ALT Approach | Architect

WE ARE AN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO WORKING ON PROJECTS COUNTRYWIDE. WITH MORE THAN 20 YEARS WORKING IN PRACTICE WE UNDERSTAND HOW BEAUTIFUL SUSTAINABLE DESIGN IS GENERATED FROM THE DETAILED DEVELOPMENT OF PROJECT BRIEFS COMBINED WITH THE OUTCOMES OF THOROUGH ANALYSIS OF SITES AND THEIR CONTEXT.

PORTFOLIO

...PLEASE NOTE WE ARE CURRENTLY UPDATING OUR PORTFOLIO...

Listed buildings and conservation work in sensitive locations

Site layout and development providing multiple homes

Bespoke, grand designs and new build one off houses

sketching by hand concept and ideas work

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‘HAVING WORKED IN THE INDUSTRY FOR SOME 20 YEARS AS A PLANNING CONSULTANT, I HAVE COME ACROSS MANY ARCHITECTS BUT FEW AS GOOD AS CHRIS. CHRIS HAD A HUGE IMPACT ON THE FLOW AND USABILITY OF EVERY SPACE. HE TRULY THINKS ABOUT WHAT WE WANTED TO ACHIEVE AND MADE IT HAPPEN. HE WAS ALWAYS ON HAND FOR AMENDMENTS AND REASSURANCE NOT TO MENTION THE EXCEPTIONAL VALUE FOR MONEY. WE WOULD NOT HESITATE TO RECOMMEND CHRIS AND REGULARLY DO – HE ABSOLUTELY NAILED OUR HOME.’

'WE'VE COMMISSIONED ALT APPROACH ON A NUMBER OF PROJECTS AND HAVE ALWAYS FOUND THEM TO BE PROFESSIONAL, TIMELY AND INSIGHTFUL. WE'VE GOT A NUMBER OF ONGOING PROJECTS AND THEY HAVE CONSISTENTLY ADDED VALUE THROUGH THEIR THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF OUR NEEDS AND WIDE KNOWLEDGE OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENTS. THE QUALITY OF THEIR WORK HAS BEEN PROVEN TIME AND AGAIN, WHETHER IT'S SKETCH PLANS FOR AN INITIAL PROPOSAL OR DETAILED PLANS FOR A FULL PLANNING APPLICATION. ALWAYS TURNED AROUND QUICKLY AND WITH SOUND FEEDBACK.'

We made a point of staying away from the computer screens whilst celebrating the end of 2024 and welcoming 2025 . However in our lives it is impossible to avoid pens and paper, so a quick scribble was enjoyed on several occasions.

For the majority of projects we use hand sketches to test our initial ideas – these scribbles were the outcome of investigating the relationship between the old and new, extending an existing building capitalising on the challenging topography of the site.

#architecture
#architect
#extensions
#design
#sketching
#planning
#concept
#alternativeapproach

We have been involved in preparing the architectural drawings to accompany a Planning application for two dwellings in the Open Countryside submitted by #townplanningservices☑️

Alt Approach previously worked with the developer extending the bungalow to the north east of this site which is now being built out on site.

As with the bungalow, this site is in the setting of two listed buildings situated to the north and south. The site is accessed from a lane to the east and benefits from extensive views to the west.

The proposals consist of a part single storey part two storey dwelling with a single storey dwelling to the north.

This arrangement responds to the sensitivity of the setting whilst the elevational strategy references the historical uses of the site and the surrounding context.

#architecture
#architect
#extensions
#design
#sketching
#planning
#heritage
#listedbuilding
#concept
#alternativeapproach

We have been busy preparing the architectural drawings to accompany a planning and listed building application for the part conversion part replacement of a curtilage listed outbuilding. Unstitching this complex arrangement of historic built form provided a fascinating journey and lead to the justification for a proposed ancillary building full of character whilst achieving the internal spaces expected for 21st Century living.

�#architecture
#architect
#extensions
#design
#sketching
#planning
#heritage
#listedbuilding
#concept
#alternativeapproach

What did we do this week? We went to Amberley which sounds strange as that’s the name of our daughter.

The purpose of the visit was for our Amberley to see the spectacular Amberley Castle which had been the subject of a recent school project.

Seeing the castle put a smile on her face, but what made the journey worth it for all of us was the generosity of all the staff @amberleycastlesussex where nothing was too much to make our little girl’s visit so memorable, from the tour of the lovely hotel and grounds to the gifts and food and drink - all beyond amazing!

I did agree to leave my architecture hat at home for the day however it was fascinating to hear about the sensitive restoration of this Grade I Listed Building and Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Thank you to everyone at @amberleycastlesussex and @brownswordhotels for their time and attention! I cannot explain how much it meant to us.

Below is the planner’s summary to a recent pre-application for a contemporary dwelling in the grounds of a Listed building - a hugely constrained site surrounded by existing properties in a historic village setting.

‘The design is considered to respect the local context and mitigates potential adverse effects on the surrounding heritage assets and conservation area.’

Responses like this remind us why we spend so much time sketching, testing alternative approaches…It also reminds us that we must be ‘alright’ at our job!

Looking forward to the next stage of design development and refinement for a submission.

#architecture
#architect
#extensions
#design
#sketching
#planning
#heritage
#listedbuilding
#concept
#alternativeapproach

This indoor pool and gym extension to a Grade II Listed mill was recently approved after detailed discussions with both Planning and Listed Building officers.

Not only did we have to consider the sensitivity of the existing range of buildings but we also had the challenge of managing two rights of way across the site and the site’s location in Flood Zone 3.

Very happy with this result!

#architecture
#architect
#extensions
#design
#sketching
#planning
#heritage
#listedbuilding
#alternativeapproach

Two building plots, adjacent to each other so requiring a similar aesthetic with low ridge and reduced eaves lines.

Both plots had their own set of constraints, including the approach to the dwelling, the location of primary amenity space, the views out countered by the overlooking associated with surrounding built form generating two bespoke family homes.

#architecture
#architect
#extensions
#design
#sketching
#planning
#concept
#alternativeapproach

Stepping built form both horizontally and vertically provide the opportunity to frame views otherwise missed whilst maximising the amount of daylight experienced internally.

#architecture
#architect
#extensions
#design
#sketching
#planning

We believe thorough site and building analysis is a crucial part of the design process. This is a consideration no matter the scale of the project.

This was for a single storey rear extension where a crank in the rear extension opened up a number of opportunities including framing a view down the garden and providing doors out on to an external area that would receive sun in the evening.

The inclusion of the crank also created internal floor area for a servicing room with side access for muddy boots. Another item ticked off the client’s wish list.

#architecture
#architect
#extensions
#design
#sketching
#planning
#heritage
#listedbuilding
#concept
#alternativeapproach

Initial sketch concept for pool extension.

#architecture #architect #extensions #design #sketching #planning #heritage #listedbuilding #concept

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