INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE HOUSES
We have currently working on several private commissions for one-off houses, a selection of which are shown below. Private Commissions are exciting projects to work on, providing opportunities for creative expression, but they also demand a sensitive approach to ensure they we understand the needs of our clients and can create a design which responds to their ideas. We work closely with our clients to identify their motivations and expectations, and to respond to the unique qualities of the site. For example the framing of a spectacular view can be as important to the client as the style of architecture itself.

EXTENSIONS AND ALTERATIONS
Many of our clients approach us because they want to add value and space to their homes and wish to do so in a way which is tailored to meet their specific needs. We begin by conducting a visual and dimensional survey the property, and then use this detailed knowledge alongside the client’s brief to design a workable extension. In some cases this involves remodelling existing spaces, as well as extending a property to create new accommodation. We believe that every project is equally important and we apply the same principles of detailed consideration of each client’s needs to every project whatever its size.

DEVELOPER HOUSES AND APARTMENTS
We have worked with a number of developers in the South West on small to medium residential schemes of 2-20 units in both apartment blocks and housing estates. We believe that by providing good quality, well thought-out design for all our schemes, the developers bottom-line will always be protected by the inherent value of good design.

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CONSERVATION PROJECTS
We have completed extensions and alterations to a number of Listed Buildings and buildings located in Conservation Areas. These projects present particular design challenges as we are keen to preserve the unique character of the original architecture whilst also providing modern accommodation for our clients. In all cases we are sensitive to the demands of both sides and aim to achieve the very best of traditional design and modern functionality without compromising on either side. We are also committed to minimising the environmental impact of any changes we propose, specifiying ‘green’ and local materials wherever possible.

SPECIAL NEEDS HOUSING
We have worked on a number of projects to build and extend residential homes for the elderly and for people special needs. Often we are working within buildings that have not been designed for this purpose, so our challenge is to accommodate multiple bedrooms and bathrooms to make best use existing space, and to design sympathetic extensions which expand these facilities and cater for staff and communal functions as well.
We are also experienced in negotiating with Planners on sensitive issues such as noise and parking which can be of particular concern to residential homes.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Community architecture has emerged as a powerful force which enables people to become actively engaged in designing and creating their own homes, neighbourhoods, villages and cities. The basic principle is simple and adopts the approach that the built environment works better if the people who use it are directly and actively involved in its creation and management. Community architecture embraces planning, development, landscape, art and design as well as architecture and other forms of technical and professional aid.

McCaren Design has been involved in Community Architecture projects for almost fifteen years and has developed a good understanding of the major issues that are likely to be encountered. We very much enjoy working with community groups and assisting them to achieve their stated goals. While we have the experience and expertise, we fully appreciate that a successful project will only emerge from the input and the knowledge of the local community.

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HEALTHCAREARCHITECTURE
 ‘I have no doubt whatsoever that the characteristics of our built environment have a profound effect on our physical, psychological and emotional health.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Design Champion for the NHS
Building a Better Patient Environment Conference, 16th November 2001

McCaren Design also believes that good design is essentially a form of healthcare that can contribute to both the well-being of the patient and the organisational efficiency of the building. In this context, good design must seek to lower or even remove any psychological barriers so that patients reach the point of consultation feeling as calm and relaxed as can be expected. Furthermore, an increasing body of research suggests that good design can also contribute directly to reducing stress and pain, and speeding recovery.

OTHER SECTORS
Over the years, McCaren Design has been involved in a wide range of projects from an Industrial Building in Tavistock for storage of valuable steam engines to a small Gymnasium within a local Secondary School.

INTERIOR DESIGN
McCaren Design Architects operate alongside their sister company Box interior design who offer specialist consultancy and interior design services. We believe that consulting with an interior designer is about building a close working relationship which enables the Client to develop their ideas and visions towards the creation of a unique and imaginative space. While Interior Design is normally provided as an additional service to the architectural commission on a specific building, Box interior design can also work as part of a Design Team to offer this service to other architects, surveyors and other building designers.

Our Interior Design service can be provided for Residential and Commercial Clients, and is be tailor-made to suit each commission.  For Residential projects, the service can range from the specification of individual items to a full service which includes recommendations on fittings and finishes for entire dwellings. On Commercial projects, in addition to advice on colour schemes and finishes, the services can range from the spatial planning of office buildings to furniture specification and advice on signage.

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2D & 3D VISUALS
McCaren Design Architects have always stressed the importance of top quality technical and presentation drawings.  While technical drawings are normally satisfactory for the purposes of obtaining Building Regulations Approval, our experience suggests that it can sometimes be beneficial if colour-rendered presentation drawings are provided at Planning stage. This is particularly the case for difficult or potentially controversial projects when the granting of Planning Permission is by no means certain.

By starting with photographs of the existing site as a background, it is possible to superimpose a perspective drawing of the proposed building to give an impression of how the completed project will fit into the site.  Although the presentation drawings cannot guarantee that Planning Permission will be obtained, the drawings can often provide a fuller visual explanation of the appearance of the new building and how it sits in the site. McCaren Design has found that the preparation of 3D images has advantages for many Clients. By seeing an accurate image of the completed building before any construction takes place, it is possible for the Clients’ hopes and aspirations for the project to be turned into a reality. The preparation of a 3D model allows the Client to view the building, and individual rooms if required, from a number of different viewpoints.

Disabled people of all ages are now protected in law and have the right to be free from discrimination. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 requires all businesses, large and small to assess how they meet the needs of their disabled customers, and to make reasonable changes to enable them to provide a service to disabled people on an equal basis with other customers.

LEGAL / EXPERT WITNESS WORK
McCaren Design can offer their Clients the benefits of their architectural and access consultancy knowledge and experience, by offering a comprehensive range of services that relate to disabled people and buildings. The practice has been involved in expert witness work for over ten years, and has dealt with cases ranging from personal injury claims against multi-national companies to medical negligence claims against Health Authorities.

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