SA Architectural Services

SA Architectural Services SA Architectural Services is a Multi Award Architecture consultancy based just outside Norwich in Norfolk.

We work with Listed Buildings, refurbishment projects, conversions, one off new build homes, and the carehome sector, across the Eastern Counties.

A while back we posted about a breach of consent which happened when a homeowner removed the lime and reed underlay/to...
24/06/2025

A while back we posted about a breach of consent which happened when a homeowner removed the lime and reed underlay/torching from beneath the pantile roof. Listed Building consent was granted for the reinstatement subject to conditions, and the contractor has completed its' reinstatement in haired lime putty and Norfolk reed to our specification. The purpose of the torching is to soak up any water driven under the pantiles, and allow it to dry/evaporate slowly without causing internal damage, an alternative to modern breathable felt underlay where the use of that isn't permitted. Interestingly, the torching also protects the surrounding timber from woodworm attack, due to the high pH (alkalinity) of the lime. If you require advice about a heritage repair, either due to an enforcement matter, or because you're planning refurbishment works to an old or Listed Building, and want to get it right first time, call for a no obligation consultation. We'd love to show you a bit about caring for your building properly. The Listed Property Owners Club

Class Q Changes on 21st May, don't miss out!Revised rules for converting a barn under permitted development come in on 2...
23/04/2025

Class Q Changes on 21st May, don't miss out!

Revised rules for converting a barn under permitted development come in on 21st of May, but there's still time to potentially get an application in, if you're quick.

If you own a redundant barn that was part of a farm on 20th March 2013, but was split away from the farm before 24th July 2023, and has never been used for anything since the split, you'll lose the right to convert it under permitted development rights around this time next month. A good example of this would be if you've purchased or inherited a farmhouse, or perhaps a piece of amenity land with a structure on it which was part of a larger estate.

This will continue until it becomes, and remains as part of an agricultural holding for a period of 10 years, which may, of course, be never!

The process of making an application isn't too involved and we can still help if you're quick, but there's no time to lose. If you think this could apply to you, or someone you know, please call today to discuss.

If you own a farm or barns which are still part of an Agricultural holding, we'd be happy to speak to you too, of course . If you've reached your allowance of 5 dwellings under the previous rules, then you may be interested to know that the allowance under the new rules has doubled to 10 dwellings, and 1000 square metres total development. This means that you may be able to take advantage of this for another barn, somewhere else on the farm.

Securing retrospective something we've done a lot of recently, including at this GII Listed Suffolk property. The prop...
13/04/2025

Securing retrospective something we've done a lot of recently, including at this GII Listed Suffolk property. The property is a former wheelwrights, with an interesting gable advertising feature. Unfortunately, the lime and reed roof torching (an ancient predecessor to modern roofing membrane) was removed by roofers, without them, or the client understanding that this was a breach. More often than not this is unintentional, through a lack of knowledge about what can and can't be done, rather than a deliberate intended act.

After a lengthy delay due to the application process and removing conditions to the approvals, retrospective consents have now been granted, and the repair work is now back under way.

Undertaking work to a without consent, is a criminal offence. Penalties can include hefty fines, or even imprisonment. More "run of the mill" breaches, such as this, can often be remedied by securing retrospective consent, but there's no guarantee, so, we advise consulting an expert before getting in hot water. It is also worth noting that dealing with a breach will likely take longer, and cost more, than making the correct application up front!

So, if you own or are looking to purchase a listed property, and don't know how to approach the work, we're happy to have a no obligation call to talk it through, and make sure it's right first time. If you've (unfortunately) received notification of a breach, or enforcement, we can also advise on the best way forward.

A lovely part of the job is visiting some fantastic historic places which are hidden away in surprising locations. As co...
12/04/2025

A lovely part of the job is visiting some fantastic historic places which are hidden away in surprising locations. As conservation specialists we have the pleasure of visiting some wonderful examples of period property, and advising building owners on works to their . Yesterday we were tucked out of the way at the back of Magdalen Street in central Norwich, at the lovely Grade II* Listed Gurney Court. This is the former home of the Gurney Family, founders of Barclays Bank. It was also the birthplace of two of Norwich's most significant female activists; prison reformer Elizabeth Fry (1780 - 1845) and social theorist, also lifelong abolitionist Harriet Martineau (1802 - 1876). The stunning 16th century courtyard, which can be accessed from Magdalen Street is a hidden treasure of the Early modern period, and is a veritable oasis in this busy part of the City. The building has been subdivided to form four well proportioned houses with lovely mature gardens to the rear, and shops fronting Magdalen Street. Generational development over the years has resulted in an attractive building with later additions including a later Georgian façade, and interesting c.19th Extensions. If you require advice regarding or in Norfolk or elsewhere, we'd be delighted to have a preliminary discussion with you about your plans.

Love where you live? Want to improve rather than move? Thinking of having a major extension and refurbishment of your ho...
19/06/2024

Love where you live? Want to improve rather than move? Thinking of having a major extension and refurbishment of your home? Do you want to completely reimagine the spaces, but feel this may be too stressful? Our expert team handles every aspect of your residential remodel, from innovative design, to meticulous budget planning and robust project management. By entrusting us with your project, you can focus on what matters most, such as spending time with family, focusing on your career, or enjoying your hobbies. Let us remove the worry, while we bring your vision to life.

Call us on 01603713528 or email [email protected] to discuss your project

We welcome Loren Bird today to the SA team. Loren is currently studying at Strasbourg's Superior National School of Arch...
17/06/2024

We welcome Loren Bird today to the SA team. Loren is currently studying at Strasbourg's Superior National School of Architecture.

Her internship will enhance her experience and knowledge in the built environment, and we hope she will add a new dimension to conceptual design ideas.

Welcome to the team :)

13/09/2023

One of our commercial clients runs a facility which was constructed in the mid-20th century, and offers some challenges in terms of maintenance, working to current regulations, and has little to no flexible accommodation for training.

Some of these challenges had recently been partly addressed by some internal works, allowing office workers to move from noisier areas of the factory floor to quieter offices on the perimeter of the building. This has had the undesirable side effect of a reduction in flexible, quiet space for training activities to take place. As a result, some staff began working from home, unable to return to site-based work without sufficient space and additional office accommodation becoming available.

With the above in mind, we proposed a modular development in a former car park, subservient to surrounding buildings in terms of design. There existed a real opportunity to do something architecturally different, incorporating high levels of sustainability and a sharper design aesthetic that carries with it some branding advantages for the Client as an environmentally responsible and forward thinking company. We can't wait to see our design move from VR to construction!

See how SA Architectural Services can assist with your commercial property, whether old or new. Get in touch on 01603 713 528 or email us at [email protected]

Astonishing Barn ConversionThis barn sits within the curtilage of the listed Manor House. It had not been in agricultura...
06/09/2023

Astonishing Barn Conversion

This barn sits within the curtilage of the listed Manor House. It had not been in agricultural use for many decades and later was used for domestic storage. Our thoughtful conversion scheme has improved the appearance of the old farmyard, which retains an internal open feel. It provides a comfortable home respecting the character and appearance of the historic building and the setting of the adjacent listed building.

Our team can help you to visualise the potential of the building by using our 3D design software so that you will be equipt with the correct information to ensure you make the right decisions tailored to you and your particular needs.

Contact us today to explore your project options.

Tel: 0160 713 528 email: [email protected] or visit our website www.sastudio.co.uk

04/09/2023

We appreciate that undertaking a design and building project is daunting, and so we've created some great resources to help you from the outset and, indeed, all the way through the project.

There is a huge problem in both the Architecture and Construction industries, such as poor planning and unpredictable project outcomes, which results in value engineering in later stages, often at the expense of energy efficiency and sustainability.

Our aim is to make the process as comfortable as possible for our clients.

To achieve this goal, we have created a proven system that produces first-class results and reduces uncertainty.

The SA System helps to enable you to understand the processes involved, and to reduce the risk of costly mistakes during the journey. This gives you the best chance of creating your dream property, and minimising time and cost over-runs. We do not work at the expense of quality or sustainability; these are embedded in our process.

Call our team to discuss your project on 01603 713 528 or email at [email protected]

Beautiful kitchen and garden room extension to a Grade II Listed Norfolk cottage.Sometimes, smaller projects produce an ...
01/09/2023

Beautiful kitchen and garden room extension to a Grade II Listed Norfolk cottage.

Sometimes, smaller projects produce an astonishing change to the feel and amenities of a property. They face many of the same challenges experienced on much larger projects, so they require careful management and skill to achieve the best results.

Our Pulham Market project is an excellent example of this: a small yet very high-quality extension, completely transforming the use of the dwelling. This home was rented out for several years by a developer, who then wished to make it a splendid home for his elderly mother, who was downsizing from a much larger property.

Thinking about downsizing, extending or refurbishing? Our team can help you navigate your architectural process to get fantastic results.

Contact us on 01603 713 528, email [email protected] or visit our website at www.sastudio.co.uk.

31/08/2023

Great news: another project has moved forward to the next stage.
Very happy clients 👏 and well done to the SA Architectural Services team.💪
If you need assistance with your property, please get in touch on 01603 713528 or email us [email protected] or visit our website at www.sastudio.co.uk

Barn conversions make lovely homes and are a truly cost effective and tax efficient form of development either for sale ...
10/02/2023

Barn conversions make lovely homes and are a truly cost effective and tax efficient form of development either for sale or holiday rental use. Building new homes attrracts Community infrastructure Levy (CIL) or Section 106 taxes, however the conversion of agricultural barns to homes avoids paying CIL altogether and generally s.106 apart from for supporting infrastructure works to the highway. Barn conversions are very popular with buyers, and as a result command good resale value, and desirable rented accomodation both for short and long term lettings. Surprisingly it is not only redundant barns that can be converted, there are examples of modern barns and even grain silos which have been converted to residential use.

Contact our team on 01603 713 528 for advice on your project. Our 3D Design Package can help you visualise your barns transformation, just as it did for our Client's fabulous barns below. These will be available as holiday rentals soon!

Always consult a qualified accountant or Tax adviser when making investment and development decisions.

Address

SA Architectural Services PO Box 1516
Norwich
NR134XZ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441603713528

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