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.
PASSIVHAUS AND LOW ENERGY DESIGN
We have worked successfully with our clients to help reduce the energy use and environmental impact of their buildings. We have experience in different sectors and scales of design and would be happy to discuss your aspirations. We can help you improve the energy efficiency and internal comfort of your project, either via Enerphit (for existing buildings), AECB, or Passivhaus standards. We can model proposals to accurately predict energy use.
MISTLETOE COTTAGE, RISELEY
Energy efficiency was our client's top priority on this detached home. We worked closely with them to provide a solution with exciting architectural spaces whilst meeting Passivhaus criteria at planning stage. For energy modelling we used DesignPH software for design development options, and PHPP for the planning stage Passivhaus assessment.
The clients said: “Henk and his team have been a real pleasure to work with on our planning application for a new build house.
Their design is creative, modern and elegant. Hives came up with creative solutions to suit our needs, whilst also working within tight planning constraints. Through Passivhaus modelling of design options, we can look forward to living in a very comfortable and low energy house, making the most of renewable energy. “
MOUNT PLEASANT, READING
This scheme of six Passivhaus standard town houses was designed up to planning stage using DesignPH energy modelling software to test different options. We maximised the solar access of this challenging site by creating top floor terraces which benefit from year-round sun. The simple terraced form of the housing units results in an ultra low energy solution. Sunlight and daylight modelling was used to optimise the living spaces whilst ensuring sufficient sunlight to the garden spaces.
PASSIVHAUS PRIMARY SCHOOL EXPANSION
Designed as a low energy primary school extension, this building would provide space for one form of entry. This project allows education providers to add to their pupil intake with a solution which meets Passivhaus standards, resulting in high levels of energy efficiency and indoor comfort. The building is designed to maximise daylight and solar gains, whilst reducing glare and overheating.
GREENBANK
This low energy home, designed as a replacement house in the countryside, uses passivhaus principles and was a self-build home for our clients, who finished it to a very high standard. The main building uses a fabric first approach to low energy design with a compact form, high levels of insulation and south facing glazing to maximise useful winter solar gains, helping to reduce heating demand. Another benefit of this design approach is high levels of indoor comfort. The project also uses renewable energy in the form of heat recovery ventilation, an air source heat pump, and solar panels. The use of rainwater harvesting and PV solar panels adds to a truly sustainable design.
We offer low energy design services to help your project achieve high levels of internal comfort with low energy consumption and low carbon emissions.