Timber Frame Home Extensions and Self Build Projects

Acre Design are specialists in timber frame construction, we have vast experience in building using many construction methods, but we think timber frame offers excellent advantages, and our clients throughout Newcastle and the North East should definitely consider it when extending their home. Below Alistair talks about this method more and why it’s such a good option.

Timber frame extensions work well as an extension to all types of house, whether it’s a semi in Gosforth, or a stone detached house Whitley Bay, and the best of it is the external finish to match exactly with your existing home (as often the planning department requires), or with a contrasting finish to really stand out, and help you make a statement on your estate.  

I love timber frame, whether you are planning on extending your home to create more space, or add value to your home, choosing timber frame for the structural aspects have some really great advantages. Build time is much faster, as the walls go up in hours not days, and this means that you get a secure structure much faster than other construction methods like the traditional brick and block. Timber is also environmentally friendly and has excellent insulation properties meaning your new extension will not only be eco-friendly, but super energy efficient.

The main structure can be erected within a matter of days, meaning the roof works can be booked in in advance and start immediately which then allows for internal works to start once your extension is in the dry, this is a massive time saving when you think of having to wait for the brick and block walls to be finished, before you can start on the roof. At Acre Design, we usually work on residential extension projects to existing homes. 

As a result, our clients are usually living there at the time. The speed at which timber frames can be constructed means that materials will not be stacked around your home causing trip hazards and dangers for the kids. If, for instance, there were to be weather delays, using timber frame allows the construction process to continue as it is not affected by weather conditions! A massive bonus with the weather here in the North East. Acre Design are leading the way in the North East of England with timber frame designed extension, and we can work with you to design and then build an amazing extension that will give you the home of your dreams.

We can provide years of technical expertise in timber frame design, our technical detailing leaves no question marks and we can then oversee construction should you wish, we work in all areas of the North east from Hexham to Tynemouth, Morpeth and Sunderland.

Contact us today to chat to us about your extension, doesn’t matter if it’s a traditional build or this awesome method, just get in touch to discuss! 

Planning Permission in Newcastle, Northumberland and North Shields.

From our experience, planning permission usually takes around eight weeks from application in the Newcastle area. But don’t be put off by this – sometimes it takes time to achieve your dream. You don’t have to worry or deal with any queries regarding your build as we act as your agent throughout the planning process. 

We have a wealth of experience of submitting planning applications under a variety of circumstances – from complex to straightforward. Acre Design apply this in-depth understanding when designing projects for our clients. Knowing what will generally gain approval and what won’t, makes us the North East’s leading architectural design firm. 

 

If you do need planning permission for your loft conversion or extension,  we’ll let you know the likelihood of gaining an approval during your free initial consultation. We’ll also offer solutions to any issues we foresee from the start. 

How you act on our advice is up to you, we just give our professional opinions free of charge on the free initial consultation.

Download our planning permission infographic for more information. It has some helpful tips and statistics. 

The North East, and in particular Newcastle, is a fabulous place to build. From the Victorian Terraces to the more modern semis, there are all kinds of opportunities to do something truly special. With older properties, the main thing that planning departments will look at is how the extension will fit in with its environment.  Having many years of experience, we know how to work with the style of your area whilst incorporating your personal taste and vision.

Acre Design has excellent relationships with councils across Newcastle and the North East and will ensure achieving the relevant permission is stress and hassle free!

 

We offer free advice on whether planning permission is required or not, just arrange a free consultation. If planning is required, we will give you an idea of the likelihood of approval.

Sometimes, planning may not be deemed necessary. Then, we apply to the council for a certificate of lawful development on your behalf. You can find lots more information planning permission on our information page and our FAQ’s have some really helpful information regarding building control.

 

Further information links:

Planning Permission at Newcastle Council
Planning Permission at Gateshead Council
Planning Permission at North Tyneside Council

 

Planning Permission PDF

Open plan Kitchen Extension Gosforth Architect Design

We’ve designed this minimal, modern extension across the rear elevation of our clients’ home to add a bit of contrast to the existing brickwork.

This will open up their existing kitchen into a large kitchen, dining & entertaining space complete with a modern double-sided fireplace. Our internal 3D images will allow their chosen kitchen designers to complete their dream kitchen with ease.

This particular extension did not need planning permission. This allowed us to submit our detailed drawings to building control straight away.

Sunderland Home Extension Design Project with Acre Design

Our client’s have bought a downtrodden semi in Seaburn (near Sunderland) which was in need of a full refurbishment as it hadn’t been touched inside for decades. As well as this the external fabric of the building had been battered from both this houses main selling point as well its principal threat, its front elevation stares straight out to the North Sea. Our client’s had only a wish list of rooms for us to satisfy, they handed this over at commencement, and we set to work. We decided in the end to extend to the side, rear and into the loft to achieve our limited brief.  We thought by utilising the form and details of the existing turret and peaked gable elements we would complement the street scene, (a key consideration for planning permission) and make full use of the outstanding views afforded by this house.  Balconies with sea views on both the first and second floor, a gym and cinema room, as well as the all important open plan kitchen dining area, we feel this house will be the envy of the surrounding area once completed. Our clients were delighted, and we required only minor changes to the original design before being submitted to the local planning department.

Home Extension

Our clients live in north shields in a newly built townhouse. A townhouse is usually a terraced property spread over three floors, often with a non traditional layout. For example, here, our clients have on the ground floor, an entrance hall with stairs and a kitchen, their main living area is upstairs on the 1^st floor. This has allowed them to have breath taking views up the River Tyne  from their living area, however it means navigating stairs far too often. Our brief was to build a single storey extension to the rear to give them usable dining space on the entrance level. Our design was to be clean and using a lantern glass roof to keep the overall height down, so as not to upset the neighbours. Our plans will give a whole new way of living in this house, they will have an additional entertaining space, and they can all socialise whilst dinner is being prepared.

Cramlington Extension Design

 

 

Modernising an existing property in Cramlington.

 

Our client required us to extend and modernise their existing home. The principal elements are to extend on top of their existing garage to form a master bedroom with en-suite. The bedroom should have a vaulted ceiling with large glazed elements looking over the open countryside to the front.

 

 

 

The front elevation is to be redesigned using modern materials principally render and cladding to transform the look of the property. Internal alterations and a single storey rear extension will open up the ground floor and give an open plan feel to their home.

We are excited to meet with our client’s and discuss their thoughts on our design.

 

 

Garage conversion and full length rear extension in Cullercoats

Acre Design were appointed to produce architectural plans for a semi-detached house in Cullercoats, North Tyneside.

The client required a garage conversion that linked into a single storey rear extension the full length of the property.  This was to create a large open plan style kitchen, dining, living area for the family for entertaining.Internal alterations included the removal of walls on the ground floor to help create to open plan feel.

Our clients loved the design and only required minimal changes.

Need inspiration for your future project? A house in gosforth got planning permission. Read about it here! 

Planning permission granted for this property in Gosforth.

Acre Design were asked to help modify and extend a 4 bedroom detached family house in Gosforth to provide additional and improved sleeping accommodation upstairs with a modern design.

The client required at least one additional bedroom and an en-suite to be installed.  This was created by extending above the garage helping to convert this home into a 6 bedroom property. The current master bedroom was extended to the rear and a beautiful floor to ceiling height curtain glazed gable included to providing extra light into the room.

To the ground floor a single storey rear extension was designed to provide a larger kitchen dining area and a utility/boot/dog drying room as well as a WC or shower room and an office area.

Additionally, Acre Design created a balcony to the master bedroom to help modernise the look of the property and create a grand space for the client.

Planning Permission was granted for this property through Newcastle City Council.

You can read about planning permission by looking at our infographic here!

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Planning Permission.

Planning permission on a property in Gosforth has been granted.

 

Acre Design were asked to help modify and extend a 4 bedroom detached family house in Gosforth to provide additional and improved sleeping accommodation upstairs with a modern design.

The client required at least one additional bedroom and an en-suite to be installed.  This was created by extending above the garage helping to convert this home into a 6 bedroom property.

The current master bedroom was extended to the rear and a beautiful floor to ceiling height curtain glazed gable included to providing extra light into the room.

To the ground floor a single storey rear extension was designed to provide a larger kitchen dining area and a utility/boot/dog drying room as well as a WC or shower room and an office area.

Additionally, Acre Design created a balcony to the master bedroom to help modernise the look of the property and create a grand space for the client.

Planning Permission was granted for this property through Newcastle City Council.