Residential
Arts Architecture International in Maidstone has a growing track record in residential and mixed-use projects. These range from small extensions to single dwellings to new one-off houses, conversions of existing buildings into apartments, design of new multi-unit apartment blocks and combinations of residential accommodation with other community uses. Our work in this field is concentrated primarily, but not exclusively, in Kent and Medway.
Extension and Reconfiguration
We are always keen to help homeowners through the (often daunting) process of extending and improving their home. With the recent trend towards working from home, people are reappraising how they use their existing spaces.
In addition, there is an increasing need to house other configurations besides the “traditional” family of two adults and their school-age children (adult children and elderly relatives often need to be accommodated alongside married couples, necessitating expansion and additional facilities) through extensions, loft conversions, additions of “granny annexes”, or a combination of these.
We will sit down with you, find out your needs and aspirations, and create design options and solutions for you, as well as taking you through the technical stages of getting Planning Permission, Building Regulations Approval, Party Wall Consent, and obtaining quotes from builders.
New Build Houses
We offer a bespoke service for private clients who want a new one-off home designed from scratch. The Building Regulations for new dwellings are becoming increasingly strict and something of a minefield, with new requirements for airtightness, minimising energy use and use of renewables being introduced on the drive towards Zero Carbon.
We can build the right team to ensure that all aspects of the design–space planning, site optimisation, good orientation, as well as exciting forms and materials–are integrated with the best technology to meet the latest environmental targets and minimise energy costs
Changes of Use
As demand for office space is falling due to new working methods, so demand for residential accommodation continues to rise.
We are adept at obtaining Planning Permission and Building Regulations Approval for a Change of Use for clients wishing to create additional residential accommodation by converting their existing commercial premises into individual apartments, houses in multiple occupancy or co-living units suitable for single people.
Development Studies and Planning Advice
We are often asked to carry out studies and appraisals to ascertain the viability of a project. This helps a client to test a number of different options and get ballpark costs before a firm decision is made on an optimum development solution, or even before purchasing a property. Initial ideas can also be submitted to the Local Authority in a “Pre-app” process to test the water before committing to a full Planning Application.
Loft Conversions
Even if extension of the ground footprint of a house is impossible, a loft conversion can provide valuable additional space for growing families or changing work practices. We are increasingly being asked to advise on and design loft conversions, both as stand-alone projects and also in association with extensions.
