New Homes
Creating a new home, either through the conversion of an existing building or a new building, is a unique chance to create a design that is bespoke.
We like to start with a design briefing workshop, to discuss your design preferences, how you are likely to use the spaces and what suits your lifestyle. We always aim to keep your character and personality at the heart of the project whilst being responsive to the surrounding context and economic climate.
Sustainability is intrinsic to good quality design. Across all of our projects, we look to minimise the embodied carbon and the total energy consumption of the building. This results in low running costs, optimised thermal comfort and excellent indoor air quality for you.
Careful consideration is given to the material choices both internally and externally, as well as those little details to really make the design sing.
Creating a new home, either through the conversion of an existing building or a new building, is a unique chance to create a design that is bespoke.
We like to start with a design briefing workshop, to discuss your design preferences, how you are likely to use the spaces and what suits your lifestyle. We always aim to keep your character and personality at the heart of the project whilst being responsive to the surrounding context and economic climate.
Sustainability is intrinsic to good quality design. Across all of our projects, we look to minimise the embodied carbon and the total energy consumption of the building. This results in low running costs, optimised thermal comfort and excellent indoor air quality for you.
Careful consideration is given to the material choices both internally and externally, as well as those little details to really make the design sing.
Our Approach
Our approach to design typically starts with a review of how you are likely to use the spaces and what suits your lifestyle. We always aim to keep your character and personality at the heart of the project whilst being responsive to the surrounding context and economic climate. Careful consideration is given to the material choices both internally and externally, as well as those little details to really make the design sing.
Responsive Design
We feel that how the design responds to the way you live, or would like to be living, contributes significantly to its success and longevity. This means that at the early stages, we creatively explore the design possibilities with you, from the layout on the site to the external form, and the internal arrangement of spaces. Careful consideration is given to how the building responds to its surrounding context, as the way the building sits within the existing landscape (or townscape) can determine the design impact you are looking for (whether that's a subtlety or dramatic contrast!). We have experience working in Conservation Areas, and within close proximity of sensitive sites, so we are happy to guide you through the processes involved.
Sustainability & Environmental Design
Building a new home offers a prime opportunity to achieve the best levels of thermal comfort, minimise your energy bills and reduce the environmental impact of your build.
Firstly, we look to optimise the shape and layout of the building. Whilst there are many factors to consider, this will form the basis of how energy efficient your home will be. The arrangement of your windows and doors don't only provide views and light, but also impact the efficiency of your home. We then look to optimise the fabric of the building (what the external floors, walls and roof are constructed from).
Our in-house analysis of the environmental performance of your property informs the design process, with our preference being to use the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) software which provides scientific analysis of your homes energy demand.
Importantly, we also consider the Embodied Energy of your project.
Low impact construction methods and material are usually specified in a holistic approach to environmental design.
We always strive to make your building function in the best way possible, from the building’s environmental performance to the robustness and durability of its construction.
For those more technically minded this level of analysis can be at the forefront of our conversations, or for those wanting to focus on design, you can have the confidence that we will be looking to optimise the sustainability of your project (behind the scenes) throughout the design process.
Firstly, we look to optimise the shape and layout of the building. Whilst there are many factors to consider, this will form the basis of how energy efficient your home will be. The arrangement of your windows and doors don't only provide views and light, but also impact the efficiency of your home. We then look to optimise the fabric of the building (what the external floors, walls and roof are constructed from).
Our in-house analysis of the environmental performance of your property informs the design process, with our preference being to use the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) software which provides scientific analysis of your homes energy demand.
Importantly, we also consider the Embodied Energy of your project.
Low impact construction methods and material are usually specified in a holistic approach to environmental design.
We always strive to make your building function in the best way possible, from the building’s environmental performance to the robustness and durability of its construction.
For those more technically minded this level of analysis can be at the forefront of our conversations, or for those wanting to focus on design, you can have the confidence that we will be looking to optimise the sustainability of your project (behind the scenes) throughout the design process.
Supporting you through the process
We acknowledge that building a new home can sometimes seem a little daunting, especially if this is your first building project. That's why we're happy to offer our continued support throughout the process from initial design discussions, throughout the construction work right through to post-occupancy evaluation. We can guide you through the requirements of Planning and Building Control, get prices for the building work, arrange contracts with builders and resolve technical challenges. Our support throughout the Construction stage is often highly valued by our clients in helping to achieve the desired quality of construction as well as keeping control over costs as decisions are made onsite. We feel that the joy of moving into a home that's bespoke to you and your way of living are truly worth it. Our previous clients would agree too (see our Projects for more details)
Our Projects
Here are just a few of our completed and ongoing projects, with the stories of how they came to be. Whether it’s a new home, Passivhaus, extension, retrofit or community building we will always tailor our services, designs and approach to you and your project.
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you.
If you have a project in mind, or what to find out more about what we do, get in touch!
If you have a project in mind, or what to find out more about what we do, get in touch!
Who we Are
Croft Design Collective are a group of architecture professionals with expertise in the environmental design of buildings. View our profiles to find out more information about us.