Extensions & Renovations

– Need more space?

– Need to maximise the space you have?

– We will develop your ideas, to provide a home you are proud of.

*we are currently offering the first meeting free

Environmentally sustainable

We all know that we should reduce our energy use to save the planet and save money, but what should you do first? Most people already know to fit energy bulbs, insulate the loft, fit new windows, fit draught proofing, but is this the most efficient and cost effective thing for you? Every house is different, we all use our homes differently, and have different electrical devices. New advanced home energy surveys look not only at the building fabric of your home but also your heating system, appliances and most importantly your lifestyle. This enables an accurate picture of your energy use to be assessed, and you will know whether to tackle your walls or appliances first. Analysis includes suggested improvements varying from the no-brainers (with short payback periods) through to the more expensive for the committed eco evangelist.

Environmentally sustainable

Building is expensive, so do the best you can; Adding additional insulation during a build is easy, and cost effective, making significant long term savings on fuel bills, but it is very difficult and expensive to add in at a later stage; Building a healthy home using materials with low VOC and low toxicity can help you and your family’s health; Maximising the use of space and using clever control systems can reduce energy waste by only heating the space you are using.

Environmentally sustainable

“Eco Design Consultants are a Chartered Architectural Practice passionate about providing the right solution by combining architectural design and environmental knowledge, to provide economical and sustainable homes and buildings. We ensure the buildings give delight, are desirable, functional, easily maintained and affordable. Otherwise we believe true sustainability is not achieved”. Alan Budden, Proprietor

Desirable

It is no use having the most environmentally sustainable home ever if you don’t use it, or enjoy it. Your home should lift your spirits making you happy and relaxed. It is probably the biggest investment you ever make, therefore it is worth every penny getting the design right, as changes later can be expensive and you don’t want to be thinking “if only” for years to come.

As Kevin Mc Cloud puts it, “Employ an Architect and a good one at that – who shares your view of the world…. A good architect is free … They’ll cost you no money in the long term, because… they’ll take your vision… and will give back your dream… larger than you ever thought possible… fully wrought and magnificently detailed… As a result, your home will be better and therefore worth more, and you will be happier. Now that is a secret of life.”

Affordable

Well this all sounds very good but how do I afford this? The good news is that there are still grants available, even with the cuts proposed. These include loft and cavity insulation, and money for generating electricity through feed in tariffs. A green investment bank has also been promised to provide loans for energy saving improvements, which are then paid back with the savings made.

Environmentally sustainable

“Alan brought the imagination needed to see beyond the problem that our original house design presented and we were delighted that he presented us with three designs to choose from. The design, incorporating swift nest boxes, demonstrated that a little thought given to providing homes for wildlife as well as sustainable energy solutions, is simple, cheap and a real contribution that architects and home-owners can make to restoring our declining wildlife”. Fiona Wynde

Our eco home improvements tips:

• Make the space fun and enjoyable
• Maximise use of space – ensure the existing space is used well, and integrated into the extension
• Consider your future needs
• Add as much insulation as possible
• Maximise solar gain, but shade in summer
• Maximise natural light
• Maximise natural ventilation through cross ventilation or stack effect

Our eco home improvements tips:

• Build as airtight as possible then ventilate right (use an MVHR if possible)
• Install an efficient heating system
• Minimise heat loss through cold bridging by good detailing
• Carefully consider materials for environmental impact and toxicity
• Consider renewable energy technologies (now or allow for future installation)
• Use efficient water fittings