Where to Start Your Project: The Feasibility Stage
Embarking on a new building project is an exciting opportunity to bring your vision to life and create something meaningful. But before you dive into designs or submit planning applications, there’s one essential step that will shape the success of your project: the feasibility stage.
This is where you uncover the story your site has to tell. It’s about revealing what lies beneath the surface, addressing potential challenges, and uncovering opportunities. At Barefoot Architects, we always emphasize that a strong start can save time, money, and stress later in the process.
A well-executed feasibility stage is far more than a box-ticking exercise. It’s about understanding the site’s nuances, anticipating the unexpected, and turning challenges into creative possibilities.
What Does Feasibility Involve?
The Ground Beneath You
The land you build on plays a significant role in directing your project. Soil conditions, for example, can determine the stability of your foundation. Surveys may also reveal risks like contamination or poor drainage. Identifying these upfront allowed us to adjust the design and avoid costly delays later. Additionally, the literal shape of the site can determine the shape of your future house!
Challenging sloping site now home to our creative new build Orchard house (left). Initial sketches (right). For more about this project click here.
Services and Site Searches
Hidden utilities such as drains, water mains, or electrical cables can disrupt your project if discovered too late. Conducting services searches early helps us plan efficiently, avoid rerouting or delays, and ensure your project integrates smoothly with existing infrastructure.
Ecology and Trees
The natural environment of your site is another key consideration. Are there protected species nearby? Are any trees subject to preservation orders? Early research helps us design in harmony with the environment while meeting local ecological regulations.
The existing woodland site for one of our proposed paragraph 84 homes (left). The initial design sketches for the site (right).
Planning Policies and Protections
Every site exists within a framework of planning policies. Some areas may have conservation or heritage restrictions, while others offer greater flexibility. Understanding these parameters early ensures we design within the rules, avoiding unexpected roadblocks later in the process.
Heritage and History
Older sites or those with historical significance often present unique challenges. By understanding the site’s history, we balanced modern aspirations with respect for the past, creating a space that honoured both.
Opening Up Existing Buildings
For projects involving existing buildings, an invasive survey called “opening up” can be invaluable. By carefully exposing parts of the structure, we can assess the building’s true condition, identify hidden issues, and plan for remedial work early. For one client, this process revealed timber rot, allowing us to integrate repairs into the design phase and avoid costly surprises during construction.
Why Early Insights Save Money
Whether you budget for surveys now or deal with the consequences later, the costs will surface. Catching issues during construction can lead to significant expenses and delays. By investing in feasibility early, you save time, reduce risks, and create opportunities for smarter, more efficient solutions.
At Barefoot Architects, the feasibility stage is where the magic begins. It’s where we listen to the land, uncover its quirks, and transform challenges into opportunities. Every project deserves a strong start, and we’re here to ensure yours has clarity, confidence, and the foundation it needs to succeed. Ensuring every step forward in your project is built on solid ground.