I started this in 2011 and finished in 2012 - Here's to your success

I have written this blogpost so many times then deleted it and then edited it and then lost it and now I am starting again. I guess the brain cells have diminished over the festivities.

All of that said I am looking forward to 2012. We all leave the worries of 2011 behind us and look forward to the promises of 2012 and what will hopefully be a great year for all of us.

We are looking forward to a bumper year and hope that the Construction Industry Sector now refuses to participate in the ongoing credit shortage and certainly not to participate in a 'double dip' which we must all try and avoid.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the last day of the festive holidays before we return for the 2012 journey. We have a few existing projects which are steaming along and a few new ones just about to get kick started. We also look forward to the 5th 'property podcast' with the fatbuzz team and our regular guests. You can listen to podcast #4 by clicking here.

So here's to your success in 2012, whatever you do and wherever you may be. Let's all make this year count.

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too. Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

The Good, The Bad and The Downright Mad – Self Build Homes

The term self build homes is a bit of a misnomer. Very few people actually roll up their sleeves, start mixing concrete and invest in a nail gun. The truth is most self builders will hire an architect and only get their hands dirty when it comes to the final decoration.

There are many arguments for and against self building and the main one is cost versus hassle. There is no doubt that building your own home is cheaper than paying a premium to a house builder and if you truly go down the DIY route its even cheaper. However the stress involved in finding land, laying foundations and creating a home far out weighs the stress of simply moving into one.

That said we are still curious about those who take on the challenge of self building. Over three million of us regularly tune into Grand Designs and watch the ups and downs of self build projects. As a nation we lag behind many other countries with amount of actual self building that we do. Only 10% of homes in Britain are self builds compared to 80% in Austria and 60% in other parts of Europe.

Taking on a true self build project can be as daunting as it is exciting. If clambering up an A-frame brandishing a nail gun is your thing then DIY self building is for you. If however you want the ability to ensure that your new home fits your lifestyle as much as possible but brandishing a paint brush is your limit then hire an architect.

When it comes to self build projects an architect can be worth their weight in gold, time saved and hassle avoided. They will project manage all the other construction professionals required and keep you updated regularly. Engaging an architect prior to selecting your plot of ground can reap great dividends. That gorgeous bubbling stream that you see meandering through your back garden could translate as a genuine flood risk come the April showers, when seen through an architects eyes.

So before your project gets off the ground, weigh up the good points (lower cost), the bad points (loads of extra stress) and decide if you are of the DIY variety of self builders (you get to use a nail gun) or if you want an architect to protect you from all of the stress. Whatever you decide, happy self building!

If you found this topic interesting then you can read more on self build here.

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Block Podcast Edition 4 now available - Working from home vs the office - The work/life balance and much more...

It's early December and we are now at Block Podcast No.4, we've been very encouraged with the response and feedback from the initial podcasts.  We are continuing to look for people to take part in future podcasts and, for your suggestions of topics you would like us to discuss on future episodes.  If you would like to take part or suggest a topic please contact Kenneth Martin who will be happy to chat through your ideas.

Episode 4 of the Block Podcast was recorded on the Thursday 1st December 2011and we were delighted to welcome back some guests along with one new one - here are the participants:

• William Hume, Director, Terrenus CDH
• John Stobbs, Director of Operations, Sap Service UK

Also on the podcast we have Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd

As usual, we covered lots of topics during our open and lively conversation and we hope that there's something in the podcast for you.  To help you decide, we've listed some of the topics/questions that were asked and answered during the recording.  We began by looking at the issue of home working as opposed to working from an office, here are some of the key topics:

• Flexible working
• The benefits of collaborative working
• The ease with which you can open branch offices
• Serviced offices and meeting room facilities
• Is there any stigma in working from home?
• Trust issues - will your employees give 100% if working remotely
• Work/life balance
• Is there too much negativity around?  
• Has the current climate been a wake up call for many businesses?
• Loyalty in business - Is there still loyalty in business?
• Investment - Is it being affected by uncertainty because of the independence issue?
• Is investment too heavily weighted in favour of energy projects?
• Solar energy and the tariff changes
• Lack of investment in the communications infrastructure
• Is the planning process affecting investment?
• The costs associated with the planning process
• Does the planning process lack a certain amount of judgement or are the planners bound by too many regulations?
• Grand Design - Has it become a bit of a circus?
• The passive house
• The increasing demands on the built environment

We hope you enjoy the discussion on this podcast and remember if you would like to take part in a future episode please email Gordon White or Kenneth Martin for a chat.

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Zero Carbon Challenge

Zero Carbon Challenge? Architects Are Stepping Up…

The government have laid down a target – zero carbon construction by 2016.

Sounds simple enough but what does zero carbon mean?

The NHBC Foundation says;

“The definition for a ‘zero carbon home’ is still to be set for the purposes of the 2016 ambition, but it is broadly understood to be one with ‘zero net emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from all energy use in the home’. This encompasses those energy uses that are currently part of building regulations (space heating, hot water, ventilation and some lighting) as well as all other energy uses such as cooking, TVs, computers and all other appliances. It means that, over a year, there should be no net CO2 emissions resulting from the operation of the home.”

Basically this means that we will start to use zero carbon power generation methods such as wind power, solar power and geothermal power to light and heat our homes and our water.

What does zero carbon construction mean for existing home owners?

Over time existing homes will have the opportunity to be upgraded to start taking advantage of sustainable power sources such as the initiative currently in place regarding solar panels.

What does zero carbon construction mean for future self builders? Will new build homes and self build homes all start to look like Scandinavian eco homes or European PassivHaus constructions?

The government has urged architects to design traditional British style homes, retaining the characteristics that we are used to seeing but embrace the necessary techniques to achieve a zero carbon rating.

“I am clear that the beginning of zero carbon does not need to mean the end of Great British design.”

Embracing the PassivHaus standard requires a change of lifestyle and so may not be practical for all. PassivHaus standards rely on Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) meaning frequent changing of filters, costing time and money.

So the challenge has been thrown down, design Great British zero carbon homes and buildings.

There are exciting times ahead as we embrace low energy and low carbon technologies and maybe we are looking forward to a future where wind turbines become as common place in our gardens as water features are now…

If you have found this post interesting please be sure to use the share buttons bellow to let others in your online community know about it, there's a good chance some of them will find it interesting.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

An Update From Our MD - Kenneth Martin

Right, 10 minutes to go before the next episode of Grand Designs so thought I would give this quick update.

So many things going on now with Block Architects particularly now that we are heading towards the Christmas Shut Down. I'm sure Gordon White of fatBuzz will not want me mentioning Christmas so I did just to anoy him... (He'll probably go in and edit that bit!!!

Anyway, Christmas is approaching fast and as it does, we find ourselves in that position where the work load increases and the time left to do it in is decreases. Don't worry though we always get things done!

Between now and December we are looking at Building Warrants for 3 new bespoke houses, 3 self builds on site for site inspection already with another due to start next week in Hamilton and 1 more to go in for planning before Christmas. Multiple house alterations and extensions are at various stages and we have a dentist surgery on site in Burnbank Hamilton. We also have a secret project that we cannot talk about yet but hey, it's a belter as they say!

Today we were told that we had achieved planning approval for 2 house plots for the Celtic FC Legend Mr Bertie Auld. A great result! When I told him today you would think that he had scored a goal!!!

I must also thank Bertie at this point for arranging a signed football top for a charity fundraiser for The Beatson in Glasgow. My dear friend and former colleague Jon-Marc Creaney is fighting Cancer and Lanarkshire Business Group did a fundraiser last weekend where they raised in excess of £4000. WELL DONE!!!!

Well that's as much as I can write in 10 min as the Grand Designs theme tune has started.

Finally, we will record another #blockpodcast No 4 before Christmas so watch out for this and please do listen in.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Why Do We Need Planning Permission Anyway?

If you are thinking about a self build, an extension to your home or an alteration to a commercial property the thought of applying for planning permission can give you nightmares. Engaging an architect right at the start of your project can smooth the path to planning consent but why do we have planning procedures in the first place?

The Role of the Planning System

Planning procedure is in place in order to help control positive change in our cities and towns. It also serves to protect historic buildings and our areas of natural beauty.

As more people become interested in sustainable building methods planning control helps to encourage this green architecture.

Planning also have a role in supporting the use of older development sites, derelict and empty land. We have all probably heard of somewhere being regenerated and urban redevelopment is popular. However our historic buildings need to be protected and the planning department have to take this into consideration as well.

While all this building and regeneration is going on planning departments also have the responsibility to protect and conserve our recreational areas and wildlife habitats.

Its worth baring in mind at this point that your architect will have knowledge of all these roles and will be able to guide you as you consider applying for permissions

So How Do I Get Planning Permission?
The rules for planning are quite complicated but some smaller proposals are classes as permitted developments and as such no planning permission is required.

You might not need planning permission at all…

This is where your architect becomes worth their weight in gold as they will have an established relationship with the local planning office and a top notch understanding of what your local council will class as a permitted development.

If planning permission is required you need to let your neighbours know. They have the right to comment or object within 14 days of the local council receiving your application. Sometimes the application requires to be published in the local paper. Again your architect will be able to advise you on what to expect.

The local councils generally try to take no longer than 8 weeks in reviewing your application and in 80% of the cases they achieve this time scale.

There are three outcomes that can befall your application:

• permission granted without conditions
• permission granted with conditions
• no permission granted 

Your architect will usually have forewarned you of a possible outcome and can, if required, appeal to the local planning office on your behalf.

So while applying for planning permission to build your dream home, extend your current home or to revamp commercial premises can feel like torture there are good reasons for all the hoops that need to be jumped through. Find a good architect who knows how to lower the hoops and your project can go smoothly.
For more information or assistance with your planning queries please contact us on 01698 422358

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

The Pitfalls Of Starting Your Build - PRIOR to Building Control Approval

Every now and then we are invited to work on a project where for various reasons the Client needs to push on with the project prior to obtaining building warrant approval. Some of you may know that the regulations in Scotland and England vary. In England a build is allowed to start on site as soon as the Warrant Application is lodged and the Building Control Surveyor then inspects and certifies the warrant as the built progresses. In Scotland however, we must obtain building warrant approval prior to starting or the Building Control Department can close the site.

I am writing this blogpost because we have been involved in a build where the Client needed to progress with the build prior to the warrant approval albeit that the warrant application had been lodged and was being processed. In ths particular scenario there was just no other option for the Client.

Professionally we have to say that it is important in Scotland to ensure that the warrant is approved prior to starting and ideally the Client should devise a works programme which allows the Design Team, Planning and Building Control Departments the opportunity to properly design and approve the necessary statutory approvals.

So what happens when you start prior to building warrant approval. Well invariably when you are a certain number of weeks into the project, we (your architect) get the warrant approval and then notify the Council that the build has started even although it started several weeks prior. Following this Building Control will inspect the works on site and then they have the right to insist on the destructive opening up of works so that they can inspect and ensure compliance with the approved drawings. This typically relates to e.g. structural works including foundations and steel or visual intrusive inspections to ensure that fire protection has been applied properly. This can be a very onerous and expensive process, which can be prohibitive in terms of time and programme at the end of the build.

So here's a tip. Always, always, always think twice before asking your design team to start on site prior to obtaining a warrant approval. We will ALWAYS advise you against this and guide you so.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

UPDATED AUDIO FILE FOR - Block Podcast Episode 3 - Marketing in construction, contaminated land Regs and why not to get Newts on your boots!!!

We would like to apologise to those of you who have already downloaded Episode 3 of the Block Podcast; it wasn't until after it was formatted and uploaded to the server that we noticed there was a problem with the sound.

We have now rectified the problem and replaced the file on the server. If you have already downloaded the podcast form iTunes, please delete the file then refresh you podcast feed and the new version will download. Alternatively, you can listed to the amended version via the audio player in this blog post.

Once again, our apologies for any inconvenience.

Audience numbers continue to grow for the Block Podcast and we are extremely happy with the reaction to Episode 2 and the feedback we have received via Twitter and email, please continue to tell us what you think of each episode and any suggestions you may have for the future.  We are also keen to hear from anybody who would like to take part in future podcasts.

Episode 3 of the Block Podcast was recorded on the Tuesday 27th September and we were delighted to welcome back some guests along with one new one - here are the participants:

• Evelyn Laurie, Principal, Red Marketing 
• Fraser Duff, Director, Terrenus CDH
• John Stobbs, Director of Operations, Sap Service UK

Also on the podcast we have Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd

We covered lots of topics during our open and lively conversation and we hope that there's something in the podcast for you.  To help you decide, we've listed some of the topics/questions that were asked and answered during the recording.  We began by looking at marketing within the construction industry, here are some of the key topics:

• The need to be more focussed in today's market
• Do your existing clients know all of the services you provide?
• Target specific audiences for particular services
• Explore potential new markets by looking at things like changes in legislation
• Check that your business is geared up to chase potential new markets
• Are you engaging and making the most of your relationships?
• Is it relationships or price that really drives business?
• Are you humanising your organisation in order to encourage relationships?
• Is the construction industry making the best use of new technology such as Skype?

We also explore the value of collaboration and the benefits of forming partnerships, how much you should publicly promote partnerships, whether partnerships can get help you tender for bigger projects and, whether architects still play the lead role on construction projects.

We then move swiftly onto the subject of networking and explore the real value of networking events - can we really form lasting relationships from these meetings or, are they simply a hunting ground for salesmen?

Finally, we discuss the Contaminated Land Regulations and the planned changes in the legislation.  Along the way we discuss the following:

• The complexity of the current regulations
• Why we need different legislation in Scotland
• The Ravenscraig solution
• What defines contaminated land
• Is there a legal obligation for Local Authorities to request reports?
• The benefits and implications of assigning reports

We also learn about the pearls of Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam .  Not content with that, Fraser explains why you don't want to get Newts on your boots!!!

During the recording we also talked about the role of SEPA and issue an invitation to them to take part in a future podcast so, if you know someone from SEPA perhaps you can share this blog and the podcast with them.

We hope you enjoy the discussion on this podcast and, if you would like to take part in a future episode please email Gordon White or Kenneth Martin for a chat.

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Block Podcast Episode 3 - Marketing in construction, contaminated land Regs and why not to get Newts on your boots!!!

Audience numbers continue to grow for the Block Podcast and we are extremely happy with the reaction to Episode 2 and the feedback we have received via Twitter and email, please continue to tell us what you think of each episode and any suggestions you may have for the future.  We are also keen to hear from anybody who would like to take part in future podcasts.

Episode 3 of the Block Podcast was recorded on the Tuesday 27th September and we were delighted to welcome back some guests along with one new one - here are the participants:

• Evelyn Laurie, Principal, Red Marketing 
• Fraser Duff, Director, Terrenus CDH
• John Stobbs, Director of Operations, Sap Service UK

Also on the podcast we have Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd

We covered lots of topics during our open and lively conversation and we hope that there's something in the podcast for you.  To help you decide, we've listed some of the topics/questions that were asked and answered during the recording.  We began by looking at marketing within the construction industry, here are some of the key topics:

• The need to be more focussed in today's market
• Do your existing clients know all of the services you provide?
• Target specific audiences for particular services
• Explore potential new markets by looking at things like changes in legislation
• Check that your business is geared up to chase potential new markets
• Are you engaging and making the most of your relationships?
• Is it relationships or price that really drives business?
• Are you humanising your organisation in order to encourage relationships?
• Is the construction industry making the best use of new technology such as Skype?

We also explore the value of collaboration and the benefits of forming partnerships, how much you should publicly promote partnerships, whether partnerships can get help you tender for bigger projects and, whether architects still play the lead role on construction projects.

We then move swiftly onto the subject of networking and explore the real value of networking events - can we really form lasting relationships from these meetings or, are they simply a hunting ground for salesmen?

Finally, we discuss the Contaminated Land Regulations and the planned changes in the legislation.  Along the way we discuss the following:

• The complexity of the current regulations
• Why we need different legislation in Scotland
• The Ravenscraig solution
• What defines contaminated land
• Is there a legal obligation for Local Authorities to request reports?
• The benefits and implications of assigning reports

We also learn about the pearls of Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam .  Not content with that, Fraser explains why you don't want to get Newts on your boots!!!

During the recording we also talked about the role of SEPA and issue an invitation to them to take part in a future podcast so, if you know someone from SEPA perhaps you can share this blog and the podcast with them.

We hope you enjoy the discussion on this podcast and, if you would like to take part in a future episode please email Gordon White or Kenneth Martin for a chat.

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Supporting A Friend - Mr Jon-Marc Creaney (scarpadog)

Before I get into this blogpost I just wanted to quickly say thanks to everyone who donated to my charity www.justgiving.com/kenneth-martin. We have now reached our target of raising a massive £5000 for Yorkhill's Sick Children's Hospital, following the anniversary of my kidney to my dad. A massive thank you.

Now on the issue of fundraising this brings me onto the topic of the post. My former colleague and good friend Jon-Marc Creaney is currently going through treatment for Cancer. He is posting remarkable insights into his journey of recovery on his blog which you can follow here.

So, many of Jon-marc's friends are doing much fundraising for The Beatsons a charity which is devoted to helping people like Jon-marc through his recovery period. My wife Sandra and Jon-marc both attend the local Lanarkshire Business Group who are running a disco fundraiser for The Beatsons in association with Jon-Marc's Charity. If you would like to donate to this wonderful Charity you can find a link to the just giving page by clicking here.

EVERY PENNY HELPS SO PLEASE DONATE NOW

If you have found this post interesting please use the Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and Share Buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance some of them will find it interesting too. Thank you

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Anniversary Of The Kidney Donation

And what a difference a year makes. Yes it on the 25th of August, only 2 days away, we will all celebrate the anniversary of the kidney donation. Quite a topical subject following the recent announcement on the news where the Government are considering paying for kidneys. What happened to that plan?

I am very pleased to say that both dad and myself now appear to be back to a 100% recovery. The kidney(my donnor kidney) is performing very well and my dad to date has suffered no set backs what so ever. Testimony perhaps to a fantastic team of surgeons and aftercare via Stobhill Clinic.

On behalf of my dad and I we would dearly like to thank all of the transplant team and a special thanks also to the renal team at Monklands Hospital for their fantastic support prior to the operation.

I've just remembered, and it seems funny to recollect, the week before the operation when my dad sprained his ankle and both mum and I had to support him into bed. We were all panic striken at the thought of the operation being cancelled but of course that didn't happen.

Dad is just back from Cambridge visiting my sister and I am also pleased to confirm that he went swimming with Elissa, his 2 year old grand daughter. Something he never thought he would ever be able to do. It was worth it all in the end and I never had any doubt.


So you will also all remember that we were raising funds for Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow and in particular their renal unit. I am very pleased to confirm that we raised (to date) £4746-00.

This is a little short of our £5000 figure that we hoped to achieve so if you are sitting reading this and have an emotional link or connection with the story or Yorkhill, then please do donate and help us get over the target.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

From Wattle and Daub and Back Again: An Architect Reflects

It seems that one of our earliest necessities was to have a place to call home, a roof over our heads and ancient architects and builders used whatever was lying around at the time to construct buildings.

We do the same nowadays but will our superior methods, materials and knowhow produce anything any better than our architect ancestors?

In The Beginning There Was Mud…
From Neolithic times onwards humans were great builders using mud, dust, sand and straw to create ‘mud-bricks’. These bricks would be sun dried and used to create a structure that would last around 30 years before it would need to be rebuilt.

Where there was access to trees wattle and daub was used to create homes. Tree branches would be woven together and covered in mud, wet soil, animal dung in fact anything considered ‘sticky’ would be daubed over the woven branches.

Stone and A Recycling Program…
On Orkney however Neolithic architecture was of stone and set into a rubbish tip to provide insulation, an early form of recycling perhaps…

The Excavations at Skara Brae, Orkney

This insulation would have been essential due to the harsh climate in the area and for over 600 years groups of people lived in the village of around ten houses. That was more than 6000 years ago…

As we progressed buildings got more and more elaborate and the architects of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome were to design buildings, monuments, statutes and tombs that would last for thousands of years. The pyramids at Giza are thought to have been completed around 4,500 years ago.

Interior Design and A Divine Connection…
Elaborate stonework and decoration became the norm at least in Europe and there are many buildings that still survive giving us a hint at what life was like in the Ancient Roman/Greek/Egyptian Empires.

The Temple of Horus

The Colosseum

Cities were founded, built and decorated in accordance with the apparent wishes of the Gods of the time and the architects of this era would use the movement of the sun, stars and other cosmological bodies to align and proportion their creations.

At least as far back as 300BC the Golden Ratio of 1:1.618 was being used in Greek architecture and it is thought that the design of the Parthenon is based on this.

Architecture seemed to be at the mercy of deities and yet here was mathematics making an appearance.

Did these architects know that their creations would stand the test of time, that thousands of year’s later human beings would still be marvelling at their achievements?

Lagging Behind…
Whilst Europe and Asia was building to last, many of the natives of Central America were still making mud bricks and using wattle and daub to create shelters and homes. It wasn’t really until contact was made with the European settlers that this style of architecture changed.

This was not the case in South America, however. In what we now call Bolivia the Incas created cities out of stone and a road network spanning much of the west coast of the continent. In fact the Inca architects and engineers could be credited with building the first suspension bridges!

These bridges were a necessity to keep the road system in operation and allow messages to be delivered by runners throughout the Inca Empire. Made from woven vegetation, wood and branches the rope bridges were maintained on an annual basis by nearby villagers which ensured that they remained strong.

The last Inca rope bridge having been reconstructed.

Onwards and Upwards…Literally!
If we fast forward through Medieval, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau, Expressionist and Art Deco styles of architecture we arrive at the present day.

All of these periods of design have had an affect on how an architect of today will design a building. There may be influences of on or more of these styles but modern construction materials allows for bigger, stronger and taller buildings than ever before.

Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai is currently the world’s tallest building. It stands more than half a mile high (2,717ft) and took around five years to complete. The foundations alone are made of over 45,000m³ of concrete weighing over 110,000 tonnes with the structure itself using 330,000m³ of concrete and 55,000 of steel rebar. After 22 million man hours the world’s tallest building was ready.

Is this our crowning architectural achievement? Is this as high as we can go? Will our predecessors still be marvelling at this structure in a thousand years? Who can say…

Back To Basics…
The circle of life is never ending and it would seem that the circle of architecture is the same. Yes, we are more advanced and yes, we have better techniques but we seem to be returning in part to our ancient architect roots.
Green architecture is popular today and more and more people are returning to more traditional methods of construction and using more environmentally friendly materials.

Insulation can be made from recycled newspapers, denim jeans and blast furnace slag helping to reduce the amount of rubbish heading to landfill sites. Using rubbish as insulation sounds familiar…

Walls can be constructed using bamboo, rammed earth, clay, baked earth, sisal, see grass etc.

Sounds similar to wattle and daub…

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Social Media and the Block Podcast

I just thought I would drop a quick Blogpost regarding the newest PR and marketing drive, the block podcast. It goes without saying that everyone is trying something new in order to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. I have always tried to do this through various initiatives.

Last week the block podcast No 2 was in iTunes top 200 downloads so of course I am delighted. The feedback has been immense with loads of interest in the guest speaker slots. If you are interested in coming onto the podcast please do contact us.

You can also follow the podcast on twitter with #blockpodcast.

Finally, I am happy to receive discussion topics via email Hamilton@blockarchitects.co.uk

Here's to the future success of the podcast.

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

f you have found this post interesting please use the Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and Share Buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance some of them will find it interesting too. Thank you

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Block Podcast - Episode 2...we're back and we've got some friends to join us!

We were extremely encouraged with the response to Block Podcast Episode 1 and with the number and variety of people who have expressed an interest in taking part either on a regular basis or, periodically when their area of expertise is required.  episode 2 of the Block Podcast was recorded on the Friday 5th August and we were delighted to welcome some guests along to take part, let us introduce them to you:

• Evelyn Laurie, Principal, Red Marketing 
• Paul McComish, CEO McComish Group
• John Stobbs, Director of Operations, Sap Service UK

Also on the podcast we have Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd

As you will probably gather, we had great fun recording the second episode of the podcast with some lively discussion and the odd bit of humour!  We hope we have captured some really interesting content for you, here's some of the things we discuss during the podcast:

• Live organ donation - nothing to do with building design or property by we thought, given Kenneth's experience, we would have a very brief chat about the very topical subject of payments for live organs.
• Sustainability Statements - what's it all about and what are the associated costs and implications for house builders?
• Zero carbon emissions - is it really achievable?
• Solar panels as an investment - we look at the "Roof-for Rent" proposition and discuss some of the issues surrounding it
• Insurance claims - what's the insurance company's view - Like-for-Like vs replacement with a sustainable solution
• Social media in the property industry - how do you project your personal brand where we refer to the expert advice of  Jennifer Holloway, Managing Director, Spark Branding
• We also ask the question - Are CV's a thing of the past
• Recruitment - Is there a shortage of skills? Are graduates ready for the workplace? Is there a better solution for training tradesmen in the future?

We hope you enjoy the discussion on this podcast and, if you would like to take part in a future episode please email Gordon White or Kenneth Martin for a chat.

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Green Roofs - Green Architecture

As Kermit Says ‘It’s Not Easy Being Green’


If you could reduce your heating bills by growing grass on your roof would you? It’s currently not the norm, agreed, and the issue is more of an eco-friendly one than a practical one at the moment but if you were given the option, would you?

Green architecture is a growing trend and homes are being built that take advantage of a wide variety of different techniques that save water, reduce heating bills and save energy. Growing grass on rooftops is one of those techniques.

Simply placing containers on the roof of an office block is currently not accepted as a true green or living roof. Waterproof membrane is required along with an irrigation system, root barrier and drainage layers. It really is a roof covered with proper vegetation.

The benefits of having a green roof are a reduction in heating bills, a reduction in cooling bills, reducing rainwater run off, being able to filter pollutants and carbon dioxide and it creates a natural habitat for birds etc. Another way to create a green roof is to create a pond environment. This can be a good way to treat greywater.

So when we look out from tall office buildings is the sky line going to be dotted with green, lush vegetation? Well more and more this will be the case as more companies decide to reduce bills and their carbon footprint. Are we going to see more house builders using turf instead of tiles? Maybe not.

But more people are deciding to self build and as green techniques to save energy, reduce bills and save water become increasing popular maybe we will see more residential homes with green or living roofs.

For more information on Green Architecture please click here.

Block Podcast - Episode 1...In search of presenters

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Block Podcast; a regular podcast for all those interested in propert and construction. In the podcast Kenneth Martin, MD at Block Architects, explains what it's all about and the type of things that will be discussed in the future.

Kenneth starts with an appeal for anyone interested in property and construction to get involved in future episodes; we are looking for regular contributors as well as "resident experts" who will be willing to contribute of their areas of expertise when the need arises.

So, what type of people are we looking for?  well, just about anybody involved in planning, design or construction; architects, interior designers, engineers, surveyors, builders, developers, facilities mananagement, landlords...really anyone who has a relevant interest in this area.  If you are interested in being part of a future podcast please email Gordon White or Kenneth Martin for a chat.

In this inagural episode we also talk about the use of social media within the building and construction industry so, if you are using social media you may want to join us to talk about it.

Please take time to listen to the podcast and let us know if you are interested in being part of our exciting new communication tool.  We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes

If you have enjoyed this post or the podacst please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interseting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Self Build Homes – From Foundations Upwards

You have bought your plot, had soil surveys done, any trees removed and the site cleared – you are ready to start digging! Your builder may even have pegged out a plan on the ground so you have an idea of the foot print of your self build home.

Materials can start to be delivered and now is when you have to be organised. You need to leave enough room around the build for scaffolding, bricks and blocks to be laid out, you need to make sure that any deliveries made do not hinder other services being installed such as gas, electricity, telephone, water and waste and you should ensure that lorries have good access to the site.

Sticking a sign in a prominent place to indicate the location of your site to delivery drivers is also a good idea, saves your bricks from begin delivered to your new neighbour two doors down!

If you are not planning on living on site then you will need somewhere secure to lock valuable tools etc. away or hire a security guard to watch over the site and protect it from what may be costly vandalism. If you do decide that a caravan on site is the way to go you will need to get permission from the local council.

Once the footings are up to ground level you will see the shape of your self build home start to take shape. The ground floor walls can now be started and once complete, scaffolding erected for the start of the second floor.

Once the build reaches just below roof height more scaffolding will be required to take the build to truss height. By this point you will clearly see the size of your self build home. A third and four scaffold lift may be required to complete the roof and gable end. Once the roof trusses have been felted and battened, the tiles or slates can be put in place and your roof is water tight.

Adding in the windows and doors will make the whole build wind and water tight and the internal fixes can begin. Pipes for plumbing, water and heating go in and all electrical wiring can be put in place. If you have ever been annoyed by a lack of sockets or switches and by trailing wires tucked around door frames and skirting boards, now is the time to solve both these issues.

Stud walls, staircases and floor boards complete the internal layout and the first fix. Plastering of the walls can now begin. Floor covering and tiling work can be done and a final fix on the plumbing, joinery and electrical wiring can be completed.

With pipes connected to the sewer and cables connected to the electricity supply your home will almost be ready for you to move in. Painting, decorating, kitchen units and bathrooms suites finish the place off.

There is a lot of work connected with a self build and you should be prepared for it to take some time but the final outcome will be worth the wait. If you feel you want to, you can project manage this whole process yourself but if it seems daunting to be dealing with builders, joiners, scaffolders, plumbers and electricians, not to mention building inspectors then your architect can be your project manager.

If you have enjoyed this article then click here for more self build information.

Self Build Homes - Starting With A Good Foundation

Following the announcement by the Housing Minister that the Government will encourage lending for self build, we thought we would drop this blog post.

The popularity of self build homes in on the increase and many people dream of living in a home that they have designed specifically to suit the needs of them and their family. Before that can become a reality however there are a few steps that need to be taken.

Finding A Plot
Finding a piece of land and deciding that you want to live there is the beginning of the process then you need to see if the plot you have chosen is suitable for the home you wish to build.

There are a variety of different factors that will affect the suitability of the land from type of soil, slope of the plot to the proximity of rivers, burns and trees. Having a proper land survey carried out which involves soil samples and test bore holes is valuable and, when digging out your foundations can quite literally prevent you from pouring money down a big hole!

A Good Foundation
Foundations are not just about digging a big enough hole and pouring concrete into it. This is the beginning of your home and one of the most important parts to get right. If the foundations are laid well, if they are the right kind and they are strong enough then you are off to a flying start with your self build.

Foundations come in three main forms strip, raft or pile and your architect is best placed to be able to advise which type will suit your build and plot.

Site Preparation
You have had test bores done, you know what kind of soil you are dealing with, your architect is happy with the positioning of rivers and trees and any slope is being worked around – you are now ready to clear the site.

This part of the preparation doesn’t require any real expertise unless there are large trees that may need to be felled. Many trees have preservation orders on them and you can’t touch them so its best to find out from your local planning office if that is the case before revving up your chain saw!

If you do have to remove any large trees you are best to leave the site to settle before commencing any building works. Removal of large trees or a large number of trees can change the equilibrium of the surrounding soil and may have an impact on the foundations required.

At each one of these stages you will find the expertise of your architect invaluable and having them on board right from the beginning could save you time and money.

Bringing in an architect even before you have settled on a plot and bought it makes good sense.

If you have found this post interesting please use the Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and Share Buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance some of them will find it interesting too. Thank you

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

VAT Advice From A Specialist

Berthold Bauer Property VAT Consultants would like to take this opportunity to remind you that we offer a FREE VAT Advisory Service for queries relating to VAT relief on building and construction for any Architectural practice.


A brief reminder, by default VAT is levied at the Standard Rate on all construction works apart from the following-

· New build residential units - presuming full demolition of prior structures, bar any mandatory facade retention.

· Alteration works, with Listed Building Consent, to Listed Buildings. (being in a Conservation Area is not sufficient)

· Conversion of non-residential buildings into residential use.

· Altering the number of dwellings in a building; such as increasing / decreasing the number of flats, houses into flats etc.

· Renovation of dwellings uninhabited for more than 2 years.

· Certain new builds and extensions to charitable buildings.

· Commercial developments.



Professional fees always attract VAT at the Standard Rate and usually result in an irrecoverable VAT burden.

VAT relief is not automatic and needs to be proven to the Contractor along with a suitable apportionment showing precisely where VAT relief may be applied. As it is the sole responsibility – and liability – of the Contractor to account for VAT correctly; they must charge VAT in full if no apportionment is provided (or indeed if they are not comfortable undertaking an apportionment themselves).



If you have any queries regarding VAT then we are happy to offer our FREE expert VAT advice either via email vat@bbvat.co.uk or on 0871 288 7266.



Alternatively, we will be running another CPD VAT seminar on September 27/28th in Birmingham. Here we will be covering various case studies on VAT and HMRC approvals, plus increase you’re VAT Knowledge and discover how you can make savings for your clients.



If you would like to reserve a place or have further information please email: rosie.kelly@bbvat.co.uk .

Green Architecture and The Passivhaus Standard

In 1991 the first ever dwelling to meet the passivhaus standard was constructed. With energy consumption remaining at less than 10kWh per square metre over a year, energy saving is somewhere in the region of 90% when compared to traditionally built homes. It is no wonder that interest in applying the passivhaus standard is increasing.

The standard was first developed by Prof Bo Adamson and Prof Wolfgang Feist due to the problems of increasing demand for fossil fuels and global warming. A solution was needed for these issues and so the passivhaus standard was born.

The simplicity of the standard is its strength; build a house that has excellent thermal properties, is completely airtight and then ventilate the house mechanically. That is more or less it. Adding further energy efficient systems such as solar panels are entirely optional. Adding rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling to further enhance the green aspects of the build will help to make it more environmentally friendly.

Using this standard, an energy efficient building can be built anywhere…including Antarctica! To gain the thermal properties required by the standard, triple glazing, super insulation and a ground heat exchanger are all important.

Regular testing and user feedback indicates that the interior of a passivhaus does not fall below 16 degrees Celsius even during the coldest winter months and despite a mechanical ventilation system the indoor air quality remained good.

This standard is not only suitable for residential homes but can be used for any building, industrial or commercial, to reduce fuel bills. In the face of climate change this is a massive step in the right direction and there are now examples of passivhaus buildings in every European country as well as the USA, Canada, China, Japan and Australia.

Passivhaus is a global solution to a global issue and is going to become ever more popular. Whilst it is relatively easy to adopt the standard for a new build it is difficult to refurbish a building to the standard without undertaking major works.
However, even when a building is refurbished using “passivhaus-suitable components” but does not meet the necessary criteria to receive certification, the building will still benefit greatly from the use of the energy efficient materials.

It is worth noting that although a passivhaus retrofit may need planning permission, the local planning department should look favourably on the project and your architect will be able to advise you on this.

If you have found this post interesting please use the Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and Share Buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance some of them will find it interesting too. Thank you

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

The Role Of The Engineer In A Self Build Project

Following our recent blog post Top Six Points To Consider Before Beginning Your Self Build Home, we were contacted on Linkedin by David Narro, Structural Engineer to suggest that perhaps we could have expanded our discussion some more on the role of the engineer during the self build project. 

Every year block architects undertake in excess of a dozen self builds for our clients all of which involve the requirements of an engineer to deliver a successful project. The extent of the role of the engineer in a self build project really depends on the engineering complexity of the design and site constraints however on a 'typical' self build there is a few issues that the engineer must advise on.

1. The Desk Top Study
At the start of each project, subject to location, then it is often worthwhile getting a desk top study done by an engineer. This traditionally would include the obtaining of historical site date from e.g. local library and would allow the engineer to form a considered opinion about the potential ground conditions i.e. whether or not the site has mining problems, potential for foundation of former structures to be unearthed, gas or contamination issues. This study including obtaining the services records for the site and surrounding area would allow the engineer to advise the architect on any potential issues related to getting out of the ground.

See additional information - Planning Information

2. The Trial Pits
Following the desk top study the engineer would then inspect trial pits on site. A trial pit is a single or multipe pits or holes dug within the location of the foundations. The engineer typically likes to be present on site as these are being excavated. This will allow the engineer to inspect soil and ground make up with a view to establishing how deep the foundations must be taken to allow for a suitable ground bearing pressure. In an ideal world we want to be down about 600mm to cast a traditional concrete strip foundation.

3. The Design & Specification of Engineering Issues
Prior to lodging the building warrant the engineer would be required to assess the architect's drawings and then advise on the structural matters. This could be anything from specifying foundation depths, lintels, steel beams and columns, advising on roof designs regarding wind and snow loadings. It's quite often the case that the engineer's drawings and specifications seem minimal relative to the quantity of information prepared by the Architect but don't underestimate the amount of calculations done behind the scenes all to prove the structural stability of the structure particularly where SER Certification is required.

4. The SER Certificate
This is a bit of a beaurocratic requirement through the building control process and many engineer's that we consult with have mixed views on this however in essence it's a certificate by which the engineer can certify that he has had his designs and calculations checked by virtue of his registration in the SER system. Alternatively building control would need to issue the engineer's design calculations and specifications to a tender process to be checked by a third party engineer appointed by the Council. Don't understimate the length of time this can add to the building control process. It's definitely a better route to get your engineer to produce the SER Certificate for your prior to or during the building warrant process.

See additinal Information - Building Control

If you have found this post interesting please use the Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and Share Buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance some of them will find it interesting too. Thank you

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Porcelanosa Visit - March 2011

I am writing this blog following a fatastic site visit to The Group Headquarters of Porcelanosa in Spain. Courtesy of the Scottish sales team, I was part of a group of 16 professionals and designers who left Glasgow Airport on Wednesday to see the fantastic production facility.

We spent two fantastic days on the Thursday and Friday touring the production factories and showrooms for Porcelanosa tiles, flooring, bathrooms and kitchens. It was a long journey with lots of interesting products to see all of which would be a welcome introduction to any and every house hold. Now many people out there would claim that Porcelanosa is expensive being mid to top range however, we were educated that Porcelanosa is now being specified in Housing Association projects in Glasgow so it of course is proving to be cost effective.

I've posted a few images showing the quality of the range of products that Porcelanosa have to offer. It's definitely worth a look in their new showroom at Braehead, Glasgow.

Finally, thanks Porcelanosa Glasgow for the invitation.

If you have found this post interesting please use the Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and Share Buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance some of them will find it interesting too. Thank you

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.