Bat Surveys & Buildings

Bats are amazing little creatures and so varied that their species numbers make up a fifth of all mammal species!…

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2022 changes to the building regulations for extensions (Part L)

Part L of the building regulations deals with the thermal performance, or limiting the heat losses from any given building….

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What is a Schedule of Works?

A Schedule of Works is a contractual document used to capture a description of a building project, essentially a list…

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Computer models, walkthroughs or renderings

On the whole, extension and alteration work can be designed, presented and understood with traditional drawn formats. Tom Spriggs Architects…

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Extension to a Listed Building in oak and glass

Work to a Listed Building comes with its own unique challenges. Not all projects are viable, care has to be…

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Part E – Sound insulation, soundproofing and acoustic separation

Not hearing next door, a bathroom or simply being able to listen to music in one room and the tv…

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Asbestos in construction

This article is an introductory post, not intended to be a complete source. If you suspect you have asbestos, or…

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What is a SAP calcuation?

A SAP calculation is a spreadsheet based calculation to work out heat losses and gains of a building. It stands…

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The Green Register Membership

  Tom Spriggs Architect Ltd is now a member of The Green Register. The Green Register is an educational body…

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House remodelling site visit

I popped by an alteration and renovation project currently on site this week. Progress is going well and the new…

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The Veranda

The veranda, porch, covered area, canopy, portico, stoop, whatever you call them, I think they are an extremely undervalued feature,…

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VAT and building costs

This can be a complex area, and this is only a very small introduction to the subject. As VAT rules…

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Measured Surveys

When appointing an architect to carry out design work on your home or project, pretty much the first thing (apart…

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Side and rear extension secures planning consent

The clients of this project were looking to add an extra guest bedroom, along with a rear extension for a…

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Flush framed PVC windows

PVC windows have had a place in buildings for some time now, and show no sign of becoming less popular,…

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Timber notching of joists

TRADA (The Timber Research and Development Association) and BS5268-2 give guidance on how large holes and notches can be cut…

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Melbourne St flat developments

Planning and Listed Building Consents were recently granted for the conversion and adaptation of a substantial building in a central…

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Permitted Development Class Q – Barn Conversions

If you have an agricultural barn, it is possible to convert it into a house without formal planning permission. This…

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Planning portal fees to be introduced

When submitting a planning application, it is usual to submit all the drawings and written documentation online. The system to…

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Love Local!

Living and working within a small radius is a great feeling, Tom Spriggs Architect Ltd will very happily work further…

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How steep a roof? Roof pitches for different materials

When designing an extension, a new build house, or even a garden shed, the angle or pitch of the roof…

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20C society

Tom Spriggs Architect Ltd is proudly a member of the Twentieth Century Society. The Society, originally founded as the Thirties…

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You must be pretty fed up of hearing about the GDPR by now?

  Firstly, The GDPR isn’t to be confused with the GPDO (The General Permitted Development Order) which is the part…

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Architectural glossary

The parlance of buildings can be confusing, there are technical terms and common terms that find their way into everyday…

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How much does building work cost?

A recent purchase of a ‘Homes’ glossy magazine inspired me to write this post. An article within showed a series…

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Exeter Cycling Campaign

Tom Spriggs Architect Ltd has been a supporting member of the Exeter Cycling Campaign since its inception over a year ago. The Campaign does good work in promoting cycling infrastructure provision in Exeter’s growth. Many of our streets, parks and new development are very suitable for cycling and walking. Exeter is a compact city centre that can be navigated quickly without resorting to car use. 

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South West Planning authority regions

Planning applications are made to your local council, who are responsible for all the applications within their area. They follow…

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Planning application fees due to rise this January

  It’s been on the cards for a little while now, but the forecasted planning application fee rise of 20%…

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New Arrival

Tom is celebrating the safe arrival of a new baby boy this week! The office is running skeleton hours and…

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Architects Registration Board

The Architects Registration Board is the independent UK regulator for architects. They keep the official register of UK architects and…

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Stripping out a fireplace and installing a woodburning stove

This was at my own home, a bit of a ‘doer-upper’. Built in 1864 it is a solid Victorian house…

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What is Permitted Development?

Permitted Development essentially allows someone to make alterations and additions to their buildings without needing Planning Permission. A set of…

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The difference between ‘planning’ and ‘detailed’ drawings

There are two fundamental parts to architectural drawings. ‘Planning’ and ‘Detailed design’. The concept, appearance and layout design is undertaken…

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So I’ve got planning permission. What next?

Congratulations! A lot has been achieved by the time planning consent has been granted. A site/building survey has been undertaken,…

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Bespoke Kitchen Factory Visit

I had the pleasure of visiting Touch Design Group’s factory this morning to review the custom built kitchen going into one of my projects currently on-site. Everything is going to plan and the part-complete kitchen looks fantastic! It’s been carefully designed by Touch Design, myself and a very enthusiastic and knowledgable client. The design has evolved throughout the process and TDG’s attention to detail is unsurpassed.

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Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams – why do I have so many projects with them?

Above: Left: ‘Letterbox’ solution connects 3 rooflights without impacting too greatly on roof structure. Centre: New beams allow complete removal of…

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Heavitree Park Community Centre

Pairing up with Hilary Lawson of 5 Points Architecture again, Tom and Hilary prepared a submission for an invite-only competitive…

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Spalled Bricks & the use of Lime

In this example spalled bricks refers to surfaces of bricks being damaged by improper pointing. It is a broad subject…

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Conversion of offices to dwellings secured

  Planning consent has been achieved to convert and upgrade a courtyard scheme, converting some tired office space to new…

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Rooflights: Daylight and ventilation

Rooflights, skylights, sun tubes/pipes, glass roofs and roof lanterns. They are all ways of bringing in daylight, sunlight and ventilation…

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Japanese Knotweed

Whilst not an unattractive plant, Japanese Knotweed is an aggressive plant that has some particular impacts upon the building ownership…

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Site location information

Finding out as much information about your site early can influence how a project develops. There are various freely available…

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Do I need an Architect?

Need? Well, probably not. However…. Architects can carry out a range of services, that can bring a positive influence to…

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Clay Earth & Pizza Ovens

Pizza ovens, or earth ovens can be a great addition to any garden or terrace. They are a simple yet…

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Composting toilets, low impact living & renewables

A recent visit to mid-Wales allowed a first hand experience of composting toilets, living in a yurt and additional research…

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Exeter Cathedral Roof Tour

Right in the middle of Exeter is the magnificent Exeter Cathedral, a fine example of Gothic architecture. Its vaulted ceiling…

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Farm Shop Furniture

A small new farm shop needed some shop fittings. The inside of the barn has been lined with natural finished…

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Green roofs

A planted or green roof can bring about many technical as well as aesthetic benefits to a project. The most…

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Remedial Cavity Trays

A cavity tray is a barrier to water or moisture (usually formed of plastic) in a cavity wall. It slopes…

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New York City, NY

During some recent travels I visited New York. Partly built on reclaimed land from the natural harbour, surrounded by water…

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