News - Pyramid Architectural Design

Summer Dreaming: Inspiring Ideas for Extensions and Renovations In the UK

As the days grow longer and the sun graces us with its warmth, summer becomes the perfect season to embark on home improvement projects. Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-drenched extension, a garden revamp, or a stylish home renovation, now is the time to turn those aspirations into reality. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of inspiring ideas for summer extensions and renovations.

Open-Plan Living Spaces:

One of the most popular trends in home design is the creation of open-plan living areas. By knocking down walls and merging kitchen, dining, and living spaces, you can create a seamless flow that maximizes natural light and enhances the sense of space. This design not only fosters a more social environment but also adds a modern touch to traditional homes.

Glass Extensions:

Imagine a sleek glass extension that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors, allowing you to enjoy your garden view all year round. Glass extensions, with their floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist frames, create a bright and airy atmosphere. They are perfect for adding a contemporary edge to period properties common across the North East and across England.

Loft Conversions:

Utilise the often-underused space in your loft to create an additional bedroom, home office, or playroom. Loft conversions are an excellent way to increase living space without altering the footprint of your home. With the right design, your loft can become a stylish and functional part of your home.

Kitchen Renovations:

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a summer renovation can breathe new life into this vital space. Consider installing a kitchen island, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, or incorporating bespoke cabinetry. Modern, open shelving and smart storage solutions can also enhance functionality and aesthetics.

Outdoor Living Areas:

Transform your garden into an outdoor oasis with a thoughtfully designed living area. Decking, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens are just a few ideas to create a space perfect for summer entertaining. Adding bi-fold doors can seamlessly connect your indoor and outdoor spaces, making your garden an extension of your home.

Eco-Friendly Upgrades:

Sustainability is more important than ever, and there are many ways to make your home more eco-friendly during your renovation. Consider installing solar panels, green roofs, or energy-efficient windows. These upgrades not only reduce your carbon footprint but can also save you money on energy bills in the long run.

Bathroom Makeovers:

A bathroom makeover can transform your daily routine into a spa-like experience. Opt for luxurious fittings such as rainfall showers, freestanding bathtubs, and underfloor heating. Natural materials like stone and wood can add a touch of elegance and warmth.

Home Office Transformation:

With remote working becoming more prevalent, a dedicated home office is a valuable addition. Ensure your workspace is functional and inspiring by incorporating ergonomic furniture, ample storage, and plenty of natural light. A well-designed home office can boost productivity and enhance your work-life balance.

Conclusion

Summer is the ideal season to embark on extensions and renovations that enhance both the functionality and beauty of your home. From open-plan living spaces to eco-friendly upgrades, there are countless ways to create a home that suits your lifestyle and reflects your personal style. At Pyramid Architectural Design, our team of architectural designers in the North East of England is ready to help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start planning your summer transformation and turn your dream home into a reality. Explore our website for more inspiration and to see how we can assist you with your next project.

Architectural, Pyramid

‘Tis the Season to Plan: Kickstart Your 2024 Renovations During the Christmas Break

As the festive season approaches, the thoughts of many turn to family gatherings, twinkling lights, and the warmth of the holiday spirit. However, for those with a keen eye on home renovations in the upcoming year, the Christmas break provides the perfect opportunity to turn visions into plans. In this guide, tailored for our friends in the North East of England, we’ll explore practical steps to make the most of your Christmas downtime and lay the groundwork for a transformative 2024 renovation project.

Reflect on Your Goals:

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, take some time to reflect on your renovation goals. Whether it’s a kitchen overhaul, a stylish extension, or a complete home makeover, understanding your objectives will guide the entire planning process.

Budgeting and Financing:

Consider your budget for the project. Assess your savings, explore financing options, and ensure you have a clear understanding of the costs involved. With a realistic budget in mind, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions throughout the planning process.

Research and Inspiration:

Use the Christmas break to gather inspiration for your renovation. Explore home design magazines, websites, and social media platforms for ideas that resonate with your style. Create a mood board to visually capture the elements you’d like to incorporate into your home.

Engage Professional Services:

If your renovation plans involve structural changes or complex designs, consider engaging with professional architectural and design services. Companies like ours servicing the North of England can provide valuable insights, ensuring your project is not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound and compliant with local regulations.

Check Local Planning Requirements:

Take advantage of the downtime to familiarize yourself with local planning requirements in your area. Local Council guidelines and policies can influence your project, so understanding them early in the process will save time and prevent potential setbacks later on.

Create a Timeline:

Outline a rough timeline for your renovation project. Factor in key milestones such as planning approval, contractor selection, and construction phases. Having a realistic schedule will help manage expectations and ensure a smoother execution of your plans.

Declutter and Prepare:

Clear out the spaces that will be renovated. Decluttering not only prepares the area for construction but also provides a clearer vision of the potential in the space. Donate or store items not needed during the renovation to create a more efficient work environment.

Secure Your Contractors:

Research and contact potential contractors for your project. Obtain quotes and references, and secure the professionals you’ll need well in advance. The Christmas break is an excellent time to initiate these conversations before the busy construction season kicks in.

Conclusion

As you enjoy the festive cheer and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, seize the opportunity to lay the groundwork for your 2024 renovations. By reflecting on your goals, creating a realistic budget, and engaging professional services early on, you’ll set the stage for a successful and stress-free home transformation in the North East of England. Remember, at Pyramid, we’re here to guide you through every step of the journey. Wishing you a joyous Christmas and a prosperous new year filled with exciting home renovation plans!

Architectural, Pyramid

Navigating the Planning Maze: A Guide to Getting Approval in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

Are you considering a new construction project in Newcastle Upon Tyne? Perhaps you have dreams of expanding your home, creating a stylish extension, or even embarking on a brand-new build. Whatever your architectural aspirations, the key to transforming your vision into reality often lies in the successful acquisition of planning permission. In this article, we’ll explore the process of obtaining planning approval in Newcastle Upon Tyne, shedding light on the intricacies that can make or break your project.

Understanding the Basics:

Newcastle Upon Tyne, like any other part of the UK, operates under a planning system designed to balance the interests of developers, the community, and the environment. The local planning authority, Newcastle City Council, plays a pivotal role in evaluating applications and ensuring they align with the city’s development plan.

Research the Local Development Plan:

Before diving into the planning process, familiarise yourself with the Newcastle City Council’s Local Development Plan. This document outlines the city’s vision for future development, including specific policies and guidelines. Understanding these guidelines is crucial as your application will be assessed against them.

Pre-Application Advice:

Seek pre-application advice from the council. Many applicants find this step helpful as it provides insight into potential issues, ensuring your application is well-prepared and more likely to receive approval.

The Application Process

Completing the Application:

Submit a comprehensive planning application that includes all necessary documents and information. Incomplete applications can lead to delays or rejections.

Public Consultation:

Depending on the nature of your project, the council may require a public consultation. This involves notifying neighbours and other stakeholders, allowing them to express their views on your proposal.

Decision Time:

Once your application is complete, the council will review it, considering factors such as impact on the environment, local amenities, and compliance with planning policies. The decision-making process typically takes eight weeks, but more complex projects may require additional time.

Common Challenges and Tips

Local Opposition:

Be prepared for potential objections from neighbours or community groups. Engaging with the community and addressing concerns early in the process can help mitigate opposition.

Environmental Considerations:

Newcastle Upon Tyne is known for its rich history and diverse architecture. Ensure your project aligns with the city’s character and addresses any environmental concerns, such as the impact on green spaces or historic buildings.

Professional Guidance:

Consider seeking professional assistance from an architectural design company with experience in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Their expertise can streamline the process and increase the likelihood of approval.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the planning permission process in Newcastle Upon Tyne may seem like a complex maze, thorough preparation and adherence to local guidelines can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember, every project is unique, and careful consideration of the specific challenges posed by your proposal is essential.

For tailored guidance and expert assistance in navigating the intricacies of planning permission, consider partnering with Pyramid, your trusted architectural design company in the North East of England. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to turning your architectural dreams into reality, ensuring a seamless journey from concept to approval. Explore our website for more information on our services and how we can contribute to the success of your next project.

Architectural, Pyramid

We are hiring!

We are on the lookout for an Architectural Technician to join our well-established Practice based in Teesside. This is an excellent opportunity for an Architectural Technician to develop their career further within an ambitious, expanding team. The successful candidate will need a good working knowledge of AutoCAD and although not a requirement, ideally will have previous experience working within the domestic and commercial sectors. This opportunity is within a very fast paced environment so it would require someone that is highly motivated and has an excellent work ethic to work within the company. The successful Architectural Technician would need the ability to work on a number of projects at any one time and manage their time as well as their team’s time accordingly.

Architectural Technician / Technologist Position Overview

• Delivering projects to deadline
• Maintaining client contacts
• Delivering Technical Packages throughout the projects
• Working within AutoCAD Daily
• Working within the Residential and commercial Sector

Requirements

• Relevant Experience
• Living in or near the Middlesbrough area
• Proficient with AutoCAD
• Highly motivated with an excellent work ethic
• Working knowledge of Technical Building Design and Building Regulations and a thirst for exceptional design.

To speak with one of the team about this opportunity please call 01642 280 339 or send an enquiry through the contact us form here. To submit your job application direct, please send your covering letter and CV to info@pyramiddesigns.co.uk

Architectural

Do I need drawings?

If you engage an architectural technician you will pretty much always end up with a better end product.
Architectural technicians are highly trained and are especially good as seeing the “big picture” – in making the best of the space you have, in getting interesting designs, in ensuring the light is right, the feel is good, and that the house works.
Architectural technicians are usually good at ensuring the work is professionally done – that it meets the requirements of building control, that you have a structural engineer if you need one. A specialist is good at the detail that most of us rarely think about and which, if done wrongly, can end up being costly mistakes – which way should the door open? Should we have recessed lights? Where should the outlet pipes go? Should you be able to see the toilet when the bathroom door is open?
An architectural technician can also help you find the best builder, project manage the whole works, and keep within budget. It’s our job to represent your interests with builders and local authorities. Pyramid Architectural Design are a team of architectural technicians based in Middlesbrough and provide architectural services in Middlesbrough, Redcar, Marske, Guisborough and surrounding areas. Speak to one of our architectural experts today!

How much will building an extension cost?

Depending where you are in the UK, for a straightforward extension you should allow around £1,000–£2,000/m². But, the cost of your extension will all come down to a number of factors, including size, specification and location.

Building a single-storey extension will cost the following per/m²:

Basic quality: £1,000 to £1,680
Good quality: £1,680 to £1,920
Excellent quality: £1,920 to £2,160

Building a two-storey extension will not cost much more per square metre because, aside from the extra interior fixtures and finishes, you are only adding walls and floor joists — a roof and foundations are required whether your extension is single or two storey.

Building Regulations for Building an Extension

Whether you require planning consent or not, you will need to make sure you comply with Building Regulations. To meet the Regs, you can either submit a Full Plan Submission or a Building Notice.

Full Plan Submission: send plans to your local authority building control or approved inspector prior to the build for approval. The building inspector visits your site at different stages and inspects the work as it progresses

Building Notice: a statement which lets the local authority know that you will be complying with the regulations in building your extension and gives the building control department 48-hours notice of your intention to start the work. Building inspectors will inspect the work at various stages and will advise you of any problems

A Building Notice is the riskier of the two as you may only find out you have a compliance issue once building work has started, which then needs to be paid to be put right.

To speak with one of the team please call 01642 280 339 or send an enquiry through the contact us form.

Pyramid Architectural design specialise in extensions, loft conversions, planning permission drawings, building regulations drawings and change of use applications in the North East of England. Areas covered include but not limited to; Redcar and Cleveland, Guisborough, Saltburn, Middlesbrough, Whitby, Scarborough, Harrogate, Ripon and throughout North Yorkshire.

Architectural

Do I need planning permission?

Not necessarily, in most cases you can carry out works under permitted development. Lots of different factors affect if planning will be required, such as:

Listed buildings
Conservation areas
Conditions on your property
Location of proposed extension / addition
Scale of proposal
Areas of outstanding natural beauty
An area specified by the Secretary of State for the purposes of enhancement and protection of the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside (the Broads, a National Park or a World Heritage site)

Below are the criteria you must meet if you wish to meet PD:

you can extend a detached property by 8m to the rear if it’s a single-storey extension, or by 3m if it’s double
A single-storey extension can’t be higher than 4m on the ridge and the eaves, and ridge heights of any extension can’t be higher than the existing property
Two-storey extensions must not be closer than 7m to the rear boundary
Side extensions can only be single storey with a maximum height of 4m and a width no more than half of the original building
Any new extension must be built in the same or similar material to the existing dwelling
Extensions must not go forward of the building line of the original dwelling
In designated areas (such as areas of outstanding natural beauty, conservation areas, etc), side extensions require planning permission and all rear extensions must be single storey
An extension must not result in more than half the area around the house being covered

If you have any planning queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will advise on the best route for your project.

Pyramid Architectural Design are the North Easts architectural experts with over 50 years experience of planning permission and building regulations drawings.

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Architectural, Pyramid

Attention to detail

At Pyramid Architectural design we pride ourselves on our attention to detail throughout our services. We endeavour to deliver a thorough service and provide a high level of professionalism. This attention to detail allows us to provide the client with a design that goes beyond all expectations. Our attention to detail is also showcased in our thorough site visits and our initial consultations, we believe this is the best way to achieve everything that we can for the project.

Our Style

Our vision for your project is not always solely based on aesthetics, some architectural designers fall into the trap of designing a very aesthetically pleasing design which when given to a structural engineer causes headaches and can hold up the design stage massively due to the buildability of the design. We always ensure that our designs are fully buildable but still meet all the client’s requirements, this is sometimes achieved by using different and more modern methods of construction (MMC). Some of these include SIP panels, modular construction, lightweight steel frames and timber frames. These modern methods can sometimes be a brilliant utilization of current technological advancements, however for most projects the traditional methods of construction work best.

Please see our portfolio and reviews to see if you think Pyramid Architectural Design would be suited for your project.

Get in touch

Open-Plan Living Spaces:

Glass Extensions:

Loft Conversions:

Kitchen Renovations:

Outdoor Living Areas:

Eco-Friendly Upgrades:

Bathroom Makeovers:

Home Office Transformation:

Conclusion

Reflect on Your Goals:

Budgeting and Financing:

Research and Inspiration:

Engage Professional Services:

Check Local Planning Requirements:

Create a Timeline:

Declutter and Prepare:

Secure Your Contractors:

Conclusion

Understanding the Basics:

Research the Local Development Plan:

Pre-Application Advice:

The Application Process

Completing the Application:

Public Consultation:

Decision Time:

Common Challenges and Tips

Local Opposition:

Environmental Considerations:

Professional Guidance:

Conclusion

Architectural Technician / Technologist Position Overview

Requirements

Building Regulations for Building an Extension

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