Oak-frame architect profile Hetreed Ross Architects Ltd

Hetreed Ross is an environmental architects practice based at Bath and working across the country on domestic projects for new, existing and historic buildings where people are keen to build to good environmental standards. These schemes have a natural fit with oak and timber frame construction and the practice loves opportunities to make the best of these materials in light-filled buildings to delight its clients.

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Residential architecture for individual clients is both exacting and rewarding for Hetreed Ross Architects as the designer. Naturally, clients are intensely involved in both the concept and detail of their own homes. Since for many, the project may be a first-time experience, Hetreed Ross Architects tailors its service to individual requirements, discussing design and process in as much detail as each client needs. The practice uses 3D sketch drawings, physical models or computer models to explain shapes, interiors and appearances where traditional architects’ drawings may prove difficult to ‘read’.

Clients are welcome to use any medium to explain their needs to Hetreed Ross Architects, ranging from discussion and written briefs through photographs, videos, magazine articles, books, or their own drawings; some clients demonstrate their brief to the practice relating it to their existing surroundings, while others seek a complete contrast to fulfil their dreams.

For clients seeking oak frame solutions, early discussions with oak framers and seeing their work ‘in the flesh’ are invaluable in understanding what is both delightful and practical.

The initial stages usually include a survey of the plot or existing building (usually by surveyors), a briefing meeting and the practice’s initial sketch designs.

At a further meeting or meetings, Hetreed Ross Architects’ initial sketches are discussed and refined, then drawn up to arrive at an agreed scheme which can be discussed with the planning authority and submitted for planning consent – in theory an eight-week process, though not all councils keep to this. Changes may be required by the planners and in a few cases, it may be necessary to appeal an application that has been refused. However, this process can take as much as a year, so it is worth seeking a negotiated solution if at all possible.

Once planning consent has been gained, the scheme is developed technically to prepare for a building regulations application and for timber frame projects, the specialist framer contributes structural design and detailed advice at this stage. The application itself usually takes no more than a month from submission.

At this stage too, the details of services, energy systems, insulation, drainage etc will be worked out and specified. Clients have many decisions to make covering all the finishes, fixtures, fittings and equipment that will need to be priced; Hetreed Ross Architects usually assists with this process, providing catalogues and photographs of other projects, making recommendations and discussing alternatives.

By this time, Hetreed Ross Architects has discussed with clients how they want their project built, whether following the conventional route of competitive tendering by main contractors, a negotiated price with one preferred contractor, or a ‘self-build route’ where clients may do some or all of the work themselves or directly employ sub-contractors for each trade – or a hybrid path between these. For oak frame projects, ideally the specialist framer involved in the early stages will have prepared a budget price and then be able to refine this as part of the tender process. For simple projects, Hetreed Ross Architects can prepare a schedule of works to accompany the drawings, whereas for more detailed control or for unconventional methods or materials, a full specification may be needed.

Once signed off by the client, a ‘tender package’ is issued to recommended contractors who will price the job – usually within 4 weeks – and quote a start date and contract period to complete it. A satisfactory tender price means the client can appoint the contractor, although if tenders are high, there may need to be negotiations to reduce the works and cost to meet a budget.

If Hetreed Ross Architects is asked to provide a ‘full service’, the practice ‘administers the contract’ – usually the JCT Minor Works contract – and holds regular meetings with contractor and client throughout the course of the construction period; the practice also monitors progress and costs as well as issuing any necessary instructions to deal with the unexpected on site or to allow for a client’s change of mind. Usually at monthly intervals, Hetreed Ross Architects will assess the value of work completed and issue a certificate to confirm the payment due to the contractor. 5% of this value is retained by the client until completion, when half is released. The final proportion is released at the end of the ‘defects period’ – usually six months after completion – once the contractor has made good any defects in his workmanship. Overall fee costs relate both to the scale and complexity of a project; typically, they are higher for work to existing buildings than for new buildings, and for conservation work to historic buildings or for elaborate interior design.

For those clients who live at home with contractors working around them, it has to be said that the experience can be trying, if not gruelling. Most building processes, even when conducted by the best of contractors, have elements which will be messy, noisy, dusty, wet, cold – though seldom all at once. This means that careful preplanning of the job is essential to minimise the periods of disruption and to allow for temporary facilities, enabling the whole team to make a success of the project, on time and on budget. This planning is worked out with clients in advance, incorporated in the tender documents and then revisited and finalised with the contractor at a pre-contract meeting.

Despite warning clients that the construction process can be hard work – for them as well as the contractor – Hetreed Ross Architects works effectively as a team with contractors and other consultants to ensure that the project succeeds in exceeding the client’s expectations of a delightful result.

The satisfaction of building a new house or of transforming the space, light and quality of an old house is tremendously exhilarating and fulfilling; to achieve high environmental quality at the same time makes good sense economically, morally and globally.

Customers’ comments

“You provided: clarity about what you did and how you did it; honesty and openness in our dealings; impartial advice; ideas and options that made us think beyond the boundaries; good relationships with and knowledge of builders in the area and clear billing. We are very happy with the service and the way it was delivered. ”Clients for a new six-room wing to their house

“Very professional, very responsive, very creative. A delight to work with.”Client for a small studio extension

contact information

Hetreed Ross Architects Ltd

Bath Brewery
Toll Bridge Road
Bath
BA1 7DE

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