Blake Architects Limited

18/03/2022

What are the true benefits of working in a rural office and will the trend continue? Read Jonathan's thoughts here -

https://linkedin.com/pulse/rise-rural-office-blake-architects-limited/?trackingId=dGRgkV9TT3KHR1xpFXOQXQ%3D%3D

A shift to rural working due to Covid shows continuing demand, this demand is being met with new office space often delivered through permitted development rights that circumnavigate the glacial planning system and allows the conversion of historic and modern agricultural barns. This generational ch

08/03/2022

Excited to announce a recent trio of equestrian planning approvals; consisting of a private dressage facility, a racing yard and barns for an Olympic eventing rider.

“We are delighted with the designs and pragmatism that Blake Architects used to navigate the various planning hurdles. The design proposal has the Cotswold character of the estate whilst providing the modern facilities we wanted.”

Read more here - https://www.blakearchitects.co.uk/story/2093

03/03/2022

Today's lesson is on land surveying - amazingly, the GPS in this state of the art equipment is accurate to the nearest 2.5cm.

Did you know the Global Positioning System was originally developed for military use but has been readily available for civilian use since the 1990s?

31/01/2022

🙌 Consent achieved for this lovely listed building project, aided by our fabric survey. An internal refurbishment and single storey extension is now to be a reality...watch this space!

A fabric survey is a close examination of the physical fabric of a place - its bricks and mortar, which can reveal a building's history, its state of repair and is often a fascinating part of what we do.

11/01/2022

Fond memories of our super sunny December shoot with of the small we worked on last year. Stunning bespoke fresco by the brilliant Sally Ellwood who is a master in and artistry.

You can hear more about the project and see final images here - https://www.blakearchitects.co.uk/project/CoachHouseandStables

13/12/2021

What an interesting visit last week for an initial condition fabric survey of a series of barns. Always love seeing the historic details of these structures and a prominent was an exciting find.

Carpenters’ marks were created with a race knife and used as tags to distinguish various elements of a timber frame and how the entire ensemble should be pieced together. Here you can see the head carpenter initials, apprentice initials and then the year it was built – it's tradition even today for carpenters to mark timber frames in this way. It is not only a maker's mark, but also a really helpful way to date the building. Historically, they’d also do it if they were to replace a significant part of the frame, which would then date that part too and give you a history of repairs!

16/11/2021

Pleased that we have managed to navigate a complicated planning process for this double application. It consists of a G2 listed cottage on the end of a Georgian farmstead, with an adjacent agricultural building.

One permission is to remove a late extension, replacing it with a light and airy open plan kitchen and living space. The other is an outbuilding conversion for which we’re excited to have successfully proved once had a larger roof form. Doubling the height will give our clients a new mezzanine with guest suite. We can’t wait to see the plans come to fruition.

11/11/2021

Inspiring talks about at the Workspace Design Show last Friday. We can all create sustainable designs within commercial architecture if we put our minds to it.

Keep your eyes peeled for news of workplace projects to be announced soon!

05/10/2021

This project was a joy to work on. We relished this exciting opportunity to reimagine the conventional terraced-house extension by pushing the boundaries of glass structures. The Blake team consisted of Jonathan Nettleton and Misha King.

Read more about this extension and refurbishment of a listed regency Cheltenham home here - https://www.blakearchitects.co.uk/project/CheltenhamTownhouse

21/09/2021

We have the technology and skilled team at Blake to enable the creation of videos that beautifully showcase the designs of our projects. This Cotswold Farmhouse extension and refurbishment has been submitted for planning. For more detail and project visuals, see here - https://www.blakearchitects.co.uk/project/CotswoldFarmhouse

08/09/2021

Thinking of getting a pool next summer?

Recently, more and more clients have been choosing to add swimming pools and pool houses to enhance their property. Our architects have a wealth of experience in both indoor and outdoor, contemporary and traditional, pools and pool houses. We currently have three live projects and each has its own very individual style and look. Read more here - https://www.blakearchitects.co.uk/project/PoolsandPoolHouses