July 26, 2022No Comments

Planning approval in Kingsclere

After working closely with Basingstoke and Deane District Council, we are delighted to have secured planning approval for a double-storey extension in Kingsclere. Having secured previous planning approval in 2019, our client had time to consider some more improvements to the scheme.
After a rigorous concept design process, the changes included an extra bedroom, a double height feature hall and landing and associated remodelling works to ensure the flow of house worked better and views of the garden were maximised. The material palette was also adjusted for a more contemporary appearance. The client is delighted with the changes and is now looking forward to progressing the technical design work with a view to starting on site in early 2023.

July 16, 2022No Comments

Planning approval in Conservation Area

We are pleased to have secured planning approval in the Lasham Conservation Area, for one of the village's most prominent buildings, The Steam Barn.
The building dates from the early 19th century and was subsequently converted into a three-bedroom dwelling. Due to the sensitive location and historical importance of the proposal, we worked closely with the local planning authority (East Hants District Council) to ensure approval was granted for the conversion of the garage and alterations to the landscaping for additional parking.
The approved scheme will fulfil the owners' long-term aspirations and add value to a unique property. Work is due to start later in the year.

July 6, 2022No Comments

Completion in Long Sutton

We are delighted to post that our project in Long Sutton is now almost complete after the patio and landscaping works were finished. Some minor snagging works are required before we are invited back by the client for an end-of-project celebration event. The extension has completely reenergised the house.
The replacement of the conservatory and the new open-plan link between the extension and an upgraded kitchen will provide a spectacular all year round space, complemented by a vaulted ceiling and wonderful views of the Hampshire countryside. The works were completed by Marshall and Mace.

June 30, 2022No Comments

Finishing line in sight at Camberley

We were pleased to visit one of our projects in Camberley this week. The external works are almost complete, and work is progressing on the internal finishes with completion scheduled for next month.
The design incorporates an open plan family space with a new kitchen on the ground floor, a master bedroom suite with a vaulted ceiling on the first floor, and a loft conversion for a guest bedroom and study. Combined, these elements have created a unique new family home for our clients to enjoy. The work is being undertaken by Marshall and Mace.

June 22, 2022No Comments

Double-storey front and rear extension approved in Farnham

We are pleased to have secured planning approval for a large extension in Farnham, to include 90sqm of additional floor area.
Waverley Borough Council approved our scheme to transform a tired 1930s-era house into a fit-for-purpose new family home. The design includes a new open-plan family area and an additional bedroom. Both existing floor layouts will also be extensively remodelled to complement the extension plans, thereby ensuring a harmonious layout. Externally, the proposal will provide a modern twist on the original house. The existing roughcast render walls will be replaced with a smooth through colour render to tie in with the extension and the black window frames and fascia boards will be replaced with a contemporary olive-green colour.
Work on this exciting project is due to start on site later this year. We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of this transformative project.

June 21, 2022No Comments

Nearing completion in Lasham

We are delighted to report that our project in Lasham is nearing completion. Except for some final snagging items and rendering of the external walls, the schedule of works is almost complete. Our client will be moving back into the house very soon to enjoy the summer season.
The project has seen the complete transformation of a tired 1960s house into a contemporary family home. A large open-plan family space will become the centre of the house and family life. The key features of the space will include a new kitchen, dining, and snug areas. The stunning views of the surrounding countryside will be maximised with a 7m wide sliding door opening and two roof lanterns. Additional remodelling works have taken place on the first floor to greatly improve the bedroom and bathroom layouts. We are glad to report the scheme has come in on budget and within programme.

June 17, 2022No Comments

Planning approval for side return and rear extension on Victorian house

We are delighted to have secured planning approval for a side return and rear extension in Brookwood.
The approved scheme will be the finishing touch to a Victorian-era semi-detached house - a loft conversion was completed in 2012.
The extension will provide an additional 24 sqm of much needed ground floor space. The layout will include an open-plan kitchen and family room, that will have lovely views of the long garden with the trees of Brookwood cemetery in the background. The key features of the scheme include; bi-fold doors to improve the relationship between the house and the garden, a feature roof lantern for extra volume and natural light, and a sedum roof to provide a transition between the house and garden.
Approval was granted by Woking Borough Council after close collaboration with the planning case officer. Work is due to start on site later this year.

May 20, 2022No Comments

MJH’s first international commission

We are delighted to announce that our first international commission is due to start on-site in the coming weeks.
The scheme is for a contemporary-style house, measuring 250 sqm, in Jamaica.
The house will be located in a small village, on a plot our client's family has owned for several generations.
After living in the UK for 40 years, our client approached us to design his bespoke retirement home.
The brief was to create a modern, self-sufficient home, that maximised the benefits of the location and climate.
The house has an upside-down layout - bedrooms on the lower floor and living space on the upper floor - which is in response to the climate and topography of the plot.
The design also includes a covered perimeter balcony on the upper floor, providing sheltered outside space in the shade. The white render walls and modular design form a crisp contemporary appearance that is in harmony with the loci.
We have been invited to visit the project once it has been built, an offer we have gladly accepted. A site visit in the Caribbean sun!

May 18, 2022No Comments

Listed Building Consent granted in Lower Froyle

We are pleased to have secured listed building consent approval for the conversion of an early 19th-century grade II listed granary barn into a home office/study. This sensitive conversion will include improving the thermal performance of the building to make it fit for habitable use whilst maintaining the key architectural features of the barn.
The application also included approval for a detached garage and log store at the front of the property. The garage will provide much-needed shelter and protection for vehicles and storage.
Due to the sensitivities of the site and the historical importance to the village of Lower Froyle, we worked in close collaboration with the conservation team at East Hants District Council to ensure a successful approval that was respectful of the original barn and its features.
The initial feasibility designs also included a glazed link between the granary barn and the dwelling. This element is currently under review and could be incorporated into the scheme.

May 6, 2022No Comments

Planning approval for new scouts hall in Alton

We are delighted to have secured planning for a new scout hall for the Third Alton Scout Group. The approved scheme also includes a new entrance link between the new and existing halls. The proposal will enable the scouts to double their intake and reduce the long waiting list for membership. The scheme will provide a vital role in the community by improving the learning and friendship opportunities for local kids.
The brief from the scout committee was to retain the existing hall but to maximise space for a new 200 sqm hall, storage area, and entrance with facilities. The brief had to be achieved within the tight constraints of the site and the requirement to maintain a suitable outdoor activity space.
Our solution was a new entrance linking the existing and new halls in an angled L-shape arrangement along the side boundary. A key consideration in the design process was the requirement for an integrated sustainability strategy. The inclusion of solar panels and the east-west orientation of the new building will provide a design solution harnessing technology and location.
The planning approval process was aided by the support of Highway Consultant, Nick Culhane.
Detailed design will be commencing soon with on-site works planned for 2023. We will keep you updated as this key community project progresses.