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.
HOME OWNERS
We provide planning and detailed design services, as well as contract administration and services during construction.
We pride ourselves on a personal and responsive service. We are good designers, who listen to your specific requirements. We have been successful in obtaining planning permissions for challenging sites, where others have failed. We can design in any style you like, be it contemporary or traditional, and have in-house listed building expertise for work on historic buildings.
We have an in-house Passivhaus and low energy consultant to help ensure that the building you create is efficient and comfortable.
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.
MISTLETOE COTTAGE, RISELY
Energy efficiency was one of our client's top priorities on this detached home. We worked closely with them to provide a solution which gave them exciting architectural spaces whilst meeting Passivhaus criteria at planning stage. For energy modelling we used DesignPH software for optional design development and PHPP for the planning stage Passivhaus assessment.
“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. “
ADSHEAD PARK, LOWER BASILDON
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External view of the front.
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Watercolour render of the external.
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Watercolour render of the lead up to the front of the building.
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Watercolour render of the rear of the property.
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Wide shot external view of the front entrance.
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Distant picture, showcasing the visual impact of the building.
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Close up, showcasing the award winning brick work.
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Master Bedroom
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Lower hall staircase
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Bedroom 2
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Spiral Staircase
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Drawing room
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Indoor Pool
Hives were called in following the rejection of two previous planning applications, for this hilltop site in the Chilterns. Our brief was for a new design and to take the project to completion. The design is entirely new-build and is a collage of motifs from early Lutyens, featuring oak roof trusses and bay windows. To achieve the finest quality finish within a conventional contract required meticulous attention to detail and this was recognised by an award for the brickwork detailing. The house is heated and cooled by ground source heating, and smart automation controls lighting, shading, security and entertainment. The house has a lift and includes a basement fitness pool and a cinema suite.
FIELD HOUSE
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Exterior view of the external glass connection between the work and living spaces.
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External View
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External view
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Internal perspective of the glass connection between the work space and living.
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External double hinged doors opening up the room to the surounding green.
This house was set in beautiful gardens, and incorporated 16th century framing, but its layout was entirely unsuitable for modern family life. Hives took the pieces and joined them up so that the kitchen and living areas opened up to the children's room and linked to the parent’s workspaces via a loggia and glazed link. In the process, modern lighting, cabling and heating were concealed while the hidden character of the old house was revealed, and the house was made worthy of its setting.