Transforming Traditions: A Modern Extension Masterpiece
Boast Architects are thrilled to announce the completion of a single-storey rear extension that perfectly embodies contemporary elegance and functional design! Rather than a traditional extension, our client envisioned a modern space that beautifully contrasts with their brick bungalow. The result is a stunning entertaining area, ideal for family gatherings and social events. The client recently hosted their first family meal in the new space and shared how well the new layout suits their lifestyle needs. One of the key challenges during the design phase was maximising daylight in the house. We addressed this by incorporating rooflights in the new entrance hall and utility area, and installing two sets of bifolding doors in the extension. These features flood the space with natural light, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. The standout feature of this project is the distinctive eaves window, which serves as a striking focal point upon entering the extension. Despite the higher cost, our client was eager to invest in this unique element to enhance the overall design. We thoroughly enjoyed bringing this vision to life and are delighted that our client now has a beautiful, functional space to create lasting memories.
Project Completion: The Old Engine Shed, Radlett
This project presented a unique challenge: transforming an industrial heritage site into a modern, bespoke home while preserving its natural surroundings. Our approach focused on blending innovative design with a deep respect for the landscape, ensuring the home would not only stand out but also fit seamlessly into its environment. We tackled the challenge by carefully managing the ridge height and introducing cedar-clad dormer windows, which will age gracefully into the landscape. This thoughtful design solution allowed us to maintain the site’s character while offering expansive countryside views. The result? A stunning dwelling that feels perfectly integrated with its surroundings, reflecting both the past and future of the site. Boast Architects managed every step, from planning approval to construction oversight, ensuring the project’s success. A heartfelt thank you to our client and the talented team at @jmcontractorsltd for bringing this vision to life! If you have a similar project challenge please get in touch with our team.
Exciting News from Boast Architects!
As we turn the page to a new chapter in the journey of Boast Architects, we want to take a moment to celebrate a significant transition. After 28 glorious years of leadership, innovation, and dedication, Richard Boast and Valerie Boast are passing the torch as they step into a well-deserved retirement. Under their stewardship, Boast Architects has not only flourished but also left an indelible mark on the landscape of residential planning and design consultancy. Today, we are thrilled to welcome Richard Tavener CEO and Cheten Chauhan Managing Director into their new roles as the leaders of Boast Architects. Their passion, vision, and commitment to excellence are exactly what we need as we look forward to expanding and building upon our strong foundation. We are confident that under their guidance, Boast Architects will continue to innovate, inspire, and lead in creating meaningful residential spaces for our communities. Moreover, we are also thrilled to announce that Matt Moore, Chris Mitchell, and james Gould, key members of our incredible team, will continue to be integral parts of Boast Architects. Their expertise, dedication, and vision are indispensable as we take these next steps together as a team. Their decision to stay on and contribute to our journey forward speaks volumes of the familial spirit and commitment to excellence that defines our business. To our clients, partners, and friends, we are excited to embark on this new journey with you. With a focus on growth and a commitment to our core values of excellence in residential planning and design consultancy. Here's to the future of Boast Architects - a future filled with promise, innovation, and continued success.
The Old Engine Shed
We're proud to share a recent project where our values centred on problem solving skills and attention to detail truly shined. In May 2020, we obtained planning permission for our client. To keep the application active, the client had foundation trenches dug and concrete poured by a local groundworker. We then stepped in to complete the working drawings package and secure building control plan approval. Understanding the importance of a trusted contractor, we connected the client with J M Contractors, who previously built the house at our Cottingham Farm site. Their proven reliability made them a perfect fit for this project. Throughout the build, we've been diligently producing the required information for planning consultant Paul Atton of Weldon Beesley to discharge the planning conditions. Additionally, our commitment to quality has seen us conduct monthly site visits to inspect workmanship and generate detailed site reports with relevant photos. Given the increased traffic due to construction, maintaining the track from the main road to the site became essential. We ensured this was part of the agreement with JM Contractors, benefiting not just our client but also neighbouring properties. To uphold this, we've been conducting monthly photographic surveys to monitor the track’s condition. With completion just around the corner, we look forward to seeing this project come to fruition, exemplifying our dedication to excellence and meticulous attention to every detail.
December Newsletter
Welcome to our December Newsletter with a few updates on some of the projects we've been working on throughout the course of the year.
Why Hire an Architect
This question gets asked fairly often, so here are some of the benefits of working with an Architect: Manage client's expectations of what is achievable with their budget, including where cost savings are to be made. Obtain planning & building regulations approvals. Ability to interpret client requirements, provide design solutions, and are able to think ‘outside the box’ to give ideas the client hadn’t considered. Help clients to visualise their project through hand sketch’s, CGI’s and technical drawings. Work with clients from the initial design stage right through to completion.
Planning Permission Granted For Modern Single Storey Extension
Boast Architects recently obtained planning permission for this single storey rear extension to an existing bungalow in Stevenage. The existing garage will be converted to open up the space for a new kitchen and utility room, and the existing bathroom will be reconfigured. The extension will be finished in vertical timber cladding and a feature eaves window gives views through to the garden from the new entrance hall. We were also appointed by the client to produce the building regulations drawings, which have now been completed and submitted to building control to attain approval.
We Are Recruiting Senior Architectural Technologists
We are looking for an ambitious, Senior Architectural Technologist with proven experience in the residential sector, who is capable of taking responsibility for producing working drawings independently. Ideally we are looking for applicants who can use both Revit and AutoCAD software but we will offer training in Revit to the right candidate. It is important that any applicants live within reasonable distance of our offices in Stevenage, close to Junction 7 of the A1(M)
Planning permission obtained for a hybrid application of up to 67 dwellings
A hybrid outline and detailed planning application for up to 67 dwellings in Royston was approved by North Herts District Council in May 2020. The site is within an existing industrial and residential area of the town and has a railway line along its southern boundary. Phase 1, consisting of 28 apartments in two similar blocks, received detailed approval on currently vacant brownfield land. The remaining 39 dwellings in Phases 2 and 3 received outline approval. The contemporary design of the apartments reflects the local context with buff and blue/grey brick and white render, accented by black metal balcony railings and dark grey fenestration. A LAP playspace is incorporated with 46 car spaces and storage for 34 cycle and 4 mobility scooters whilst maximising soft landscape. We await the client’s decision about implementing Phase 1 and hope to move on to produce working drawings for construction. JB Planning Associates was the planning consultant
Barn Conversion is completed in Bovingdon
Following difficulties due to the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, construction work has now been completed at our Bovingdon site. The proposal involved the conversion of an existing barn into three dwellings as Class Q permitted development. Our planning application to enhance the design of the building, parking, hardstanding and gardens was approved by Dacorum Borough Council. The project incorporates Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) for speed of construction. Vertical standing seam zinc cladding is used with contrasting horizontal detailing on the gable ends to reflect the agricultural context of the existing farm buildings. Boast Architects have been involved in all stages of the project including concept design, planning and Building Regulations applications, tender process and contract administration.