Armsold Farm Shortlisted for CFCI award

We are very pleased to announce Armsold Farm Shortlisted for the Greater Cambridge Design and Construction Awards for best new building. Armsold Farm is a new dwelling situated within the South Cambridgeshire countryside and was previously occupied by a nondescript 19th-century farmhouse along ...

Ground and Air Source Heat Pumps: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to efficient home heating, heat pumps are gaining popularity for their ability to harness environmental heat. Among the two most common types, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and ground source heat pumps (GSHPs), there are key differences that homeowners should consider. In this article,...

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Timber Frame in Home Construction

In recent years, there has been a remarkable surge in the popularity of timber frame as a primary methoud for constructing homes. This trend reflects an increasing appreciation for sustainable building practices and the numerous benefits timber offers in the construction industry. As more homeowners...

How to Build a Home in the Countryside

Building a home in the countryside is a dream many cherish, drawn by the allure of tranquil landscapes and a serene way of life. However, this pursuit comes hand in hand with stringent planning regulations. Understanding these regulations is crucial for anyone aspiring to create their ideal countrys...

Solar PV Panels | Managing Rising Electricity Costs

Electricity costs in the UK have been steadily increasing, and this trend is likely to increase as the nation reduces its dependence on fossil fuels and embraces renewable energy sources. As the transition towards sustainable energy progresses, the cost of electricity is anticipated to rise further....

Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain

The concept of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has emerged as an important aspect of development plans, aiming to ensure a positive impact on the environment amidst human progress. BNG principles are based on the concept of leaving the biodiversity of a site in a better state than it was previously, enh...

Planning Granted – Cottenham Grandstand to Become New Home

Planning permission has been granted for the redesign of the Cottenham Grandstand. As a historic emblem of local heritage for nearly a century, we are excited to be involved in converting this unique structure into a residential dwelling. Originally constructed in the 1920s, Cottenham Grandstand ...

Challenges in Obtaining Urban Planning Permissions

Navigating the Maze: Challenges in Obtaining Urban Planning Permissions Introduction Urban planning is a delicate dance between the aspirations of developers and the concerns of local communities. While developing discussed urban sites is often championed as a sustainable solution to ur...

Why Have a Building Contract?

Building or refurbishing your home is an exciting endeavour, but it comes with its share of challenges and uncertainties. One crucial aspect that can make the difference between a smooth project and a potential nightmare is having a proper building contract in place. In this article, we will explore...

How to Stop Your Home Overheating

As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, overheating in our homes has become a growing concern. Excessive heat not only makes our living spaces uncomfortable but can also have adverse effects on our health. To address this issue, the UK introduced the Part O Building Regulation, which...

Choosing Between MVHR and Natural Ventilation

The choice of a ventilation system for your home or building is a crucial decision that impacts indoor air quality, energy efficiency, comfort, and overall well-being. Two popular options in this regard are Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) and natural ventilation. Both have their adv...

LABC Awards 2023

We are exited to announce our Chalk Glade development has won the LABC East Anglia regional award for 'Best Small New Housing Development', and has been nominated for the national awards! In addition, two of our other projects (291 Hills Road and Almoners Avenue) were highly commended for 'Best Medi...

How to build a Zero Carbon House

How to build a Zero Carbon House By Michael McKay MCIAT, Certified Passive House Designer at NP Architects Ltd. With Energy prices and living costs spiralling, never has it been so important to consider how we design houses to be as energy efficient as possible. This article seeks to explore w...

Reaching out and supporting community is important to NP Architects

A few weeks back Fiona and Monika took part in career carousel at Chesterton Community College with the intention to inspire the younger generation into exploring architecture and the construction industry as a whole. This year we welcomed the opportunity to talk to year 10 students about potenti...

What Is Passive House?

By Michael McKay MCIAT, Certified Passive House Designer at NP Architects Ltd. No time for reading? Passive House in 90 seconds: https://youtu.be/0JcwPB1hcSs Do you require Pas...

How Much Does Passive House Cost?

By Michael McKay MCIAT, Certified Passive House Designer at NP Architects Ltd.   As we know, there are many variables to consider when evaluating cost, depending on the size, location and specification of a building. The research project CEPHUS, in partnership with the European Commiss...

What fees do architects charge?

What fees do architects charge? Architect’s fees can vary considerably depending on the level of service, complexity, location and type of project required. If you are getting competitive quotes you may wish to distinguish between RIBA Chartered ...

Planning consent for 9 flats on Water Street granted for Blues Property

Planning consent for 9 flats has just been granted for Blues Property. The car free scheme, situated on Water Street, Cambridge went before the Cambridge City Council Planning Committee in August with a recommendation for approval.

Planning consent granted for 9 houses in South Cambridgeshire won at appeal

Planning consent has just been granted for 9No. detached family houses in the village of Meldreth in a ground-breaking appeal decision. As the site is location outside the Development Framewo...

Detailed Planning submitted for 47 highly sustainable dwellings to achieve 5-star rating in new build Home Quality Mark Scheme

Introduction NP Architects has submitted a full planning application for an exemplar, highly sustainable, low carbon scheme in Norfolk.  The scheme employs a range of methods for ensuring that the development will achieve the 5-star rating of the new build Home Quality Mark Sche...

Planning Approval granted for contemporary self-build house (750m2) to be clad in corten steel

Delegated planning approval has just been granted by South Cambridgeshire District Council for our large self-build house in Linton. The house (750m2 in area) has a split-level design with first floor living room and will feature a basement swimming pool and inter...

Contemporary barn conversion nears completion

Our contemporary barn conversion at Hare Park near Newmarket nears completion. The existing corrugated cement cladding has been replaced with corrugated aluminium and other...

Reflections Shortlisted for CIAT Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology

    The development comprises of 5No. 4 bedroom houses which replace a former public house, situated within the local conservation area. The dwellings, with their simple gable-ended forms and large openings facing onto the river, are intended to reflect the design of boathouses ne...

Planning consent obtained for 14 Flats at 291 Hills Rd

Planning consent has been granted at committee last week for our 14 unit scheme at 291 Hills Road, Cambridge. Local opposition, headed by the Hills Road Residents Association, focused on the lack of affordable hous...

Planning approval granted for 3 dwellings in Fordham

Planning was approved today for 3 new dwellings in the East Cambridgeshire village of Fordham outside village frame framework. The delegated report justified the principle of development as follows; " The local planning authority is not currently able to demonstrate that it has an adequate f...

Planning approval granted for 65 room hotel

Planning approval has recently been granted by Westminster City Council for the conversation of this 8 storey office building into a 65 room hotel. Restaurant facilities will be provided at ground floor and basement levels.  The existing Edwardian building, known as 'Waterman House', was historical...

Finalists – CIAT National Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology

NP Architects is pleased to announce we are finalists with our project 'Reflections' in the CIAT National Award for 'Excellence in Architectural Technology'. Great to be recognised for our technical expertise as well as our design abilities. #ATAwards  ...

Planning consent granted for 6 storey development on East Road

Planning permission has been granted by Cambridge City Council for our 6 storey block on East Road next door to Mackays' store, sited on a former car sales lot. This will be a mixed-use scheme comprising 34 student studio rooms with commercial use on the ground floor for a future retail unit and cof...

NP Architects wins at Cambridge Property Awards 2017

2017 ended on a high note with the company winning the Best Small Development category at the Cambridge Property Awards for the riverside scheme ‘Reflections’. Nick Phillips, Director and the Architect who designed the scheme, was presented the award at the black-tie ceremony in the Dome, Imping...

Planning Approval Granted for 11 Riverside Houses in Huntington

Our scheme of 11 detached units on the river’s edge in Huntingdon has received delegated planning consent from Huntingdonshire District Council. This site, a former gas depot, lies on the banks of Alconbury Brook with a large flood meadow known as Portholme Meadow situated opposite, which is a de...

Reflections shortlisted for Cambridge Property Awards 2017

We are pleased to announce that our Reflections development on Water Street, Chesterton has been short listed for this year’s Cambridge Property Awards under “Best Small Development” category (schemes under 30 units). The finalists were all nominated by members of ...

Two building plots in Great Shelford marketed.

Two building plots with detailed planning approval, obtained by NP Architects, are being sold by our client Blues Property. We would welcome the opportunity to be involved further in this project and would be happy to talk to any private prospective purchasers or developers. These plots are located...

Shortlisted for National Housing Awards 2017

NP Architects were shortlisted finalists in the National Housing Awards 2017 for "Best Small Development" category for their recent development at Church View, Foxton....

Planning Submitted for 14 Flats on Hills Road

Scheme for 14 flats on Hills Road, Cambridge submitted for planning....

Two houses completed in Bottisham

A quick visit to our recently completed scheme of two houses on the edge of a conservation area in Bottisham for Timeline Ltd....

Planning Approval for 2 Large Houses

Planning approval granted for two large houses in the grounds of Trinity House, Great Shelford for Blues Property....

Planning Approval at Committee for 5 Small Houses

Another successful day at planning committee, 5 one bedroom dwellings approved on Green End Road for Dudley Developments.

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Completed Development of Luxury Flats

Luxury flats on Queen Edith's Way recently completed for Gibson Developments, show flats now available for viewing.

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Development of 21 New Homes Topped Out

The roof is on at our development of 17 flats and 4 Houses on the corner of Mill Road and Montreal Road!

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Planning Approval for 6 Houses

Six houses approved on Queen Edith's Way for Gibson Developments....

Private Residence Near Completion

Private residence in Elsworth nearing completion....

5 Apartments Recently Completed

Five serviced apartments at Cambridge Place recently completed and handed over for Beechwood Estates....

Private House Completed

Private house in the village of Bourn completed. Main contractor Dean & Dean....

Restoration and Extension Continues

Restoration & extension to North Lodge, Milton (Grade 2 listed) continues after laying derelict for 20 years....

3 Completed Homes

Three newly completed homes on Newmarket Road, looking great in the sun!...

Development of 10 Homes Nears Completion

Our current development of six flats and four houses on Milton Road nearing completion, show homes to open soon.

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