Overland Road renovation... what is going on behind the scaffolding tent high up on the hill?

A hip to gable roof conversion with the addition of a traditional front gable will transform the semi-detached property with spectacular views over the bay, and re-instate the character lost over the last few decades. Internal re-configuration, structural upgrades and a major move to open up the back of the house to connect with the garden. Great work by the team at Newton Barnes, we look forward to the next stage of putting the house back together.

What a year 2020 turned out to be. Running a husband and wife practice has been the norm for us for the last 7 years, add in the constraints of a global pandemic,  6 months with a 7 and 9 year old around and building a new studio .... and life gets a little more interesting! Existing works carried on, new projects kept coming in and we all learned how to keep things moving and carry on, actually in many ways with a better work life balance than before. 

​The best thing to come out of this time has been the creation of this extraordinarily beautiful new work space built by a couple of talented, experienced craftsmen; the brilliant Steve Bevan who single-handed built the structure and Chris Westermark who made the inside and outside a truely beautiful place to spend our working day (and sometimes evening).

Every design detail was worked through collaboratively, trying out ideas as almost prototypes for future [ r a u m ] projects. We're already adding to it, re-landscaping the garden and will no doubt continue change a few bits over time but what a lock down project it has been!

Now to 2021, we look forward to completing those projects on site for clients to move into and enjoy, while we start the process afresh with new ones.

​Here's to a new year working amongst the trees!

Fantastic to have secured planning permission in a 7 week turnaround for this extension to a property in Sketty, Swansea. A careful blend of the characteristic existing house with an unashamed contemporary rear addition. High ceilings, large openings and a dramatic wall / roof window. The tiered terraces help blur the inherent separation from the house's entry level from the generous, well used back garden - remedying something the house has suffered from all its life.e to edit.

​Another planning permission secured within 8 weeks. Existing / Proposed works to a tired old semi detached property bringing appropriate design solutions coupled with modern inspiration #oldandnew #wroughtironbalcony #crittall #fabcosanctuary #velux #mumbles

After a stagnant start, the refurbishment and extension project overlooking Oystermouth is moving at pace with groundworks, demolition and major structural alterations.

To start with, it was going to be somewhere else... possibly more dramatic, on long steel legs in the tree canopy but the ground conspired against us and it wasn't to be. So, now its slightly different, ground bearing but, we hope, equally lovely in the end!

Started just prior to the Covid-19 lockdown (great timing!) it is evolving nicely bit by bit, some bits by construction professionals (the hands on variety), and the less critical bits by us... and the kids are sweeping up in between. The dogs are doing nothing, as usual.

We are enjoying the process and learning along the way, some decisions were fixed early on and some are made the night before installation...such is the joy of your own project. 

Underfloor heating, screed and floor finish is next inside and preparations for the external cladding are being made also... keep an eye on raum.architects on Instagram for further updates!

Raum has implemented changes to our working practices during this unprecedented public health challenge.
​We are able to work remotely, we are embracing virtual ‘meetings’ and are continuing to issue design packages and other information digitally.

These changes will have no impact on the progress of jobs with existing clients, and for anyone wishing to discuss a new building project, please get in touch.

Some would say starting building projects on site in January is crazy but anyone visiting the South Wales in the summer months would say it wouldn't matter, we get a lot of rain whatever the time of year!
1. An old stone cottage is being replaced with a modest and efficient masonry structure, traditional to the front with a contemporary twist to the rear.
2. A new build timber framed agricultural workers dwelling on a blank site within the grounds of Grade II listed Weobley Castle.
3. Extensive refurbishment and extensions to a detached dwelling overlooking Mumbles Promenade and the bay beyond.
Keep an eye on raum.architects instagram and facebook feeds to see our progress! 

Raum's Bank Croft new-build family home in Llangennith, Gower appears on the front cover of September's edition of Grand Designs magazine.
Fantastic recognition for an contextually appropriate but modern house which the client is delighted with. Everyone involved is proud of the finished product and Raum have already had several requests to considering similar approaches from across the UK.

The details begin to come to life as finishes are applied to our new-build dwelling in Llangennith

Been a busy year with a plethora of interesting works continuing at different stages. The contemporary extension at Fairyhill Hotel has been made up a substantial amount of our office time with the many, many layers of specific design resolution and requirement, a complete refurbishment to a property on Westcliff in Southgate, the second in as many years, a fabulous new-build property in Llangennith along with works in Langland, Llanrhidian, Reynoldston, Pennard and Caswell.
Several really good planning permissions achieved and as yet, consistent planning success with our Gower-based residential designs. We often post updates to our facebook page so check out the link above. 

Raum have now moved office.
With the excellent assistance of the select few, we have designed, crafted and completed a bespoke fit-out to a former shop space adjacent to Ty Junction on Queens Rd.
Our new address is now 2A Queens Rd, Mumbles. SA3 4AN. 
It's already proving to perform as we need it to and has some great homely touches to it.
Here's to many ideas being coaxed into reality within this new and inspiring space.
PS. We've promised to keep the fridge stocked!

Fantastic news to hear that Noakes House has been awarded Winner of 'Best Extension or Alteration to an Existing Home' in Building Excellence Awards 2017 by City and County of Swansea Building Control. Well done to the whole team.
See photographs of the Award Winner project here.

We are frequently discussing new projects with potential clients whilst progressing our existing workload.
In order to correctly resource all projects we have introduced a simple waiting list for commencing new works.
And, whilst background research works can be progressed during this period our current lead in time for new projects is
10-12 weeks.

We discuss this time structure with potential clients and ask that new clients convey to us in writing an interest in appointing
[ r a u m ].

Works are programmed in with a fixed commencement date reflecting the currently lead-in time, we contact the client 4 weeks before progressing works to confirm the reservation, if they choose not to progress then no issue and the next project is brought forward.

This has proven to be a fair and realistic time structuring which several of our clients have already been part of.
We highly recommend clients speak to a practice's previous clients regardless of who they are considering appointing.
We pride ourselves on committing ourselves to all projects we undertake and would offer any of our former clients as references.

Design development visualisation

Planning Permission has been secured for major works to an existing property in Southgate.
The works include a replacement side extension along with major internal works and a rear extension.
The reworked property will benefit from flipping the living accommodation to the first floor to capture the fantastic views.
Internally the arrangement will be completely reconfigured and refitted, it will adopt a entirely low energy heating system as well as the creation of a dramatic glazed entrance atria and stairwell.

Works are progressing largely on schedule at Langland Court Road.
Despite abysmal weather good progress has been made and the final building forms are taking shape.
Windows are due imminently closely followed by internal works with some seriously desirable finishing touches.
All credit to Jon on site who continues to produce quality work - see http://www.jpcdl.co.uk/ for contact details

Major works have started on an extension and refurbishment project in Langland.  The Arts and Crafts style property will gain a two storey extension and garage sympathetically designed to complement the look of the original house. Keep an eye on our recent works page to see the project unfold...

Planning permission for significant changes to a unique house in Mumbles has been secured in just 6 weeks from submission.
Front and side extensions are proposed to create a cantilevered timber clad box and this, combined with modernising the external styling of the existing house makes for a dramatic addition to the street.
The brief for the project was to manage the various split levels within the property and gain some additional floor space. In addition to achieving this Raum have designed the roof space to allow for additional bedroom + bathroom accommodation.
Works are planned to start in early 2016.

Photoshoots have been booked for the following as yet unpublished projects;

17 Gloucester Place, Mumbles -
   Whole house refurbishment including 6 bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms and external works
164 Mumbles Road, Blackpill -
   Two storey contemporary extension and whole house refurbishment
6 West Cliff, Southgate -
   Structural internal reconfiguration and whole house refurbishment
22 East Cliff, Pennard -
   Front extension with sea view terrace, internal reconfiguration and general upgrading

Planning permission secured for a first floor extension to an existing bungalow. 
Originally built by the client's grandfather, the property has been empty for a number of years. Despite being styled in an unashamedly contemporary way and introducing a second storey in a row of bungalows and dormer bungalows, the robust planning submission from raum ltd ensure the proposal was completely justified in its context. No objections were lodged and a decision was made by delegate powers with only two conditions.
The Welsh word 'hiraeth' accurately describes the client's passion to follow-through the original dream to build up and complete the house capturing the fantastic views that Langland holds.