Kelp Studio

09/03/2024

We recently received Planning Approval for a two-storey rear extension on a lovely detached property in Saffron Walden, Essex.

With careful consideration of the neighbouring house we used the 45 degree rule, stepping the first floor extension away from the shared boundary to maximise light.

Retaining the pitch of the existing roof and carrying this through with a hipped end on the new extension will provide a new master bedroom with en-suite and walk-in dressing room.

A new gable end front porch and flint boundary wall built with local materials help tie in to the surrounding area.

04/03/2024

Progress shots of a new build bungalow within a Conservation Area in Barrington, Cambridgeshire. This four bedroom property will feature solar panels to the south roof elevation and will air source heat pumps.
Beautiful timber frame provided by Pelham Structures with glulam beams for the longer spans.
We provided structural engineering and below ground drainage (SuDS) design for the project as well as assisting with discharge of pre-commencement planning conditions.

01/03/2024

Recently completed new build houses on a brownfield site in Halland, East Sussex. Kelp Studio provided structural calculations to satisfy the warranty provider in difficult ground conditions.

We also provided sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) design with extensive considerations for surface water management due to poor soil infiltration, lack of nearby watercourses and surface water public sewers.

01/03/2024

Finished shots of two new build detached houses in Seaford that we recently worked on, providing structural and civil engineering design services.

An exposed site close to the seafront required careful consideration from the design and delivery team.

Developer & Contractor: Si Homes Ltd
Architectural Designer: James Pearce Associates

24/07/2023

18/07/2023

Collaboration with PLOT Architecture in South London. Lovely to see the brickwork in and the internals taking shape.

11/07/2023

The sun is shining through the trees in this beautiful setting, within the heart of Sussex, part of the High Weald AONB.
We obtained planning permission for two side extensions and a central veranda link for a lovely client looking to quietly enjoy the views of the woodland valley beyond.
The client has also asked the bricklayer to install one of our bee bricks beneath the windowsill!

Did you know that there are around 20,000 described bee species worldwide. Most of these bees are known as solitary bees with only 250 bumblebee species, 9 honey bee species and a number of social stingless bees worldwide. In the UK we have around 270 species of bee, just under 250 of which are solitary bees.

11/07/2023

We've got our hands on some lovely Hedgehog Highway signs and are currently giving them away to all of our clients, to raise awareness on preserving safe routes for our little friends to cross through on their travels.
There are many hazards but also many things we can do to help prevent endangering them:
🦔 Uncovered drains – hedgehogs can fall into these and become stuck so make sure yours are covered up.
🦔 Litter is a problem for all wildlife and while this is (hopefully) not an issue in your own garden, it very likely is in the wider environment.
🦔 Contacting local landowners where litter is an issue can help; remember to point out the danger to wildlife.
🦔Netting can become entangled in hedgehog spines: make sure sports nets are put away and garden netting is at a height that hedgehogs can safely pass under.
🦔Always carefully check for hedgehogs before mowing, strimming or lighting a bonfire pile that they might have made a nest in.

There are also lots of lovely hedgehog-friendly features that can be added to make the area more welcoming to hedgehogs:
🦔Hedgehog highways (above) are really important to allow access to more habitats. They are just 130mm x 130mm square gaps in the bottom of boundary walls and fences to ensure hedgehogs can get about easily. Once these are made you can log your Hedgehog Highway at www.bighedgehogmap.org.
🦔 Feeding stations – offer water and meaty cat or dog food for hedgehogs in a feeding station to help keep the food safe for hedgehogs.
🦔 Log piles, leaf piles or wild corners and edges will attract natural food and offer shelter for hedgehogs.
🦔 Ponds or pools are great for wildlife but do ensure there are escape routes – a sloping edge, ramp or half-submerged rock for hedgehogs to scramble out on.
🦔 Hedgehog homes – make or buy a hedgehog home (plans for building homes can be found on the BHPS website).
📷© British Hedgehog Preservation Society

11/07/2023

It's brilliant to see these three new-build houses nearing completion in Bexhill, with a local developer. Solar panels are to be installed in the coming weeks!

We provided full structural engineering services and below ground drainage design for this one.