Sondes Place
Sondes Place
Embedded Files
Restoration, alterations and conversion to 6 residential apartments and 8 houses.
Completed in 2016, located on the outskirts of Dorking in Surrey.
Position:
Position:
architectural technician
architectural technician
About
About
This site consisted of an old Victorian mansion house, castellated Tutor design built by Thomas Cubitt around the 1830's. Set in stately 3.32 hectare surroundings located within the Green Belt Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The building is not listed and was used during the 2nd world war as an officer training camp and then converted to offices in the 1950's.
The proposals included converting the existing building into 6 apartments, extending the separate coach house into a detached dwelling and building 8 new build 2.5 storey luxury semi detached 4 bedroom homes on the estate, with associated landscaping and new entrance gates.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
Responsible for the production of architectural technical drawings. Producing setting out floor plans, construction detailing and specification to align with the planning architects visions for the development. Coordinating stages 2-5 of the RIBA plan of works, including site visits to assess the existing building conditions and identity what surveys and further investigations were required.
Living Area
Recessed Terrace
Apartment Kitchen
Apartment Bedroom
Tasks
Tasks
Existing building condition assessment.
Recommendations for further building investigation and surveys.
Produce technical drawings and specification to Building Regulations.
Provide Design Risk Assessments designing out issues.
Provide fire strategy layout and specification align to the fire safety regulations.
Collaborate with design team members to resolve problems.
Incorporate structural, ventilation and services information to ensure practicality.
Assist the developer with tendering enquires, to meet budgets.
Produce construction technical details, to assist with construction and reducing wastage.
Ensure design adhere to warranty providers requirements for renovations works.
Apartment Living Room
Apartment Dining Room
Architectural Technical Drawings
Architectural Technical Drawings
New Build Houses on the Estate
New Build Houses on the Estate
New build home porch
New build home
New build home
Pre Construction
Pre Construction
Bathroom Layouts
Bathroom Layouts
Producing the Bathrooms layouts involved obtaining the manufacturer literature and CAD files and importing them on the Architectural CAD Modelled. Producing bathroom layouts helped optimize space, ensure proper plumbing and ventilation, enhance functionality, and comply with building codes and accessibility standards.
The contractor also used these drawings to set out the tiling. The CAD files assisted in quantifying the amount that needed to be ordered. The bathroom photo above was constructed from the architectural drawings below.
Skills Gained
Skills Gained
Topic learnt: Working on this renovation project helped me gain an understating and appreciation on how to balance preserving historical architectural elements with integrating modern design, ensuring structural integrity, and improving functionality.
Management skills: Renovation projects typically need skills in project planning and construction coordination. Designs may regularly need adaptation to meet regulatory compliance, and ensure a quality finish.
Achievements
Achievements
Being involved on this renovation project as an architectural technician has enhanced my experience in problem-solving, reuse of existing structures, and balancing modern design with preservation of historical or functional integrity.
Summary
Summary
When working on a renovation project, it is important to carefully balance design, technical, regulatory, and client-focused considerations. This includes thoroughly assessing the existing building's structure, materials, and systems, while respecting historical or cultural significance if applicable.
Clear communication with the client is key to understanding their vision, budget, and timeline, while also ensuring compliance with sustainability policies, regulations and legal requirements.
Coordination of various professionals, such as engineers and sub-contractors, and stay adaptable to unforeseen challenges. It is essential to preserve the building’s character while integrating modern updates that meet both aesthetic and functional needs. Effective project management and risk mitigation are crucial for ensuring the renovation is completed on time and within budget.
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