have been appointed to design a modern renovation and extension to a traditional farmhouse outside Cullybackey, Ballymena.
With great views to the north of the glens & views from the south as far a belfast, this will make the design appealing to both ourselves & clients.

Should you have a project you’d like us to look at, don’t hesitate to give us a call – or pop into our office at Raceview Mill Broughshane

new project in newtownabbey for architects slemish design studio

Slemish Design Studio have been appointed as architects for an extension to a traditional bungalow in Newtownabbey.
the clients wish to make the house more modern & take advantages of the views over Belfast Lough & Holywood.

We hope to start on site this summer!!

Friday at last :)

Surveys completed this week in Kells and Magherafelt.
Ones a complete renovation and extension & the others a new build.

craigstown rd, randalstown update

Extension and Renovation – Randalstown

Updated images on our extension and renovation in Craigstown road, Randalstown.
All blockwork is nearing completion with the joiner ready to start with the roofs next.
Fantastic views from the master bedroom balcony…but we’ll take more pictures of when it’s a better day 🙂

check out our Facebook page for more information on this project and others!!

craigstown rd randalstown

renovation and extension in ballymote, county sligo

Rear elevation of our project in Ballymote, County Sligo, Ireland
We’ve a few changes to make to our plans after our site meeting…..but!!! We’ll have more information on it next week, so stay tuned as its really going look the part.