Guide Through the Development Process
By employing architects, surveyors, and engineers in our
regional offices we are well placed to deal with any design
enquiry. Our offices are equipped with the latest AutoCad
design facilities and are supported by fully trained technicians.
A general breakdown of the typical building design process
follows, however if you require more detailed information
relating to a particular type of project please select from:
Agricultural design:
- Dairy
- Livestock
- Arable
Horticultural Buildings & Glasshouses
Dwellings & Domestic Design
Conversions & Building Re-use
Having a design project undertaken can be a complex undertaking.
However if the design consultancy is broken down into precise
logical stages, the proposed development can progress with
confidence.
The following is the Acorus guide to the normal flow of
events which can be tailored to suit most design and construction
projects:-
FEASIBILITY
This is probably the most important part of the project.
It is essential at an early stage to establish the nature
of the development, its viability, cost limitations and
its likelihood of success in terms of planning and other
legislative requirements.
This part of the project is often referred to as “developing
the brief” and it enables the customer and Acorus
designer to determine a precise list of components and elements
that the development must contain.
This brief will be referred to throughout the life of the
design and development process.
SITE INVESTIGATION AND SURVEY
This process normally involves a detailed measured survey
of the building(s) or site to establish critical dimensions,
ground levels, positions of services and to identify significant
constraints to the proposed development.
Most local planning authorities require “existing”
details as part of any planning application.
SCHEME DESIGNS
Using the brief previously developed and with the benefit
of the survey data, the Acorus design consultant will be
in a position to determine the main design concepts for
the project.
It is normal to provide alternative ‘sketch’
options to enable collaborative discussion with the customer
to take place.
This ensures that there is total agreement, can be used
as a check on budget construction costs and provides the
confidence that the design work will proceed in a sustainable
manner. Agreement on a suitable scheme design provides the
basis for the next phase.
PLANNING
Documents and drawings required for planning applications
are specifically prescribed by most local authorities.
Drawn details normally include a Location Plan (1:2500),
Block Plan (1:500), Building Plan and Elevations (1:100
or 1:200) and often a section through the site or buildings.
Construction details are not included; the drawings will
describe external appearance by indicating choice and colour
of materials to demonstrate what the development will look
like.
Management of the planning application from initial application
through to determination is important and the Acorus consultancy
team will ensure that the potential for planning success
is maximised.
BUILDING REGULATIONS
Most agricultural buildings do not require Building Regulation
consent. However, all other developments such as barn conversions,
dwellings and other structures do.
To meet the requirements of the Building Regulations, the
planning drawings are generally developed to the next level
of detail to demonstrate to the local authority that the
proposal meets structural, thermal, fire, drainage and other
key requirements called on by law.
Access for disabled persons must also be considered at
this stage.
Construction details are not required to satisfy the Building
Regulations and the data is normally submitted as a performance
related specification contained on the drawings.
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
When all of the consents have been obtained it is important
to produce a detailed set of drawings to enable a contractor
to price the works, order the appropriate materials and
build the proposal without any ambiguity.
Construction drawings will detail specific construction
methods, specify materials and standards.
As part of this “Production Information” a
bespoke written specification will assist in ensuring that
the contract details, materials and quality standards can
be maintained throughout and beyond the construction period.
CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
With all the prepared information and details, work will
commence on site.
The Acorus Project Management team can act as the administrators
of the contract between the contractor and customer.
This will involve advice on the nature of the contract
documentation, undertaking the tender process, agreement
of programmes with appointed contractors, administration
of the valuations, and generally ensuring the project moves
to completion, on time and on budget to everyone’s
satisfaction.
Acorus do not normally supervise the works or undertake
a Clerk of Works function; this will involve being on site
every working day. Provided that the level of design detail
is high and the contractor is competent, this should not
be a significant cause for concern.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Any customer having construction work done will be required
to ensure that the project complies with the Construction
(Design and Management) Regulations 2007.
These regulations call upon the customer to make sure that
the Designers and Contractors are competent in terms of
health and safety to undertake their roles. Acorus designers
meet this requirement.
The Regulations also call for the customer to appoint a
Health & Safety Co-ordinator, to oversee the mandatory
health and safety elements of the project. This is a unique
task and is a service that Acorus can provide.
