Bespoke Homes
Our design approach is creative and innovative, yet always considers budget and schedule. We focus on sustainable design, minimising environmental impacts from materials and the ongoing upkeep of our buildings. We prioritise natural materials as they are environmentally friendly and healthier to live and work with. These materials age well, gaining a unique character that enhances spaces. We aim to design beautiful buildings that are sustainable and fit their surroundings. We value teamwork and believe in shared ideas for strong, creative solutions. Through years of collaboration, we have refined our design skills, allowing us to use various methods to create your custom home.
Residential Projects
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![Modern black house with brick walls in a lush garden under a colorful sky]()
Jalan Passivhaus
The client’s aspiration is to create a home with an exemplary level of energy performance that will achieve the Passivhaus quality assurance standard. Retrofitting the building fabric of the existing 1960’s dwelling on the site to this standard would not be financially viable or physically feasible, so the clients want to replace the dwelling with a new built form that is orientated to optimise solar gain and designed with an optimal massing and layout to achieve Passivhaus.
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![Modern house with dark exterior, large windows, and patio, surrounded by greenery.]()
Cwm Barn
A one-off project to house flexible, multi-use spaces that connect with the garden and the far-reaching views across the Herefordshire landscape.
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![A modern wooden house with solar panels on the roof, surrounded by a meadow with wildflowers.]()
Hawksfield House
Our clients wanted to build a new home on a beautiful, rural plot of land adjacent to their existing house in the village of Clifford, Herefordshire. They wanted a home that would be more manageable in scale and more cost-effective to run, allowing them to live more sustainably. They also needed space to run their rural business and to grow organic produce on their plot.
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![Modern wooden house in a forest setting with tall trees and lush greenery.]()
Fishley's Passivhaus
At the base of British Camp in the Malvern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), this timber frame Passivhaus nestles into its unique woodland setting. The house sits on the site of an old barn and was certified as a Passivhaus on its completion in 2017
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![Modern barn-style building with black and green exterior, surrounded by gardens and a stone wall, under a blue sky with clouds.]()
Orchard House
Orchard House is located within a former apple orchard on the outskirts of Hereford city. The client’s ambition is to create a bespoke home with exemplar levels of performance, comfort and quality.
What’s the process?
Think it.
RIBA Stage 0 - Strategic Definition
In this stage, we will assist clients in outlining their project goals, including design wishes and personal priorities. We will help them define the project scope, budget, and timeline.
Dream it.
RIBA Stage 1 - Preparation and Brief
At RIBA Stage 1, we will refine the project brief using information from the previous stage. This typically involves gathering site data through surveys and photos, conducting feasibility studies, performing an initial risk assessment, and creating a sustainability strategy. We will also provide advice on project costs and the best procurement approach.
Additionally, we will determine the need for other consultants and form a design team with defined roles. Finally, we will assess whether discussing plans with the local authority could be beneficial for guiding the design and gaining support for the planning application at RIBA Stage 3.
Sketch it.
RIBA Stage 2 - Concept Design
This is the first of three main design stages, featuring initial design visuals based on the brief. Early designs will be discussed and adjusted in meetings and workshops with the client.
This stage includes basic structural and building service strategies and an outline specification, informing an updated project cost plan. We will also explore relevant research and development opportunities, such as new technologies, materials, or solutions to enhance the project.
Plan it.
RIBA Stage 3 - Developed Design
After agreeing on a concept design, we create a detailed design that includes structural plans, building services, and cost estimates. The designs are clearly drawn in CAD, and we define the details, following the project brief and sustainability goals. At the end of this stage, we prepare and submit a planning application, including any required documents like a Design and Access Statement or Heritage Statement.
Detail it.
RIBA Stage 4 - Technical Design
This stage focuses on finalizing the design and preparing the information needed to tender and build the project. This includes detailed drawings, specifications, and submitting for Building Regulations Approval. It may also involve collaborating with specialised subcontractors, like window manufacturers or joinery firms, to refine details and determine accurate costs. The detail required will depend on the project's nature, the procurement method, and the information supplied by subcontractors.
Build it.
RIBA Stage 5 - Construction
The appointed contractor will begin building the project, with the architect available to answer questions and check the work as it proceeds. Our role will change based on the procurement method. If it is a traditional route, we can manage the contract, which includes tasks like preparing contractual documents, giving architect instructions, issuing payment certificates, and identifying any issues.
Live it.
RIBA Stage 6 & 7 - Handover + In use
Handover happens at the end of the building contract, after the contractor fixes any issues and the building is considered complete according to the plans. A sum of money may be held for 6 to 12 months to address any problems that arise during this time, which the contractor needs to fix.
The in-use stage includes support for clients and feedback about the building for us, the architects. We can monitor the building's energy performance and provide advice on using or modifying building systems to enhance efficiency as part of the sustainability strategy. Finally, you can relax and enjoy the space!