Here’s one we made earlier…

…and guaranteed free of sticky-back plastic and empty washing-up liquid bottles in its construction.

 

We love to show you our latest creations, our up-to-the-minute designs which capture the defining mood of current times in residential, commercial and community buildings. Just for a change, however, here’s a glimpse into the past, to demonstrate that, though fashions may change, a good design is always a good design.

 

The original site, in Warlingham, was occupied by a single storey building with a large basement.

July 2005

 

We had suggested using the basement for stacked car parking, but the planners insisted we re-establish the building line further into the site. This was such a shame as we were trying to make efficient use of an existing structure—part of our commitment to sustainability—but in the end, it was just filled up with the demolished remnants of the old building.

The planners also asked for the design to respect the white-rendered building to the left, despite everyone knowing this would shortly be replaced by a very large McCarthy & Stone development.

 

In October 2006, on behalf of a developer, we obtained planning permission for 6 x 2-bedroom flats. The site was subsequently sold with planning permission to a new developer and we were retained to address the building regulations, and provide construction drawings. We often work with developers and find that, in most cases, it’s a symbiotic relationship that works for everyone.

 

Work on site was completed in summer 2007 – 10 years ago, and how time has flown!

 

October 2007

 

The development included solar panels—a planning condition at the time required 10% of the energy requirement was met by renewable sources. (It’s not uncommon now for that figure to be 20%.)

It was only last month, by chance, that we were driving along the same road. It was with some measure of pride that we saw the building and noted how well she’s aged.

 

July 2017

 

This does fulfil our commitment to sustainability, since the initial environmental impact of building is progressively amortised as each year passes.

It’s a building which works, and continues to work over a decade later.