NEWS

ajflockhart

Sep 201 min read

Retrofit and garage conversion, Dumfries

Starting on site this week, the whole house retrofit of a 1990s timber framed bungalow set within a Victorian walled garden on the outskirts of Dumfries. Works include a double garage conversion to create a large open plan kitchen, living and dining space, plus internal alterations to create a new enlarged utility and a dedicated office space. New roof-light shafts bringing natural light into a central linear hallway.

At the front elevation, the old garage doors are replaced with full height glazing and timber cladding infill. A new projecting zinc canopy combined with a new raised brick plinth provides both solar shading to future-proof rooms from overheating, and a sheltered terrace to sit and enjoy views towards the River Nith.

Flockhart Architects Ltd are a design focussed practice based in Glasgow with projects across the central belt and south-west Scotland. We design residential extensions and alterations, community, civic & commercial buildings and new build eco homes.

We provide a full range of architectural services from feasibility studies and sketch designs to planning applications, building warrant applications and managing the project from inception to completion. Whether it's improving your current home, expanding your living space, building a new home, or converting a barn, our experienced team of architects in Glasgow are here to guide you through every step of the process.

ajflockhart

Aug 232 min read

Arts and Crafts House - Internal Alterations

This week we are focussing on one of our smaller projects, the renovation of an Arts and Crafts house located within the Hazelwood Conservation Area in Dumbreck, Glasgow.

The development began in 1914 with four house types, ‘The Dovecot’, ‘The Neidpath’, ‘The Ingleside’ and ‘The Minnow’. The street pattern is linear in nature, forming First, Second, Third and Fourth Gardens. Hazelwood House and its mature garden setting are at the focal point of the Conservation Area.

Although these cottages would have been considered radical in the 1920s, the kitchens are very cramped & too small to accommodate all of the modern day appliances. Our clients love to cook and there was just no space for preparation. The other problem was that the existing boiler, washing machine and tumble drier were all located in an outdoor store so our client had to go outside to use the utility, not ideal in winter!

In order to solve these issues, we swapped the kitchen over into the existing dining room creating a large, galley type kitchen layout with the stove placed centrally on the old mock chimney. We removed an internal wall to create a large open plan kitchen and dining layout, with ample space for utility appliances arranged in floor to ceiling units located along the internal wall.

Other small interventions are planned to help improve accessibility, such as refurbishing the existing bathroom to create a shower room and removing the non-original PVC porch to create a better entrance.

In terms of conservation, the remaining single glazed sash and case windows are to be replaced with double glazed sash and case timber windows with the original stain glass encapsulated between the glazing, this helps to improve heat loss whilst retaining the original stain glass window features.

When we first visited this house, the roof (which had been replaced in the 80s with concrete tiles & uPVC flashings) was leaking badly and causing substantial damage in the bedrooms, so we advised that this had to priority over any extension or alterations. Earlier this year, the roof was fully replaced with new slate and lead flashings, helping to protect the character and appearance of this Conservation Area.

Here is our vision for the new open-plan kitchen and dining space, hope you like it!

Image credit: Studio Stravaig

Flockhart Architects

Jun 182 min read

How Much Does An Architect Cost In Glasgow?

Updated: Oct 16

The cost of hiring an architect in Glasgow can vary wildly depending on several factors such as the scope and complexity of the project, the architect's experience and reputation, and the specific services required.

Traditionally, an architect’s fee for a ‘Full Architectural Service’ (from inception through to completion) is charged as a percentage of the construction cost (excluding VAT). This is because the value of a project can be aligned with the likely time invested by the architect.

Up until 2003, the RIAS published ‘percentage fee scales’ for a wide range of projects (see extract below). Based on the old fee scale, the percentage fee for a single storey house extension with a project value of £150,000 (excl. VAT) would be 13.5% = £20,250

However, we find that a more cost-effective way of providing architectural services is to split the whole process into stages and you only pay for the services you want. In simple terms, the stages are:

Briefing, survey and preparation of existing drawings (measured survey is carried out by others)
Sketch design options (including 3D model)
Preparation of planning drawings and application
Preparation of detailed drawings and building warrant application
Construction Design Management (in a partial service our appointment would end here)
Construction documentation & tendering
On-site Involvement

After we have visited your home and carried out the initial consultation, we can provide a bespoke fee proposal tailored to your needs. Our fee proposal will be based on how long we expect each stage to take based on our previous experience of similar projects. Our fee for the initial design, planning and building warrant is offered as a fixed fee. Our fees for construction documentation, tendering and contract administration is based on an hourly rate of £50 p/h (we do not charge VAT).

Other Costs

As the lead consultant, we work alongside other construction professionals form the design team and can advise on the appointment of the Structural Engineer, Quantity Surveyor & Measured Building Surveyor. An Asbestos Survey may be required if the work involves alterations to an existing house. Also, there are local authority fees for planning and building warrant applications to pay.

For a more precise estimate, it's best to contact several architects in Glasgow, discuss your project requirements, and request detailed quotes. This will give you a clearer idea of the specific costs involved for your project. A rough guide to our fees can be found here.