Joshua Hovey is a chartered architect providing high-quality architectural design to domestic and developer clients in and around the Cotswolds and the South West. As a design-led practice, we specialise in bespoke new-build homes, extensions and alterations to historic and listed buildings, as well as barn conversions. We believe that every project should be tailored to the individual site and respect the setting around it.
We feel strongly that design should be a collaborative process between the client and the architect. Our first objective is always to listen carefully to your ideas and ambitions, before helping to guide your project in the right direction, involving you every step of the way. We are skilled at creating realistic 3D renderings of our designs in-house, allowing you to quickly and easily visualise the result without needing to rely solely on 2D floor plans, elevation drawings or your imagination.
The practice was established by Joshua in 2020 having worked on projects in the Cotswolds area for several years. His previous experience focused on projects requiring a sensitive approach such as those within conservation areas, AONBs and listed buildings. Joshua works independently on a small number of projects at any one time, ensuring a high standard of design and a consistent point of communication with clients. Relationships with like minded consultants such as surveyors, structural engineers and planning consultants allow us to expand the project team to suit the requirements of each site.
"We don't claim to have a predetermined house style, preferring to approach every project individually to create the best design solution for each client's personal goals and preferences. We enjoy creating sensitively designed buildings which are a bespoke response to their setting, drawing inspiration from the surrounding site, the history of existing buildings and local materials and construction techniques. Some of our favourite projects are those where we can blend contemporary design with the historic structure of old or listed buildings, creating truly exciting results."
"The Hay Loft, Cotswolds
Our recent project, a sensitive conversion and extension of an outbuilding adjacent to a previously converted hay barn, showcases the profound impact of subtle design changes. Connecting seamlessly with the existing living spaces and attractive gardens, this project exemplifies how thoughtful architecture can enhance a property.
The outbuilding's elevations boast dark charred timber cladding, creating a striking contrast with the clean and contemporary interior curated by our clients. Featuring slimline sliding doors, the new extension allows a panoramic view of the garden, creating a sense of connection along the central axis with the existing kitchen and living areas. Level access to the external decking allows the indoor and outdoor spaces to blend, enhancing our clients' interaction with the outdoors. Thoughtful landscaping softens the extension's integration into its surroundings, creating harmony with its setting.
Internally a continuous micro-cement floor unifies old and new, providing a cohesive aesthetic throughout. The project's simplicity is complemented by abundant natural light, with strategically placed windows framing picturesque views of the adjacent fields and a vaulted ceiling adding a touch of drama. The result is a bright and airy garden room during the day and a cosy haven for family evenings. A large internal sliding pocket door adds versatility, allowing the new living space to be separated from the existing house, functioning as a guest annexe when needed.
Despite modest physical alterations to the floor plan, our design has considerably improved the property's liveability. The strategic placement of the large picture window transforms the central space, formerly obstructed by the outbuilding, into a focal point, unifying house and garden."
Adam Carter
