Take a look at some of the designs we have created and then built for our clients…
We have a high level of expertise in planning applications and a deep understanding of local authority requirements when it comes to barn conversions, new builds and the extension and alteration of existing homes.
We are seasoned in architectural design, working across heritage, conservation and National Landscape (AONB) contexts, sensitive to what’s required to balance preservation and the needs of a modern home.
Once planning is complete, we enjoy seeing those plans through to completion with you, becoming your build partner for every brick, door and light switch, right through to handing you the keys – a moment we never forget!
We’ve been designing and building unique homes for many years, from extending a fisherman’s cottage on Dungeness beach to new build housing in Sevenoaks – our expertise is wide and varied.
And that’s the difference with Vernacular Homes – we don’t just design, we build too, so we know that the designs we are creating can be turned into reality.
We know the whole design and build process, with its timescales and costs, and can expertly guide you through from initial idea to final build.
Whether it’s replacing an old bungalow or building a new house in your garden, we’re familiar with all the reports and planning policy restrictions. We are adept at using site levels and imaginative layouts to achieve real planning gains. With our guide costs, we can design to your budget ensuring project viability is considered from the very start.
Along with extensions, renovations, restorations and new builds, we are specialists in barn conversions – having transformed a wide range over the years from disused storage sheds, falling down structures and neglected buildings, into beautiful new homes designed to last for many more years to come.
Conversion projects come with their own challenges, but we are highly experienced in what old buildings hide, what they require to be developed and in dealing with everything from planning requirements to bats in the roof.
If you are planning a barn conversion, ask us for help and advice before you buy or decide to convert.
We’ve worked on design and build for many renovation projects, from Grade I and II* listed stately homes to 1990s new builds.
Through careful listening, we like to understand what doesn’t work about the current layout and think through what alterations or extensions would solve the problems. We like extensions to work hard to multiple problems all at once – improving layouts and natural light.
The most common problem which clients come to us with is the need for a big family kitchen/dining/living space to suit the needs of modern family living.
Before we can design, we need to measure up any existing buildings and we do this using digital technology called Matterport that scans the site or old barn, giving us a digital twin we can refer back to.
From this, we know exactly what space we have available for our designs and can try different options to explore various ideas, layouts and concepts.
Our design process really helps to get results. Having everything drawn up in 3D makes a project so much more understandably – you can really imaging what it would be like to be in the space. Unlike the old days where floor plans were sometimes hard to understand or visualise, our design process means you can be confident that the design is really worthwhile and matches your vision for the project.
It’s always helpful to understand how you imagine yourself living in your home: do you love to have big gatherings of family or friends? Do you like to retreat into a quiet space in the evenings, or have breakfast on a balcony overlooking a view? How you plan to live in a space is the most important thing for any home project. It’s this which will define the space you need and how it will work.
We recognise style and taste is a very personal thing and are adept at designing in different styles and periods, from Georgian, to country farmhouse and ultra-modern. Whatever the style of home you like, we’ve probably done something similar before.
Our clients are able to walk around their new home before it’s even built.
How?
Through virtual reality software – we use Enscape to immerse them into their design, allowing them to really feel the flow of the house.
If they walk into the hallway and want a larger window, we can add one to see how it looks, feels and also find out what it adds in terms of time and cost.
Our 3D design software allows us to provide accurate and early costings which are clear for everyone. This level of detail allows a smoother handover from design to construction stage and with any issues, queries, concerns or problems already overcome, the build stage can gather swift momentum.
Our clients really do enjoy this part of the design process and so do we – showing them round what will soon be their new home. We can send visuals over for them to show their friends and family too.
Take a look at the virtual tour of the plans we created for our client who wanted to convert their barn into four separate beautiful homes.
Get in touch so we can create your plans or revise and resubmit with you.
We really enjoy working with our clients from the beginning of their home building dream, enabling that vision to be fulfilled through carefully developed designs.
Our expertise will save you time and money – we are adept at devising planning designs that meet the local authority criteria; but which don’t compromise on your vision.
You may have an existing planning permission with your home – it might be yours from a while ago or it may have been inherited with the property. It might not be quite what you want, so we can work with you to develop those designs to better meet your brief and improve on the consent you already have.
Local authorities support replacement dwellings and for many clients, they are a better solution than refurbishing an inadequate existing building. Replacement dwellings allow us to build a home which works much better than any refurbishment could hope to achieve, arriving at a modern, efficient and high quality home.
We work across heritage, conservation areas and AONB locations – understanding the requirements of what will be needed for the planning application and providing that extra level of thought and consideration.
Sometimes, a little more understanding of local authority planning policy, together with imaginative design solutions are needed to see your plans passed and see you ready to start building.
We’ve worked with many clients to revise and develop failed applications to breathe life back into them and achieve the desired result without significant compromises.
We work accurately and honestly – we’ll be up front with you on the planning prospects of a scheme.
Contact our planning team to discuss your project.
Yes, we have a lot of experience revising previously rejected applications and seeing them approved. We offer creative and imaginative solutions that align with local authority requirements while ensuring the client’s vision is achieved.
We specialise in planning and designing new builds, extensions, renovations, restorations, and barn conversions. Our experience includes working in heritage, conservation, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), balancing preservation with modern living.
Yes, Vernacular Homes provides both design and build services. We take care of everything from initial planning to the final build, so you only have one point of contact throughout the entire project. We organise everything – initial site clearance, utilities, and final testing, inspection and certifications.
Absolutely. If you have existing planning permission, whether it’s your own or inherited with a property, we can help revise the designs to better meet your needs without compromising the approval.
Replacement dwellings often offer a more efficient and cost-effective solution than refurbishing an older building. It allows for better design, increased space, improved energy efficiency, and a more reliable, modern home.
Read more information in our blog.
Because we are both designers and builders, we know what is feasible within timescales and budgets. This ensures that what we create can be efficiently and effectively turned into reality without compromise on budget or design.
Yes, we use 3D design and Matterport scanning technology. These tools allow us to provide accurate measurements, design options, and even virtual walk-throughs of a future home before construction begins. Our clients like this process, as it gives them the opportunity to step into their home, experience the space, make changes, and get a clear idea of how the final build will look and feel.
Take a look at a recent project to see how it works.
Yes, barn conversions are one of our specialities. We’ve transformed disused barns and neglected buildings into beautiful, efficient homes, often overcoming unique challenges like structural limitations and conservation requirements.
Take a look at some of our barn conversions.
We work with clients to revise and improve existing planning applications. This may include reworking designs to better meet their needs or local authority requirements, ensuring a smoother process and higher chances of approval.
Yes, we have experience with rejected planning permissions. We work to understand the reasons for rejection, then offer innovative solutions that can meet local planning policies without compromising your vision.
We are experienced in working within conservation and heritage projects, carefully balancing preservation with modern design. We work closely with local authorities to ensure all guidelines are followed while creating a home that meets your needs.
Take a look at our work on the Grade I listed Linton Park Estate, set in a conservation area.
The timeline depends on the complexity of the project, from planning permissions to the scope of the build. We ensure that every step, from design to completion, is carefully managed to stay on schedule and within budget.
Yes, we can cost projects so that you know before you buy land, or a property for conversion or seek to convert something you already own, what the costs, timescales and planning challenges might be.
Read our blog for more details of what you might need to consider.
We mainly work with private clients on homes, but we also work with small developers who are building up to 5 properties on a plot, or restoration organisations looking to restore old buildings like churches or schools.
We handle the entire planning process, starting with the initial consultation with our client to find out what they want from the project, their budget and needs. Once plans have been designed, we submit them to the local authority on behalf of the client, aware of some of the local planning requirements, preferences, guidance and restrictions, to ensure the design meets all regulations.
For an informal conversation about your project please call us on 01233 861177 or email us using the form. Your data is not used for marketing – only to contact you.
If you have documents - previous designs, plans or photos, please send them to us via email: enquiries@vernacularhomes.com
