Acre Design - Home Extension Specialists

Acre Design is an architectural design company who work with clients to design projects that aim to transform their space. The beauty of developing a project is that it gives you the opportunity to create a home that’s truly tailored to your family’s wants and needs and we want to help you achieve this.

Project Types

Here at Acre, we work on a diverse range of projects with our clients, and these include…

Two Storey Extensions

If your kids need their own bedroom or if you would like the master bedroom and ensuite you have always dreamed of, a two-storey extension could be the answer to your problems. Your options are endless with possibilities; however, they will need planning permission which we will take care of on your behalf.

Single Storey Extension

These extensions are a relatively simple, cost-effective way of increasing the space of your home and increasing the value of your home at the same time. For example, you may dream of an open-plan kitchen dining area – we can help.

Sunrooms

Where conservatories are difficult to heat in winter and keep cool in summer, a sunroom with fewer glazed elements really is the bright extension you can use all year round. At Acre, we are regularly working on a variety of these forms of extension across the North East. Call us today for examples and arrange a free site visit.

Timber Frame

Acre Design are specialists in timber frame construction, we have vast experience in building using many construction methods, but we think timber frame offers excellent advantages, and our clients throughout Newcastle and the North East should definitely consider it when extending their home.

Garage Conversions

Has your garage been accumulating stuff since the car got too big to fit? Converting these wasted spaces into a separate reception room, dining room, or even opening up to the existing house is a really cost-effective way of increasing the size of your home. It will require building control but our detailed plans will fly through to approval.

Loft Conversion

If you have the head height (we suggest anything above 2.3 metres) at the highest point you will be able to convert your loft. You can create big spaces under permitted development (which means you do not require a planning application). So get in touch today for a free consultation – we will even bring the ladders if needed.

Commercial

If your business is expanding and you are looking to alter or extend your existing commercial premises please give us a call for a free initial consultation at our office in Wallsend or at your place of work. We offer full project management, meaning you can focus on what you are good at, whilst we do what we are.

New Build Houses

If you are looking to build a bungalow or a small estate of homes, we have the capacity and flexibility to help. You pay us on the completion of set stages as laid out in our quote. For example, you may just want to gain planning permission, then that’s all you will pay us for.

Conversion

Conversions can be any building that were once used for one use, and is now to be used as something different. We have converted terraced houses to HMO’s, up to large office building into flats. We take care of all the paperwork, and then work closely with contractors to see the work through to completion.

Why Choose Acre?

Here at Acre, our ultimate goal is to keep you excited about the process of creating your dream home. We do this by giving you all design options within your budget and then we deal with the council on your behalf. We offer architectural ideas backed with over 10 years of our expert technical knowledge at great prices – you won’t find much better.

Contact Us Today

If you are interested in any of these services and wish to make an enquiry or get a quick quote, call us today on 0191 680 8088. We would be delighted to hear from you.

We have put together a list of things to consider when you're choosing an architectural designer to transform your home.

Acre is a Newcastle based architectural design company that works alongside you to transform your home and create an environment that truly reflects your family’s wants and needs for your space. Ultimately, we want to help you achieve your dream home and with over 10 years of expert technical knowledge, we are committed to ensuring we do so. Changing your home or property is a huge commitment and Acre are aware of this, therefore, we strive to ensure we deliver a finished product in the most cost-effective and unobtrusive way.

When taking on an architectural designer to assist you in changing your space there are a number of other crucial aspects to consider. Of course, considering who you use to assist you in your development is vital and finding a company that understands and is able to deliver your desires is a must. However, you must also consider…

What you want from the process
How to find a design that works for you
Getting through the building process – adapting your life accordingly and finding the right time to commit to this work

Here at Acre, we understand that these considerations can be immense, therefore we aim to provide as much support as we can to our existing and potential clientele to get them through the architectural process. But, why choose Acre to transform your home?

#1 We know our area

As Newcastle locals, we have extensive knowledge and experience with the architecture of the area and handling the structures of these buildings. Newcastle is famed for its beautiful Victorian properties and we are well-versed in adapting these properties for their modern purpose. Therefore, if you live in a period property in Newcastle Acre is well equipped to assist you. By understanding the structure of the city we can build and adapt your home with the building and you in mind. If you would like to know more about how we repurpose period properties for modern living see our building projects archive.

#2 We design with you in mind

Here at Acre, we design you in mind and we understand that properties are not just for looking at, they are also for living in! So the design must be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. We place a lot of Acre has gathered a team of exceptional design professionals that understand this ethos and use their knowledge to create this vision in your home. By using 3-D imaging we can help you see your future building before we have created it to ensure its truly what you want from your living space. By considering the little things that matter to you within our designs we guarantee you will be over the moon when you finally get to live day to day in your property.

#3 We use the latest technology

Where we can, we implement the latest technology when designing your home. We ensure our team is up to date with technological advances in architectural technology so that you have the very best product we can deliver. Acre also strives to use eco-friendly building materials. If you would like to know more about our architectural design process click here.

#4 We support you

Here at Acre, we like to support you through the architectural design process. We ensure you are well informed when choosing the right design, the right material, and right technology when constructing your home. We understand every step of the journey that you’re about to take and understand well the potential pitfalls. Through our experience, we aim to guide you through this and protect you against the getting planning permissions and so forth wrong. Find out more about getting through the planning stages with Acre Design’s guide to planning permission.

Let us help you turn your dream home into a reality.

If you are interested in any of our architectural design services then please do not hesitate to contact us today, we would love to hear from you.

How to ensure your building project runs smoothly

Do you want to make sure you’re completely ready to undertake your long awaited extension or self build project? Of course you do! It’s been a long time coming and by following these points you will be as well prepared as one can be, ready for a smooth build that’s completed on time and on budget.

# 1 Relationship between the builder

The key to a smooth build is a good relationship between the builder and the client onsite. Knowing what is expected of each other is essential to the success of a building project. Acre Designs clear specification and detailed plans will result in a good working relationship. Good communication at an early stage can save thousands.

# 2 Communication

Communication with neighbours from an early stage is important. One of the first things to do once a design scheme is nearing agreement is to take a plan round and introduce yourself and show them the proposals. If there is a problem, don’t let things build up, iron it out. Usually, the neighbours get frustrated or annoyed simply because they haven’t been involved from an early stage.

# 3 Schedules and Meeting

Acre Design works with a number of excellent contractors, however, it is important that you choose a builder you feel comfortable with and can envisage working well with. Ask them for a detailed schedule of works (if Acre Design hasn’t already produced this). So you have a point of reference, and arrange a regular meeting to discuss any changes to the plan and to check on progress.

# 4 Specification

Acre will consider everything thoroughly before building commences, and will ask for your thoughts and ideas, be sure to be thorough, no matter how trivial, if you mention something you’d like, we will ensure its accounted for in our specification. Changing the specification once the build is underway is possible, but may incur delays and additional costs.

# 5 Get booked in early

A common problem is the expectation that builders will be available in a short notice. Good builders can be booked up several months in advance.

# 6 How much do you have to spend?

Give the principal designer full disclosure on the desires for your home, but also the limitations, this is usually the amount of money you have to spend. We would never want to design something you loved, only to find out the design is unrealistic or unachievable because the funding wasn’t there. Knowing how much you have to spend is a key element affecting our design.

# 7 Read your quote!

Make sure you know exactly what you are getting from your builder. Get everything in writing, read your quote carefully and ask for it to be explained if it’s not clear.We will happily have everyone around the table to go through it all should it be required.

# 8 Getting your house ready

Most work will involve major upheaval. The contractor will cover everything anyway, but it does make thing a lot easier and safer if you got the house ready by removing all personal belongings and furniture -where practical. Leaving a clear workspace makes a big difference to the speed and often finish date for when the contractor is able to achieve.

# 9 Dream home is not far away

When projects start onsite, every party involved, the client, the principal contractor and principal designer should have no further questions about the task at hand. During the design phase, Acre Design will have agreed on a scheme with the client, and prepared all the necessary paperwork and specification, alongside the detailed plans and gained the necessary approvals. To get to that point, there will have been meetings with involved parties to iron out any issues or answer any questions and now is the time to put all that hard work into practice. Your dream home is not far away now!

Top Exterior Design Trends for Home Extensions

2018 is already becoming a great year for the architecture industry and what it can bring to houses/buildings. The industry is ever changing, with new and exciting ideas constantly coming into play, and so the trends are constantly changing. Therefore, we have created a list of our top 3 picks and what we believe will become the top exterior trends for 2018.

It is not just about how a building looks inside. Now people are more likely to judge the inside of the building before they even step foot in it, due to the outer aesthetics.

#1 Texture

Something that will give off a ‘wow’ factor to any building is the texture of it. Bringing different textures to the outside will create an unusual look which will bring the whole house alive. One way which is starting to become popular is the contrasting textures. For example, a gloss steel alongside a wooden front. The shine off the steel and the dull wood will complement each other well.

Wooden textures:

One texture which is becoming popular is the wooden cladding. Apart from the aesthetic look, it also has the lowest energy consumption and the lowest CO2 rating, as it actually absorbs it during growing, and locks it in when used in construction. So not only does it look great, but when sourced from a local producer it is very green.

Wooden textures are not a new invention, however, they were becoming a ‘thing of the past’. Yet, towards the end of 2017, there was a big breakthrough with part wood surfaces on houses. Breaking up the all brick look with a contrasting surface.

Metal textures:

Metal surface for houses is a brand new concept, however, one which is becoming increasing popular. Metal surfaces are an ultra-modern look, and with the reflective surface, will make your house appear bigger.

Stone textures:

The use of stone placed on brick looks great. The difference in textures are subtle yet still looks modern. 2018 is set to see more of these houses.

Apart from them just looking good, they also have some huge benefits. Stone is considered as one of the most durable construction materials, meaning it will protect you against most weather types, including a strong resistance against fire and water.

#2 Red bricks

Red bricks are back! But not like you are used to. Red bricks have been used in a number of different ways. From heritage buildings to general suburbia where they were a default choice. Now these red bricks are coming into 2018 with a different approach…a more premium style.

The red bricks will be used in a stylish way to enhance any areas of a building. It will show a contemporary style of building work, enabling you to show off aspects to your building which will give the most amount of effect.

#3 Eco/nature-friendly

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Eco friendly houses are becoming more and more popular, and in 2018 it isn’t going to stop. People are now more conscious of the environment. However, this doesn’t have to be boring! There are many different ways to liven up a building with eco-friendly ways. One way, which also ties in with our number 1, is the texture.

Grassed walls are becoming more and more popular. It is not only a great talking point, but also one which is great for the nature around you. A quirky look for your house will give you the wow factor.

#4 Dark outer

Another increasingly popular design which is already showing a great impact to the architecture industry this year, is the dark facade. Darker houses and extensions, create a more sophisticated look. Giving a greater impact to the first glance of the building.

So 2018 is set to be an exciting year for architecture. Exterior trends are becoming a big focus as people want to give off the ‘wow’ factor not only to the inside but the exterior. For more news on architecture, click here.

8 Key Stages of Preparation Before Extending Your Home

Choosing the correct design firm.

Every project needs to start somewhere. And when extending your home, the first thing you should do is decide who is going to help you turn your dreams into reality. Whoever you pick, you need to make sure they have enthusiast! And if you pick us, you will see our excitement shine through…

Measured survey

The next step once you have appointed your designer and set the agreed schedule and payment terms is to book the full measured survey of the existing house and gardens. Here someone (or a team of people) will call around and measure every room inside and each face of the house outside. This survey will include your drainage locations, window sizes, floor and ceiling levels. They will show radiator and boiler positions as well as your meters and manholes. So that any work affecting these can be shown on the plans. Once the house has been measured, the team will then move to any garden area. Taking measurements to the boundaries, and noting any type and height of any boundary ‘treatments’ (hedges, fences or walls). This information will be shown on a site plan. Which is required by the planning department when making an application.

First draft proposal

The next stage is to begin the process of designing. Your chosen firm should speak to you about what you are looking to do. Whether it is a loft conversion, create an open plan living area, a swimming pool or cinema room… The possibilities are almost endless! You also need to have an open discussion about budgets. This will help the architectural designer come up with something that can be constructed within budget. Your chosen architect should have lots of experience. Being able to come up with a design that they think best suits your needs. They should not be too precious about their design. If you don’t like their initial ideas then they should – and at Acre Design we certainly do! – move the design back to what the clients had in mind. By working collaboratively, the design comes to a stage where both the client and designer agree on the finalised layout and external aesthetics of the project.

Preparing and applying for planning permission

Once the design is agreed. These plans will need to be taken to the next level of detail for the full planning application. The planning department ask for a minimum amount of detail to allow the neighbours to have their say. Also for the planning officer to make a fully informed decision. These include all elevations, floor plans, site, roof and location plan. They can also ask for an array of other plans and reports such as heritage statements, design and access statement, bat surveys, flood risk assessments etc. These will be commissioned only if the planners require them. The clearer the plans are, and the more detail that is provided and the more comfortable the planner is in making a positive decision. Which is why we use the latest 3D design software and have an approval rate of over 95%.

Full technical drawings and building control application

Once the planning has been submitted the client chooses if they wish to wait for a positive outcome. Or move straight to next stage which is to produce full technical plans. The planning drawings show what is going to be built. Yet these drawings show how it is to be built. The plans go into great detail specifying every material used on the build and how those materials interact with each other. This is shown through a number of cross sections and a constructional specification. On these drawings, all works are shown to allow for building control (another council department that requires an application) to check for compliance against the building regulations. All lintel sizes, drainage runs, sockets, lighting locations, smoke detectors, new radiator positions plus an array of other information is laid over the planning drawings. Along with the cross sections and specification which will form the plans. Which you will be using for the next two stages of the process.

Party wall letters

Party wall agreement.– If you are working on or near a ‘party wall’, which can be any boundary line or wall that separates you from a neighbour. You must inform them, due to the party wall act that the procedure is laid. This will require an appropriate letter. With all the information. Plus a copy of the required plans to be sent to them giving notice of when you intend to carry out the work.

Finding a builder

Acre Design, and most reputable design firms, will have contractors that have done good work for them before and that they like to use to ensure the design is completed as intended on time and on budget. We will first send our plans and check if the contractor\’s availability fits in with our clients expected timeframe. If so, they will request them for a quote. If our clients have builders they have used in the past, then they are more than welcome to take our plans and speak to them. We love having a big meeting with everyone involved before works start. This is to go over everything over a coffee at our office in Wallsend.

Ready to start

With all the approvals in place. A good builder lined up and our technical plans used as an instruction manual for the build. The work can commence. Contact us for more information.

Loft extension – Everything you need to know

Having a loft extension is becoming more popular. It will not only give you more space but it will add value to your house when you come to sell it. Yet make sure you do your research before getting one. There are lots of things you can do to let the light in, it can be difficult to know what to choose.

The different styles of extension

With loft extensions, there are 3 main styles, each suited for different reasons and with different costs to build. Here we have the styles and why they are more suited to different houses.

Velux (Roof light)

This style of loft extension is the cheapest, once complete it will leave you with sloping ceilings with velux windows installed to let the light in (other roof light manufacturers are available). There are over 20 different sizes of roof lights in Velux’s range and each of those have different opening options too. If you have a large loft space, then this option should you suite you well.

Dormers

A dormer is a popular extension, and often won’t require planning permission (all loft conversions need building control approval though) as it gives a greater amount of headroom and allows normal vertical windows to be installed, giving better views from the bedroom.

In most cases dormers are located on the side or rear of the of the house. It is possible to install a dormer to the front of your property, but this is subject to planning permission. We will be able to advise you whether we think this would be advisable or not, just get in touch to arrange a free site visit.

Hip to Gable

This is a popular way to increase head height in a loft, it is relatively straight forward and can double the useable space within your loft. This type of extension is more popular in semi-detached houses, where there is an existing hip, as this is traditionally how their roof is laid out. This type of work wont necessarily require planning permission either, and so is a great way of getting extra bedrooms in your home, and adding value at the same time.

Making the most of your space

Now you have this extra space, you need to make the most of it. Therefore, we have some suggestions to help make the room feel as spacious as possible.

Use light colour

By using light colours it allows the room to feel bigger and more spacious. The light colours reflect the light rather than absorbing it with dark colours making it feel smaller.

Big windows

This continues to the last point, try to get as much light in the room as possible, this will help reflect the light coloured walls. When planning your loft extension, make sure you acknowledge where the sun comes up to try and place your windows in areas where you will get as much natural light as possible.

Built in shelves and extra storage options

Having built in shelves will decrease the amount of furniture on the floor making the floor space seem bigger. Make sure you have built in shelving all the way to the ceiling to make the room look taller and also increasing the space for storage. It is also a great idea to use the space in the eaves where there is limited head height to keep the boxes you would usually store in the loft, sliding doors can hide these away.

En-suites

The right loft conversion design can give you the master bedroom and en-suite you have always dreamed of. This room in a loft is often the biggest bedroom in the house, so it is always a good idea to try to fit in a beautiful en-suite to give your new master bedroom that 5 star feel. Head height for showers can be an issue, but feature wetrooms can reduce the step into a shower tray and give the loft a real wow factor.

If you are wanting a loft extension, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for a design planning. Call us on 01916 80 80 88 for more information.

Loft Conversion Information

If you want to add space and value to your house, and there is little room to the side or back of your property (or you love your garden too much), then Attic conversions are a great way to do so. The number of people who are now choosing to move up rather than out is increasing. It not only adds space to your house, but it also adds value. Most Attic conversions will give you an additional bedroom or two as well as an ensuite or second bathroom. Yes it does require building work to complete but can add at least 15% onto a property’s value, usually more than the works cost in the first place.

If you are considering an Attic conversion, make sure you are equipped with all the facts first. Which is why we have all the information you need before you start to design your dream Attic conversion. Take a look at our FAQ’s for more information.

#1 Make sure there is sufficient headroom

The minimum head height of an Attic conversion is 2.3 meters. This is deemed fit to create your loft into your dream bedroom or office. However, if the height of your Attic is below the required measurement, don’t throw away your dream just yet. There are alternatives, but these are costlier. Lowering the ceilings by 20-40CM can give you that all important headspace in the attic .

#2 Attic conversions will give you value for money

Adding a loft conversion to your house can have significant effects on the value of it. Adding bedrooms is the best way to add value to your home, and attic conversions can give you up to two great new rooms for you or your kids now, and you can get your money back if you decide to sell. Attic conversions vary in cost dependant on the design, with basic lofts starting at around £20,000 with double dormer conversions and en-suites between costing up to £45,000

#3 You probably don’t need planning permission

Most Attic conversions don’t need planning permission. This is due to most houses being given an amount of ‘permitted development’ by the planning department. This means you can go up to the loft without permission. Only when the size of the loft conversion is bigger than this allowance do you need planning permission or if you live in a conservation area.

However, you will need to satisfy building regulations. For example, depending on how some lofts are, they may need fire doors added to the Attic and other rooms.

#4 Is it a shared wall?

If you haven’t got a detached house, and your house adjoins to a neighbour. You will need to get your neighbour to sign a party wall agreement. This ensures that your neighbour is happy for you to do work on your house with a wall which is connected to them. Make sure you get this sorted as soon as possible, in order to give enough time if there is any disagreement.

#5 Tell your mortgage and insurance lender about your Attic Conversion

Remember to inform your mortgage and insurance lender before you go ahead with the conversion. By converting your loft, it may increase your buildings insurance premium.

Now you have all the information you need to know, it is time to get planning. If you need help with the architecture of your conversion, then get in touch with us. We are happy to help you turn your dreams into reality. Get in touch with us here.

Timber Frame Home Extensions and Self Build Projects

Timber frame extensions work well as an extension to all types of house, whether it’s a semi in Gosforth, or a stone detached house Whitley Bay, and the best of it is the external finish to match exactly with your existing home (as often the planning department requires), or with a contrasting finish to really stand out, and help you make a statement on your estate.

I love timber frame, whether you are planning on extending your home to create more space, or add value to your home, choosing timber frame for the structural aspects have some really great advantages. Build time is much faster, as the walls go up in hours not days, and this means that you get a secure structure much faster than other construction methods like the traditional brick and block. Timber is also environmentally friendly and has excellent insulation properties meaning your new extension will not only be eco-friendly, but super energy efficient.

The main structure can be erected within a matter of days, meaning the roof works can be booked in in advance and start immediately which then allows for internal works to start once your extension is in the dry, this is a massive time saving when you think of having to wait for the brick and block walls to be finished, before you can start on the roof. At Acre Design, we usually work on residential extension projects to existing homes.

As a result, our clients are usually living there at the time. The speed at which timber frames can be constructed means that materials will not be stacked around your home causing trip hazards and dangers for the kids. If, for instance, there were to be weather delays, using timber frame allows the construction process to continue as it is not affected by weather conditions! A massive bonus with the weather here in the North East. Acre Design are leading the way in the North East of England with timber frame designed extension, and we can work with you to design and then build an amazing extension that will give you the home of your dreams.

We can provide years of technical expertise in timber frame design, our technical detailing leaves no question marks and we can then oversee construction should you wish, we work in all areas of the North east from Hexham to Tynemouth, Morpeth and Sunderland.

Contact us today to chat to us about your extension, doesn’t matter if it’s a traditional build or this awesome method, just get in touch to discuss!

Open plan Kitchen Extension Gosforth Architect Design

We’ve designed this minimal, modern extension across the rear elevation of our clients’ home to add a bit of contrast to the existing brickwork.

This will open up their existing kitchen into a large kitchen, dining & entertaining space complete with a modern double-sided fireplace. Our internal 3D images will allow their chosen kitchen designers to complete their dream kitchen with ease.

This particular extension did not need planning permission. This allowed us to submit our detailed drawings to building control straight away.

Sunderland Home Extension Design Project with Acre Design

Our client’s have bought a downtrodden semi in Seaburn (near Sunderland) which was in need of a full refurbishment as it hadn’t been touched inside for decades. As well as this the external fabric of the building had been battered from both this houses main selling point as well its principal threat, its front elevation stares straight out to the North Sea. Our client’s had only a wish list of rooms for us to satisfy, they handed this over at commencement, and we set to work. We decided in the end to extend to the side, rear and into the loft to achieve our limited brief. We thought by utilising the form and details of the existing turret and peaked gable elements we would complement the street scene, (a key consideration for planning permission) and make full use of the outstanding views afforded by this house. Balconies with sea views on both the first and second floor, a gym and cinema room, as well as the all important open plan kitchen dining area, we feel this house will be the envy of the surrounding area once completed. Our clients were delighted, and we required only minor changes to the original design before being submitted to the local planning department.