interior-architect-designer-norfolk-suffolk

Appropriate Architecture - Design - Technology in Zimbabwe.

Sun, 20 May 2012 18:21:54 +0100

I came across this video the other day of an Architectural project on the Zimbabwe - Botswana border which has recently won an award at "World Architecture Festival 2012: The project was called Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre and it was designed by South African Architect Peter Rich.

The building was constructed by local unemployed people using a vault technique which was, many years ago, common to their area. It reminded me of the time when I was two, and my Dad took me, my brother and our Mum to Zimbabwe for two years to work as volunteers in the Appropriate Technology Department at 'Hlekweni Quaker Training Centre" just outside Bulawayo.

I went to the pre school where, after six months I am told, I was fluent in the local Ndebele language complete with the 'clicks' !

!

The building is a perfect example of appropriateness to the local people, environment, materials and the local economy.

Conservatories - Garden rooms, ideas on styles, regulations to observe

Sat, 12 May 2012 12:00:10 +0100

Conservatories have become extremely popular, and with our sometime inclement weather it's not surprising. With their use of high efficiency double and treble glazing, it is possible to harness passive solar gain for heating in the evenings, and yet have a sense of 'being outside' even when a summer shower appears. Garden rooms are an even more recent trend, and when one considers that anything between 25% and 35% of heat goes through the roof, it makes a lot of sense to put a tiled roof on your Conservatory.

I particularly like the use of soft red brick for the dwarf walls to match the existing house, and the grey goes well with the black and white. The windows have decorative interest as do the glazing bars on the hipped roof and the attention to small architectural detail at the eaves.

This has made a pleasing addition to an interesting house, with the exception of the 'dormer' on the glass roof. I realise the architect was reflecting the style of the house but for me it looks a bit fussy. The lack of attention to detail is noticeable on the main house with the hideous white 'downpipes' from the guttering ruining a lovely piece of stonework, and I expect originally the roof was slate.

This is a good example of what can be achieved without breaking the bank. I like the colour of the dwarf walls and the climbing plants, and again a small decorative feature giving interest to the windows.

This garden room blends in very well with the use of local stone for the walls, white windows, old tiles and French Windows opening onto a sheltered patio. (shame they didn't have 3 panes as per house !)

I like the colour of the woodwork, decorative feature to the windows and especially the furniture. Not sure about the ceiling, let's hope they have Celotex or equivalent above to give high insulation.

This is a very simple straightforward design which could be duplicated in many situations. I like the down lights set in the soffit above the doors, the only design feature I would change is the proportion of dwarf wall to windows. Classic proportions which always looks right are 2 : 1 or 3 : 2.

And finally, if you haven't got much money but are handy with tools and have access to off cuts and junk yards, well here is something that might inspire.

I like it !! With it's 'green roof', recycled doors, logs from a beach, it's obviously someone's hide away, and is exemplary in it's ecological correctness.

Link to government website re regulations applying to Conservatories can be found here

Link to Google search results for photos of Conservatories can be found here

Ideas for Modern / Traditional Bathroom Design, colours and accessories

Sat, 05 May 2012 12:00:00 +0100

Well designed bathrooms can be one of the most favourite rooms in the house, whether you are showering quickly in the morning,'soaking' in the evening while reading a book / enjoying a glass of white wine or gazing with adoration at your loved one, the bathroom plays an important part in setting the mood.

Most of us would probably sell our soul to the devil to be able to afford this bathroom !, but the important thing about this design palette which works really well and can be duplicated in any bathroom, is the use of variations on one colour for walls, floor and accessories. I think the use of wood was brave but water splashing onto the parquet could be a problem, unless they are 'wooden' tiles which I have never seen any which 'work' from an aesthetic point of view, and that lavatory seat is just not right, it needed to be the same tone of green to blend in and not stand out, but the use of chrome works really well.

I love the use of black and white and large tiles on wall and floor to create a truly modern but exciting design. I just hope the plumber can get to those taps !!

I could soak in this bathroom on a damp, cold, blustery winter's day, sip G&T, read, and call out to whatever 'slave' is around for refills !
A simple idea which is not expensive to achieve but works well is the use of sub walls to create shelves around the bath

This Scandinavian bathroom shows what can be done in a small space with minimum budget using white tiles and fittings with one colour accessories. The only thing I might have done different is a mirror on the far wall and left these instructions on how to prevent condensation.

1) Wash mirror with glass cleaner.
2) Polish dry.
3) Spread thin layer shaving cream over mirror
4) Wipe clean and dry......................I have been told it really does work !

Tallulah Ward, Aylsham Road, Norwich, Norfolk, UK.

Bathroom Design Norwich | Norwich Bathrooms |

The use of white in Interior Design

Sat, 05 May 2012 13:34:57 +0100

White, some people love it, some people hate it, but whatever you think white with the right use of other colours can make a stunning contribution to exciting but timeless interior design.

The black table, plants, lamp all contribute to the white to create a vibrant but relaxing living room

I like this bed sit with it's stack of books, floor rug, small sofa and the well arranged 'jumble' of pictures. Shame about the floor, a lighter shade might have worked, or even painted !

This Scandinavian bedroom works well, even the drawer knobs add 'something' to the white.

And finally this, what do you think, why not comment, often writing down what you think about something helps to clarify your own opinions.

A fascinating development of the humble light bulb

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:20:40 +0100

Hackney designer Lee Broom launches crystal light bulbs cut like whiskey decanters
The hand-blown bulbs come with standard screw fittings and throw decorative patterns onto surrounding walls when illuminated.

Crystal Bulb casts beautiful shadows across a room. It is designed to fit any standard ceiling, wall or lamp fitting, and can be hung solo or in clusters, as well as used with a light shade to create enchanting light effects.

Lee Broom Studio
Electra House
93 Rivington Street
London
EC2A 3AY

Tel: +44 (0)207 820 0742
email: info@leebroom.com

Be careful when mixing styles !

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:42:10 +0100

I love the palette for this dining room, restful but quietly elegant, perfect for mealtimes with family and friends, but also intimate dinners for two,...... BUT:

Photo by 'decor8'

The brown chairs, for me, just don't look right.

Perhaps if they had been painted to pick up or complement the colours of the fabrics or walls it might have worked, but the brown chairs look as if they belong in a 'shabby chic' setting, not in such an elegant style as the rest of the room.

Tallulah Ward. Aylsham Road, Norwich, NR32RL Norfolk. UK

Innovative Extension to terrace house

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:17:00 +0100

Most of us have seen or known the passage at the back of a Victorian / Edwardian terrace, and how all to often they become rather dreary, depressing places, never quite sure of what they are for, dumping grounds for the washing machine waiting to go to the tip, kids bikes waiting for Dad to repair, you get the picture I'm sure.

Well this amazing small extension has shown what can be done, with the existing side wall to the original rear extension removed, and the original room now extends into the old passage with a glass roof over

Previously the house was in a run down part of London, boarded up and used as a crack den, but with imagination has created an inspiring addition to the space, and in 2009 received an award for 'best new extension by London's Don't move Improve.

The only criticism I have is that the roof appears to be totally transparent enabling neighbours to see directly into the dining area. For myself I would have preferred to use an opaque glass which lets light in but stops heat getting out, or a new development is electrically charged glass. The electrical charge that passes through the glass treatment, keeps the treatment invisible allowing passive solar gain, but when the charge is switched off the glass becomes completely opaque.

If you are proposing to extend your home and are looking for design input as well as plans, someone to handle the planning applications etc. then why not give me a ring on 07738 612211 and arrange a 1 hour no obligation free meeting, or contact me by e mail.

The above project was by Platform 5 Architects, London.

Tallulah Ward. Aylsham Road, Norwich, NR32RL Norfolk. UK

architect norwich | architects norwich | architects in norwich | architectural assistant norwich | architects plans norwich |

Architects plans by Architectural Assistant in Norwich.

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:19:25 +0100

Budget conscious plans for Residential and Commercial Projects.

In a lot of cases, the plans required for extensions or re-modelling can be produced by an Architectural Assistant rather than a RIBA registered Chartered Architect. My own experience in an Architectural office has been in designing and producing plans for Residential applications, but also the more demanding Commercial situations of Offices, Retail, Bars & Restaurants as well complete Hotel Design and Refurbishment in the middle of a London Conservation area.

Conceptual Design, Outline plans, Architects Plans, Planning, Working Drawings, Construction Drawings, Detailing, Project Management to final sign off.

My time at the Architectural Practice enabled me to build on my training in Interior Architecture - Design, and from starting off drawing up plans for the Architects within the practice, within 2 years I was designing my own buildings; whether it was a chalet in Switzerland or ‘Brand’ Hotels such as Easy Jet.

Architecture & Design
When plans are submitted to Building Control and Planning, they are looking to see not only whether they are technically correct but also suitable for the location of the project. Because my training has been in Design as well as Architecture, I try to bring harmony, symmetry, and appropriateness of materials specified into the equation. I have good working relations with many of the Building Control Officers in the Norwich and surrounding areas, and will often will telephone first to clarify a finer detail before putting anything on the screen or submitting a proposal.

If the project involves structural alterations, then I will call in the services of a Chartered Surveyor for the necessary calculations and drawings, as would an RIBA Architect. Plans and working drawings for services such as electrics, plumbing, drainage etc, are produced by me working closely with the appropriate Sub Contractor to ensure that his requirements fit in with the requirements from other trades.

So if you are searching for ' Architects Norwich ' or surrounding areas of Norfolk or Suffolk, why not give me a call on 07738 612211 or contact me by e-mail to discuss your project.

Tallulah Ward. Aylsham Road, Norwich, NR32RL Norfolk. UK

Architect Norwich | Norwich Architects | Architects plans Norwich | Architects Norwich

Carne Griffiths: Illustration artist with a delicate touch

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:07:50 +0100

Another Illustration artist I have recently come across is Carne Griffiths whose work I find feminine and stunning

http://www.carnegriffiths.com/

"Carne Griffiths’ artwork is born from a love of drawing and the journey of creating an image on the page.

Working primarily with calligraphy ink, graphite and liquids, such as tea brandy, vodka and whisky he draws and then manipulates the drawn line.

After graduating from Maidstone college of art Carne served an apprenticeship and worked as a gold wire embroidery designer for 12 years, hence floral pattern, repetition and flow play a large part in his work."

Miss Led

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:08:22 +0100

An artist I've been fond off for a while due to her distinctively playful & diverse pieces is Miss Led: http://www.missled.co.uk/

She is an award winning painter & illustrator based in the UK with a feminine eye for detail illustration that has reached large audiences.