Power to the Pebbles.
My eyes are closed. The little cottage window’s open. It’s 6.46 am, and all seems still and quiet. Outside, every five seconds, billions of smooth pebbles are dragged and deposited. Moved. The sound of absolute power is enchanting. Soothing. It never ceases and appears repetitive and rhythmic, something to rely upon. The grinding pull of one similar but different pebble over another turns this landscape into a mesmerising soundscape. After fourteen minutes, the magnetism drags me out of bed, down the steep, damp hill and onto this 18-mile-long pebble pillow.
Running on a moving floor, an uneven shifting surface adds to the multi-sensory experience of this place. The crunch and scatter of the stones underfoot subtly change as the miles mount. Moving west into the headwind, the challenge increases as the pebbles change from fist to golf ball size. Each foot strike absorbs more energy, needing more gluteal muscle force to push up and forward. Meanwhile, the waves crash. Within the apparent uniformity of a beach, there is so much richness and complexity—nuanced diversity.
I’m looking out of my window. There are two dormer windows. I’ve looked past them for years. Today, I look at them. One is bigger than the other; both have clay, angled roof tiles. Both have sides of fish scale-like clay tiles hanging. But the farther one’s tiles are older with subtly rounded ends, the nearer one-pointed. The aged curves are more subtle and varied in colour and shadow. The newer ones are crisper and sharper. Different. They are both man-made —small parts of a complex system.
In ‘Unto This Last,’ John Ruskin champions a society where every individual’s well-being is valued, drawing parallels to the Gospel of Matthew’s call for equity beyond social hierarchies. This principle mirrors the intricate diversity of the natural and built environments, underscoring the value of every unique element in creating a harmonious whole. Ruskin’s insights urge us to value our surroundings’ unique traits, from the tiniest pebble to the most fantastic structure, each with its own story waiting to be noticed.
From the soothing soundscapes of pebbles to practical advice and curated indulgences, this month’s newsletter gives you exclusive expert insights, essential financial advice for homeowners and our top wine recommendations for the month.
All the best
A date for your diary – meet the experts.
We’re starting this month with a date for your diary. CARL Architect is teaming up with Fry & Kent Estate Agency, Emma Kelsall, a local interior designer, and Helen Pyper of boutique tile shop, Tiled for a drop-in evening on Tuesday 16th April 5-9 pm.
Pop in for a glass of wine and an informal chat with any of the business owners to discuss your property plans, whether that includes extending, renovating, or styling your home, installing a new kitchen or bathroom or moving house.
There will be talks by Carl and Emma, explaining why you should talk to an architect before a builder and the value of using an interior designer. More details to follow.
Save the date – Tuesday 16 April 2024, 5-9 pm Tiled, Marmion Road, Southsea PO5 2AT
Builder of the month – Now Build It
Image: A newly built 3-bedroom house in Storrington, by Now Build It
Communication and transparency equal trust. Meet Alana and Kevin, the team behind Now Build It, a firm of building contractors operating in Portsmouth and the surrounding area. I had a chat with them earlier this week. Read this on our website.
They offer a bespoke, high-quality and fully costed building service that puts the customer at the forefront of everything they do. From liaising with architects, building inspectors, structural engineers and tradespeople, to their full project management service, it’s all designed to allow clients to get on with their lives knowing the build is being taken care of.
Alana told me that they start every job by submitting an F10 notification to the Health and Safety Executive to inform them of our work. “We also supply our clients with contracts, payment plans and a schedule of works, so that at the start of the project we’re all on the same page.”
The company doesn’t charge for work in advance, preferring instead to charge retrospectively for work carried out in the previous build period, so the client is never out of pocket or left wondering what they’ve paid for. Kevin said, “It’s about proving our worth in advance and our clients knowing exactly what they are paying for and when. We provide a fully quoted service, with every item listed and costed out. Transparency equals trust. And we want our clients to have complete confidence in what we do.”
This is why Alana and Kevin offer a weekly walk-through each Friday, to ensure that the client knows exactly where are in the process and against schedule, what’s been done and what will happen next. Their dedication to full and open communication extends to answering any client questions around the clock, which isn’t just tolerated but encouraged. At the start of every job, they offer to set up a WhatsApp group between themselves and the client, so that if there are ever any questions keeping customers awake at night, they can ask immediately and get the issue out of their heads and into the discussion.
They employ a team of subcontractors, most of whom they’ve had with them for over 10 years and in whom they have complete faith. Kevin undertakes much of the materials ordering while Alana, who used to work for a local planning authority, uses her knowledge and expertise to navigate the complex requirements required by planning and building regulations to expedite the process while remaining fully compliant.
As a bricklayer by trade, Kevin still gets hands-on when the job requires it, but customers are often surprised to see Alana on site, labouring for the team. “I love it!” she says, “There’s something satisfying about getting my hands dirty with everyone else and it helps keep me in the loop with exactly what’s going on.”
The pair ensure that there’s always one of them on site, which ensures everyone is fully collaborating and keeps things moving. “Being in full control creates efficiency,” Kevin says, “we rarely run over on time because the process and controls around it are in place. And if things go wrong, or something unexpected happens, it’s about how you handle it and make it right.”
Now Build It Ltd undertake all residential work, from new houses and flats, building conversions, house remodels and extensions. They will even consult on colour schemes and decorate if you want them to. They work on commercial property too, but while Alana says that there’s a coldness to the commercial side of things, there’s a warm fuzzy feeling that goes with helping residential clients to achieve their dream home.
“You’ve created a better environment for them to live their life. We often drive past someone’s home we worked on and think about them living their lives inside something we helped to create. I think that waking up in a home that works for you and feels right is worth a lot.”
We completely agree. Everyone should Love Coming Home.
Financing your extension/house project.
Image Credit: Ken De Souza
Have your home improvement plans stalled because of budget constraints? It’s not uncommon that getting an estimate for building and refurbishment work can leave us feeling in need of a lie-down.
My own recent personal experience of getting quotes for a long-dreamed of extension was shelved – temporarily at least – after realising it was just too much of a stretch at the moment. The cost of building and materials have escalated significantly in the last two to three years and, while it may have plateaued, many of us are still finding it too expensive to fulfil our home ambitions.
But what if you’re committed to your project and want to push ahead? What are the options for funding your build and realising your dream home? Adding to your mortgage is the obvious way to approach it and many people choose this option. Another option – and one which can work hand-in-hand with extending your mortgage – is to take out a temporary loan against your property.
I had a chat with Arun Sandhu, a Finance Specialist with Wonderloan, based in Southampton. They provide property development loans to enable you to start work, and bridging loans that you may then refinance onto your mortgage.
He said: “We offer loans for all kinds of property development, from funding home extensions to new builds and refurbishments. If you own the property, we may in some circumstances be able to offer finance up to 100 per cent of the development or refurbishment costs. All deals are discussed in detail and bespoke to clients’ needs. The difference between us and a mortgage is that we’re financing against the property, not the individual. We consider any type of property, from houses and new builds, to hotels, barns and even land.”
“Unlike a mortgage, which can extend over several years, our loans are relatively short-term, typically from one month to two years in duration. We can bridge the gap while your mortgage is agreed, enabling you to engage a builder and start the work. You pay the loan back in full when the work is completed.”
Arun and his two business partners have all had first-hand experience funding their own property development, so they know how tricky it can be waiting for mortgages to be agreed and ensuring funds are available in time to fit with contractors’ schedules. They started out advising friends and family and have since developed a flourishing business.
Wonderloan offers finance from £25,000 upwards for projects including:
– Refurbishments/remodelling
– New builds
– Land development
– Commercial development
– Bridging loans
– Buy-to-let
CARL Architect Ltd is not recommending Wonderloan and has no affiliation with them. We are simply committed to helping clients achieve their dream house and Love Coming Home.
Economic Update for homeowners, landlords and property developers 2024
Some thoughts by Kobbii Nyarko of Portsmouth Property Connect
Following the property inflation year of 2022, the consistent bank rate rises that continued into 2023 affected property prices and sales volumes throughout the country. In Portsmouth specifically, the property market value dropped by 4.1% in the year leading up to November 2023, and sales volume plunged by almost 50%. Meanwhile, the consecutive bank rate rises towards the 5.25% peak in August 2023 contributed to an overall average 4.25% drop in inflation.
In December 2023, the Monetary Policy Report projections anticipated that bank rates would remain around 5.25% until 2024 Q3. The more recent risks to inflation, include the US and UK coalition to fight Houthis in the Red Sea, and other prominent conflicts and disturbed economies globally.
This year, the two key factors that homeowners, landlords, property developers, and any other professionals should monitor are:
- Owner Occupier Costs (OOH) – the costs associated with purchasing, maintaining, and living in one’s home, which currently accounts for 16% of the most Comprehensive Measure of Inflation (CPIH). This is largely constituted by ~100% increases in mortgage payments since 2022, which has affected the majority of homeowners across the UK.
- Services Inflation –the UK economy is predominantly service-based, meaning most jobs in the country revolve around providing a service. Since Brexit, the labour market has loosened significantly, and services inflationin Q4 2023 remained at an average of 6% – the highest result in over 10 years. To add more fuel to the fire, the country is currently in ‘the longest run of declining job vacancies in history,’ according to the Office for National Statistics. As a result, some homeowners and landlords are struggling to make mortgage payments and maintain/renovate properties, which has a knock-on effect for those property professionals and businesses that support them.
It is hard for anyone to predict the UK economy in 2024, but we can identify and keep abreast of trends and share thoughts and concerns with colleagues and associates. Real estate is the strongest asset that can be relied on during tough times, and a solid, informed strategy can help you navigate through the year and beyond.
Portsmouth Property Connect is a group of like-minded property professionals who meet on the 4th Tuesday of every month to discuss the local property market, gain a realistic perception of the climate and build relationships. Join us to stay up to date with this information and make informed decisions along your journey.
Wines of the month
“This month’s wines are designed to warm you up a bit before we head into Spring. I’ve picked a selection that has some level of ageing, which adds complexity and depth to a wine. It also makes food pairing easier because wines with depth can hold their own against stronger-flavoured dishes that you might be eating this time of year.” Lucy Jackson, Wines by the Sea.
Montecillo Rioja Blanco, Spain 2022
A blend of white grapes all vinified separately in new French oak barrels and kept in contact with the lees for 4 months, creating a surprising fruit intensity and an unctuous mouthfeel. Perfect with roast chicken dishes or other white meats or fish with a creamy sauce or filling.
Chateau Askana Chkhaveri, Georgia 2019
With its deeper natural rose colour, the Chkhaveri grape maintains a level of dryness, balanced acidity and tropical fruit aromas. Perfectly paired with mushroom pasta or vegetable dishes with herbs and spices, this perfectly pink wine is a reminder that Spring is just around the corner but also that rose is great any time of year.
Aristocratico Amarone Della Valpolicella – Italy 2019
Pronounced sour black cherries and concentrated ripe black plum. Full-bodied on the palate with beautifully structured rich oak, sweet spice and hints of blackcurrant. This wine is made for a slow-cooked meat dish such as a stew or meatballs and would also work well with meat-filled ravioli in a tomato-based sauce.
All wines are available at Wines by the Sea, Albert Rd, Southsea.
That’s almost it other than to sign off with another selection of links we think might interest you.
Email me your newsletter suggestions at lisa@carlarchitect.co.uk.
Lisa
This week’s links
Check out this article about the crazy architecture in the Oscar-nominated film, Poor Things.
Leap year traditions and superstitions
Naked and Famous – no, not anyone here at CARL Architect – but number 2 on this list of Valentine’s cocktails
Learn a new skill this year and do a cookery workshop with South Coast Cookery. Prefer to let someone else do the work? Join one of their supper clubs, like this Greek feast in April.
