renovating vs. starting anew: should you knock down and rebuild?
with our project on broomfield back on track, today we've taken some time to understand the pros and cons of a new building project or a renovation. if you've got your own project you'd like to talk about please do get in touch with us at admin@studio16architecture.co.uk
pros of knocking down and rebuilding
one of the biggest financial perks of rebuilding is that new builds are often exempt from vat (value added tax) on construction, unlike renovations, where vat typically applies. this can result in significant cost savings.
a new build allows for modern construction techniques, enabling superior insulation and energy performance. better u-values mean reduced heating costs, greater comfort, and a home that meets or exceeds current energy standards.
with a knock-down and rebuild, you start with a blank canvas, bypassing the complexities of adapting an old structure. this can streamline construction timelines, often leading to faster project completion.
starting fresh means you can design a space perfectly suited to your needs—open-plan living, a home office, or that dream kitchen you've always wanted. there’s no compromising or working around existing layouts or constraints.
while daunting for some, starting anew can be liberating. it offers a unique opportunity to create a home that reflects your style and aspirations without the baggage of old design flaws.
cons of knocking down and rebuilding
when you demolish a house, you also remove the foundations, utilities, and other structural elements that are already in place. this waste can feel like a missed opportunity to work with what's already there, especially if the core of the home is still solid.
older homes often have unique architectural details and a sense of history that modern builds can struggle to replicate. For many, a home holds sentimental value, and starting fresh might feel like losing a part of the past.
while new homes can be energy-efficient, demolishing a structure creates waste and consumes resources. renovating, in contrast, can often be a more sustainable choice by preserving and repurposing materials.
a rebuild typically involves securing demolition permits, navigating local council regulations, and meeting zoning requirements. this process can introduce delays and additional costs compared to a straightforward renovation.
making the right choice
choosing between a renovation and a rebuild ultimately depends on your goals, budget, and the state of your existing home. if you’re eager to create a space tailored to your vision, benefit from vat savings, and achieve modern energy standards, rebuilding could be the way to go. however, if you value the charm and history of your current home and wish to preserve its essence, a thoughtful renovation might suit you better.
whatever your decision, investing in the right approach will ensure your home becomes a space you’ll love for years to come.
Feel free to reach out by phone, or call into our studios for a complimentary consultation with our team.
Redefining Workspaces: Exploring Design Trends in Rethinking the Modern Workplace
Redefining Workspaces: Exploring Design Trends in Rethinking the Modern Workplace
The modern workplace is undergoing a profound transformation, shaped by evolving work dynamics, technological advancements, and changing employee expectations. As organizations recognize the need for flexible, collaborative, and inspiring environments, design trends are emerging that challenge traditional office norms. In this blog post, we'll delve into the exciting design trends that are rethinking the modern workplace, creating spaces that foster innovation, well-being, and productivity.
The Shift in Workplace Paradigm in 10 steps:
The concept of a traditional office with rows of cubicles and static workstations is giving way to a more dynamic and fluid approach. Modern workplaces seek to enhance the employee experience, accommodate diverse work styles, and promote a sense of community. As organizations embrace remote work, hybrid models, and a focus on employee well-being, the design of the physical workspace plays a crucial role in shaping the future of work.
1. Flexible Layouts: Adapting to Change
Modern workplaces are designed with flexibility in mind. Open floor plans, movable furniture, and modular spaces allow for easy reconfiguration to accommodate various tasks and team sizes. This adaptability ensures that the workspace can evolve with changing work demands.
2. Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature In
Biophilic design integrates natural elements into the workspace, from plants and natural materials to ample natural light. This trend not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes well-being, reduces stress, and improves cognitive function among employees.
3. Agile Workspaces: Embracing Mobility
The rise of remote work and flexible schedules has led to the creation of agile workspaces. These spaces support a mobile workforce by offering a variety of work settings, from individual workstations to collaborative areas, enabling employees to choose the environment that suits their tasks and preferences.
4. Wellness-Centric Design: Prioritising Health
Workplace wellness is a top priority, and design trends reflect this by incorporating features that support physical and mental well-being. Ergonomic furniture, dedicated wellness rooms, and spaces that encourage movement and relaxation contribute to a healthier work environment.
5. Hybrid Environments: Bridging In-Person and Remote Work
As organisations embrace hybrid work models, workplaces are being designed to accommodate both in-person and remote collaboration. This includes technology-rich meeting rooms, virtual collaboration tools, and seamless connectivity between on-site and remote employees.
6. Resimercial Spaces: The Home Away from Home
Resimercial design blurs the lines between residential and commercial spaces. Warm colors, comfortable furniture, and cozy aesthetics create an inviting atmosphere that feels more like home, promoting employee comfort and relaxation.
7. Inclusive Design: Fostering Diversity
Inclusive design focuses on creating environments that cater to a diverse workforce, considering factors like accessibility, cultural sensitivities, and varied work styles. These spaces celebrate individuality while fostering a sense of belonging.
8. Technology Integration: Seamless Connectivity
Modern workplaces are equipped with advanced technology to enhance collaboration and productivity. Video conferencing systems, interactive displays, and smart devices enable seamless connectivity, regardless of physical location.
9. Hub-and-Spoke Model: Satellite Offices
The hub-and-spoke model involves having a central office (the hub) complemented by satellite locations (the spokes). This design trend accommodates remote work while providing employees with the option to work in a physical office when needed.
10. Community Spaces: Fostering Interaction
Common areas that encourage interaction, such as lounges, cafes, and breakout zones, foster a sense of community and collaboration among employees, regardless of their role or department.
Case Study: The Google Campus
Google's campuses are renowned for their innovative workplace design. These campuses feature a blend of flexible workspaces, communal areas, and leisure amenities. For instance, Google's Mountain View campus includes outdoor workspaces, recreational facilities, and vibrant interiors that reflect the company's culture of creativity and collaboration.
Conclusion
The design trends shaping the modern workplace are a testament to the evolving nature of work itself. As organisations prioritise employee well-being, collaboration, and adaptability, the physical environment plays a critical role in fostering these values. From flexible layouts and well-being-centric design to embracing hybrid work models, each trend reflects a commitment to creating a workplace that not only meets the functional needs of employees but also empowers them to thrive in a rapidly changing world. As we navigate the future of work, the modern workplace serves as a canvas for innovation, a driver of productivity, and a reflection of the evolving relationship between work and life.
- Joel Anthony Roderick, 16a Founder
trend report: bar/restaurant design: nostalgia
we have recently seen the emergence of nostalgia in bar and restaurant design which will continue through into 2025.
think velvety textures, wooden tones, and geometric shapes combined with warm colours that invoke echoes of the past. lighting plays a huge role in setting the mood for memory and contemporary lighting can help keep the design current and fresh.
in other schemes, designers may highlight vintage ceiling beams and feature reclaimed furniture which also ties in nicely with the ongoing need for sustainability and conscious design.
the key to a successful design is the balance between old and new favouring nostalgia over novelty with a focus placed on how people interact with an interior.
beginners diner, san diego by ch projects & post company
beginners diner is one of five f&b venues opened at san diego’s lafayette hotel. the eatery's chrome frontage and neon signs draw customers into a 1940s-inspired diner. once inside pops of chrome, rich red upholstery, cherry wood panelling and sconce lights evoke a strong feeling of nostalgia and pay tribute to the traditional americana dishes served.
fotografiska museum, berlin by studio aisslinger
this contemporary museum of photography, art, and culture also features a restaurant, bars, a cafe, and a ballroom alongside its extensive gallery space.
the listed building that once homed the famous kunsthaus tacheles artists’ squat, has been extensively renovated though the large-scale graffiti protected by preservation orders remains. in contrast to this gritty backdrop studio aisslinger successfully combined high-end finishes, a retro colour palette and mid-century modern furniture creating the perfect mix of old and new.
de witt, dordrecht, by studio modijefsky
studio modijefsky is at the forefront of hospitality design in the netherlands. their designs often lean into nostalgia through their use of materials and colour schemes and by relating design to the location's context. however, thoughtful space planning and design maintain a contemporary feel. de witt, a brasserie and cinema space, is a perfect example of this.
