More and more people are looking at sustainable ways of living. A passivhaus is the gold standard of energy efficiency, built to rigorous principles using complex software.
This article is a very brief overview of quite what passivhaus construction entails, and what to consider if you’re thinking of building one.
If a building is a passivhaus, that means that it’s been constructed according to a rigorous standard of energy efficiency – what the energy saving trust calls ‘gold standard.’ First conceived and developed in Germany, a passivhaus building is constructed to be as efficient as possible, so that they require minimal heating or cooling – usually around 75% less than a standard new-build.
Passivhaus construction is not the same as carbon neutral buildings, as the passivhaus process aims to reduce the amount of energy used in the first instance. On the other hand, carbon neutral buildings have emissions minimised during construction and offset by other climate-friendly initiatives, like planting trees.
Typically, passivhaus construction methods include features including exceptional insulation, triple glazing, airtightness, mechanical ventilation, and a single compact shape, amongst others. Although older buildings can be retrofitted to passivhaus construction principles, this won’t reach the same degree of efficiency as a custom-build property. Understandably, custom-build passivhaus buildings are likely to be more expensive.
Building a passivhaus is no small feat – the Passivhaus Trust recommends setting out on any design process from the earliest possible point, so as to maximise integration of passivhaus principles and practice into any design. If you decide at a later point in the design process to integrate passivhaus principles, you may find it challenging to comply with correct construction processes.
You’ll need to consider the following when looking to build a passivhaus:
It’s worth noting that a passivhaus might be more expensive to build, but you’ll likely benefit from cumulative savings on energy bills as the years go on.
To be a passivhaus, the building has to be modelled via a piece of software known as PHPP or Passivhaus Planning Package software.
As a result, if you’re looking to hire an architecture and builder, it’s best to hire one with knowledge and experience of passivhaus design and construction. They’ll be familiar with integrating complex PHPP software into their plans, as well as with the overall software.
An architect can also help you to secure planning permission for a passivhaus, which are typically looked on favourably thanks to their energy efficiency.
To be a passivhaus building, certain key principles have to be adhered to. These include energy efficient glazing and windows, low heating, maximum ventilation, stringent airtightness, minimal thermal bridging, optimised solar gain, and super insulation.
These essential principles have to be taken into account throughout both the design and the build period. That’s why it’s beneficial to use a passivhaus approach from the get-go.
If you still have questions about how to achieve a passivhaus build, or want advice on the cost and construction, speak to CODA Bespoke today.
With over 40 years’ collective experience, as well as a long list of awards and nominations, our team can help you to design and build a bespoke, luxury home in Sheffield and the surrounding areas. Get in touch today to begin your life-changing journey.
If you’ve just had planning permission refused, you’ll no doubt be wondering why. Or maybe you’re looking to avoid getting planning permission denied in the first place? Whatever the case, an architect can help – as this article will outline.
There are a few reasons why you may have experienced a planning application refusal. Some of the most common ones include conflict with a national or local planning policy, environmental concerns, issues with the design either in terms of building material or visual appearance, and loss of privacy for a neighbour.
If your proposal has been denied, there are steps that you can take in order to work around this – including help from an architect.
Yes, an architect can help you secure planning permission, and they can also help to rework any planning application that has been refused for re-submission. However, as the Architects Registration Board specify, no architect can absolutely guarantee planning permission – the authority for that lies with the planning board.
An architect will be able to help you consider any local authority guidelines, as well as any other regulations by which your planning permission needs to abide. As such, it might be wise to consult with an architect before putting in your proposal, to maximise your chance of securing permission.
If your planning application has been refused, there are steps that you can take, including the following…
If you feel that your permission was unfairly refused, you can appeal the decision to the Secretary of State. This has to be done within twelve weeks of the refusal. It’s worth bearing in mind that appeals tend to be long, sometimes costly processes, with infrequent success if no changes are made to the application.
As detailed above, hiring an architect isn’t a failsafe way of getting your approval, but they will be able to advise on the appropriateness of your proposal.
If you’re concerned that your application might be rejected, you can withdraw it before refusal and revise it for resubmission. This might be a useful step if you and your architect realise that the proposal has a potential issue that might lead to refusals.
You can hire an architect if your initial application was refused, as they can help you to make the changes necessary in order to accord with the planning council’s feedback. You then have the chance to submit another application for free within a year of refusal.
The council or planning body will have provided you with detailed reasons for the refusal, which you can then take on board when you rework your submission.
If you’re looking to submit a planning proposal, talk to the team at CODA Bespoke today. We can help you to develop a successful, uniquely tailored planning proposal based around your individual needs and wants.
With over 40 years collective experience in luxury residential architecture, as well as a host of awards under our belt, we’re confident that we can design and deliver superior living spaces. Contact us today.
Many people spend a lot of time and money searching for a suitable piece of land to build on. But if you have enough space in your garden, it could be the perfect solution. Read on to learn more about the factors you’ll need to consider when building in your garden...
The first step you should always take before building in your garden is to check the Land Registry for covenants on your property, as they can even override planning permission. Covenants are provisions that set restrictions or specifications for the usage of a piece of land, usually for the benefit of surrounding land or property.
Restrictive covenants are generally applied to the land, rather than the owner, so will usually still be applicable even after the original owner has moved. If there is a restrictive covenant on your property, seeking advice from a solicitor is the best move. In some cases, you may be able to remove the covenant through the court system.
You’ll also need to be clued up on planning permission, as outcomes will vary depending on the size and usage of the planned building.
Your development is a Class E building that fits within the guidelines. Class E buildings refer to any building that is built within the curtilage – land surrounding the house – and is ‘incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house’. It should not cover more than 50% of the curtilage, nor should it be constructed at the front of the property.
As Class E buildings are intended for incidental use, this will normally cover sheds, summer houses, garden offices and the like. However, there are some guidelines that buildings will need to adhere to in order to qualify for Class E exemptions...
Whether your building is incidental to your main property or not, there are certain types of garden constructions that you will need planning permission for. This includes buildings...
You're more likely to receive permission if your property fits in with your council’s Local Plan, so it could be beneficial to check out their planning policies beforehand. There are further restrictions for heritage sites, and developing an outbuilding in the curtilage of a listed building will always require planning permission.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is a tax levied on profits obtained when an asset that has increased in value is sold or ‘disposed of’. If you obtain planning permission for a piece of land in your garden and then sell it off without developing on it, your profits should be exempt from CGT if the land measures under 0.6 hectares. If you move into the new property and sell your old home, you’ll also be exempt from CGT on the sale.
However, you’ll be liable to pay the CGT if you sell the property off immediately or subesquent to renting it out. It's always a good idea to discuss your circumstances with a financial advisor before deciding on a course of action.
Once you’ve sorted out the technicalities, it’s time to think about designing your outbuilding. Whether you’re looking to build an outdoor office or a new-build home for your extended family, CODA Bespoke has over 40 years of combined experience creating outstanding luxury buildings.
If you’d like to know more about our award-winning services, don’t hestitate to reach out to our team. Alternatively, take a look through our projects to get a sense of what we create.
If you’re looking to self-build your dream home, you might be confused about where to start. There are many options available to those looking to build – some with fierce competition and pitfalls to overcome. In this guide, we’ll cover how to find and buy the right land for your self-build project.
There are several places to look when searching for land:
The most important factor to consider when searching for self-build land is planning permission. A lot of land is unsuitable to build on, and some unscrupulous sellers will attempt to sell land that is highly unlikely to ever receive planning permission.
Generally speaking, you should avoid land without planning permission, or discuss the land carefully with a local planning officer beforehand. You'll also need to consider access to the land by road.
Greenfield sites are pieces of land that haven’t been built on before, including everything from countryside fields to the land between two properties. This type of land is often very difficult to obtain planning permission for.
Your best bet for self-build land is usually a brownfield site, referring to land that has already been developed on. Councils are more likely to approve planning for these sites, and they’re relatively inexpensive. However, there are demolition costs to consider.
Local authorities are required to keep Brownfield Registers, which detail all the brownfield land suitable for residential development in the local area. Whilst some of these plots might appear rough around the edges, many can be transformed into wonderful locations for a new self-build home.
The process of purchasing land varies. It could involve bidding on a brownfield site at an auction or approaching the council for a disused plot. Before buying, you should hire a surveyor to check for any issues with the land, including whether it’s suitable to build on or whether there are any environmental issues.
You’ll also usually need to hire a solicitor to assist with the legal process, which will include checking for any covenants or other restrictions. Finally, if the residential land is worth over £125,000, you’ll also need to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax.
Once you’ve bought your land, you can make a start on the design process. At CODA Bespoke, our award-winning Sheffield team specialises in creating show-stopping luxury properties, so your dream self-build home can become a reality.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards a bespoke self-build home, contact our team to discuss your plans. Or take a look at our portfolio to see our previous projects.
The home is the centre of life. It’s the place you eat, sleep, rest, enjoy leisure time and make memories with loved ones. So it’s not surprising that cramped, dark and cluttered homes can have such a detrimental effect on mental wellbeing.
If your dream is to design a restful home that soothes your mind after a hard day at work, there are some key design tips to follow...
Natural light has a whole host of wellbeing benefits, including regulating our sleep-wake cycle, supporting the absorption of vitamin D, and boosting our mood. Choosing the right size and position of windows is the architectural solution to bringing more natural light into your home.
Large windows bring in lots of mood-boosting light – and beautiful views too. Position them in the rooms you most frequently occupy to receive their benefits all day long.
Countless studies have shown the benefits of so-called ‘biophilic design’ on productivity and recovery. This type of design centres on the human need to connect with other forms of natural life – from plants to animals.
You can incorporate biophilic design into your home through utilising natural materials, including stone walls, clay plaster and tiles, and slate roofing and siding. Wide patio doors, balconies and roof-gardens can also help bring more of the outdoors to your home.
Cluttered and cramped spaces can contribute to poor mental health. Research has shown that people in cluttered homes have decreased satisfaction with life, for example. As well as making an effort to keep your home neat and tidy day to day, there are a few design tips that can help you reduce the levels of perceived crowding.
Naturally, large, open-plan spaces will have that effect. Rather than splitting your home into different areas, allow the plan to flow from living space to dining space to kitchen and so on. Interestingly, another feature that has been found to increase the impression of spaciousness is high ceilings. That’s particularly true for bedrooms, which – along with bathrooms and toilets – are one room that won’t benefit from an open plan approach.
One of the many joys of designing a home is that it can be purpose-built to your requirements. In other words, designed for exactly how you want to use it. If you’ve got wellbeing at the front of your mind, you can even include rooms specifically for improving it.
While the conventional home comprises rooms for living, dining, cooking and sleeping (along with bathrooms), you could also add in spaces specifically for relaxation. An obvious choice is a room for mindfulness and meditation, which can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
With lots of research suggesting that hobbies can lessen and even prevent depression too, you might also want to give yourself a space to get creative. Let’s not forget the importance of exercise for mental health – making a home gym another good idea for mental and physical wellbeing.
If you want to put wellbeing at the heart of your home, CODA Bespoke is on hand to help. Our team of architects in Sheffield is committed to turning your vision into a reality, whether it’s a luxury new build or bespoke extension.
If you’d like to talk more about your ideas, don’t hesitate to contact our team today. Or take a look at some of our previous projects for an idea what we do.
Turning your vision into a reality is no mean feat. That’s why, when choosing an architect, you want someone you can trust and depend on. In this post, we’ll discuss how to choose an architect for the best results on your project – breaking it down into four simple questions.
This might sound facetious, but architect isn’t a word that can be thrown about. While some companies might offer architectural services, the term architect is legally reserved for those who have the qualifications to match it.
All architects are registered with the Architects Registration Board. You can also look for membership with the Royal Institute of British Architects. This isn’t essential, but most architects join to show their continued adherence with up-to-date best practices.
It’s one thing having architectural knowledge, but has it been put into practice? Having years of experience in architecture shows that a company or contractor has mastered their craft.
It also gives you a better idea of the work they do. Experienced architects will have a portfolio of previous projects that you can look at and read about. Weigh up whether these projects are similar to what you’re looking for – not necessarily in the exact style, but the budget and project type.
If you’re looking for an architect for a luxury new-build home, for example, someone who works solely on commercial projects probably isn’t for you.
Location should never be a standalone factor in which architect you choose for your project. However, there’s a lot to be said for having an architect that’s based nearby.
Firstly, they’re only ever a few minutes away for face-to-face meetings or site visits. They also have a wealth of knowledge about local planning laws and regulations. That’s all topped off with a network of trusted local contacts, from contractors to suppliers, that could help with your project.
As an added bonus, some of their previous work will likely be nearby too, so you can even have a look at the buildings in person if you’d prefer (just make sure you don’t worry whoever’s living there).
As well as experience, expertise and location, it’s worth digging a little deeper into the core values of potential candidates. After all, this will have a huge impact on the process and end results of your project.
Some architects will be focused on putting their own spin on things. They’re hired by people who want projects taking off their hands, typically for commercial purposes.
Others will be dedicated to your vision and how it can be brought to life. Traditional or innovative, understated or bold – the choice is yours.
If you want an architect that puts your ideas at the very heart of the design process, CODA Bespoke is ready and waiting. We specialise in life-changing, bespoke, luxury homes across the UK, including new-builds, residential developments, extensions and renovations.
With over 40 years’ collective experience, RIBA accreditation and a long list of awards and nominations, you can trust our local team to turn your vision into a reality – and ensure the entire process runs smoothly. Get in touch with us today to get started.
Olympia Wellbeing Academy, supported by CODA Bespoke, submitted plans to Sheffield City Council earlier this year for the former Adelphi Cinema on Vicarage Road in Attercliffe.
The building opened in 1920 as a picture house and has also previously been used as a bingo hall and nightclub. It was most recently used as a music teaching facility, which closed in 2006.
The new plans cover the conversion of the ground floor as an educational facility involving mentoring through sports and fitness.
The existing dance floor will be used as a multi-functional exercise area, with the area where the floor is raised, and stores to be split into a cardio area and resistance and weights space. The kitchen would remain in place.
The council has now granted planning permission, subject to conditions, under delegated powers.
CODA Bespoke director Abel Hinchliffe said: "We are delighted that Sheffield Council has approved our plans for this historic Attercliffe building.
"This was not a typical CODA Bespoke project but it is one that we were very excited about as we are passionate about preserving our city's heritage. We are so pleased that a building that managed to survive many decades of change will now be preserved for future generations.
"It's a great example of how a building from the past can be given fresh life - though the original builders and owners might be very surprised to see how the property has had to adapt to survive."
Bradley Cooke and Nikola Matusiewicz join the company as Part 1 and Part 2 architects while Regan Hill becomes a Part 1 architect after graduating from Sheffield Hallam University.
“We are continuing to experience a real demand for our work, not just locally but across the whole country,” said CODA Bespoke director Abel Hinchliffe.
“Regan, Bradley and Nikola will make a valuable addition to the team as we look forward to developing the CODA Bespoke brand in 2022.”
Please join us in giving our new team members a warm welcome.
The Art Deco Adelphi Cinema on Vicarage Lane in Attercliffe first opened in 1920 and through the decades since then it has been everything from a bingo hall and night club to a music teaching facility.
The building, famous for its distinctive and highly ornamented Art Deco frontage, has stood empty since 2006.
But now CODA Bespoke has submitted an application to Sheffield City Council on behalf of Olympia Wellbeing Academy, which would see the building’s ground floor converted into an educational facility for children, working around mentoring through sport and fitness.
The application would see the former dance floor - dating back to its night club days - become a multi-functional exercise area, with other space becoming a cardio area and space resistance and weight training.
CODA Bespoke director Abel Hinchliffe commented: “This is not a typical CODA Bespoke project but it is one that we are all very excited about as everybody at CODA is passionate about preserving our city’s heritage.
“The Adelphi really is at the heart of Attercliffe and has quite remarkably managed to survive decades of change and, more recently, neglect.
“Its future is central to the re-development of the whole of this area and we believe we have created something for Olympia Wellbeing Academy that will serve their needs and save the building for future generations.
“It is the perfect example of how a building from the past can be given fresh life, which is very much part of the CODA philosophy.
“We are taking the approach of minimal intervention and retaining all the historical frontage and main entrance of the building.
“The development will be ‘light touch’ to respect the historical heritage of the site and its surroundings.”
