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Why Use An Architect?

4 More Reasons to Choose An RIAI Registered Architect

1 Building Control Amendment Regulations 2014

A registered Architect can act as the ‘Assigned Certifier’ for your build to ensure full compliance is achieved. In one-off homes and extensions (that need planning permission) you can ‘opt-out’ of the BCAR process. But this moves a very onerous administration heavy process back to you, the building owner. And no person is exempt from the building regulations. The savings are minimal in taking this approach but the cons are numerous. There is great peace of mind when choosing the assigned certifier path but we’ll go into the benefits of choosing the BCAR process in another post.

Some Irish lenders are reluctant to fund building projects where the building owner opts out. This is mainly because the oversight of a registered building professional isn’t there. The banks often seek full BCAR compliance and the many certificates and compliance documents that come with that. In a sense, BCAR makes it a ‘safer bet’ for the banks too.

You see, unlike most situations, we architects actually love the rules. They guide us towards great design, they set increasingly better building standards ensuring homeowners get the great homes they deserve.

Find much more info on the BCAR process in a helpful explainer pdf here, https://scsi.ie/a-guide-to-the-building-control-amendment-regulations-2014-for-chartered-project-management-surveyors/

Irish Building Regulations

2 Architects Will Get the Best From Your Budget

Even if you’d love to include everything on your wishlist, your budget may force you to compromise. The benefit of using an architect is that they’ll help you get the maximum return on your investment. They will show you alternative options that you may not have considered. They always look for the best way to do things, at the best cost.

If the budget is restricted, an Architect will advise where cost is best allocated…. But sadly these areas are often the things you don’t see! Hidden extra insulation in walls, under floors, or newer wall construction types. And not fanciful fixtures like quartz kitchen worktops, Crittal doors or engineered wood flooring. Unlike insulation, for example, they can come later, but work all the better in a better-built home.

And architects also develop many relationships with good local builders and suppliers and can often negotiate special prices for their Clients.

Read more on working with Ceardean architects and what value we bring here https://www.ceardean.com/how-we-add-value/

3 Architects Design Sustainable Homes

Architects dedicated much of their design to reduce the impact of buildings on the environment. We look at the science of how buildings work and use best practice passive design concepts, sustainable materials and innovative technology. This makes your home cost less to run, uses less energy and reduces its impact on the environment.

The new Building Regulations (Part L 2019) have once again raised the standards of energy conservation in homes. And this even now applies to extensions to old homes! Architects understand these continually changing rules and make sure your home both complies with the regulations and saves you money and energy.

Read our article here https://www.ceardean.com/nzeb-low-energy-buildings/ on the new NZEB Energy Regulations

Architects train to understand shading effects on energy consumption and natural lighting. They can also recommend materials that contain less embodied energy, are easier to install, and take less time to construct, timber frame versus brick and blocks for example.

Thermal Camera showing areas of heat loss

4 Choose Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Architects are highly skilled professionals requiring many years of study and experience before they can operate in the Irish Building industry.

Architects complete 5 years of full-time study followed by 24 months of Post-Graduate Professional Training and a Professional Practice Examination. To become registered members of the RIAI an additional entry exam is required. So always remember this is the knowledge, skills and experience that’s made available to you when you choose a registered architect.

Go to the RIAI website for the full breakdown of the process https://www.riai.ie/work-with-an-architect/work-with-an-architect-your-home

Of course, not all architects are created equal, and you should choose the one who is right for you. Someone who comes recommended and/or has completed similar projects. And at the end of the day, who you think can work with, there will always be tough decisions so choose professionalism here. Most building projects are long and often tough journeys, always with some type of problems along the way.

ceardean architects - registered architect RIAI
Ceardean architects – registered architect RIAI
Front Elevation Victorian Home
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Revamping a Victorian Cottage with architectural designed thinking

Revamping a Victorian Cottage with architectural design thinking

Ireland is full of beautiful older houses and as  owners move, they often become derelict and uninhabitable.  But when a 100-year-old cottage needs a revamp, there are specific concerns and requirements.  Our client contacted us as wanted an RIAI Architect II Accredited in Conservation practices to complete his home and give him the dream of restoring a Victorian Cottage.

Architect Derek Trenaman tells us about the property which is in a recognized ACA conservation area it requires a careful approach to repair and maintenance to ensure the unique character is preserved.  There was a chimney breast in poor condition at the rear of the property and refurbishment was required. 

Changing the position of the stairs is the first step to opening dark interiors and the rear of the house was opened up to the garden and a floor-to-ceiling glazing extension added gives a modern twist. The other benefit to moving the stairs was to improve the circulation of the home and given the entrance was narrow, the stairs being at the side reduces narrow rooms.

Calling the elegance of a time gone by, classic traditional monochrome black and white ceramic tiles were used to enhance a modern minimalist style, great for high traffic areas and a different texture/pattern. The Victorians loved the classical appeal of mosaic floor and what better way to make your entrance a talking point to family and friends.  

This home was transformed into an open  plan living/dining/kitchen. Installation of the roof-light over stairs brightens up interiors and improve natural ventilation. It provides an even distribution of light and illuminates the dark areas in a room that windows cannot reach. Rooflights now provide an ideal solution for introducing light as was the Victorians intention into agricultural buildings in the 18th century.

If you like the idea of our bespoke designs and fancy something a little different, please get in touch.

Ceardean Architects

[email protected]

https://www.ceardean.com/services/

01 5324183.

3D model Bespoke Home

Building a Bespoke Architectural Designed Home

Building a Bespoke Architectural Designed Home

You inevitably will ask, how long does it take to design a custom bespoke architecturally designed home?  On this home, Ceardean Architects were granted planning in 2016.  This is the time from the initial concept meeting, to construction.  There are many factors that can affect this greatly, but 2 years is a good starting point.

Preliminary design can take from 3 months to 12 months, depending on how prepared the client is, the size of the project and the complexity of the design. The Planning Authorities may differ greatly from area to area and third-party objections may affect the process.

3D model Bespoke Home

3D model Bespoke Home

Tendering, contractor interviews, and contract negotiation take time.  A number of factors come into play on the construction timeline, such as

  • the Size of the project.
  • The complexity of the footprint and the materials to be used.
  • Weather can be a factor but today we can track weather and record the down days.
  • Ensuring client makes timely decisions on ordering windows, kitchen and bathrooms is important and can stop your project coming to a halt. Lead in times can be anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks.
  • Ensure you get reference’s from your contractor
  • The number of specialty sub-contractors, the more sub-contractors you contractor has can affect how long the project will take.

In this home, the client wants to achieve a Passive House Standard using unique concrete construction.  ICF Insulated Concrete Forms are formwork for concrete that stays in place as permanent building insulation for energy-efficient, cast-in-place, reinforced concrete walls, floors, and roofs. The forms lock together somewhat like Lego bricks and serve to create a form for the structural walls or floors of a building.  This gives the passive house a very high performance in insulation.

The project is now well under construction.

Construction of Bespoke home

Construction of Bespoke home

If you like the idea of our bespoke designs and fancy something a little different, please get in touch.

Ceardean Architects

[email protected]

https://www.ceardean.com/services/

01 5324183.

Victorian Home Renovation

This Tile Trick is a Game Changer for Small Bathroom Interior Design

This Tile Trick is a Game Changer for Small Bathroom Interior Design

It makes sense to think outside the box when you are decorating your bathroom.  Make the smallest room in your home the most interesting with a splash of color or a fresh new pattern.

Your choice of tile colors and styles are endless.  For smaller bathroom walls as in the Straffan home, we specified ceramic white wall tiles that are small in size. We divided the wall just over midway and added a splash of petrol blue paint.  The wash hand basin is free standing and oak hardwood floor.

Bathroom

Straffan

Alternatively in this Glenbeigh home, why not Opt for a daring tile design or a sleek border for a subtle refresh as in this next home.  Forgo the ever-popular minimalist trend and amp up your otherwise boring bathroom with a splash of color or a fresh new pattern.

Bathroom Tiles

The Chase

This beautiful minimalist bathroom in the Chase is covered partially covered in white crisp white tiles, creating a sleek modern space that is elevated with the pop of color from wood paneling surrounding bath with Jet Black Liscannor tile.

Black and White

Wheatfield Palmerstown

The colors of this bathroom play a crucial role in creating visual value. So choose the perfect theme for your bathroom. Your theme will satisfy your mood with the right accessories and furniture. Here’s a project in Wheatfield, Palmerstown another idea of the bathroom with beige and cream colors.

Wheatfield Road

Wheatfield Road

Off Grid Living

This beautiful rustic home commands a unique bathroom, paneled in wood with bespoke bath and wash hand basin, surrounded by authentic stonework of 1930’s restored Irish Cottage.

Off Grid Living

Off Grid Living

Barberstown

In this home in Barberstown, the wash-hand basin and toilet are both wall-mounted.  This increases the flow of space and allows for easy cleaning of the floor. Consider a corner unit for added storage. The mirror makes the room feel larger than it is and reflects the abundance of natural light from the skylight.  The wash basin has drawers underneath adding more storage to the tiny space. The shower has a simple chrome and glass door and fits snugly into the bathroom.

Barberstown

Barberstown

Victorian Home

The #piece de resistance” is without a doubt the stunning bath, with roof-light ensuring it receives an abundance of light making it more spacious.

Black and White Bathroom

A black and white bathroom is a contemporary and classic style choice, and it’s easy to stamp your own personality onto and make it something new and unique.  Black absorbs, while white reflects, which is why the combination is a great choice creating real impact.  It also works well in a functional space, where bold angles and clean lines tend to dominate.

Add your own unique style using cubed-design floor tiles.

If you like the idea of our designs and fancy something a little different, please get in touch.

 

Ceardean Architects

[email protected]

https://www.ceardean.com/services/

01 5324183