The new Part L, which was brought into effect last October, saw a natural increase in the minimum standards of compliance. This seems to have given many clients the drive to go that extra step! The above scheme focuses on high quality materials; such as zinc roofs/cladding and metal composite windows to ensure the longevity of the building, as well as renewable technologies for heating and hot water.

We hope this trend continues for years to come and if it enhances good architecture... who can complain? (Posted January 2011)

Working closely with the conservation officer of Cambridge City Council, Once Architecture are proposing to retain the front elevation which is typical of the Victorian terrace houses along Kingston Street and demolish the rear which was largely rebuilt in the 1950's. Although a fairly constricted site, three 3 bed houses and 1,600sqft of commercial space have been comfortably situated within the new layout. (Posted December'10)

Construction starts on the first 12 units next month with the remaining 23 to follow in the new year. This attractive development reinforces the strong rural design found in and around the market town, whilst catering for increasing demand for housing in this ever growing commuter hub. (Posted September '10)

Recently gaining approval for this one off 6 bed house within the village of Thriplow, it is hoped construction will commence within the year... watch this space! (Poseted August '10)

The former Cyber Café and offices have long since ceased to serve the local community and after over a year of remaining vacant it was decided that the premises would better serve under residential use. Set within the central conservation area it was agreed with the council that the building is of architectural interest and should remain, although its function could change. Once Architecture have prepared an attractive scheme which responds well to the local vernacular by retaining the shop frontage and maximises the density of the site by providing three 3 bed flats with off street parking. It is our hope that the development will ensure the longevity of this attractive shop frontage for years to come. (Posted July '10)

The owners approached Once Architecture with a dilemma; they required additional living space but loved their current home. Our answer was simple: Extend the third storey and convert the loft to create a fourth!

The proposal, which recently received approval by delegation under the body of Cambridge City Council, provides an extended Bedroom 4 and an additional 6th and 7th bedroom within the former loft. The proposal requires raising the existing wall plate to the rear elevation and a new gable fronting the rear garden, all of which will be hidden from Barton Road which lies within a conservation area. The extension is currently under construction. (Posted Jul. '10)

We were approached after the previous architects were unable to obtain an approval on a site adjacent to Green Park in Cambridge. Following a 4 year battle with the council, including an appeal dismissed, the client decided a fresh approach was required. Acquiring the site in 2008 we worked closely with the council to develop a scheme which they felt they could support. Devastatingly, it was refused by committee which brought us promptly back to the drawing board!

It was obvious that this was becoming an increasingly sensitive site and that the resident voice went a long way. Listening to the concerns of residents raised during our initial scheme, we submitted a revised application which gained officer support and was unanimously approved by North Area Committee this month.

Well done to everyone involved and it just goes to show that patience and open ears can go a long way! (Posted Apr. '10)

Once Architecture have had the pleasure in designing numerous extensions and small build developments in recent months and can proudly announce that they have had a 100% success rate in obtaining planning approvals. These include; renovation and extension of a grade II listed building in Burwell with the conversion of outbuildings to form a new dwelling, a forty metre ground floor extension and thirty metre loft conversion to an existing house on Glebe Road, and two new houses to be placed within rear gardens on Coldhams Lane and Bridewell Road. (Posted Apr. '10)

The green oak framed building was nominated by South Cambridgeshire District Council earlier this year for the ‘Individual Houses' category and is now one of the four finalists in the region. The dwelling, which was constructed and clad in green oak, boasts underfloor heating and a cantilevered stairwell. The developer paid particular attention to detail and was scrupulous in his choice of high spec materials... which seems to have paid off!

The Local Authority Building Control of East Anglia consisting of Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk will be holding the awards ceremony later this year. Lets keep our fingers crossed! (Posted Feb. '10)