Hollaway Studio is an architectural and interior design practice, specialising in house design, that embraces the past, the present, and the future and places people and feeling at the core of its architecture philosophy.
Design begins with feeling – for place, for the past, for the needs and wants of the now, and for a future that matters. It listens. It empathises. It’s pragmatic. It’s an understanding that informs everything we do. It makes buildings that work – truly, beautifully. This is how we approach all house design projects.
A house design practice is nothing without its people, and the very best practices are those in which everyone has a voice – however different it may be. We are extremely fortunate Hollaway is exactly this: an extraordinary bunch of thinkers, talkers, and doers. These are the people that get buildings made.
When approached to design the equestrian centre Angley Stud, we told the client that we knew nothing about horses. His response was that this was all the better. He didn’t want a horse person as his architect. He wanted something different: he wanted someone who knew how to design with feeling. For such a horse, the ultimate dancer, the elite of the elites, it would have to be the most extraordinary of designs.
Hollaway’s approach to house design always starts with people and place. How does a building contribute to the community it will inhabit? How will people interact and engage with the architecture created in this space? Under his leadership and hands on approach Guy Hollaway has created a design-led Practice committed to innovative building solutions, with work ranging from prestigious one off commissions to large scale regeneration projects.
The RIBA award-winning house design practice has built its reputation working on a wide array of projects, including a cutting-edge skate park, the world’s first heritage theme park, a bespoke artist’s studio in an open field, and a high-end seafood restaurant. The breadth of these projects may be wide, but each one brings the perfect balance of playfulness and sincerity, with a firm focus on placemaking, sustainability and the experience of the individuals who will use the space.
London
10A Acton Street WC1X 9NG
+44 (0)20 7096 5425
Kent
The Tramway Stables, Rampart Road
Hythe CT21 5BG
+44 (0)1303 260 515
Should you build a house?
Getting a new home is always exciting! You get to meet new neighbours, create new memories, and explore new terrain. However, with the rising cost of homes and properties in the UK, you may want to consider ways to move into your desired home without falling into debt in the process. Fortunately, choosing to self build your home is an affordable option that ensures you and your family move into a home you’ve always wanted. This is also an upcoming building option as a meagre percentage of new homes are built in the UK. If you are planning on acquiring your new home, here are some factors you should consider.
What is a “self build home”, and how much would it cost you?
Any property you design and build from your preferences is known as “self build.” It all starts when you take control or are actively involved in discussions with the architect and designer about various elements of the house. While 11,000 self build properties are built in the UK each year, it represents only 10% of new homes built annually.
Averagely, building a new home could cost you between £1,000 and £3,000 per land size. However, this is affected by factors like:
— Location
— Shape and design layout
— Building specification
— Your involvement in the building and designing process
The self-build construction system
The choice of materials affects the appearance of your finished self-build and its strength. Therefore, it is worth considering the available building systems. These include:
— Natural materials like hempcrete, cob, and straw bales.
— Masonry
— Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
— Timber frame
— Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)
— Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF)
— Oak frame
It is worth noting that while some construction methods may be more expensive than others, you can leave the architecture and design to your contractor or designer if you are less concerned with home appearance after building.
Which is cheaper: Self-build or buying?
Studies have shown that you make an average of 25% profit on every self-build project. This means you save and get more on your investment than buying if you choose to build a house. However, there are fewer mortgages available for Self-build projects. As a result, it wouldn’t suit every pocket or financial situation. For the most first-time builder, traditional self-build financing is more practical.
Do you need architects and designers for your self-build?
You can self-build your new home; however, you can benefit from the few trusted builders, contractors, subcontractors and package companies for your planning and design process. It is almost impossible to get the complete quote of the work until the Building Regulations drawings are completed. Recommendations from family, friends and industry experts have mentioned firms like Hollaway Studio among the top in the industry.
The company uses yesterday and today’s effective technology for their interior and complete architectural designs. Hollaway is credited with many buildings and structural projects in London, Kent and many parts of the UK. The company has a team of skilled and experienced architects and designers to deliver the home that fits your personality and needs cost-effectively.