New Build Home Design & Self-Build Architecture Services
Replacement Dwellings, Self-Build Projects & Custom Homes
Cantilevered Rural Villa Design Concept
This design explores dynamic spatial relationships through offset volumes and strategic glazing placement. The cantilevered first floor creates covered outdoor space below whilst full-height curtain walls connect living areas with landscape views. The angular geometry generates visual interest without compromising practical functionality.
5-Bedroom Family Home with Flexible Layout Concept
Designed for growing families, this layout provides generous room sizes exceeding Nationally Described Space Standards. The ground floor features sliding partition walls enabling the kitchen-dining-living space to open completely or separate for different activities. Five bedrooms include a master suite with dressing room and two further en-suites.
4-Bedroom Natural Stone House
This design responds to a typical 4 bedroom layout using local stone, pitched roofs and traditional proportions whilst incorporating modern open-plan living. The integral garage, first-floor balcony and full-width glazing to rear demonstrate how contemporary amenities and details can coexist with traditional architectural materials
Replacement Dwellings, Self-Build Projects & Custom Homes
We design custom new build homes tailored to your lifestyle, budget and site constraints. Whether replacing an existing dwelling, building on a family plot, or developing a self-build project, our service covers initial feasibility through to Building Regulation approval and contractor liaison.
Our new build portfolio spans contemporary architectural designs with clean lines and extensive glazing, through to traditional vernacular styles using local stone, brick and timber. Each project responds to its Somerset, Devon or Dorset setting whilst meeting current energy efficiency standards and space requirements.
Full Architectural Service from Planning to Building Control
Replacement Dwellings. Replacing an existing house with a new build often provides better value than extensive renovation, particularly for properties with structural issues or poor thermal performance. We navigate planning policy restrictions on replacement dwellings including footprint limitations, ridge height controls and settlement pattern considerations.
Our service includes site appraisals, pre-application discussions with planning officers and applications demonstrating compliance with local plan policies on residential development.
For self-build clients, we provide stage-by-stage design development allowing you to control costs and make informed decisions at each phase.
Contemporary & Traditional New Build Styles
Modern Architectural Design. Our contemporary new builds emphasise natural light, open-plan living and indoor-outdoor connections. Design features typically include: floor-to-ceiling glazing maximising garden and landscape views, open-plan kitchen-living-dining spaces, vaulted ceilings, master suites with walk-in wardrobes, thermally efficient building fabric exceeding minimum Building Regulation standards.
Natural Stone & Traditional Vernacular. For sites in conservation areas or villages with strong architectural character, we design new builds respecting local vernacular whilst incorporating modern spatial planning and energy efficiency. Traditional designs feature roofs, elevations, windows and proportions reflecting regional building traditions.
Energy Efficiency & Sustainability. All new builds must meet Part L Building Regulations for thermal performance. We typically exceed minimum standards by specifying enhanced insulation, high-performance glazing, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) and renewable energy systems where appropriate. See our sustainable design for detailed approach.
New Build Planning & Costs
Planning Considerations. New build applications face stricter scrutiny than extensions or conversions. Key planning considerations include:
- Site location (countryside, settlement boundary, green belt)
- Access and highway safety
- Impact on neighbouring properties (overlooking, overshadowing, loss of privacy)
- Design quality and relationship to surrounding architectural character
- Drainage and flood risk
- Ecological surveys and biodiversity net gain
- Heritage assets and archaeological potential
Typical Timescales
From initial consultation to planning approval typically requires 6-12 months, including initial assessments and surveys, design concept, pre-application advice, specialist surveys, design development and formal planning determination. Building Regulation approval runs concurrently with detailed construction drawings.
Investment & Build Costs
While we don't undertake construction, we provide realistic build cost estimates during design development allowing you to assess financial viability. Typical self-build costs range from £2,200-£3,500 per square metre depending on specification, accessibility and site conditions. Our detailed specifications enable accurate contractor quotations for budget control.
Ready to Discuss Your New Build Project?
Whether you've already purchased a plot or are exploring feasibility, contact us to arrange an initial consultation. We'll assess your site, discuss design preferences, explain planning constraints and provide a transparent fee proposal for the initial architectural service.
