Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

We’d like to wish all those a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. We’ve had a great year at Slemish Design Studio, from finally fixing up our office, to finalists for Best new business of the year to getting some great projects on the board, with any luck 2014 & beyond will be the same for us all.

Have a great break & see you all in 2014!!
Steven & Joe

 

 

check out our social media pages for more information

     

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Raceview Riverside Path

Our Clients Raceview Mill Ltd have added another proposal for the Raceview Mill Project in Broughshane, County Antrim

 

taken from their Facebook account:

We have confirmed a number of times we want a safe, family and tourist friendly path at Raceview, to replace the old muddy and dangerous one which was normally used only by dog walkers.

We are delighted therefore to announce our proposal for a BUTTERFLY path running from the Knockan Road, all the way along the river, through the mill to the Raceview Road. This will be a tourist/family friendly path, with butterfly attracting plants alongside.

Here is a comparison of the old path and the new one.

OLD PATH

To the side of the old path for most of the way are houses, high concrete posts and ugly wire fencing.

BUTTERFLY PATH

… will run all the way along the river and trees, then through the restored mill.

OLD PATH

The old path runs along the primary school grounds endangering children, for instance from people taking photos over or through the fence.

BUTTERFLY PATH

… is well away from the school.

OLD PATH

The old path has over 100 yards of a long, horrible, narrow section. In places little more than two feet wide. Pattons raised the height of the concrete wall to 11 foot, topped with barbed wire to keep out those who congregated there.

BUTTERFLY PATH

… will have good width all the way.

OLD PATH

The narrow section of the old path has three, blind 90 degree bends. You cannot see who is coming behind you, or who is up ahead. Unsafe and nasty.

BUTTERFLY PATH

… will have no blind turns.

OLD PATH

Because of the narrow section it could not be made safe or suitable for tourists and families. We doubt any woman has ever walked it without holding her breath.

BUTTERFLY PATH

… will be one where you will want to take visitors, completely safe and insurable – a tourist magnet.

OLD PATH

No facilities

BUTTERFLY PATH

At the mill end will be toilets, places to sit and relax, have a coffee and a browse around the restored mill if you wish.

OLD PATH

Threatens jobs and economic development

BUTTERFLY PATH

… will help the local economy by providing passing trade for the local fledgling businesses in the craft and enterprise units.

We are convinced the old path was a permissive right of way, not a public right of way. Given the evidence we have collected, we believe the council’s investigation will confirm this.

We had to close the old path for safety reasons and we did so properly after consultation with council officers and giving proper written notice.

Sincere thanks to those forward thinking members of the Broughshane community who have been so supportive to date. Raceview Mill is a commercial venture but that does not mean it cannot also be an asset to the whole community.

 

 

 

 

Raceview Riverside Path

Rococo Bar Ballymena opens

our clients have opened Rococo Bar Ballymena

We’re pleased to see that one of our clients has got up & running.
Rococo Bar/Restaurant at the bottom on Wellington Street, Ballymena.
We were pleased to provide a detailed survey & drawings for a drinks license & children’s area license.

Check out the Rococo Facebook page for offers & what’s on.

Slemish Design Studio would like to wish Daryl & Jackie all the best in they’re venture..
I’ll also be in to blag a feed & a few beer 

http://slemishdesignstudio.co.uk/

New renovation project in Crossmaglen County Armagh

Great news!!! Slemish Design Studio have been appointed as architects to renovate and extend a 300yr old cottage outside Crossmaglen, County Armagh with fantastic views over Lough Ross.

Looking forward to getting stuck into it with our clients Danielle & Peter

Lambeg swimming pool concept

Concept images for a planning application we've made for a private swimming pool in Lambeg, County Antrim

http://slemishdesignstudio.co.uk/lambeg-swimming-pool-concept/

Meetings & site visits in antrim

Big meeting for us this morning...looking forward to it. Then a site visit in #antrim to our dublin road house nearing completion

www.slemishdesignstudio.co.uk

Ballymena best new business 2013

We've been short-listed for the “most promising new business award 2013” by the @BmenaChamber and sponsored by Into Business Magazine

New project in Templepatrick

We've been appointed as architects for our clients exciting extension & renovation project in Templepatrick, County Antrim …. can’t wait to get started!!

http://slemishdesignstudio.co.uk/new-project-in-templepatrick/

site meetings in the cold!!

2 site meetings this morning in Templepatrick & Ahoghill. Thankfully we're back in the office as it's Baltic!! Another survey in Ballymena in the morning...thankfully it's indoor

New project in Larne

Another late evening/night meeting went very well, we've been appointed as architects for a #house & #garage in #larne #NIarchitects

www.slemishdesignstudio.co.uk

New and Revised Permitted Development Rights

New and Revised Permitted Development Rights

From 30th August 2013 there is New and Revised Permitted Development Rights

The above named legislation comes into operation on 30th August 2013. The main purpose of this Statutory Rule is to amend the Planning (General Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 1993 (S.R. 1993 No. 278) to:-

• revise existing permitted development rights to increase the size area limitation of PD rights for agricultural buildings from 300 to 500m²; and
• provide permitted development rights for small-scale anaerobic digestion plant on an agricultural unit.

In addition a minor technical amendment has been made to clarify that the GDO cannot grant planning permission for certain development that falls within the scope of the Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012 No.59) unless the Department has determined that it is not EIA development.

The Planning (General Development) (Amendment No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2013 (S.R. 2013 No. 210)

Information was taking from planning NI website

Contact our office for more information on permitted development.

Woodside Gym Ballymena

Woodside Road Gym nearing completion

Another 2/3 weeks until the Gym opens on the Woodside Road.
An exciting time for The Fitness Factor as they are for taking on this.
The Fitness Factor is one of Northern Ireland’s leading gyms that prides itself on being unique. How? Its driven by members, and not the number of members! 1 on 1 training with highly qualified and motivated fitness coaches is not only here to help each of the members achieve their fitness goals, but to develop new levels of fitness in all areas.
This is the approach that they are taking into their Woodside Road Gym.
Opening up their 3rd Gym in the Ballymena area just shows how committed they are to their industry & the local community.

Along with ourselves, Studio21 an interior design company based in Dublin have had a large input into how the unit has been fitted out.

This will defiantly be one of the best looking gyms in the local area!!
Stay tuned for more news on this project & more on our social media pages – Facebook & Google +

New project on Feystown Road, Glenarm, County Antrim

We've been appointed as architects for a single storey house on the Feystown Road, Glenarm.

First things first….we've to take advantage of this view!!!

http://slemishdesignstudio.co.uk/feystown-road-glenarm/

We attended the Launch of Business Excellence Awards 2013

Ballymena Borough Business Excellence Awards 2013

We attended the launch of the Ballymena Borough Business Excellence Awards 2013 hosted by Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry  in Ballymena Town Hall – The Braid.

After being finalists in last years ‘Website of the Year’ we are looking at possibly entering another category this year.
We’re also looking forward to a great night out in Ballymena, Tullyglass Hotel

Announcing the sponsorship deal, Thomas McKillen, Chamber President said

“I am delighted to announce that Ballymena Borough Council will be the principal sponsor for the 2013 Business Awards. The Council was also principal sponsor in 2012 and I thank them for their continued support of the awards.

We’ve seen growth in interest, attendance and applications for the awards every year since we started, with last year 440 people attending the Gala evening. It’s always great to see the mix of businesses at the awards, representing sectors from retail to manufacturing to services. And it allows Ballymena to showcase the best businesses and practices to outside bodies perhaps looking to locate new businesses.

I’m glad to say that Chamber has had an excellent working relationship with Ballymena Borough Council over many years and I thank them for their continued support, not only of the awards but Chamber in general. I look forward to this business focused approach continuing into the future”.

Ex Mayor of Ballymena, Alderman PJ McAvoy said “As principal sponsor of the awards, Ballymena Borough Council is fully committed to creating the environment that commerce can operate in. These awards demonstrate the commitment to excellence shown by many businesses within the Borough. Ballymena can be a place for business excellence and we are proud to be home for some globally recognised organisations.

Ballymena Borough Council is delighted to be the principal sponsor at the awards for 2013, and will continue to work in partnership with the local business community to support growth and prosperity for our people and our place – Ballymena.

Minister Arlene Foster MLA visited Ballymena recently and I took the opportunity to invite her to attend the Gala evening in October, and we are now in communication with her office”.

Alison Moore, who heads up the organizing committee for the awards, added

“Planning is already well under way for this year’s awards. Once again Chamber will be employing Insight Mystery Shopping to carry out the judging and the Tullyglass House Hotel, an excellent facility we are fortunate to have in Ballymena, will again be hosting the gala evening. The date for this year’s award ceremony is Thursday 10th October – which may seem a long way off but it will soon come round so put this date in your diary now. I am confident that this will be another brilliant evening”.

If you require any further information about the Ballymena Borough Business Excellence Awards  please contact Chris Wales at office@ballymenachamber.co.uk or 07876 758 797

http://slemishdesignstudio.co.uk/ballymena-borough-business-excellence-awards/

Public Holiday

Should you be off a few days for the holiday...have a good one...if your working..this beers freezing :-)

we'll be back into the office on Tuesday....enjoy!!

Great give-away from our business for our first anniversary

Click on the link to see what's happening!!!

Ballymena Architects Slemish Design Studio 1st Anniversary give-away 

Planning rules to be eased for Northern Ireland farmers - Slemish Design Studio Architects & Planning Consultants

new planning law coming in for Farmers in Northern Ireland, Permitted development for farm buildings!!

Planning rules to be eased for Northern Ireland farmers - Slemish Design Studio Architects & Planning Consultants

starting extension on site in toome

We’re just about to commence on site with our Extension & Renovation project near Toome.
Our brief was to include extra living space to make use of the existing mature garden to the rear, along with providing extra bedroom and bathroom space.
All this as well as a double garage with office space to the first floor accessible via external steps.
All this was done in accordance with the new building regulations (2012) with extra insulation to help the thermal values.


check our website for more information - Slemish Design Studio

Ballymena Chamber of Commerce welcomes Slemish Design Studio architects

Ballymena architects slemish design studio join ballymena chamber of commerce and industry

Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a welcome meeting for new members in the Adair Arms last week.
In the last few months Chamber has recruited 14 new members.
Chamber President Thomas McKillen welcomed the new members, saying: “It is great to see so many new members here this morning. New members are the lifeblood of any organisation.
“There is a wealth of experience and knowledge in this Chamber and I hope you find membership to be both enjoyable and beneficial.”
The new members then introduced themselves and Thomas presented them with their membership certificates.
Unfortunately we couldn't attend due to having site meetings that morning, but Chris Wales from the Chamber came out to our offices on the Woodside Road, to Ballymena architects, Slemish Design Studio us with their certificate.
We’re now listed in the Chamber as Architects & Planning Consultants, so should you need any advice on either, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

check out our website for more information

Craigstown Road, Randalstown Site Visit

New images from our project on the Craigstown Road, Antrim
http://slemishdesignstudio.co.uk/extension-renovation-craigstown-road-randalstown/

Do you use other social media site's??
Slemish Design Studio are on twitter/google+/linkedin/blogger/tumblr/skype
takes a lot of writing up, but it's worth it...We hope!!

https://twitter.com/sdsarchitecture
https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102684054266028152138/102684054266028152138/posts
http://slemishdesignstudio.tumblr.com/
http://slemishdesignstudio.blogspot.co.uk/
skype: slemishdesignstudio
http://www.linkedin.com/company/2541305?trk=tyah
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/stevenbell007

we think we've covered most of the important ones

check out our other media pages & if your feeling generous share them/like them/ contribute to them

thanks all,
Steven

Building Control Approvals!!

Brilliant...another building control approval back in - that's 3 this week!! - House in Antrim, Extension & Renovation in Toome & Extension in Broughshane
New SAP package seems to be working well :)

Late night meeting in broughshane

Just in from a late meeting about a possible extension to a house in broughshane :-)
Brilliant that we're able to do this....not everyone can meet 9-5!!!

Bank holiday monday!!

so it's bank holiday monday & what have i done....rest!!! no...golf!!! i wish
nope i was down at the office giving it a well needed spring clean.
slemish design studio - architects have been in our office on the woodside road, ballymena for nearly a year now...so it's about time we had a clear out.
we want our office to portray who we are...therefore as architects we want it looking smart & clean.
By the end of June we'll have our much needed ceiling & the walls painted...along with some office touches like prints & images of the various architectural projects we've been involved in throughout northern ireland.
It's now 23:38pm & I'm still scheming....we've been having an update of our website too, so again i've been trying to understand SEO!!!!!
this is impossible to learn :/
hopefully our website man gareth will be able to sort it.
I'm also in the middle of doing a 3D of our barn conversion in Dromara, County Down.
Hopefully should have it finished this week amongst all the other work...a few late nights will be required!!!

Beam heat recovery CPD

We've just received our RIBA approved CPD certificates from Beam Vacuum & Ventilation.

the rep Craig Gibson was brilliant & took us on site to show us how & what the Heat Recovery system does.
It’s becoming more & more popular to have in houses helping with things like;

• Clean, fresh air reduces the symptoms for asthma and allergy sufferers
• No  trickle vents or extractor fans letting cold air in
• Enhancement of energy efficiency in the home

new blog I'm following

brilliant blog I'm following & no doubt will share from time to time :)
http://unhappyhipsters.com/

Dublin Road, Antrim House design

Our project on Dublin Road, Antrim
This is an small infill site that we've managed to get a 1250sqft 3 Bedroom house with detached garage.
It's moving quickly on site, so we hope to have more images & information up soon.

http://slemishdesignstudio.co.uk/dublin-road-antrim-house/

Woeful weather

Woeful weather....and stuck in our office has reminded me....
we need to make a massive effort to get our office into shape!!
Ceiling needing on & walls painted to make it a bit more professional, plus a few wee other tweaks like a music system & TV

http://slemishdesignstudio.co.uk/

what a day!!! meetings meeting meetings

Cracking day over. Meeting with a Global Healthcare company about new offices, getting our logo’s stitched at Sewpro ballymena & another meeting with a local ballymena company (hopefully more to tell soon)

All this & we’ve got the all clear from planning that a few of our house designs are going to be approved