Green Building Forum - Barn/Nursery conversion update Sat, 30 May 2026 20:08:25 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1321#Comment_1321 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1321#Comment_1321 Wed, 21 Mar 2007 09:09:53 +0000 fostertom Posted By: Katymacbeen promised an ARCHITECTIn a basket with pink ribbon?]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1326#Comment_1326 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1326#Comment_1326 Wed, 21 Mar 2007 10:24:44 +0000 Katymac ]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1327#Comment_1327 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1327#Comment_1327 Wed, 21 Mar 2007 10:30:19 +0000 Chris Wardle
What about using compressed earth blocks for your internal partions? Make them from the earth on your site with some volunteer labour and a manually operated block press. You would end up with a large hole to bury that asbestos in as well... How about that for low cost, low embodied energy building and taking care of your own waste?]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1360#Comment_1360 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1360#Comment_1360 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:10:23 +0000 Katymac
Do you think I have BO?:shamed:]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1362#Comment_1362 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1362#Comment_1362 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:23:32 +0000 fostertom Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1363#Comment_1363 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1363#Comment_1363 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:25:59 +0000 Katymac
Didn't look at the archtectural technician - as i thought I needed a architect

I looked in the green bible & rang about 4....honest I did]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1365#Comment_1365 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1365#Comment_1365 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:30:48 +0000 fostertom Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1368#Comment_1368 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1368#Comment_1368 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:58:31 +0000 Katymac I bake & provide bacon sarnies for all my workmen
I'm going to hire a portaloo......
What other bribes should I consider....

Hubby married me for the cooking]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1393#Comment_1393 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1393#Comment_1393 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 10:54:34 +0000 fostertom Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1399#Comment_1399 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1399#Comment_1399 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 13:42:55 +0000 Julian
http://england.shelter.org.uk/home/index.cfm

(sorry - don't know how to do it proper like)]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1401#Comment_1401 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1401#Comment_1401 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 14:12:42 +0000 Chris Wardle
They have collaberated before on projects and are currently setting up a business together. I've seen some of the architect's work and it is very good and he has excellent "Green" credentials. I have also been to the builder's self-built house which is of SIPs construction with GSHP etc. They know what they are doing. The builder also has a background in building stable complexes so tackling a concrete block barn is right up his street (for example, putting a new roof structure in place, laying a new concrete floor, internal blockwork partitioning - all bread and butter stuff to him).

Interested? If so, email me with your contact details at christopher_wardle@btinternet.com and I'll put you in touch.]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1403#Comment_1403 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1403#Comment_1403 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:53:42 +0000 Katymac Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1418#Comment_1418 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1418#Comment_1418 Sat, 24 Mar 2007 10:30:53 +0000 Katymac
"you are building a practical utilitarian building with as its purpose its use and low impact on the environment

its appearance doesn't matter as long as it is low impact"

Opinions?]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1420#Comment_1420 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1420#Comment_1420 Sat, 24 Mar 2007 13:39:38 +0000 Nick Parsons
I am not sure I agree either, but it ties in with my feelings about energy use (carbon) reduction and aesthetics. For example, it would be cheaper per unit and arguably less disruptive to externally insulate a whole terrace that to insulate each one internally (fewer cold-bridges, too). It would, however, completely change the streetscape, even if the (Victorian red-brick) terrace wasn't of desperately high architectural value. Should this matter more to us than reduction in energy use?]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1424#Comment_1424 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1424#Comment_1424 Sat, 24 Mar 2007 18:08:58 +0000 Katymac ]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1487#Comment_1487 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1487#Comment_1487 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:53:38 +0100 fostertom Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1488#Comment_1488 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1488#Comment_1488 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:54:13 +0100 fostertom Posted By: JulianAnother local green Architect wanted 12.5% (RIBA say you can "negotiate" but only if he/she wants to) of the budget, plus travel expenses and further fees for site visits
Posted By: Julianit's not about our supposed "unwillingness to pay" Fostertom
In your case Julian it clearly is about your unwillingness to pay, not in Katymac's I think. Your tone suggests outrage at 12.5% as exorbitant. Why?]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1491#Comment_1491 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1491#Comment_1491 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:01:53 +0100 nigel
Why?
Firstly katymac doesnt need the architect to do the full set of services.
Secondly the rate is very top end.

I had two quotes for a similar but bigger project and they came in at 5% and 6% for all stages.]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1499#Comment_1499 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1499#Comment_1499 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:50:44 +0100 fostertom Your bigger project would make the quoted rate come down; so would if it was new-build rather than work to an existing building.
Beyond that, you get what you pay for, generally speaking (allowing that some excellent people in any trade will work for peanuts or charity and also that some rubbish people will charge full-fee). Did you have only limited expectations, that were easily satisfied by a cut-price Architect? There's always run-of-the-mill practitioners around, who find they need to compete on price because they don't know how to compete on quality. I rarely charge less than RIBA full-scale and believe me, with the work I can't help putting in, am not rich. I'm begining to charge more-than RIBA, and am not short of work!]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1500#Comment_1500 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1500#Comment_1500 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:00:55 +0100 nigel We chose the more expensive one actually, price was'nt the issue. Both really wanted to do the job so that helped.

I would also say that katymac building project may technically be a refurb but really the architectural work involved would be somewhere between the two as there is so little there to work with.

I know what the RIBA scale is and 12.5% is at the top end of it. You might be able to get away with the RIBA scale with rich residential clients who dont know their arse from their elbow but commercial projects are a lot more competitive. Maybe your charm is in persuading them that its a win-win situation for them to pay you over the odds.

The point is that katymac should not be paying 12.5% to an RIBA archictect for her project.]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1501#Comment_1501 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1501#Comment_1501 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:35:51 +0100 fostertom Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1504#Comment_1504 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1504#Comment_1504 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 17:03:55 +0100 nigel
The quality of a design is more to do with the interaction of the whole design team and the client to deliver a solution that satisfies the brief.

You might think that because you charge high fees you are a good designer but I don't think I would be so immodest. You might be a great salesman and a rubbish designer.
Similarly I wouldn't be so quick to judge the quality of a design based solely on the fee rate.]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1508#Comment_1508 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1508#Comment_1508 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 17:44:55 +0100 Julian Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1531#Comment_1531 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=1531#Comment_1531 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 22:27:20 +0100 fostertom Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=3107#Comment_3107 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=3107#Comment_3107 Sat, 12 May 2007 20:14:11 +0100 Katymac
1st issue - what is my nursery is it eco? is it green? is it sustainable? is it low carbon?
Which band wagon do I jump on - I consider all the issues important but what do I tag the nursery with?
I like to be green, eco, sustainable & as low carbon as I can get
Currently none of these seem to matter to my target audience (or only about 10-15% of them )
So it's really what I want that matters - which makes it hard - in 5 yrs XXXX will be the description people use and it's hard to guess what that will be (5 yrs ago I thought it would be green - but it isn't really)

2nd issue - would it be sad to offer to plant trees for the parents to offset the petrol used to travel to the nursery?

Architect has had some interesting ideas

Foyer outside the barn (to maximise floor space) - Do you think a canopy will be enough - architect thinking an actual porch

Window in Foyer on to Oval(?) kitchen so that the parents can see the food being prepared (not sure about this difficult one - I think if you do it right you wouldn't object to someone having a quick look - but I would hate to be watched (iyswim) & I might be cooking (at least initially))

My office above the kitchen (on a mezzanine?) with windows all the way round so I can see all the nursery

Highways have agreed an entrance but it will cost me a fortune in paving an 80m driveway - hardcore & hoggin? (about 600 sqm incl parking)

Hope someone reads this]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=3116#Comment_3116 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=3116#Comment_3116 Sat, 12 May 2007 21:39:22 +0100 Chris Wardle
Advantage of an enclosed porch is that it will act as a draft lobby so you won't lose as much heat when people are entering and leaving the building. Make sure the doors have self closers on as well.

As for the parking area, have you considered that plastic mesh with grass growing through it? No idea what it costs but it looks more natural than a large expanse of gravel.]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=3119#Comment_3119 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=3119#Comment_3119 Sat, 12 May 2007 21:56:11 +0100 Katymac )

I'll look into the Land Trust

Agree about the porch - but we are very short of money

I like self closers

It's a plowed field atm not sure how much the foundations plus laying grass(I guess seed rather than turf?) plus mesh will cost?]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=3197#Comment_3197 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=3197#Comment_3197 Mon, 14 May 2007 16:53:03 +0100 ecoworrier The nursery should be run along those lines as well, covers just about everything.
Oval windows? Think of all your heat pouring out of it.
As for the drive, do you have a car park?
If not, could you move the car park closer to the drive entrance, paths are cheaper than drives.
:wink:

*Brundtland 1987]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=3200#Comment_3200 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=3200#Comment_3200 Mon, 14 May 2007 17:47:43 +0100 Katymac
Doesn't there need to be vehicle access for emergenct services? If not - that's a great idea]]> Barn/Nursery conversion update https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=3201#Comment_3201 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87&Focus=3201#Comment_3201 Mon, 14 May 2007 17:54:38 +0100 ecoworrier Oops my mistake.

You will need some access but not necessarily vehicular, worth having a look at the regs.]]>