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Elspeth
Beard - Build Architect
"Elspeth Beard",
just the name makes us smile! Having retendered the project
following planning approval we chose, or should I say
Elspeth chose , to work with us to build our home in
just 7 months.
We knew all along
that she was due to leave the UK in August to conduct
a world tour on a motorbike. However she promised
to get us through building regs and provide Peter Shoesmith
with complete
production drawings before leaving.
Elspeth did all
this and MORE. Her own experience of converting
a Victorian Water Tower into a home proved invaluable
-
she had
already met head-on all those horrid fire reg issues.
This enabled her to take our ambitious design and
make it
physically possible. As well as meeting her targets
she helped us find suppliers for doors, windows and stone
to name but a few. She even helped me start my bathroom
research by driving to North London on football worldcup
semi final day to show me an excellent supplier.
We
would have no hesitation in recommending her to other
self-builders. She keeps her promises, is great fun to
work with and a brilliant architect. Although
it helps
if like Philip
you
have
a
passion
for bikes
and
technology
-
I felt
left
out
at times when they compared the latest gadgets. (A bit
like our meetings with Kevin MaCloud and his new toys!)
Regulation approval for the project
Past and Current Projects
Munstead
Water Tower is a Grade II listed building which
was converted
into a residence. The 130ft high octagonal
brick tower was constructed in 1898 and had been derelict
for 20 years. Originally the tower consisted of
six levels with a timber stair to the external walls
on three
sides of the tower and quarter landings at each level.
The Water Tower now consists of six floors with a reception
room on the ground floor, one bedroom on each of the
first, second and third floors. Planning and Listed
building consent
was granted having won an appeal to secure a relaxation
of Requirement B1 of the Building regulations (Means
of Escape).
One large room occupies each floor,
varying from 25-30 feet across with suspended hanging
bathrooms
to the bedroom levels and a gallery within the
living room. The interior was designed to retain
as much
of the original building that was practically possible
and to maintain its industrial character. Internally,
new steel stairs and floors were constructed using
the existing main floor levels, this involved fixing
new steel beams at each level to support the new
stairs and existing beams. There are now 142 steps
to the roof with 88 to the kitchen and 113 to the
living room.).
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Elspeth
Beard
QuirkeyDesigns Limited
The
Water Tower, Munstead Heath Road, Godalming, Surrey
GU8 8QE
Telephone:01483
860-342
www.threshingbarn.co.uk
e.beard@btopenworld.com
Worthing Dome - current project
The Worthing Dome
was built in 1911 as a roller skating palace and
was converted into a picture palace in 1921. The
Dome is Grade II* listed reflecting its historical
and architectural significance. It is a unique
example of a surviving Edwardian leisure centre or ‘Kursaal’.
In 1999 the building was allocated £1.75m
from the Heritage Lottery Fund with a further grant
from
English Heritage and works are programmed to commence
in 2004.
It is planned that the refurbishment of the Dome
will once again provide the local community with
a multi-entertainment
facility and act as a flagship for the seafront regeneration.
Although it will be restored to its 1921 splendour, the
Dome will incorporate the latest cinema technology.
It is proposed
to re construct the front section of the Dome to
include a new café and tourist
information centre. The main foyer and cinema will
be restored and a new restaurant provided on the
first floor with a bar within the Dome on the second
and third floors. The exterior of the building
will be completely restored reinstating many of
the original features that have been lost over
time.
Munstead Water Tower-ground floor
reception
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