News & Blogs | NP Architects | RIBA Chartered Cambridge Architects

Two Tess Boatyard Shortlisted for the Greater Cambridge Design and Construction Awards 2025

We are thrilled to announce that our Two Tess Boatyard development at 70 Water Street, Cambridge, has been shortlisted for the Greater Cambridge Design and Construction Awards 2025!

Jan

Publication: NP Project Featured in Architecture Today

Armshold Farm, has been published in a magazine. This high-quality, environmentally conscious home in South Cambridgeshire is a modern interpretation of traditional rural architecture, blending seamlessly into its surroundings while incorporating cutting-edge sustainable technologies. Hig...

24

Oct

We are recruiting – Project Architect Vacancy

Project Architect We are looking for a talented and motivated individual with strong design and technical skills to join our team. Candidates are likely to have qualified in the last 1-5 years. The responsibilities will be: -Management of the day-to-day del...

14

Oct

Publication: NP Project Featured in 25 Beautiful Homes Magazine

Our project, Long Four Acres, was featured in 25 Beautiful Homes magazine in September 2024. This project was for the design of a large self-build house. The frontage of the building takes on a simple cubic Georgian form with a symmetrical façade, and the rear of the building opens up with large...

3

Oct

Why Architects are Perfectly Positioned to Handle Interior Design?

At NP Architects, we believe interior design is an integral part of the architectural process, especially when building a home. By integrating both disciplines from the outset, we ensure that every element of your home works harmoniously together. This seamless approach not only ...

26

Sep

Why Interior Design is Valuable for Your Future Home?

Interior design is much more than just decorating. It’s about shaping spaces that enhance both function and aesthetics. A well-designed interior not only simplifies construction but also transforms a house into a home, offering comfort, style, and a true reflection of your p...

12

Jul

Approval Obtained: Great Common Farm

In a landmark planning achievement, Dyason Developments, alongside Cheffins and NP Architects, has successfully obtained delegated planning approval at Great Common Farm for a scheme to refurbish a grade 2 listed farmhouse and develop the surrounding historic farmyard into four new family dwellings....

26

Jan

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 ...

12

Jan

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,...

5

Jan

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...

8

Dec

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...

30

Nov

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....

24

Nov

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...

17

Nov

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 ...

9

Nov

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...

3

Nov

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...

27

Oct

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...

24

Oct

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...

16

Oct

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...

8

Jul

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...

13

May

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...

10

Dec

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...

9

Dec

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...

2

Nov

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 ...

17

Aug

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.

9

Jun

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...

16

Feb

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...

12

Jan

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...

9

Dec

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...

14

Sep

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...

2

Sep

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...

3

Aug

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...

29

Jul

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...

7

Jul

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 ...

15

Apr

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...

14

Jan

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...

7

Jan

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...

12

Nov

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 ...

22

Oct

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...

25

Sep

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....

27

Jul

Planning Submitted for 14 Flats on Hills Road

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

9

Jun

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....

9

Jun

Planning Approval for 2 Large Houses

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

8

Jun

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.
...

19

May

Completed Development of Luxury Flats

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

5

May

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!
...

26

Apr

Planning Approval for 6 Houses

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

21

Apr

Private Residence Near Completion

Private residence in Elsworth nearing completion....

13

Apr

5 Apartments Recently Completed

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

10

Apr

Private House Completed

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

10

Apr

Restoration and Extension Continues

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

6

Apr

3 Completed Homes

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

4

Apr

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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We are recruiting -Part 2 Architectural Assistant Two Tess Boatyard Shortlisted for the Greater Cambridge Design and Construction Awards 2025 Publication: NP Project Featured in Architecture Today We are recruiting – Project Architect Vacancy

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