Private Portfolio_2025 by little_hippo

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M.Arch Design Project - One

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Apiculture Hotel

eight southernmost drops north. The eight southerly The Coal Drops did not the quay. On the undatthe east of the incline 1844 which shows the building, while the remainproviding a land sale connec�on to the incline

Site Photographs

Oakwellgate sta�on. The 1st edi�on Ordi‘Oakwellgate Depot (Coal and Lime)’.

on. The 1st edi�on OrdiDepot (Coal and Lime)’.

industrial survival with some architectural

The 1st edi�on OrdiDepot (Coal and Lime)’. some architectural

with some architectural

The site is located within Gateshead Quays, an area that has undergone significant regeneration efforts since the 1990s. These initiatives have led to the development of several major public projects, including The Sage Gateshead, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, St. Mary’s Square, and Baltic Square.

However, despite their close proximity, these projects remain disconnected. They are surrounded by underutilized and neglected spaces that lack proper pedestrian access and have been re-purposed inappropriately.

For my project, I have chosen the derelict Grade IIlisted coal drops as the site. My goal is to restore and integrate this historic infrastructure into the existing urban fabric, revitalizing the area while preserving its heritage.

Apiculture Hotel

Project Description

The proposal envisions a new apitourism hotel and research centre, designed to be built over and around the existing walls of the historic coal drops.

Apitourism is a niche form of tourism deeply connected to bee keeping and the life cycle of bees. It provides visitors with immersive, nature-focused experiences, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the environment in a meaningful way.

Apiculture Hotel

Concept

The proposal seeks to create a hub that inspires and educates college and university students, encouraging them to pursue trades that contribute to solutions for a more harmonious coexistence with bees. The facility will host workshops focused on honey-based research, including cosmetic and medical products, culinary arts, honey mead brewing, and other consumer goods.

Aesthetically, the project takes the form of a contemporary high-rise building. The ground floor will house research facilities, while the lower floors will be dedicated to immersive, bee-oriented experiences. Hotel accommodations will occupy the upper floors, culminating in a rooftop restaurant that doubles as a gallery. Here, visitors can enjoy bee-based food and beverages while taking in panoramic views of Newcastle and its iconic bridges.

The proposal should house facilities that include apitherapy amenities that allow people to experience well being and leisure opportunities whilst increasing bee awareness.

The proposal should house facilities that include apitherapy amenities that allow people to experience well

Apiculture Hotel

North access of the Maiden’s walk begins with the coal drop piers.

Atmosphere

Bay Elevation 1:25 at A1

Apiculture Hotel

A standout feature of the scheme is its rooftop restaurant, offering panoramic views of the city and Newcastle’s iconic bridges. The restaurant will showcase products made on-site alongside fresh ingredients sourced from local agricultural markets.

The hotel it’s self enjoys views over the Tyne River and its iconic features.

Newcastle View

Geothermal Centre

Concept

The principal concept of the proposal was to give Southampton’s green spaces back to the city by linking the major green spaces of Southampton Common, Southampton East Cowes and Ocean Village through a network of green corridors. Once these main veins have been established more green links can be developed to further integrate with the city.

Geothermal Centre

Parkland Navigation

After exploring the city and visiting several local park-lands, I began envisioning ways to connect these spaces and strengthen the ties between the communities surrounding each park. The goal is to create a seamless experience where visitors can move through the parks and feel as though they are part of a single, expansive green space.

Navigating Southampton Parklands

The routes people take have a bias and because of these differences the routes will have a diversity about them which makes the act of passing through fluid and malleable experience.

The movement of individuals is unique so the distance between parks will be mapped different in their minds as to how they physically relate to each other

The routes routes will fluid and

The movement of individuals is unique so the distance between parks will be mapped different in their minds as to how they physically relate to each other

Geothermal Centre

Testing

I explored the city’s palimpsest and discovered that its natural river-front edge was once much closer to the city centre than it is today. A significant portion of the West Quays shopping district now occupies reclaimed land that once formed part of the original shoreline.

Aerial view of Southampton, swimming baths are the right are now the reclaimed land.

Aerial view of Southampton,

Another notable discovery was a focal point along the riverfront that held significant cultural importance.

One such landmark was Portland Baptist Church, whose history dates back to 1840. Initially, the church faced challenges, but its fortunes changed when Alexander McLaren, a renowned preacher and lecturer, became its minister. The chapel celebrated its centenary in 1940, only to be bombed a few weeks later during the Blitz, leading to its eventual demolition.

Additionally, Portland Terrace and the Royal Victoria Assembly Rooms were developed in the mid-1820s as part of Richard Evamy’s vision for the Portland area.

What intrigued me the most, however, was the openair swimming baths, built in 1854 by the Southampton Public Bath and Wash Houses Company. Today, this historic site is home to the West Quay shopping centre.

looking South. The open air swimming baths are in the foreground. The baths and the sea on the right are now the site of the West Quay shopping centre and reclaimed land.

Looking North along Western Shore towards the railway station

The site sits on a fundamental was found.

Unique Energy Infrastructure

Geothermal Centre

The scheme heats a number of buildings in the city centre, including the Southampton Civic Centre, the WestQuay shopping centre, Royal South Hants Hospital, Solent University and the Carnival offices; and is part of an enlarged city centre district heating system that includes other combined heating, cooling and power sources. As of 2011 the district heating and cooling scheme provides annually 26GWh of electricity and over 40 GWh of heat.Geothermal Network

Southampton boasts a range of amenities that shape its character, but one of its most distinctive features is the geothermal district heating scheme.

This system supplies energy to key parts of the city centre, including Southampton’s Civic Centre, West Quay shopping centre, Royal South Hants Hospital, Solent University, and the Carnival Offices. As part of a broader integrated energy network, which also incorporates additional heating, cooling, and power generation sources, the scheme contributes approximately 26GWh of electricity and 40GWh of heat each year.

Geothermal Well Head District Heating Scheme

Existing network

Proposed extension

Possible extensions

With a series of five artificial hills on a green roof, the new building for the Macallan Distillery blends into the Speyside landscape, an area of northern Scotland well known for its whisky. The distillery intends to expand its capacity by one third with the new facility and shut down the old production building.

Geothermal Centre

The architecture and technical systems of this industrial building form an integral whole. The distillation process determines the linear arrangement of the similarly shaped modules, which leaves the option for a later extension. Four domes arch over circularly laid out two storey production units. Their basements, where many of the system components are installed, each contain eight large fermentation vessels, which project upwards through the annular grid frame of the ground floor. Here is the heart of the distillery – smaller circular groups of 12 stills. The southern dome is taller than the rest and marks out the visitor centre, which is entered from the reception area in the basement. A fire-resistant glass wall running transversely gives a view onto the production area.

Programming

Building on the parkland concept, I drew inspiration from the Macallan Distillery in Aberlour, which integrates its facility beneath a series of five artificial hills. Similarly, my vision includes an expansive green roof system designed to bring nature into the heart of the city.

The whole production facility is managed and served from a series of functional rooms at the rear and an open delivery area accessed by ramps. The front of the building opens to the landscape with a glass facade under the undulating roof edge.

The project will prioritize geothermal energy, establishing a specialist center dedicated to advancing geothermal development in the UK. A second well will be drilled, with its components displayed in a way that allows public engagement— both celebrating this unique infrastructure and expanding the capacity of the existing network.

Additionally, the research center will serve as a community-facing extension of Solent University, whose student body primarily consists of Southampton locals. This will provide students with access to expert educators and researchers, fostering deeper connections between academia and the city.

I began testing in structural roofing system that could span the with of the proposal and support an intensive green roof system as well as providing enough space for the internal program.

No.DescriptionDate

I considered how these spaces would relate to each other The larger spaces being public and the smaller compact spaces being for the University. If there was a possibility of having some of the spaces vertically access the to separated layers of the building.

Holzkonstruktion

Während der Großteil der Paneele stumpf auf der Gitterschale aufliegt, werden die Träger in einigen Dachabschnitten mit erhöhten Querkräften um 200 mm höher ausgebildet. In diesen Sonderbereichen reichen die Träger bis an die obere Schale der Paneele (erkennbar in Abb. G, mittlere Kuppel).

Spacial Study Solar Testing

Die fertige Gitterschale zeigt eine ruhige Dachuntersicht aus gleichförmigen Trägern mit 750 mm Höhe und 200 mm Breite, darüber diagonal gestoßene dreieckige Dachpaneele. Die tatsächliche Konstruktion ist deutlich komplexer. Da in einigen Bereichen der Holzkonstruktion erhebliche Scherkräfte auftreten, sind zwei unterschiedliche Strategien in der Detailausführung notwendig: Während der Großteil der Paneele stumpf auf der Gitterschale aufliegt, werden die Träger in einigen Dachabschnitten mit erhöhten Querkräften um 200 mm höher ausgebildet. In diesen Sonderbereichen reichen die Träger bis an die obere Schale der Paneele (erkennbar in Abb. G, mittlere Kuppel).

www.autodesk.com/revit

Dort, wo die Vergrößerung der statischen Höhe nicht ausreicht, wird der innere Aufbau des Trägers modifiziert: Im Regelfall beste hen diese aus einem BSH-Kern mit seitlich auflaminierten Verkleidungen aus Furniersperrholz. In besonders beanspruchten Bereichen, zum Beispiel an den Kreuzungspunkten der Hauptträger, erhalten sie ein flaches Stahl rechteckrohr als Kern. Es entsteht ein StahlHolz-Verbundträger mit geschraubten Stahlknoten. Diese sind während der Montage sichtbar (Abb. L) und werden erst später durch die seitlichen Verkleidungen geschlossen. Das facettierte Erscheinungsbild bleibt auch nach der Begrünung des Daches durch ein Netz aus Aluminiumkanälen ablesbar. Die Kanäle dienen als Entwässerung, als Servicewege sowie als mechanische Rückhaltung für das Gründach. Die dreieckigen Belüftungsöffnungen sind in dieses Netz eingebunden. Die Dämmung der Paneele dient nicht primär dem Wärmeschutz des Gebäudes, sondern sie sichert die Dachbegrünung vor der durch die Brennblasen erzeugten Hitze.

I ran a solar simulation to see if hypothesis of the forms high annual to direct daylight and found that it was good to see that the surrounding that are taller in height do not cast onto the proposal that was of significant disrupting this exposure.

Geothermal Centre

Consolidation

To support the roof system, a truss structure with an arched form will be necessary. The trusses will be deep to effectively distribute the substantial load of the intensive green roof.

Additionally, the space beneath the roof will need to be excavated to accommodate the research centre’s equipment while ensuring the facility’s scale remains unobtrusive from the outside.

Geothermal Centre

Texture

The roof system was designed to incorporate natural greenery, while the facility’s walls needed to reflect the solid, heated bedrock responsible for warming the alkaline aquifer. This led to the choice of concrete walls. Meanwhile, the corten steel-clad vents symbolize the maritime corrosion typical of Southampton and other port cities.

Bay Elevation

Geothermal Centre

Function

The interior architecture stands out with its exposed network of trusses, showcasing the technical complexity of the roof system. Timber finishes between the trusses add warmth, softening the space. Additionally, the geothermal equipment is thoughtfully displayed, offering visitors a glimpse into the intricate processes involved in heating the city.

Glazing is used to give the level 0 the internal privacy it requires for each independent activity and at the same time puts these activities on display so the general public are table to see the learning, and application around geothermal content while visiting the machinery that provides Southampton warmth and power while keeping the environment clean.

Diwaniya

Context

This project involves the construction of three family villas, each approximately 1,500m², on a privately owned vacant plot in Saudi Arabia. It is being developed for one of the practice’s first clients, with one villa designated for the parents and the other two for their adult sons and their families.

Each villa follows a similar program, distributed across three distinct levels. The basement level, which is partially shared, accommodates parking, storage, servicing, and staff quarters. The ground floor is designed for public and semi-public functions, facilitating gatherings and hosting. The first floor is dedicated to private living spaces, offering family members both privacy and individual freedom.

A key design challenge lies in balancing the desire for three striking, iconic buildings with the need to create a cohesive and functional family home.

Diwaniya

Brief

The client requested that a specific function of the space be separated from the grandparent’s dwelling and developed as a pavilion—primarily designed for the grandfather’s use while remaining a shared space for the entire family.

Diwaniya

Interpretation

The pavilion was also designed to accommodate 25 people. In my initial sketches, I explored various concepts, eventually landting on the idea of two distinct masses, separated like the wings of an insect or butterfly. One mass would have a rigid outer shell, while the other would feature a soft core, similar to the structure of a mollusk.

Diwaniya

Proposal

The model was initially created using generic masses in Revit, starting with the roof as a base mass. Operable panels were then incorporated into the design to improve both functionality and flexibility. The final design was approved and signed off by the client.

Atmosphere Diwaniya

I designed the pavilion with minimal external visibility to maintain the privacy of the surrounding villas. The integration of vertical timber sunshades and open panels in the roof created a light, airy atmosphere, enhancing the sense of comfort within the space.

Limousine & Hearse Garage

Context

The proposed garage is positioned to the side of 4 Merstow Place, aligned with the property’s frontage. The design thoughtfully takes into account the surrounding buildings and is intended to be built using traditional materials.

While the site was originally used for garden purposes, it has more recently been covered with gravel and used for parking vehicles.

External Surfaces

Brick Plinth

Roofing Material

Timber Cladding

Garage Door Finish

Sunset red London brick

Liteslate synthetic slate roofing tile of traditional aesthetic.

Western red cedar horizontal shadow gap secret nail cladding. Electric insulated steel roller shutter door with external Irish oak laminate finish.

Limousine & Hearse Garage

Coordination

I revised my construction drawings based on the plan check feedback. The updates included specifying intumescent paint for the external wood cladding and fire-rated plywood for the internal wall substrate. I uploaded the revised documents along with the product agreement certificates for approval.

I contacted the consultant to discuss fire protection for the steel structures and consulted with the structural engineer about the Building Control Officer’s (BCO) requirements. We concluded that using an intumescent paint system would be more cost-effective than designing a structural solution to provide the necessary overturning moment. I submitted the intumescent paint for steel, along with its agreement certificate, to the BCO and received confirmation that the products were acceptable.

Limousine & Hearse Garage

GA Drawings

Some tenders were submitted within the specified time frame, while there were delays in receiving others. As a result, we extended the tendering process and requested the outstanding bids be submitted as soon as possible. Once all tenders were received, they were opened for review.

Upon reviewing some of the bids, it was noted that certain items on the work schedule were not priced. I reached out to the respective bidders for clarification, asking if these items were included elsewhere in their proposals. If not, I requested that they provide a provisional sum to finalize their bids.

Limousine & Hearse Garage

Detail Drawing

Once we received the cost proposals from the tenders, I analyzed them, including provisional start dates and construction timelines. I compiled all the information into a single document and reviewed it with the technical director. After incorporating the director’s feedback, I sent the revised tender analysis to the client for review. The client confirmed receipt and noted a few items were missing, requesting that they be added to the proposal.

While the client deliberated on the tenders, I updated the contract set to include the additional requirements.

The client took a considerable amount of time to make a decision, and in the meantime, the tenders began inquiring about the outcome. I sent a general update email to inform them that the client had not yet responded, but I would provide an update once a decision was reached. Some tenders mentioned that they could only hold their proposed price for a limited time, but they were open to going through a value engineering process if necessary.

Foundation Section

Section

Foundation Section

Outdoor Cafe Bar

The Privy

Due to COVID-19, the rear garden of the Angel Hotel has seen increased use, leading to a decline in foot traffic at the indoor bar. To accommodate guests while maintaining social distancing, a mobile serving bar and umbrella units were set up in the garden, addressing the limited space available at the main bar.

This proposal aims to formalize these adaptations by re-purposing and reconstructing the disused outdoor privy, ensuring that the new amenities enhance rather than detract from the historic character of the period property.

Outdoor Cafe Bar

The Cafe

I was briefed on the client’s requirements and conducted a site visit to document the project’s constraints. I then prepared and submitted the scheme’s planning package. Throughout the process, I monitored the application and provided an appraisal of the privy in response to the conservation officer’s comments.

Outdoor Cafe Bar

Written Scheme of investigation for an archaeological watching brief and historic building recording at The Angel Inn, Pershore, Worcestershire

Pre-Construction Requisite

Communication with the local authority proved challenging. After consulting with the conservation officer, PPA understood that a Level 3 historic building recording would not be necessary. However, the planning officer later indicated that they had received different advice, stating that the Level 3 recording would be required. In response, I submitted the additional supporting information and informed the client of the situation.

The client had hoped to start and complete the project in time for the Easter weekend. To avoid further delays, they instructed us to proceed in accordance with the local authority’s requirements to expedite the planning process.

Project reference: P6273

HER number: WSM 78102

Date: 08 March 2022

Status: Version 1

Contact: Andrew Mann, amann@worcestershire.gov.uk, 01905 765908

Worcestershire Archaeology, Archive and Archaeology Service, Worcestershire County Council, The Hive, Sawmill Walk, The Butts, Worcester, WR1 3PD

Outdoor Cafe Bar

Pre-Occupancy Requisite

I reached out to archaeological consultants to request quotes for a Level 3 historic building recording and the associated Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI). Once we received a quote, I forwarded it to the client for direct appointment of the consultant.

Shortly after their appointment, we received planning approval. I then submitted the WSI to discharge the pre-commencement conditions and began working on fulfilling the pre-occupation conditions.

Archaeological watching brief and building recording at The Angel Hotel, Pershore, Worcestershire

Worcestershire Archaeology for Poole Phillips Associates April 2022

Outdoor Cafe Bar

A03/12/2021Updated

Proposal

After submitting the documentation to discharge conditions, I reached out to structural engineers to request quotes for the proposed alterations, making them aware of the client’s timescales. Meanwhile, I began preparing the building regulation drawings for plan check. The client decided not to appoint additional consultants but was informed that the works were notifiable, and they proceeded to appoint a building control officer.

No.Date Description

Outdoor Cafe Bar

New Privy

We received quotes, but the engineers were unable to meet the client’s timescales. The client had already appointed a contractor and set a start date for the alterations. PPA advised that a complete set of works, with the necessary consultant input, could not be produced in time. As a solution, we suggested using the existing drawings as setting-out drawings, proceeding under a building notice, and working with the building control officer to move the project forward.

10 Bridge Street

Orangery Extension

The proposal aims to reconstruct and modify the existing link between the kitchen and the main dwelling, while preserving and enhancing the building by improving its fabric. It will remove deteriorating 1970s features and restore key Georgian architectural elements and details that have been altered over the years, resulting in a loss of significance.

10 Bridge Street

Exploration

While carrying out the repairs, the client discovered a window on the second floor that had been blocked up and rendered over. Upon inspecting the window and the roof’s condition, we noticed the contractor had used non-breathable cement to replace the existing render. We advised the client to instruct the builder to halt work until we could provide a vaporpermeable detail for a lime render replacement.

10 Bridge Street

Period Detail

I made changes to the proposal in line with the recommendations from the pre-application advice and began updating the Design and Access Statement (D&A) in preparation for a client meeting on site. During the visit, we documented the repairs the clients had made to compare with the survey model and make necessary updates.

1 - Rafter ends may need to be extended as necessary to achieve appropriate eaves overhang.

2 - Cut out loose and broken bricks and realign within oak frame using a premixed lime NHL3.5 mortar. Premixed lime mortar suppliers include:

Ty-Mawr - https://www.lime.org.uk/products/lime/aggregates.html

Anglia Lime Company - http://www.anglialime.com/products/wet-readymixes-mortars-rendersplasters/coarse-stuff

3 - External oak frame cracks and shakes to be filled with oakum and lime putty as neccesary.

4 - Lime dubbing to be applied externally over oak and corrected brick face and create an even surface in preparation of wood wool carrier board.

5 - External grade cementitious wood wool fibre board (such as a Savolit or Celenit or Heraklith Board, with a minimum thickness of 25mm.)

6 - Render to be through colour lime render by Lime Green or equal approved. Render suppliers include:

Lime Green - https://www.lime-green.co.uk/products/lime-render/natural-finish

6 - Render to be through colour lime render by Lime Green or equal approved. Render suppliers include:

7 - Internal finish to be lime plaster (Lime Green or equal approved.) premixed lime plaster suppliers include:

Lime Green - https://www.lime-green.co.uk/products/lime-render/natural-finish

Lime Green - https://www.lime-green.co.uk/products/lime-plaster/solo-onecoat-plaster

7 - Internal finish to be lime plaster (Lime Green or equal approved.) premixed lime plaster suppliers include:

Anglia Lime Company - http://www.anglialime.com/products/dry-ready-mix-mortars-rendersplasters/thermalime-insulating-lime-plaster

Lime Green - https://www.lime-green.co.uk/products/lime-plaster/solo- onecoat-plaster

8 - Internal insulation is illustrated with a 25mm thickness to allow for the oak frame to be exposed internally. A thicker insulation that hides the oak frame internally can be considered for a better thermal performance.

Anglia Lime Company - http://www.anglialime.com/products/dry-ready-mix-mortars-rendersplasters/thermalime-insulating-lime-plaster

Red broken line indicates possible internal finish without exposed timbers.

9 - All lead soakers and flashings to comply with current Lead Sheet Association Guidelines.

10 - Slipped and missing tiles to be retiled to provide a consistent and regular roof finish.

Red broken line indicates possible internal finish without exposed timbers.

9 - All lead soakers and flashings to comply with current Lead Sheet Association Guidelines.

10 - Slipped and missing tiles to be retiled to provide a consistent and regular roof finish.

NB: Material Specifications:

To counteract supply chain issues and material availability, all products are to be as specified or be equal approved by CA as long as the same technical requirements and specification is achieved.

Products used to be installed following manufactures installation guides.

NB: Material Specifications:

To counteract supply chain issues and material availability, all products are to be as specified or equal approved by CA as long as the same technical requirements and specification is achieved.

10 Bridge Street

After the site visit and meeting, I prepared the meeting notes, uploaded the photographs of the onsite works, and sent an enquiry for a replacement window to reinstate the discovered window. I began drafting a section detail for the repair work on site, including potential product and supplier information for the client’s reference. Once the detail was finalized, I forwarded the information to the client.

I then updated the existing drawings to reflect the works the client had carried out on-site. I also modeled a second option for the client, which aimed to reinstate the faceted bay window in line with the 1841 floor plan and enhance the principal elevation. Once the planning package was complete, I uploaded the documents to the planning portal, completed the application form, and sent everything to the client for final approval.

Orangery Detail Section

- Roof light upstand External to internal:

Site Assessment

Location

Site details

Site area

Planning history

Flood Risk

Heritage

The Engine House

Public footpaths

Executive Summary

Amount, Layout & Scale

Appearance, Landscaping & Access

Review

Existing Drawings

Proposal Drawings

from South Worcestershire Development plan maps 2021

Proposal

The proposal aims to restore and enhance the historical character of The Engine House, with a focus on improving its appearance and creating a more defined entrance. It includes a two-storey extension at the southeast corner of the property, which will house a new kitchen and dining room on the ground floor, while expanding one of the bedrooms on the first floor above the kitchen. The proposal also involves upgrades to improve the thermal performance of previous refurbishments made following a flooding incident in 2007. Additionally, internal room layouts will be modified, and the existing two-storey flat roof will be replaced with a pitched roof to provide loft storage and enhance the overall aesthetic of the property.

property has previously received several relatively modern yet poor alterations, and these proposals are specifically designed to those deficiencies. The proposals also seek to improve the building's thermal performance and sustainability by introducing a ground-source or air-source heat pump into the heating system subject guidance from a sustainable energy consultant.

proposal has been conceived to reinstate the character of the of the Engine House. Articulate the entrance and improve the appearance of the building. The proposal involves introducing a storey extension between the existing kitchen and dining room and increasing the bedroom's size above the kitchen. Alterations to the refurbishments done due to an insurance claim from flooding the building experienced in 2007 Reroof the two-storey flat roof with a

The Engine House

History

The Engine House was built between 1854 and 1859 as the pumping station for the fountains at Great Witley Court and housed two steam-powered beam engines. It was converted for residential use in 1969. Although not listed, its historical significance will be treated as that of an undesignated heritage asset. The property is accessed via a shared private drive and covers approximately 5 acres, situated in a valley within the larger Court Estate.

The Engine House, Great EH2104 and would be removed by the sellers if not sold as part of the lot. It is not known what happened the machinery.

The Engine House and its surrounding land appears to have been sold again after this with oral history recording that the Francis family moved into the Engine House in 1954. It is believed that only the engine keepers cottage was habitable at this time.

Plate 11 Postcard of Perseus and Andromeda fountain prior to 1937 fire (Witley Oral History website)

An ‘engineer to the Earl of Dudley’ is recorded in Worcestershire trade directories for the Great Witley area. The 1884 directory lists this person as Enoch Williams (Kelly 1884, p1208). The 1891 census records Enoch Williams as a ‘pumping engine driver’. From the 1890s onwards the directories and censuses list Joseph Beddard the ‘engineer to the Earl of Dudley’ (Kelly 1912, p284) with the 1911 census recording him as the ‘estate engineer’. The 1916 directory (Kelly 1916, p227) shows only a clerk of works to the Earl of Dudley and no engineer.

In 1920, following the death of the 2 ber of lots that included Hundred House, Holt Castle, pubs, farms, houses and land. The core of the estate, Court and Park, was bought by a Kidderminster carpet manufacturer who had, during the First World War, been chairman of the Carpet Trade Rationing Committee the Man Power and Protection Committee. He was also a member of the Board of Control of the Wool and Textile Industries. He was created a baronet in the 1920 Birthday Honours for these public services ( With Witley Court and Park, Sir Herbert took on too much for him to comfortably afford and made cut backs where he could. There is no mention of an engineer or clerk of works in the trade directories following his purchasing of the estate. The cut backs resulted in low maintenance of the property

Plate 12 The Engine House in the 1960s (Witley Oral History website)

The Engine House

The client was reluctant to appoint additional consultants for the project due to the increasing costs of reports and surveys. The office director argued that, as a conservation architect, the proposals put forward by the office would likely face scrutiny, as indicated by the pre-application advice received. It was suggested that a report from an independent heritage consultant would align with the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) produced by the office, offering value by eliminating any perceived bias in our HIA to support the proposal.

The Engine House

A14 July 2021Revised amendments to boot room/kitchen area to clients comments

B27 July 2021Updated drawings in response to preapplication Advice

C26 August 2021Moved garden walls, altered kitchen layout, reinstated drawing room window

D28 January 2022Updated drawing following heritage consultation response

The clients agreed to appoint a heritage consultant but decided against hiring a planning consultant. Once the heritage consultant was confirmed, I forwarded the conservation officer’s comments and our revised proposal, incorporating those comments, for inclusion in the HIA.

The Engine House

The Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) provided substantial evidence supporting the application. One key piece of evidence was a 1960s aerial photograph showing that much of the northwest elevation was not original, a point that had been strongly contested by the conservation officer. I updated the Design and Access Statement with a summary of the new findings and sent the revised documentation to the client for review.

The Engine House

A27 July 2021Updated drawings in response to preapplication Advice

B26 August 2021Moved garden walls, altered kitchen layout, reinstated drawing room window

C28 January 2022Updated drawing following heritage consultation response

The client made several changes to the internal layout, and I forwarded the updated options to the heritage consultant to ensure the architectural drawings were coordinated with all supporting documentation. Once the application documentation was finalized and signed off, I submitted the householder application. The planning officer requested minor revisions to the documents before the application could be officially acknowledged. I made the necessary changes and sent the acknowledgement letter to the client for their records.

The Engine House

The conservation comments indicated that the proposal would significantly alter the internal layout, resulting in the loss of the original historic plan. Additionally, the alterations to the existing openings were seen as a threat to the original fabric of the building. Since the property was originally used for industrial purposes, the conservation officer expressed concerns that the proposed external changes would erase the property’s industrial character.

Description

The Engine House

In response, I revised the floor plans to maximize the use of existing openings and simplified the external fenestration to better align with the property’s original character. A significant amount of time was dedicated to re-modelling the proposed layout based on the client’s feedback.