For home owners Archives

The Autumn Budget 2026: is it good news for homeowners and future architects, or is it a missed opportunity?

As a practice Architect undertaking mainly residential work, but also as a Lecturer at Manchester School of Architecture, I see positives, but I don’t think the measures go far enough. I welcome the fact that the Budget encourages investment, sustainability and homeownership but the government must do more to support existing homeowners who want to improve their property, and help graduates to get established.

I’d welcome the thoughts of homeowners, builders, mortgage advisers and students. Which of these most interests you?

Several of my clients are considering air source heat pumps, solar panels and energy efficiency improvements as part of their renovation projects so the proposed Warm Homes Loan Scheme is welcome, but reducing capital grant funding for the Warm Homes Plan seems contradictory.

They are encouraging homeowners to invest in sustainable technology, but not making it affordable. The initial outlay is substantial, particularly alongside the costs of extending or remodelling a property.

Many of my clients rely on mortgages or additional borrowing to finance their projects. Economic stability is important, but homeowners need confidence that borrowing costs will become more manageable. For many families, extending is preferable to moving. Yet construction costs, mortgage affordability and the cost of living can make even modest projects financially challenging. I’d have liked more recognition of the importance of improving our existing housing stock, rather than focusing so heavily on new homes. Surely adapting the homes we already have should be central to a sustainable housing strategy?

Investment in housing and construction should create opportunities for graduates, but will this translate into actual projects and employment? With practices facing financial pressures, will there be enough opportunities for the next generation? And will our graduates be able to afford homes themselves?

One area where I’d have liked more discussion is the student loan system. Architecture requires years of education and practical experience, often leaving graduates with substantial debt before becoming fully qualified. With relatively modest starting salaries and frozen repayment thresholds, are we genuinely encouraging young people into professional careers? Student loan repayments reduce disposable income and can affect mortgage affordability, making homeownership even more challenging. We talk about supporting young professionals and first-time buyers, but are we overlooking the financial pressures they already face?

#AutumnBudget2026 #Architecture #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableHomes #MortgageAffordability #StudentLoans #ArchitecturalEducation #ConstructionIndustry

Could your back garden accommodate a new home?

An interesting change to national planning policy has been highlighted by the Architects’ Journal. The new National Planning Policy Framework takes a more positive approach to creating additional homes within existing residential plots.

National policy now says that “substantial weight” should be given to the benefits of creating additional homes within settlements through sensitive redevelopment or development within existing plots.

The policy also introduces some useful parameters. In general, development within a residential curtilage should not occupy more than twice the footprint of the existing buildings, and at least 50% of the currently undeveloped area should remain—although there may be flexibility where a proposal can be accommodated without harming the character of the area.

For homeowners with a large garden, a corner plot, independent access or redundant garages and outbuildings, this could create an opportunity. It may also help families considering multigenerational living, providing an accessible home for relatives or building a smaller property to downsize into.

Good design will be essential. The challenge will be to create carefully considered homes that make better use of land without compromising neighbours, landscape or the qualities that make an area a good place to live.

The Architects’ Journal headline may sound like all restrictions have disappeared—they haven’t—but the direction of travel is certainly more positive.

Is it time to look at some previously overlooked plots with fresh eyes?

#ICEArch #Planning #ResidentialArchitecture #Housing #BacklandDevelopment #Architecture #NPPF #SmallSites

Managing Uncertainty

At a site visit to our Fulshaw project last week it was good to see the progress being made and to discuss matters with the construction team.

Before work started, we carried out specialist surveys to help identify any potential issues. However, as is often the case with older buildings, once the existing structure is stripped back, unexpected discoveries are made.

Work is progressing well, despite a few issues along the way. We have uncovered some unexpected drainage runs, but with an experienced contractor on site, these have been dealt with efficiently and without causing any significant issues.

The good news is that we’ve found less asbestos than anticipated.

A big thank you to Stuart and his team for their hard work and commitment, particularly during the recent spell of very hot weather. It’s great to see the project continuing to make good progress, and I look forward to seeing the next stages develop.

Adding an Outbuilding

Adding an outbuilding can be a great way to create additional accommodation, especially if there are planning restrictions at your property or the site layout is not conducive to a large extension.

Another Collaborative Project

In this project it was beneficial for ICE Arch Ltd and the Space Whisperer to collaborate.

Alison, of ICE Arch Ltd, was able to focus on the challenges of planning and building regulations and the interaction between the property and its context, while Elena, of Space Whisperer, worked on creating a common identity for the existing and new residential spaces to meet the functional, aesthetic, and emotional needs of the occupants. Alison and Elena’s combined knowledge and skills led to a well-executed outcome that delighted the client.

A Collaborative Project

Clients sometimes ask whether they need an interior designer?

It depends. Does the client have the creativity, sources and time to select materials, finishes and fixtures, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, durability and budget? Is the client going to be available to give it sufficient attention when the project is at the critical stages?

Interior designers like the Space Whisperer are particularly skilled in colour theory, space utilisation, sourcing materials and managing suppliers, deliveries and fitting, working within the envelope created by architect ICE Arch Limited

This was an exciting project in which architect ICE Arch Ltd collaborated with the Space Whisperer.

The house in Alderley Edge was extended to create a spacious, family-friendly kitchen and dining area.

As the architect for the scheme, Alison focused on the structure, layout, and functionality of the space, while Elena, the interior designer, perfected the aesthetics, furnishings, and décor. Collaborating with each other, as well as the client, from the start of the project, ensured a holistic approach to the design process, and resulted in cohesive and well-integrated spaces.

The existing room was fully stripped, and new flooring, furniture, art and fireplace were added making it more dynamic and imaginative. It transitioned smoothly into the modern kitchen and hence to the contemporary garden room, which in turn interacted perfectly with the openness, dappled lighting and and foliage of the garden.

Why do I need a Principal Designer when I’ve got an Architect?

If a project has more than one contractor, then it’s a legal requirement to appoint a Principal Designer.

So, what is a Principal Designer?

The Principal Designer is in charge of the Health and Safety aspects of the project. Under the CDM (Construction Design and Management) Regulations 2015 the Principal Designer must establish the framework of health and safety practices to be used throughout the project and is key to ensuring that the build is compliant with national standards when complete.

Contractors must ensure the project follows the practices and meets the defined health and safety standards. Often the Principal Designer is retained to liaise with the contractors through the build phase.

Isn’t health and safety an aspect of the Architect’s role?

Up to a point, yes.

However, health and safety management of a project with multiple contractors is clearly more complex than a project where there is a single contractor. Risk management, procedure definition, monitoring and control are significantly more demanding.

A Principal Designer must be someone with the right skills, knowledge and experience in health and safety management.

Many architects have these attributes. So, very often, in a multi-contractor project, your Architect may also be the Principal Designer, and will factor-in to the fee-bid their work on devising procedures and overseeing health and safety.

If the project has particular challenges or risks that make it necessary to appoint a specialist, just as there may be other specialists such as a quantity surveyor, structural engineer, arborist, etc. Your architect will help you appoint one.

Going Green – Biodiversity Net Gain is the law

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now a requirement for major development projects and also become mandatory for minor sites on 2^nd April 2024.

But what does BNG mean?

Plant and animal life in the site and surroundings of the project must be at least 10% greater at the end of the project than they were before it started.

So, what do we have to do?

Step 1. Baseline: Assess the existing diversity of the site. BNG relates to grassland, hedgerows, lakes, woodland, watercourses (such as streams and rivers). Your assessment should consider size, type, condition and strategic significance. There’s an official metric for calculating the biodiversity value.

Step 2. Proposal: Devise a development that minimises harm to existing biodiversity. This determines how much enhancement is needed.

Step 3. Enhancement: Incorporate features like wildlife-friendly landscaping, habitat restoration – maybe a ‘green’ roof. Your plan should consider conditions that might impact on your BNG plans: climate; geology and topography; agricultural land status; soils and substrates; contaminated land; hydrology and drainage; flood risk zones; landscape character and designations; biosecurity; invasive plant species.

Step 4. Monitor and maintain: Make sure the outcomes are achieved and maintained over time (30 years).

If you find that you can exceed 10% BNG then you can sell the surplus to developers who are struggling to meet their target.

If there aren’t sufficient feasible biodiversity gains on site, the developer may seek gains that are off site, and, as a last resort, buy BNG credits.

There are some exemptions from BNG, including:

A householder application for a small project such as a home extension, conservatory or loft conversion
A development below the threshold (i.e. it does not impact on ‘priority habitat’ and it impacts on less than 25m² of on-site habitat and less than 5m of linear habitat such as a hedgerow)
A development consisting of no more than 9 dwellings on a site that has an area no larger than 0.5 hectares and consists exclusively of dwellings that are self-build or custom house-building.

Your project might not immediately be affected by BNG, however, implementing biodiversity net gain in your residential project can contribute positively to local ecosystems and biodiversity while potentially enhancing the quality of life for residents by creating more natural and green spaces.

Alison of ICE Arch Limited will be happy to discuss this with you: email alison@ice-arch.co.uk

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversity-net-gain

Blending old and new

Typical of its period, this house was traditional and elegant. Typical of its period, it did not capitalise on the amazing outlook, and it’s lounge was a throroughfare between hall and kitchen. ICE Arch enjoyed the challenge, carefully considered the options, and chose to go for a modern extension to re-orientate the rooms, and create cosy spaces that enjoy the views over Cheshire

Are you ready for the changes?

New building regulations come into effect from 15^th June 2022. They are set-out in new and changed ‘Approved Documents’.

How will they affect new homes?

Limit the amount of glazing in new residential buildings. Approved Document O is a new Building Regulation set up to mitigate the risk of overheating.
Measure energy efficiency. New homes will need to adopt the Fabric Energy Efficiency Standards as defined in Part L (Fuel and Power)
Heating systems. There will be a maximum flow temperature requirement of 55°C for new and replacement heating systems
Heat pumps. Good practice is provided for a home built with a heat pump

What about existing homes?

Minimum standards of fabric efficiency, plus a new efficiency metric for the whole house when adding an extension defined in Part F (Ventilation)
Low-carbon readiness. New and replacement heating system designs must accept low-carbon energy sources in the future, and integrate the latest eco-design appliance benchmarks

Got an electric car?

Technical guidance in relation to the installation of electric car charge points for our homes. (Part S)

What do I do now?

If you have submitted a full planning application, or an initial notice, before 15^th June 2022 or your development is subject to a Building Notice, then provided the work is started on site before 15^th June 2023 then the building is assessed under the previous versions of the regulations.

Otherwise, the new regulations apply to you. Ask Alison for advice.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/approved-documents
[23 Apr 2022]

Includes what are known as the 2021 editions of:

Approved Document F Volume 1. Ventilation: Dwellings
Approved Document F Volume 2: Ventilation: Buildings other than dwellings
Approved Document L Volume 1. Conservation of fuel and power: Dwellings
Approved Document L Volume 2. Conservation of fuel and power: Buildings other than dwellings
Approved Document O. Overheating
Approved Document S. Infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles

Wilmslow

This dormer bungalow had very limited space and insufficient accommodation for the growing family, but the client liked the location of the property and privacy of the garden.

ICE Arch Ltd was able to double the size of the property