Golden Triangle Architects

Having to build a bedroom in an unlikely spot, we transformed a design headache into the home's brightest asset.

Our client came to us with a practical yet deeply personal goal: to create an additional ground-floor bedroom for an elderly relative, complete with an accessible downstairs shower room, all on a limited budget.

After a previous design process fell short of expectations, the client was understandably cautious. We focused on simplicity, intentionally reducing build complexity to keep costs manageable.

The property, a bungalow with an existing dormer-type extension, offered limited space, and the client’s requirement for a workshop beside the house left only the rear of the property available for the new bedroom.

We embraced this challenge by choosing a timber frame for its flexibility and self-build potential. This approach allowed the client to handle much of the structure themselves, bypassing the high relative expense of professional bricklaying and enabling a more ambitious design within budget. Their background in joinery also brought a hands-on perspective, inspiring creative choices for materials and finishes.

The bedroom location presented daylighting challenges in the central kitchen, but the game-changer was the addition of a fully glazed link between the main house and the extension. This feature not only resolved the daylighting issue but also created a feature connection between spaces, avoiding a tunnel effect and infusing the entire interior with more natural light than the original layout.

We designed within permitted development guidelines to keep the project low-risk and efficient. Additionally, we designed the bedroom walls to be removable, allowing the space to adapt as the client’s needs or those of future homeowners evolve.

In the end, what began as a constraint became a defining feature, showcasing how thoughtful design can transform limitations into opportunities for a truly bespoke and functional home. The final design is clean, bright, and balanced, with clearly defined spaces that enhance flow throughout the ground floor.

If you’re facing a similar design challenge or working around tricky constraints, drop in for a chat or book a free call. We love a good challenge to solve.

Some Recent CGIs from a project of ours; A traditional barn, with a contemporary twist. Sat within the North York Moors National Park.

We are delighted to share the interior photographs of our project in Finsbury Park, expertly captured by Sophie Harbinson (). We believe Sophie has done a fantastic job!

If you appreciate this project and would like to discuss how we can help improve your home or assist in building a new one, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can also book a complimentary appraisal using the link below.

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As promised, here are some of our final photographs of our recently completed project in Finsbury Park. Interior shots will follow soon!

If you would like to discuss a potential project, please feel free to book a complimentary project appraisal with one of our Architects using the link below.

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We are proud to have completed our project in Finsbury Park, here is the first peek (pun intended), more photos to come this weekend.

Exciting changes are underway at Holtbeck Architects as we transition to Golden Triangle Architects. This rebrand reflects our commitment to excellence and innovation in design. We are eager to connect with new clients who are ready to make a distinctive mark on their properties.

If you're interested in discussing how we can bring your vision to life, we'd love to offer you a complimentary consultation. Please feel free to book a session at the link below.

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Our Finsbury Park project is now complete, and we're taking a moment to reflect on the concept that started it all. It's always rewarding to see how initial ideas evolve into final outcomes, enhancing the quality of life for our clients.

This concept has been transformed into a functional working space that is already in use, and we're excited to share this journey with you.

We are preparing to unveil detailed photos and videos of the building. With a photo shoot scheduled for Monday, expect the final images to follow soon!

We are nearing the completion of our planning package for this double-storey side extension project. The ground floor features interlocking green roof extensions, elegantly integrating the proposal into the existing sloped site while differentiating the new additions from the existing 1930s house.

Stay tuned for updates as we bring this vision to life. For further details or to discuss potential collaborations, please feel free to follow this link to book a complimentary appraisal:

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Most people are familiar with the essential role physical support structures play in supporting our built environment.

Often overlooked are the support structures built by dedicated volunteers within our communities. These human support structures are as vital to those in crisis as the physical elements are to our buildings.

Samaritans provide support 24/7. Any donations made contribute to maintaining this support structure. Join us in supporting Samaritans.

https://www.samaritans.org/donate-now/

If you need support and someone to talk to, you can reach Samaritans on 116 123, by emailing [email protected] or by following this link https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Donate to Samaritans Your donation will help us continue to reach those who are struggling to cope.

Exploring further with our model studies, focusing on translucency, light, and shadow. These elements are crucial in defining the spatial quality of our projects. What are your thoughts on how light plays a role in shaping spaces?

Beyond Holtbeck's horizon, a new glow beckons.

Some development study models from our Sale project.

Some study models looking at developing building form for a project of ours.

We're thrilled to announce that we are in the final stages of submitting our planning application for our single story extension project in Sale, Manchester.

For this project, we've strategically repurposed an existing rear extension by encapsulating it within a new design. We reinvented the space as part of a comprehensive wrap-around proposal but at a reduced cost to a complete rebuild.

To modernise and unify the old and new structures, we've employed a standing seam facade and roof. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also creates a vaulted space internally, crowned with a new glazed gable with raked toplight that seamlessly connects the residence to the garden.

We are immensely grateful to our clients for their generous review, which reflects their satisfaction with the project's outcome. A special thanks to Darren and Chris for such a wonderful testimonial! Were so proud of this we have coppied it below.

"For anyone new to the process and looking for a solid, approachable and knowledgeable architect, Charlie’s your man! We went into the process feeling stupid - having no building knowledge, but he made us feel very comfortable and encouraged us to ask questions from the outset. My partner and I have thoroughly enjoyed the process with Charlie and the team. It truly has been a collaboration of ideas. We’ve been on quite a long road with various revisions, due to plot limitations to get to the planning application stage, but Charlie’s enthusiasm has never wavered.

Unlike our first architectural experience, which was all about what they could draw without realising limitations to our budget or alternative options. Charlie couldn’t have been any further different from our first experience. He has spent time and patience, pursuing our desire to get the max out of the designs. He’s been clever with design; he’s approachable, friendly and has so many solutions for the same outcome. To us, that is value you can’t put a figure on.

We only have praise for Charlie's first class service. He’s gone above and beyond at times, managed our expectations, but always been willing to answer our questions and look at the viability of our “what if” questions. I know architect fees look scary, but we wouldn’t have done this process any different. His knowledge and experience really has driven the project and ensured we squeeze every penny of value out of the project.

We have no hesitation in recommending Holtbeck to anyone."

If you're interested in arranging a consultation with Holtbeck Architects, please don't hesitate to get in touch. A member of our team would be delighted to discuss your project ideas and guide you towards the best outcome.

If you would like to improve your home, please feel free to Schedule a complimentary consultation to chat with one of our Architects.

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A few more photos from the final stages of our project on site in Finsbury Park. External and internal floor finishes to go in still, but we are only couple of weeks away from completion now.

Final shots coming soon.

Glazing is in!

The plaster finish has now been added, and the internal volume is starting to take shape!

Insulation, boarding out and cladding have been completed on our project in Finsbury Park, as well as the first fix plumbing and electrics. Plastering and glazing to follow shortly!

Quick update on our project in Finsbury Park. Slab is in and we’re almost watertight, just waiting on installation of the glazing and the standing seam cladding. More to come soon…

Exciting times at Holtbeck Architects! Here are some early site progress shots from our rear extension and side return project in Finsbury Park, London.

It's still in its early days, but it's great to see the project taking shape!

Are you about to start a domestic construction project?

Many people overlook the importance of using a suitable Building Contract for domestic building projects. These same people would never imagine handing over tens/hundreds of thousands of pound in any other scenario, without agreeing detailed terms and expectations in writing first. So why do they do it when it comes to hiring a builder?

Your home is likely the most significant investment you'll make in your lifetime. It's crucial to protect it with the same care and due diligence you would exercise in other financial matters.

Building Contracts are not just a piece of paper; they are a powerful tool that defines responsibilities, protects your investment, and sets the groundwork for a successful project.

Check out our recent FAQ post on the importance of using suitable building contracts in domestic scale construction projects. Equip yourself with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and ensure your project's success.

Choosing A Suitable Building Contract For Domestic Projects Why is choosing a suitable Building Contract for domestic projects so important? Choosing A Suitable Building Contract for domestic projects is a crucial aspect of the succesful delivery of your scheme. The contract not only defines the terms and conditions of the construction project but also outli...

We get asked, almost daily, about Permitted Development by our clients, so we have pulled together a short article outlining the basics. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any queries about what you can legally build without Planning Permission and what you will need the Council's permission to build.

Expert Guidance on Permitted Development Rights: How Holtbeck Architects Can Help INTRODUCTION Permitted development rights (PDR) can be a game-changer for homeowners looking to extend their living spaces without the need for full planning permission. However, the legislation can be complex and challenging to navigate, especially for residential clients. That's where Holtbeck Arc...