Tait Architects

Tait Architects Architects practice in South East England, specialising in high quality contemporary design Our most valued connections are those between our clients and us.

Tait Architects aspire to make high quality sustainable designs accessible to all, and at the core of our ethos is an understanding that design quality depends on the quality of connections. The results of this holistic approach are buildings that connect with their environment. Thus we aim to provide a personalised, collaborative, and client-focused service, in which, our clients are a central pa

rt of the design team. Design is an interpretation of the dreams and aspirations of the client and we look to maintain close client collaboration throughout the project. Typically we provide a full service to ensure that quality is maintained from the drawing board through to the finished product and even beyond. Alternatively we can tailor our services accordingly to include:
• Conceptual design up to Planning submission;
• Building Regulation drawings and submission;
• Full tender packages and negotiations with builders;
• Construction monitoring on-site through to completion of the project. At Tait Architects, we value and foster our social and professional connections and look forward to the opportunity of making more.

Planning Approved for Listed Pub Restaurant Extension!We’re delighted to share that planning approval has been granted f...
11/07/2025

Planning Approved for Listed Pub Restaurant Extension!

We’re delighted to share that planning approval has been granted for a sensitive and contemporary restaurant extension to a much-loved listed village pub.

The proposals respect the historic character of the existing building, while introducing a welcoming, contemporary new dining space for the local community. Features include a glazed link, natural materials and a black timber pergola with draped planting to soften and enhance the approach.

We’re also exploring the use of Vande Moortel Linea 7 bricks to complement the original structure.
See the inspiration here: https://bit.ly/vandemoortel-linea7

Read the full blog post:
https://www.taitarchitects.co.uk/post/planning-approved-for-listed-pub-restaurant-extension

New year, new plans??As we step into 2025, are you dreaming of transforming your home, creating a stunning extension, or...
02/01/2025

New year, new plans??
As we step into 2025, are you dreaming of transforming your home, creating a stunning extension, or building something brand new?
Whether you're planning to extend, renovate, or start fresh, our architectural team are ready to help, whatever the scale of your project.
Just call us on 01189 072593 and let us help create a space you love.
Here’s to building something amazing together in 2025!
https://www.taitarchitects.co.uk

View from the back garden showing realised phase 2, photoshopped with the remainder of phase 3.                         ...
16/08/2024

View from the back garden showing realised phase 2, photoshopped with the remainder of phase 3.

Materials MatterAs promised, here is an update on the Chalk House project. It's always challenging as an architect when ...
16/08/2024

Materials Matter

As promised, here is an update on the Chalk House project. It's always challenging as an architect when your vision isn't fully realized.

The project was only partially completed, which is tough. The main image shows the realized phase 2, photoshopped with the remainder of phase 3. It’s very close to our original visuals, but as the heading suggests, omitting the stone for render made the form harsher than intended. Although dramatic, it is less sensitive to our design intent.

What truly succeeded is the subtle front entrance, where a glazed link separates the existing structure from the extension. The extension emulates the roof pitch but is clad in metal. The copper was replaced by "Pigmento" zinc, a lovely quality material, though not as rich in color as the envisaged copper. The interior spaces will be stunning.

Watch this space! We'll be posting an update on Chalk House next. But first, we realised that we haven't shared the orig...
09/08/2024

Watch this space! We'll be posting an update on Chalk House next. But first, we realised that we haven't shared the original design intent on our Social Media platforms. So, let's start with the vision before moving on to the reality.
The existing house has a traditional style. The refurbishment is primarily curated by the wife, who has an eclectic eye for fusing classic traditional design with contemporary and retro inspirations. A significant kitchen extension is part of this transformation.
The ground floor extension will sit beneath the husband's contemporary first-floor wing. This ultra-modern space includes his office, a home cinema, and - why not? - a secret passage connecting them via a hidden bookcase door. The first-floor wing seamlessly relates to the split-level site, offering views of the pool, sauna, and changing area located at the lower-level patio.
Early in our meetings with the client, someone quipped that the new design was “Lutyens meets Lautner” - a nod to the classic Arts & Crafts architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and the contemporary Los Angeles architect John Lautner.
Given the name Chalk House, the old saying "like chalk and cheese" comes to mind, reflecting both the architecture and the client. They are completely different! Our challenge was to subtly join them together. By using stone and copper to echo the stone quoins and the clay roof, we aimed to achieve this. Let's see how it turns out!

02/08/2024

Exciting news! 🌟 We’re thrilled to
introduce the new classroom, dining room, and kitchen
facility at Bower House in the London Borough of
Havering.

Take a virtual tour with us:

🌳 Courtyard Entrance: Begin your journey in the
newly formed courtyard, leading to our partially
subterranean classrooms.

📚 Classrooms & Hall: Step into our versatile
conference-style hall, which can be subdivided into
three smaller classrooms, perfect for various
educational needs.

🪜 Staircase to Dining Room: Head upstairs to our
dining room, opening north to a re-instated listed wall
with historic apple and pear trees, and south to a
grass roof terrace with stunning views of central
London.

🌿 Historic Walled Garden: Walk through the newly
re-instated west wall, completing the historic walled
garden, and admire the Manor House's pond and
landscape setting.

🍽️ Functional Spaces: Discover the new lean-to
Corten-clad kitchen facility, designed to serve our
dining area.

We can't wait to walk through this beautiful space in
person. Detailing and scheduling construction is
currently underway!




As promised, here are more images from our Oak House project! In the next post, you'll see why it’s named that. For now,...
20/06/2024

As promised, here are more images from our Oak House project! In the next post, you'll see why it’s named that. For now, enjoy these interior views of the spaces we refurbished or created with the two-storey extension. Interestingly, the best garden views weren't from the master bedroom, but from the "box" room. The new extension remedied that, and now the master bedroom benefits from a fantastic window seat overlooking the garden. It’s a lovely view to wake up to.

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We're getting into the swing of things with our Oak House extension project! So far, we've shared glimpses of materials ...
06/06/2024

We're getting into the swing of things with our Oak House extension project! So far, we've shared glimpses of materials and details, but stay tuned for a full reveal soon. In the meantime, here's a before-during-after shot from the same angle. The goal was to expand the kitchen and dining area to open out into the beautiful mature garden. We think it turned out beautifully! Head to our website if you can't wait for more updates. Let us know what you think! 🌳🏡✨

Here's another catch-up post: This is the Willows House, a medium-sized four-bedroom home brimming with potential. Origi...
30/05/2024

Here's another catch-up post: This is the Willows House, a medium-sized four-bedroom home brimming with potential. Originally, it had many separate spaces, but the poor arrangement and lack of windows made it dark and uninviting, despite its south-facing garden.
Our design introduced a full-width extension at the rear of the property, creating a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and family living area. Large sliding doors and windows at the rear allow ample light to flood this part of the house, offering a beautiful framed view of the garden. Two large, contemporary flush-glazed roof lights further enhance the airy and open feel of the space.
The layout includes a cozy lounge seating area and a unique back-to-back window seat with timber boards wrapping around the window to create slatted shade and an external seat for enjoying warmer weather.
The client loves the new space, and so do we!

Latest catch up travel post. It was genuinely inspiring to see the fire restoration works being undertaken to Notre Dame...
17/05/2024

Latest catch up travel post. It was genuinely inspiring to see the fire restoration works being undertaken to Notre Dame Cathedral when we were there Summer 2023. Latest news is that the Cathedral could re-open at the end of 2024. That would be fantastic news. This is a true example of restoration and conservation on a building truly worthy of it. Some great images and updated on friendsofnotredameparis.org

03/05/2024

🌲 Exciting Update Alert 🌲 Dive into our latest video update, showcasing the magic of our Woodland Camp Event Centre! 🎥✨ Plus, we're thrilled to support the newly launched Woodland Camp Event Centre Instagram account. Follow along closely to witness the joy and serenity of this retreat unfold in the months ahead. Don't just take our word for it—experience it for yourself! While our video captures the essence, being on-site is an experience like no other. See you there!

Address

5 Kelburne Close
Reading
RG54JB

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+441189072593

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