Client: Private
Contractor: P Chapman Construction
Cost: £1.9 Million

SPS Architectural were appointed by Mr & Mrs Leclercq and briefed to deliver their long-term dream in designing a bespoke replacement dwelling within their dream location of St Mawes in Cornwall. The site benefited from amazing views out and across Falmouth Bay whoever the existing bungalow felt somewhat disjointed from Carrick Way due to the topography of the site. It was really important to connect the replacement dwelling to the main access road as well as maximising access routes within its own setting. Whilst withstanding the site constraints we were also challenged with delivering a replacement dwelling that overcame barriers within the Roseland Neighbourhood Plan and being mindful of neighbouring properties to all four sides of the site. Working meticulously we were able to deliver a unique scheme that satisfied our clients and Planning Authority. On receipt of obtaining Planning Approval we were appointed to obtain and lead a design team in bringing the concept scheme through to its fruition. Working closely with our client we formed a design team using 8 further consultants who all added their specialist criteria to the project which enable a design package to enter into competitive tender stage. We were exceptionally fortunate to be able to work alongside P Chapman Construction who were appointed as the Principal Contractor to deliver the construction process of the project. In being able to manage multiple consultants throughout the detailed design stage we were able to integrate all our clients requirements in fulfilling their dream property which has subsequently been recognised within the UK Property Awards winning a 5 star award for the interior design. We still feel very humbled in being able to work on such a unique family home within a very sought after location.

Project video by P Chapman Construction via Panoptic

Consultancy Team:-

Interior Designer - Absolute UK

Kitchen Designer - Susie Hammond

IT and Project Support Consultancy - Microcomms

Landscape Architect - Richard Sneesby

M & E Consultants - WT Flockhart

Structural Engineer - Richard Holbrook

Window & Door Manufacturer & Installer - Ecohaus Internorm

Quantity Surveyors & CA - WM Weller

Photos curtesy of Andrew Meredith

Client: Practical Developments
Contractor: Practical Developments
Cost: £8-10 Million (est.)

SPS Architectural was appointed by Practical Developments (SW) Ltd to obtain Planning Permission for a mixed B1/B8 development providing a wide range of commercial units and two three-storey double winged open plan office blocks. Having worked with the same clients to deliver BREEAM Excellent rated office and commercial units within the same Industrial Estate, our clients were eager to engage with our services in obtaining Planning Permission without obtaining grant funding. Throughout the Planning process we had to mitigate biodiversity, contaminated land, mining investigation works and ecological constraints in order to achieve permission. As part of engaging with the community we held an open community day inviting local residents and members of the Town and Parish Councils to attend and add any comments to the project. Planning Permission was granted in 2022 and a material start was implemented to same year. It is proposed for further works to commence in early 2025.

Client: Practical Developments
Contractor: Kier Living
Cost: £6 million

The Sidings is a student accommodation development built in 2012 for Exeter University for their Penryn campus. The Sidings contains 233 student accommodation rooms varying from single occupancy studios to single occupancy en-suite rooms with a communal kitchen.

SPS were appointed by Practical Developments to undertake the Building Regulation drawing phase and then by Kier Living, to undertake detailed Design Co-ordination through to completion

SPS was appointed in the private sector to deliver an exciting barn conversion, tasked with obtaining both planning and building regulations approval. The Local Planning Authority agreed that the project would not only preserve the surrounding countryside but also enhance its quality and character. A key principle in PPS7 is that "all development in rural areas should be well-designed and inclusive, in keeping with its location and sensitive to the character of the countryside and local distinctiveness." In alignment with this principle, the proposed development enhances both the fabric and character of the building and its surroundings, ensuring it is well-designed, appropriately scaled, and sensitive to the local countryside.

The sympathetically designed four-bedroom detached residence is a striking, energy-efficient barn conversion that beautifully blends traditional and contemporary elements. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within the Cornish countryside, the property boasts sweeping views towards Stithians Lake. The building was designed to achieve a Level 3 rating under the Code for Sustainable Homes in 2009, featuring a mix of external finishes, including natural stone facing, painted render/cladding, and western red cedar boarding.

This incredible project allowed the SPS team to explore various construction details and methods, ensuring efficient thermal performance while preserving the traditional stone-facing features, both internally and externally. All parties involved were thrilled with the final outcome.

Client: Private
Contractor: Emrose Construction
Cost: £1.36 million

Originally securing Outline Planning Permission for a vacant sand dune plot on Ramoth Way, we were later appointed by Mark & Joanne Buhler to secure Detailed Planning Permission for this exceptional residential project. From the beginning, it was clear that preserving the original aesthetic was essential to our clients, who wanted to retain the key elements of the design while making subtle adjustments to ensure the home suited their personal needs.

Despite the challenges posed by the site's sandy foundation and potential mining risks, we worked closely with specialist consultants to overcome these obstacles. The result was a project that faithfully adhered to the original vision, much to our clients’ satisfaction.

Completed in October 2022, Tides Reach was brought to life under the expert guidance of Emrose Construction, who were instrumental throughout the build. In addition to managing the overall construction, Emrose contributed to the structural design, ensuring the building was stable and secure despite the complex ground conditions. Together, we determined that piled foundations, along with concrete pads for the driveway, would provide the best support for the property.

The property’s main structure was built using Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) and a steel frame, providing both strength and energy efficiency. One of the most striking features of the design is the cantilevered first floor, which maximizes the site's orientation and enhances the stunning views. Inside, the floating staircase against a stone feature wall serves as the property's focal point.

We are incredibly proud of Tides Reach – a modern, innovative property shaped by a skilled team of designers, engineers, and builders. From concept to completion, the project was a true collaboration, and it was a pleasure to work with such wonderful clients. We are also thrilled that the project was recently featured in Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, where the article below provides details on project costs, timelines, and materials.

Homebuilding and Renovating Publish

In an exciting new development, the property has been selected by Unique Homestays (now known as Stratum) and is marketed as a luxury holiday rental. We are proud to see Tides Reach being enjoyed by guests as a stunning getaway.

Images ©️ Unique Homestays.

SPS Architectural was appointed by a private client to deliver a comprehensive architectural drawing package, including full Building Regulations approval, detailed production information, and on-site supervision during the construction phase. Due to the bespoke nature of the project, SPS revisited the Planning stage to align the construction details with the revised elevations and floor plans. As a result, a supplementary Planning Approval was secured before the project was completed in 2011.

In close collaboration with our sister company, Frame Homes UK, several on-site construction components were manufactured and assembled in their warehouse before being delivered and installed by their specialist team. By providing specific construction details throughout the project, we ensured the building’s thermal performance was meticulously planned, making it highly efficient for the end user. SPS also completed the necessary Designers Risk Assessment to ensure compliance with CDM requirements. This exceptional project was a pleasure to work on, with all parties extremely proud of the final result.

Practical Developments (SW) Ltd appointed SPS Architectural to manage a comprehensive scope of work, including on-site supervision and Contract Administration, to ensure the project met the minimum BREEAM Excellent standard and secured European funding for its development. The project incorporated efficient, environmentally friendly building materials and external finishes, evaluated and certified by BRE, allowing the unit to achieve the desired Excellent standard and come close to securing Outstanding accreditation. The facility featured 780 square metres of warehouse space and 300 square metres of office space, designed with flexible, open-plan layouts that maximise natural light, promoting a productive and comfortable working environment. Milkwood Publishing became the end user of the industrial unit in 2015, having met the necessary BREEAM Excellent standards to secure the relevant grant funding.

Client: Practical Developments
Contractor: Practical Developments
Cost: £4 million

SPS Architectural was appointed by Practical Developments to revise a previous planning approval for an affordable housing scheme consisting of 26 homes, part of a larger development of 39 units at Hendra Heights in St. Dennis.

A Section 73 application was submitted to Cornwall Council to adjust the layout of several units in response to the site's topography and to improve the use of amenity space. Following the approval of these amendments, SPS continued with the project, producing a detailed design package and providing on-site supervision to ensure the dwellings were constructed in line with the conditionally approved Building Regulation drawings.

During the construction phase, a series of site-specific inspections were conducted to ensure the work met the required standards, including compliance with Robust Details and Accredited Construction Details. All relevant consultancy certificates and calculations were submitted to the appointed Building Control Authority to facilitate the issuing of completion certificates and to secure a 10-year BuildZone warranty for all properties.

The development featured Timber Frame construction, supplied and installed by Frame Homes UK, with a combination of traditional masonry for the outer leaf and cantilevered single-skin timber frame for the main structure.

The development was completed in 2019, with the land and properties subsequently purchased by a specialist Housing Association.

Client: Practical Developments
Contractor: Practical Developments
Cost: £8 Million

Gateway Business Centre, completed in 2014 by Practical Developments, is a state-of-the-art industrial park constructed to BREEAM Excellent standards, enabling it to secure grant funding for its development. The park features a diverse range of office spaces, with units ranging from 5,000 to 42,000 square feet. These office suites are designed to provide flexible, open-plan accommodations that maximize natural light, ensuring a productive and comfortable working environment. In addition to the office spaces, the park includes industrial units ranging from 4,300 to 9,300 square feet, each equipped with integrated office facilities.

Client: Private Client
Contractor: Client - Project Managed
Cost: £500k

After successfully completing several projects for the same private client, we were appointed to finalise the planning consent for a replacement dwelling known as Grooms Cottage at Goonearl Farm, Scorrier, Redruth.

During the process, we encountered some potential mining-related challenges, which required us to reposition the property. While the original cottage design remained central to our proposals, our client was eager to make enhancements to better suit their needs while maintaining a design that reflected the surrounding area.

We were able to meet the client's brief by creating an open-plan living space on the ground floor, featuring a large glazed entrance lobby with separate access to each internal room. A glazed staircase leads to the first floor, where there are four double bedrooms, two of which have en-suite bathrooms, alongside a spacious family bathroom.

The property offers stunning views of St. Agnes Head, with a contemporary, energy-efficient design that provides a spacious and flexible layout to accommodate all family needs. The master bedroom includes a generous balcony on the front elevation, offering far-reaching rural views.

The detached dwelling was constructed using timber frame construction, complemented by a traditional masonry outer leaf. The exterior features a combination of stone facing, painted render, and horizontal weatherboard cladding to meet the requirements of the Local Planning Authority.

As a practice, we take great pride in building long-term relationships with our clients, and we were both delighted and honoured to continue our work with this exceptional client.

Completed Project video by Humberts, Truro.

Client: Private Client
Contractor: Mark Bryant Construction
Cost: £1.5 million

SPS Architectural were appointed by our client to deliver a new residential development scheme within an existing residential holding. The client initially enquired to provide two additional dwellings as well as redeveloping the existing dwelling into two dwellings. Once Planning Approval was approved SPS Architectural then worked up a Building Regulation Approval to enable an end user to construct the project. We worked closely with Cornwall Council Planning Authority to ensure as many natural products were used on the project. Given the location and constraints with Tree Preservation Orders present and no adopted drainage provisions on-site SPS had to go above and beyond to ensure the concept design reflected the Local Planning Authorities material requirements as well as incorporating a pumped drainage system which linked into the main South West Water drainage provisions.

SPS was commissioned to extend a bespoke, post-2000 cantilevered timber frame detached dwelling, with the aim of transforming it into a spacious five-bedroom home. The client requested the addition of a covered first-floor balcony to take full advantage of the stunning views across their land, with a particular focus on the breath-taking rural vistas towards St. Agnes Head. Given the complexity of the existing structure, we conducted a comprehensive measured building survey and a topographical survey to ensure accurate mapping of both existing and proposed levels.

A key requirement from the client was to design a home that provided easy access throughout the property without relying solely on a staircase. This vision necessitated rethinking the existing living spaces to accommodate the new layout and increased size.

We successfully secured Planning Permission for substantial two-storey extensions on both wings of the house, which not only expanded the living space but also allowed for seamless access to the large garden, garage, and storage areas through a glazed link. This design created a flow between the indoors and outdoors, with several breakout areas offering privacy while maintaining sweeping views of the surrounding stables, paddocks, and fields.

The master suite is located near the new passenger lift and features a spacious en-suite, a dressing area, and an external recessed balcony that offers morning and evening views. The flexibility of the design also allows for the option of relocating the master suite, with one potential suite in each of the new extension wings.

To ensure the new additions harmonised with the original structure, we carefully integrated the existing external materials while balancing the elongated elevations with two large flat-roof extensions. These new sections also improved the property’s energy efficiency, incorporating renewable technologies such as an Air Source Heat Pump system and a Solar PV array on the roof.

Having worked closely with these clients on previous projects, we were excited to have the opportunity to design and deliver a home tailored specifically to their unique needs and vision.