Alcester Town Football Club has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons and has now attracted sponsorship from a business in the town for their second team.

Alcester based AM Architectural Design have provided funding for kits for the newly formed reserves, who compete in the Stratford Alliance Football League.

The firm, in Swan Street, were contacted by senior Alcester player Mike Hodgetts when the idea of a new team was first formed.

He said: “This task wasn’t easy due to economic crisis the country is currently facing.”

“But Andy Miles has been very generous in funding our new kit and it means a lot that there are still businesses within the community who are willing to support local clubs, even in these times of hardship.

“So we would like to thank him and his team for their support with this.  “Hopefully this will be a long and successful partnership for the future.”

Alcester run two senior teams, ones from under six to under 17s plus a girls under 18s and veteran side.

Andy Miles, the MD of AM Architectural Design officially handed over the kit on Saturday to Dave Taylor, the chairman of the reserves team.

Picture caption: Andy Miles from AM Architectural Design with Dave Taylor, chairman of Alcester Town Reserves.

“May The Best House Win” is the new Daytime ITV1 series that sees the owners of some of Britain’s most interesting and unusual homes compete against each other in a bid to win a cash prize.

Watch this space in January to see how Andys gets on!

A dated ’70s home – built in the grounds of a former Edwardian manor – gains a new storey and a contemporary makeover

“It was a one-off house which had the wow factor in its day”, reflects Carol Smith, who together with husband Bill took a hands-on role in transforming this 1974 property in Warwickshire into a family home for the 21st century.  Whilst the dated split-level bungalow resembled a “log cabin” – clad inside and out with dark-stained timber – the couple could see the potential: “We had no regrets leaving our former house, which we’d spent 11 years doing up” says Carol.  “We were head over heels, especially with the garden”.

Indeed, the sweeping stone garden steps and large lily pond remain the only legacy of the site’s predecessor – an Edwardian manor demolised in the 1950s.  However, the ’70s replacement no longer made the most of the views over this majestic garden.

Step in Andy Miles of AM Architectural Design.  The Smiths arrived ready at the practice with a mood board. “I’d encourage any client to produce one” says Andy.  “Carol and Bill’s board showed what they liked and, just as importantly, what they didnt”.

The result is a striking contemporary home, composed of angular gable ends and circular turret-like extensions at the rear, with balconies and extensive glazing to maximise on the views, whilst also bringing light into the interiors.  Andy explains that the floorplan has been opened and extended in such a way as to allow visitors “to take in views of the pond when they enter”.

Much needed space has been introduced: “The roof was peeled off and an additional storey added”, says Andy.  This work was undertaken with the aid of project manager Jonny Dind of Carpenterhomes Midlands (0121 361 3620) and local building Dave Philpot.  The red clay roof has been replaced by “clean, crisp slates” specified by Carol and Bill to complement the smooth rendered facade.  “We also love wood, and wanted to introduce it”, says Carol.  Sections of new cedar cladding now “soften the white render”, while also serving as a subtle nod to the previous timber clad facade.

The project provided opportunity to update insulation and add renewables – solar PV panels have been mounted on the garage, and an air-to-water heat pump now powers the underfloor heating.  The whole-house audio system, gym and cinema room, together with an outdoor kitchen, make this the ultimate home for entertaining.

Well-established architectural firm has extended its services …

AM Architectural Design Ltd now offers a one-stop shop for all your design and construction needs through the AMAD Group, which comprises of AMAD Developments, AM Architectural Design Ltd and JCA Concept Construction.

Using its experience of over 10 years and 600 projects in architectural design, the group offers expertise on building design and the planning process.  This is combined with a modern approach to site finding and investment opportunities, professional and efficient construction and project management to ensure that you need look no further than the group to undertake your project.

Many people find it difficult to find a good reputable builder who can deliver the architects vision and really bring the plans to life but the group completely eliminates this problem.  The hard work of the practice and the local tradesmen we employ has been recognised through the Local Authority ‘Built in Quality Awards 2010’.  Services are tailored to your specific needs, whether you require the design work only or the complete service; taking the project from inception to completion and final handover of the property.  You can choose to be closely involved each step of the way or leave everything in their capable hands – the choice is yours.

A variety of projects is undertaken varying from small domestic extensions right through to large property makeovers, one off bespoke new build properties and a range of different commercial projects. 

Take a look at their website to see an extensive portfolio of thier past and current architectural projects giving an indication of their high quality design work.

Their company motto of Design-Plan-Construct is certainly something they can live up to.

A redundant apple-pressing barn is given new purpose – stripped back and rebuilt, it has become a stunning home.

“It was derelict, difficult to access and the doors we hanging off”, says Andy Miles of the barn he and wife Joanna would go on to conert into a home.  The Grade II listed barn, built in 1780, was originally used for apple pressing, but after falling into disuse, it fulfilled the humble purpose of storing farm machinery.

As head of AM Architectural Design, Andy would see the potential.  He altered the existing approved plans to create a design which would be faithful to the original struture – which stands within a Warwickshire Conservation Area – but also serve as a 21st century home, with three bedrooms and an impressive open plan living space.

The first task was to strip the barn back to its oak frame.  “It was quite frightening – at one point the frame was suspended in mid air whist we added the sole plate,” Andy explains.  Rotten timbers were replaced, and steel framework – now concealed behind plasterboard and brickwork – introduced to provide additional support. 

The couple originally planned to create a subterranean spiral staircase to act as  wine cellar.  However, funds set aside for this luxury were soon used elsewhere.  “We had to commission a bat survey as a condition of the planning approval.  This revealed no evidence of bats.  However, before stripping the roof we were advised to take a second survey – which suggested it was a potential habitat.  We had to apply for a European Protected Species Licence and our engineer had to redesign the detached garage roof to house a bat loft.  This delayed us by four months and cost around £20,000.

Another condition tied into the planning consent was the use of timber cladding on the exterior.  After thorough research the couple opted for high-end cedar cladding with no obvious knots.  A brick skin is also visable.  “There were very few bricks available on site to reuse, so I spent considerable time searching relcamation yards,” Andy explains.  He eventually landed upon an adequate quantity to complete the external skim and internal brickwork, and to also build garden walls.  “I tried to follow through – using the same brick for the exterior, interiors and garden”, says Andy.  Inside, a brick-clad column (far left) conceals the steel framework and the first floor bathroom waste pipes, whilst acting as a divide between the dining area and kitchen.

European oak windows, by Orchard Joinery (01869 350008), and folding sliding doors from Traditional Conservatories, (0121 706 0102), complete the exterior.  The same floor tiles laid inside have been utilised for the patio – allowing the well-designed garden to feel integral to the living space when the couple fold back the doors.

Andy Miles is MD of AM Architectural Design Ltd (amad.co.uk 01789 765367)

“The team at A M A D Ltd are enthusiastic, friendly and approachable and obviously passionate about their work ….Steered our planning application through the local authority with skill and diligence, achieving an excellent outcome…..Listened to our ideas and kept true to our brief throughout the process….Our new build couldn’t be in safer hands”

Mr and Mrs Monce – Worcester (Replacement Dwelling)

Click to view images for project

Local company AM Architectural Design Ltd has recently got the recognition it deserves within the building industry at the SOADC Built In Quality Awards 2010. 

(Photograph shows Andy Miles, Managing Director of AM Architectural Design Ltd and Phil Wilkinson of P & W Building Contractors, the contractor on the winning barn conversion project)

Out of 2500 projects, three of their projects had been shortlisted for three different categories in the awards, with two projects within two different categories; barn conversions and multiple dwellings, making it to the finals.  The company were thrilled and proud to discover they had won the barn conversions category and also came runner up in the multiple dwellings category and were awarded certificates for both.  The project in the barn conversions category will now be entered into some national awards.

The Alcester-based AM Architectural Design Ltd is celebrating after coming top in the barn conversion category in Stratford District Council’s Built in Quality Awards. The company also came runner-up in the multiple dwelling category.

The top honour was given for the transformation of a former apple pressing barn at Oversley Green, Alcester, into a luxury dwelling. The traditional, oak framed barn is situated within a conservation area and is also Grade II listed. The project also included a new build two-bay garage and drive / turning area. Its success at Stratford means the barn conversion will now go forward to national awards.

The entry in the multiple dwellings category was Riverside Residential Development in Bidford-on-Avon. This unique scheme consists of six two bedroom apartments with moorings on the banks of the River Avon, situated within a gated community with communal gardens. The property was originally a single large home.

Andy Miles, managing director of AM Architectural Design Ltd, was also the client for the apple barn conversion. He was on holiday when he heard of its win. “I am really pleased with the recognition for all the hard work that the team have put in” he said. “It was a difficult project at times, plagued by a variety of issues that often arise when dealing with listed barns but the end result has been more than worth it. Living in the property has made it all worthwhile”.

*AM Architectural Design Ltd is currently in the process of rebranding and will be part of the AMAD Group along with JCA Concept Construction (in house build company) and AMAD Developments.

“Good building designs rewarded”

The winners of annual awards recognising outstanding building quality in the Stratford distrct were announced on Friday. Among them were the Island Café in Stratford, now Bernadette’s and the new classrooms at King Edward VI School, Stratford. Stratford District Council’s Built in Quality awards celebrate buildings that have achieved construction standards beyond the normal expectations.

All completed projects which the district council’s building control worked on in the last three years were eligible for the awards, which included a variety of categories ranging from small domestic extensions through to multi-million pound commercial developments. The winners were: Small domestic extensions, Bramley, The Green, Warmington; large domestic extensions, 83 Evesham Road, Stratford; major domestic work, Stonecrop, Campden Hill, Ilmington; loft conversions, Dickens Orchard, Cherington; barn conversions, Apple Barn, Oversley Green, Alcester; new build single dwellings, Orchard House, Chapel Street, Warmington; new build multiple dwellings, Loxley Heights, Banbury Road, Stratford; public buildings (small works), Upton House, Upton; public buildings (major works), King Edwards VI School, Stratford (classrooms); social buildings (major works), Tiddington Fields; commercial buildings (small works), Island Café, Stratford; major commercial works, The Wellbeing Centre, Gaydon; sustainability award (domestic), New Barn Farm, Whichford; sustainability award (non-domestic), Gaydon Test Centre design studio.