Hives Architects LLP was originally formed in Reading in 1934 by Eric G.V.Hives. Eric's uncle, Ernest Hives rose from being Charles Rolls' mechanic to chairman of Rolls-Royce, and the practice worked on the company's factories in Derby. Eric's sons Colin and John joined the firm and it undertook several large office schemes in Reading and the new town of Bracknell. Nigel Garrett became a partner and in 1996 sole proprietor until the formation of the current partnership with Cornelius Kavanagh in 2010.
Hives Architects LLP was originally formed in Reading in 1934 by Eric G.V.Hives. Eric's uncle, Ernest Hives rose from being Charles Rolls' mechanic to chairman of Rolls-Royce, and the practice worked on the company's factories in Derby. Eric's sons Colin and John joined the firm and it undertook several large office schemes in Reading and the new town of Bracknell. Nigel Garrett became a partner and in 1996 sole proprietor until the formation of the current partnership with Cornelius Kavanagh in 2010.
Hives Architects LLP was originally formed in Reading in 1934 by Eric G.V.Hives. Eric's uncle, Ernest Hives rose from being Charles Rolls' mechanic to chairman of Rolls-Royce, and the practice worked on the company's factories in Derby. Eric's sons Colin and John joined the firm and it undertook several large office schemes in Reading and the new town of Bracknell. Nigel Garrett became a partner and in 1996 sole proprietor until the formation of the current partnership with Cornelius Kavanagh in 2010.
Hives Architects LLP was originally formed in Reading in 1934 by Eric G.V.Hives. Eric's uncle, Ernest Hives rose from being Charles Rolls' mechanic to chairman of Rolls-Royce, and the practice worked on the company's factories in Derby. Eric's sons Colin and John joined the firm and it undertook several large office schemes in Reading and the new town of Bracknell. Nigel Garrett became a partner and in 1996 sole proprietor until the formation of the current partnership with Cornelius Kavanagh in 2010.
Hives Architects LLP was originally formed in Reading in 1934 by Eric G.V.Hives. Eric's uncle, Ernest Hives rose from being Charles Rolls' mechanic to chairman of Rolls-Royce, and the practice worked on the company's factories in Derby. Eric's sons Colin and John joined the firm and it undertook several large office schemes in Reading and the new town of Bracknell. Nigel Garrett became a partner and in 1996 sole proprietor until the formation of the current partnership with Cornelius Kavanagh in 2010.
Despite their appeal, barn conversions can be daunting projects to undertake. No two are the same: there will always be differences in terms of design, location, personal requirements and planning issues, not forgetting costs. As a firm of experienced RIBA architects with proven expertise in converting and renovating barns, we can help you take your barn conversion project from planning to completion.
COMMERCIAL
The practice has a reputation for effective and efficient delivery of commercial projects. The Thames Valley is one of the most active economic areas of Britain, and the practice continues to work on semi-industrial projects such as Trade Parks, as well as offices, shops, garden centres and restaurants. We are used to designing to tight budgets and delivering to tight timescales, by a variety of procurement routes. Often these schemes involve at least partial refurbishment, and require detailed negotiations with planning authorities. We also have considerable experience of delivering modern steel framed buildings, and look forward to hearing from you to discuss your needs.
BASINGSTOKE ROAD, READING
Hives were involved from feasibility stage when the client approached us with a view of creating an industrial development. Using our planning knowledge and in conversation with planners we found that the site should form part of the district centre with an emphasis on retail with a great advantage to the client. Following various alteration a successful planning application was made for demolition of the existing office buildings (Class B1) and construction of an Aldi (A1) Pure Gym (D2), Greene King (A3/A4). Through our design it has been possible to combine 2 of these uses in one large building, thus maximising the lettable areas. With extensive landscaping, a new site access and including 200 parking spaces.
GRESHAM ROAD
Hives were involved from feasibility stage when the client approached us with a view of creating industrial units to replace tired old unit which had been empty for some time. The new units were designed to increase visibility of the industrial estate and to provide new separate access for cars off Oxford Road to the 7.5Ha site. The existing site suffered from requiring access for 1/2 mile along the Deacon way. A successful planning application was made for demolition of the existing building and its replacement (class B1) and construction of the new access road. The buildings is designed to BREEAM very good.
KINGDOM COFFEE, BRIDGEWATER CLOSE
Kingdom Coffee wished to improve brand image in this highly visible location off Portman Road. We proposed a new cladding system, combined with full height windows, signage and lighting to significantly improve the external impact, whilst working within a tight budget. Signage was used to maximum effect, and approved within the planning application. Internally we achieved high quality extended office space, efficient warehouse space and a remodelled entrance including improved disabled access and new barista training area. Hives lead the design team and were involved at feasibility, planning and building control stages, with intermittent site involvement. The client was very pro-active and acted as main contractor by appointing all sub-contractors, whilst we had an ad-hoc involvement where required during construction.