Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) has been a widely talked topic within the built environment for a number of years. Any organisation with buildings constructed between the 1950’s and 1980’s will potentially feature this material within its construction. Sadly, the degradation of the material has resulted in the failure of a number of buildings within the UK and further afield. What’s more, some of these cases have been catastrophic. These fears have led to a major review of the material and its applications in buildings across the UK. The NHS alone estimates that repairs to thirty hospitals will cost in […]
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When you own a portfolio of properties, be it domestic or commercial, maintenance is unavoidable. Whilst many of us live by the ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’ rule in our own lives, when it comes to an investment, it pays to take good care of it. Having a handle on planned preventative maintenance is a must-have for all property owners. What is planned preventative maintenance? Often shortened to PPM, planned preventative maintenance does what it says on the tin. This task is all about forward-thinking and involves creating a plan that highlights any elements of your property that […]
As architects in Chelmsford, the technology we use has drastically changed over the last few years. From a simple toolkit made up of a ruler and pencil to now using CAD and 3D modelling, the differences are unparalleled. Utilising new technology, architects have been able to move away from 2D designs to provide a more realistic, 4D visual render for construction projects. Quite the step up from more traditional hand-drawn designs. Drones Previously, it would’ve been incredibly difficult for architects to get a proper view of a property from all angles. With the help of drones, however, architects are able […]
History welcomes many different types of architecture, most of which still hold a heavy significance today. From prehistoric architecture, the name given to structures such as Stonehenge, to the modern contemporary style, building design has drastically changed through the years. What’s more, these vast differences can also be seen from country to country. The most popular types of architecture Gothic architecture is the most popular architecture type across the globe, with dominance across 13 different countries. France, Romania, Norway, and Greece were among some of the different places to adopt this style as their main focus. Features of Gothic architecture […]
Alongside the aesthetic look of a building, a house needs to be fit for living. What’s more, it needs to be a welcoming environment that considers your life at its every stage. From growing your family to reaching retirement age, spatial design gives you the gift of a home that’s fit for a lifetime. How spatial design works Although aesthetics are still a key consideration when it comes to the spatial approach, this design type considers factors way beyond the visuals alone. This conceptual discipline looks at both style and functionality, blending the two together to build a practical but […]
Research into modern building materials for new home build can be mind-boggling. There are so many different options out there, from traditional brick to more planet conscious alternatives. If you’re lacking a background in construction, but wanting to take on a new build project, it can be difficult to know the best choices, not only in terms of aesthetic but for practicality too. The help of architects, like ourselves, should be enlisted for any major construction project. It’s our job to help bring your visions to life, all whilst supporting you in making the right choices in terms of functionality. […]
Spring has officially sprung and as such, we’re all looking for ways we can make the most of the lighter evenings. As experienced Chelmsford architects, we appreciate just how much of an impact the layout of your home can have on your mood. What’s more, we’ve also played our part in helping lots of clients brighten up their spaces. If you’re looking to change things up for the warmer months ahead, we’re here to help! What does an architect do? As Chelmsford architects, we are responsible for assisting with the planning stages of a construction project. From initial meetings to […]
Moving home is daunting, especially if you don’t know where to start or how to prepare financially. There are lots of costs to consider, with one of the most important being your survey fees. Feeling a little overwhelmed by all the jargon? To help you plan a route forward, our team have broken down the surveying process alongside a list of the main bills you need to plan ahead for. What is a survey and do I need one? The surveying process is one of the most important steps in buying a new home. Surveys are essentially a health check […]
Looking to boost your UK property value? The housing market has been hugely affected by the recent increase in mortgage rates. As a result, the amount homeowners can expect to sell their properties for has rapidly decreased. However, even with reductions being made, homeowners are still struggling to sell their properties. If you’re looking to move anytime soon, it might be worth considering ways to add to add value to your home to raise the price. Here’s our advice on how you can do just that… How to boost UK property value Building an extension Starting with one of the […]
With the news announcing the introduction of new EPC regulations in 2025, landlords are eager to know how this is going to impact them financially. Finding the right information online can be tricky. So that you can properly prepare for what’s to come, our team have broken this down below. What is an EPC rating? EPC stands for ‘Energy Performance Certificate’. This is a document that details how environmentally friendly a property is. Usually, your score will be determined during a home or commercial survey. There are 7 ratings from A-G, with ‘A’ being the most efficient. EPC ratings were […]