Design for new homes of every size, from a single house on a self-build plot to a replacement dwelling, with the planning and building regulations drawings handled under one roof.
Designing a new home gives you the chance to get everything right from the start: the layout, the light, how the house sits on its plot and how it will be lived in. Orange Key designs new build and self-build homes for clients across Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Berkshire, developing proposals that respond to the site, its setting and local planning policy.
Our architectural design service takes a new build from the first site appraisal through to a planning submission and a full set of technical drawings. Because the design and the drawings are produced in-house, nothing is lost between firms, and you have a single point of contact throughout.
Every site is different, and the right approach depends on the plot, its surroundings and the planning constraints that apply. The projects we most often work on include:
If you are working with an existing building rather than starting afresh, we also design barn conversions and renovations and house extensions.
What can be built on a plot depends on its size, access, neighbours and planning history, and on the local plan. Before you commit, we can review a site and give you an early view of what is likely to be achievable, so you can decide with confidence.
A new dwelling, including a replacement dwelling, almost always needs full planning permission, and sites in conservation areas, the Cotswolds National Landscape or the North Wessex Downs bring extra considerations. We prepare the planning permission drawings and supporting information for the application, and can manage the submission on your behalf.
Once planning permission is in place, a detailed technical package is needed before work can start on site. We prepare building regulations drawings for new builds and coordinate with a structural engineer where required, so contractors can price the house accurately and building control can sign it off.
“At Silvertrees we designed a bespoke new-build home around its private, wooded setting.”
Silvertrees, a new build project by Orange KeyWe work with self-builders, homeowners and small developers throughout all three counties, and our familiarity with the local planning authorities, from West Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse to Winchester, Test Valley and West Berkshire, helps us develop proposals that respond to local policy. Find out more about our local work:
If you have a plot in mind, or an existing house you are thinking of replacing, we would be happy to talk your project through.
Yes. A new dwelling, including a replacement dwelling, almost always needs full planning permission. We appraise the site against local planning policy first, then prepare the drawings and supporting information for the application.
Yes. Before you commit to a plot we can look at its size, access, neighbours and planning history, and the local policies that apply, and give you an early view of what is likely to be achievable.
Yes. Replacing an existing house is often the most practical route on an established plot. Planning policy on the size and position of a replacement varies between councils, so we check the rules that apply before the design is developed.
Yes. Once planning permission is granted we prepare the building regulations drawings and coordinate with a structural engineer, so the house can be priced, built and signed off by building control.
Tell us about your plot or property in Oxfordshire, Hampshire or Berkshire, and we would be happy to talk it through.