New 4 bedroom dwelling incorporating glazed entrance hall with double volume feature and open plan kitchen / dining room in Silsden, near Keighley.

Taking advantage of the generous plot of a late 19th century Arts and Crafts style property, the breif was to acquire planning and building regulation approvals and provide assistance with the project on site, concluding with Architects Certificates for new family dwelling with sypathetic design to the existing house. The project proved successful creating a light and generously proportioned home complimenting the setting in terms of massing and architefctural design. Some dialogue was required with planning officers but approval was granted at the first attempt and we created a modern home meeting building regulationswhich we administered in consultation with the local authoity building control team and inspectors. We assisted our client to acquire quotes for the building work at the appropriate tender stage.

The scheme appears relatively simple in design terms but is well finished by local contractor Chris Milnes (Chris Milnes Building Contractors Ltd) and his team.

We first posted this project on our website when AV Architects had helped Clients acquire planning approval to extend a their listed building home in Pool in Wharfedale in Jan 2018 . Working with other consultants, our clients ambitions were thwarted at planning stage. AV Architects reviewed the merits of the planning case and recommended a different and more sympathetic design approach which met with planner support and approval was granted in December 2017.

Following planning approval, Building Regulation plan approval was acquired and we proceeded to assist in the appointment of a contractor thereafter. We envisaged the design of the extension would transform the dwelling into a modern family home whilst retaining the character of an history building and this has been achieved successfully. The design not only has merit in planning terms, it has integrity in terms of the heritage context, offers spatial design benefit and is an efficient and cost effective way to develop the property with minimum impact upon the existing building and layout. As anticipated, the layout provides balance to the dwelling by generating more space, including 3 upstairs bedrooms and more accessible guess accommodation at ground floor. On entry through the front door the design improves the sense of space with a more generous hallway.

House extension project comprising of single storey extension and internal alterations to create a large family living kitchen space in Gilstead, near Bingley.

The Clients brief was to transform their property with large extension and internal alterations to create an open plan living kitchen dining space. They desired an extremely impressive space and natural light was a key requirement from the outset of the design process. Size was important also and the subtle positioning of the property (set back to some extent) in relation to neighbours house, helped our keenly fought planning case for a 4m deep extension. Productive dialogue with the planning case officer helped us achieve planing approval at the first attempt.

The scheme was also unique due to the elevated floor level above the rear garden. External access had to be considered to manage to the transition to the garden space.

The scheme appears relatively simple in design terms but is well proportioned and successfully transforms the space meeting the Clients brief. The combination of large bi-fold doors to the rear, new velux windows and vaulted ceiling generate an abundance of natural light and added volume within the extension.

House extension project comprising of single storey extension and internal alterations to create a large family living kitchen space in Eldwick, near Bingley.

The scheme appears relatively simple in design terms but is well proportioned and successfully transforms the space providing the space the Clients desired. The combination of large bi-fold doors to the rear, new velux windows and vaulted ceiling generate an abundance of natural light within the extension and the kitchen and dining spaces beyond.

This project in Back Leeming, near Oxenhope and Haworth involved the combining of 2 traditional stone terraced dwelling properties into one and modernising to form a new holiday let accommodation called Box Tree Cottage. The historic nature, conservation designation and very traditional style of property and tight site resulted in a challenging project. The scheme of work included porch extension using permitted development rights to maximise the internal floor area. The owners care and attention to detail, willingness to fully renovate the property and eye for interior design ensured a welcoming, charming and delightful place to visit.

Householder extension and loft conversion project to a compact bungalow style property in Addingham, Ilkley. The scheme developed the small dwelling into a family home with 3 bedrooms including master bedroom with dressing area and en suite developed in the loft. The relatively small ground floor extensions proved invaluable enabling more efficient and open plan living space creating a modern home with signifcantly added market value.

Residential development of 2 new semi detached dwellings on a small site located in Steeton. This project proved a complex scheme due to site constraints. Nearby established trees and made ground necessating pile foundations to enable viable construction, was key to the viability. The privacy of neighbouring dwellings and parking also presented a challenging planning case. Working with the planning case officer we managed to develop a scheme that could be supported at local level.

The design of the properties is relatively standard for market housing although natural materials were required to remain sypathetic to the setting and the compact dwellings required some careful design in terms of layout.

Working for project managers Smith Parsons, Aire Valley Architects helped deliver this mezzanine project to develop additional valuable floorspace within existing volume available at Swain House Primary School. The scheme included design of a new staircase, new floor construction and design of the associated administrative space. Key to the design success of this project was delivery of a clean functional space benefitting from good natural light levels. The project had to be delivered to tight deadlines and within a small construction window to ensure construction work remained with a school holiday period

This project involved reconfiguration and extension of the existing property to convert a dated and cramped 1970′s 3 bedroom detached dormer bungalow style dwelling into a contemporary and spacious 4 bedroom family home in Addingham. Comprising of internal alterations, garage conversion and two storey side extension the project was phased to ensure the home remained habitable throughout the works.

The scheme required careful design work to optimize the footprint of the extension taken into account planning constraints relating to the amenity of neighbouring properties whilst ensuring volume was generated to access first floor accommodation and maintaining garden space to the rear. It was also important to utilise floor space to fit en-suite bathroom spaces and built in wardrobes without compromising generous bedrooms. At ground floor the conversion of an existing double garage into a spacious and contemporary space connecting to the rear garden with the use of bi-fold doors is a particularly successful part of the scheme albeit the space remains to be fully finished (we look forward to providing further photographs in due course.)

Aria House is an new build exclusive single dwelling for private clients in Lightcliffe, near Brighouse in Calderdale District Council. The brief was to develop a high quality modern looking dwelling with unique or exclusive character and level of distinction. AV Architects provided Architect design services and administered Planning and Building Regulation process to acquire necessary statutory approvals.

The plot, located within green belt land on a prominent site adjacent Smith House Lane, presented interesting design challenges and we had to carefully consider development of the site for a very generously proportions dwelling with relatively large mass in an relatively exposed location. Given the location and Client preferences we approached the design using traditional form with carefully laid out proportions, symmetry to a certain degree and traditional materials, opting to generate an understated modern character using large window openings and modern glazing. It was important to break down the mass of the dwelling and this is achieved using 2 linked gables which provides steps in the building footprint and a varied profile. Given the extent of masonry, the choice of stonework was also important and the variation in colour and texture works successfully.

Imaginative designed Barn Conversion to develop 2 storey accommodation within the limited volume of the existing barn structure using split levels whilst creating open plan kichen dining area and generous lounge in an efficient floor layout. The living areas utilising vaulted ceilings and the original timber truss structure are exposed, generating a comfortable mix of modern and traditional features and light and airy sense of space.

Interesting project to convert loft space in to a multi purpose learning area with new access stairwell.

This unusual project derived from our search for an office for AV Architects. Acquiring the building at 29 Station Road, Steeton in September 2013 in a poor state of repair with a tired hair salon operating from the ground floor level we sought to renovate it to provide some office accommodation at first floor and in the loft space which were disused and derelict. Introducing a new staircase and lobby was crucial to form separate access to different areas of the building which could then be sub let a separate units. The commercial project included the reconfiguration and renovation of the whole building including the hair salon and we formed 2 office suites at first floor and loft levels.

Appointed by Bradford based project managers Smith Parsons, AV Architects worked as a part of the team to deliver this Nursery renovation project at Swain House Primary School. Smith Parsons are prolific in the delivery of projects in the education sector in the Bradford area and this scheme represents a prestigious example of one of the many projects they have managed. AV Architects provide their services regularly in the education sector, predominantly on projects for early years education in the primary school environment and these projects often present a challenging brief with regard to design, budget and program.

The Nursery project illustrated at Swain House Primary School, was delivered within a very tight program with design work commencing only 12 weeks prior to commencement of work on site. Works included an extension of the nursery space, new covered play area, main entrance, cloaks, utility space and kitchen and renovation of the WC facilities and the existing nursery space. The scheme was designed with particular attention to enhancing the quality of the internal environment including appropriate internal finishes and the provision of additional natural light through 2 new roof lights. This approach combined with a design emphasis on achieving the correct flow of activities and developing appropriate sight lines for management of the space and the pupils has transformed the facility.

A residential development of 6 flats in the renowned World Heritage village of Haworth. In this location, design proposals were subject to close scrunity throughout the planning process and it was important to work collaboratively with the local authority.

AV Architects assisted in the design and acquisition of planning and building regulation approval for this new swimming pool enclosure at Clough House Farm in Oakworth. This project presented an interesting commission, the pool was an existing feature which had a agricultural enclosure which was poorly insulated and only enabled the pool to be used intermittently when favourable weather presented itself. The project brief was to renovate or replace the existing to improve the aesthetic of the enclosure and improve the control of the internal environment to enable more consistent use. We were also required to extend the footprint to develop an office / garden room space and improve the changing facilities. The host property is listed which added another aspect to the commission.

The original enclosure was stripped back to its steel frame which was retained. New external walling, glazing, roof and rooflights were used to reform the enclosure and the structure extended to form the office space which features a cylindrical form projecting into the garden. This approach affords panoramic view from within the extension but minimised obstruction of views from the garden and the host dwelling.

Natural and traditional materials have been used and combined with more modern powder coated aluminium frames in a subtle manner to form this clean and more sophisticated building.

This unique project in Bingley presented a fascinating architectural challenge. Our Client wished to develop an existing single storey 1 bedroom dwelling into more generous living accommodation over 2 floors. The existing dwelling had little architectural merit although was located within the setting of Greenhill Hall, a grade 2 listed building. The challenge was to develop a building of Architectural merit that contributes more positively to the character, distinctiveness and significance of the historic environment. AV Architects, in liaison with the Client and local authority planning and conservation officers and using careful design and a palette of modern and traditional materials, developed proposals with distinctive character, a subtle contemporary architectural language that remained sympathetic to the wooded landscape.

The predominantly glazed Northern façade provides a sharp contemporary feature in lightweight material that reduces the perceived mass of the building and presents the opportunity to reflect the wooded landscape, a mechanism to blend the building within it setting and reduce the visual impact. The modern glazing has been applied in conjunction with timber and stone products that sit comfortably in the natural wooded setting and will age and mature developing a distinctive character sympathetic to the landscape and respectful of the heritage setting.

We particularly enjoyed our work in connection with this unique home which we now regard as one of our marque projects with an Architectural emphasis.

Foldyard Cottage, originally a barn and latter converted into living accommodation, is a traditional 19^th Century brickwork character property in a rural location in Bewholme, East Riding of Yorkshire. The existing property has large outbuildings attached which were originally cart or tool sheds used by the farmstead. The project comprises the renovation of the cottage and conversion of the outbuildings to form additional living space to develop a substantial 5 bedroom equine property. To unify the cottage with the outbuildings the project also incorporates a glazed link extension and within the expansive land associated with the buildings, a new access from the highway and new driveway has been developed and new stable and garage facilities provided.

The various facets to the development presented a challenging planning process during which detailed and comprehensive information regarding many different elements was complied. The information included structural surveys, heritage statements, highway speed surveys, arboricultural reports and a collaborative relationship with East Riding of Yorkshire planning personnel was essential to gaining planning approval at the first attempt in July 2011.

The design associated with the renovation of the existing cottage, which presented considerable structural defects necessitating partial demolition, required a sensitive approach to maintain the character of the buildings whilst generating high quality and contemporary living spaces. The detailing and fenestration to the exterior of these building is also carefully considered to reinstate character features.

This project in Ashby Magna, Leicester, encompassed the renovation and extension of an existing 1960’s / 70’s detached house to create a modern 5 bedroom home with open plan living spaces at Ground Floor level. The original property had been altered previously and presented a number of elements that had to be reconfigured to develop the property that presented itself in a coherent manner.

Whilst the property was detached and located in a large plot, the extent of the extension proposals presented a challenge in planning terms to maximize the development potential without impinging on the amenities of neighbouring properties. Despite a number of constraints in this respect we developed a healthy rapport and a working relationship with local planners to develop sensitive proposal that gained unilateral support.

In design terms the mass and style of the original house presented limited headroom to enable access between the existing and extended accommodation and again these matters were addressed working closely with a structural consultant. The development now presents a family house with reconfigured spatial arrangement at Ground Floor and two additional substantial double bedrooms at First Floor to take advantage of wide ranging views and gardens that extend to the rear of the property in accordance with the Clients brief. The project was completed in 2011.