Building Surveying Portfolio

Extracts from Coursework Completed During Degree

Year 2

Demonstrates use of technical software such as AutoCAD and SketchUp,

along with word applications and hand drawn sketches

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 2021EXQ – Building Surveying
Practice
CW1 Barn Conversion
To plan, design and specify adaptations in the widest sense and
formulate works to a property beyond maintenance. The range
of options available for a building form partial to full change of
use, minor to major refurbishment or small to large conversions
and/or adaptations. I was provided with a client brief and was
required to renovate an existing barn in a manner that fulfilled
client requirements. Doing so, involved the use of an array of
applications, such as word, SketchUp and AutoCAD

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 1. Introduction
A sketch scheme proposal for the conversion of a barn was developed,
in line with the client brief. This includes a very open and flexible
space, as well as one contemporary and minimalist. These factors
were included within the ground and first floor of the barn
construction and provided many opportunities:
• Located within 1000m2 of open space and a main
road, providing endless flexibility/access
• Dynamic height inside the barn, with both upper
space at 7m and lower space at 5m
• Opportunities for natural daylight due to high
ceilings inside the barn

2. Background
2.1 Brief
The Client’s Project Brief was provided in January 2019 and is evident
Figure 1. Section through renovated barn construction
in appendix 1. The objective of the project was to convert an old barn
into a suitable living space in line with the client’s requirements,
which consisted of living space:
• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms

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 B5000 3. Site Analysis
Analysis of the site concluded that the barn construction to be
renovated is on a vast stretch of open land, with an area of 1000m2
Land (1000m2) and close to a main road (see figure 2).

Top barn hill

3.1 Access to the site
Barn
Due to site location, parking is required as the barn is situated on
a large expanse of land; it would take occupants time to travel to
and from the site.

Barn
4. Concept
Land 4.1 Opportunities
Top barn hill • Large building enables flexibility when renovating
(1000m2)
• Walls with significant height, the tallest being 7m which provides
opportunity for the creation of an upper floor

Figure 2. Site analysis

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 Figure 4. Ground Floor Plan

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 The First-Floor layout consists of: 1 master bedroom, 1 en-suite
accessible via the master bedroom, 3 family bedrooms, 1 family
bathroom and hallway large enough to provide opportunity to be
used as living space

6. Proposed Layout Quality

6.1 Stairs
Stairs positioned within the central reservation on the ground
floor, providing first floor access (see figure 5). Stairs constructed
at standard UK dimensions in having a rise of roughly 0.25 to 0.40m,
a going of 0.22m minimum. Each step a width of 0.85m and a total
height of 5m in accordance with the large height of the barn.

6.2 Entrance
Entrances present at the front and back of the building, located
within the central reservation at ground floor level. Additional
entrances available via the lower lean to, situated at the front of
Figure 5. Section through renovated barn construction the building and the upper area of the barn.

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 Figure 7. Section through renovated barn construction

Figure 8. Plan of renovated

barn construction from the
outside, showing renovation of
outside space

Figure 7. Section through renovated barn

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 6.3 Living areas
Living space incorporated at ground floor level:

• 1 living room – area 43m2

• 1 study/playroom – area 38m2
• 1 open plan kitchen, providing dining
space and kitchen space – total area
51m2

6.3 Outside Space

Renovation of outside space (see figure 7), for example
decking within the back-garden area, tables and chairs and
barbeque space to enable garden living within summer
months. At the front, car parking spaces provide easy access
to and from the building. Renovation of the outside landscape
gives an aesthetically pleasing experience for the client, for
example foliage placed along the outside perimeter of the
barn.

7. Proposed Layout Access

7.1 Car Parking and stairs
Car parking spaces available along the frontal perimeter of the
building and interior stairs to allow access from ground floor to
first floor (see figure 8).

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 8. Interior Design
The interior design of the building provides a contemporary
feel, as stated in the brief (see figures 9 and 10). The interior
colour palette will consist of monochrome colours, for example
blacks, greys and whites, with a hint of subtle brown and beige
tones. Foliage accessorise each room fulfilling the
contemporary design requested and bringing a taste of the
outdoors indoors. Subtle renovations feature the inclusion of
décor such as mirrors and glass panelling to add a spacious feel
to the building; minimal furniture reinstates the idea that “less
is more” whilst giving the overall space a minimalist and
spacious aura.
Figure 9. Section through proposed barn construction

9. Façade Design
The contemporary and minimalist personality of the interior
space will only be continued and enhanced on the outer body
of the building, through the use of whites and black on the
exterior and roof of the barn (see figures 11 to 13).

Figure 10. Iso elevations and pictures

showing inspiration for design
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 10. Renewable energy
The inclusion of glass panelling within areas of the building
with large floor spaces, for example the upstairs hallway and
living space downstairs. This enables the use of renewable
sources of energy such as sunlight, reducing electricity
output as less artificial lighting will be required due to the
natural sunlight entering these areas. This ensures
sustainability.

11. Passive Design

A passive design will be achieved by:
F
• Maximum use of natural sunlight, reducing the need for
artificial lighting and thus energy use
• External windows replaced to reduce heat loss and
achieve thermal efficiency

12. Conclusions
In conclusion, the renovated barn proposal fulfils the
client’s brief in providing a contemporary and minimalist
space by using a colour palette of black and white tones
and minimal furniture to maximise space. Converting the
lower lean to into a study/playroom accommodates
children who may visit the client, whilst bedrooms were
created on the first floor to accommodate the client.

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 13. Appendices
Appendix 1.
Client brief “Your client only knows that they would like a
very open and flexible space, very contemporary and
minimalist. An older couple with no children at home, but
frequent visitors – often 2 couples with two children each”

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 Appendix 2.
North and West elevations of barn conversion

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 Appendix 3.
South and East elevations of barn conversion

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 Appendix 4.
Ground floor plan of barn conversion

Study/playroom

Central Access
Lounge

Kitchen/Dining Area Bathroom

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 Appendix 4.
First floor plan of barn conversion

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 2022EXQ – Architectural Development and Planning
CW1 Design Project and Portfolio of Evidence
A real-life site was identified working in conjunction with a real client, on which I was required to produce a
viable scheme for a mixed use (commercial and residential) masterplan development, including drawings and
reports, based on given design criteria. Doing so, involved the use of an array of applications, such as word,
SketchUp and AutoCAD

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site
Block 3 Floor 2 – The Elephant (Scales 1:200 and 1:50)
Plan of floor two of the Elephant (scale 1:200). Iso Elevation of NEC area within floor 2 (scale
1:200). Floor 2 will be divided in half, with one side
providing shopping/retail facilities, catering
facilities and networking facilities, as
demonstrated in the elevation. Users will be
provided with an area where they can shop, as
well as purchase food and drinks, along with the
ability to network within the open space available
within this area.

Front Elevation of shops provided within floor 2

(scale 1:200). Purchase opportunities will
include clothing, food, drinks and souvenirs (for
example those from concerts being held within
floor 1.
Iso Elevation of food kiosks and seating areas (scale 1:50).

Iso Elevation of further food kiosks and seating areas (scale 1:50). Such
kiosks will provide both hot and cold food/drinks.

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site
Block 3 Floor 2 – The Elephant (Scales 1:200 and 1:50)

Iso Elevation of the seating area (scale 1:50).

Iso Elevation of the conferencing space within floor 2 (scale

1:200), providing table and presentation space, as well as
classrooms/offices.

Iso Elevation of NEC area within floor 2 (scale 1:200). Floor 2 will be
divided in half, with this side serving a corporate purpose, providing
conferencing space, in the form of:

• A presentation screen
• Table areas for presentations/conferences
• Classrooms/offices
• Seating areas in the form of sofas

Iso Elevation of convenience food and drink (scale 1:50),

Catering facilities will also be provided within this half, through the use
although main catering facilities will be within the other half of
of vending machines (note – the main beverage area will be within the other floor 2, ending machines located here will provide users with
half of floor 2, as demonstrated above. quick and convenient food/drink when needed, for example
during break times.

Plan and Iso elevation of the offices/classrooms (scale 1:50). These will
give users the opportunity to partake in different learning activities,
though will also be able to be used as offices for conferences during
office hours (9am – 5pm).

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site
Block 3 Floor 3 – The Elephant (Scales 1:200 and 1:50)

Iso Elevation – Food court Right Elevation, showing floors 1 and 2 (scale
1:200).

PlAn of floor three of the Elephant, of which will

contain a food court (scale 1:200).

Iso Elevation, showing seating within the food

court (scale 1:50). Iso Elevation showing further seating, as well as food
kiosks (scale 1:50).

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Iso Elevation, again showing seating areas
(scale 1:50).
 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site
Block 3 Toilets, lifts and stairs across floors 1-3 – The Elephant (Scales 1:200 and 1:50)
Iso Elevation showing stairs
The stairs, lifts and toilets will follow the same format on each floor, in
being situated in the same place. There will also be the same number of
toilets on each floor and the décor will remain the same in order to
ensure consistency. Plan of area containing stairs,
lifts and toilets (scale 1:200).

Right Elevation, showing doors to stairs, lifts and

toilets (scale 1:200).

Right Elevation, showing stairs, lifts and toilets

(scale 1:200).

Iso Elevation showing stairs, lifts and toilets, of which

include those male, female and disabled (scale 1:200).

Iso Elevation showing sinks within the male and

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site
Block 2 Fire Escape Plan – The Design Museum (Scale 1:200)

Plan of floor 1 of The Design

Museum (scale 1:200)

Legend

Evacuation Route
Fire Exit

Fire Alarm Call Point

Fire Extinguisher

Plan of floor 2 of The Design

Museum (scale 1:200)

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site
Block 3 Floor 1 and 2 Fire Escape Plan – The Elephant (Scale 1:200)

Plan of floor one of the Elephant (scale 1:200).

Legend
Evacuation Route
Fire Exit

Fire Alarm Call Point

Fire Extinguisher

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Urban Analysis
(Scale 1:2500)

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Masterplan Analysis
(Scale 1:2500)

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site
Block 2 – The Boulevard (Scales 1:200 and 1:50)
Plan showing the pedestrian boulevard (scale 1:200).

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site
Block 2 – The Boulevard (Scales 1:200 and 1:50)

Iso Elevation showing the pedestrian boulevard (scale 1:200).

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site
Block 2 – The Boulevard (Scales 1:200 and 1:50)

Iso Elevation showing the pedestrian boulevard (scale 1:50). Here is shown the
bridge link to be created, of which will begin at the entrance of block 2 and
finish at the pedestrian boulevard. The bridge link will provide easy access to
block 2, as well as being aesthetically pleasing for users of the site.

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site
Block 2 – The Boulevard (Scales 1:200 and 1:50)

Iso Elevation showing the pedestrian boulevard (scale 1:50). Here is shown the
bridge link to be created, as well as the accompanying water feature, of which
will be placed at the end of the bridge. Again, the water feature will serve as an
aesthetic piece an thus may be further advantageous in attracting more users to
the site.

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site
Site Plan – Proposal Landscaping and Roof Plan (Scale 1:500)
Existing roads such as Ringway Whitefriars will be
Solar panels will be placed on the roof of block 2 to provide renewable energy kept, as these are the main transport links in and
such as that for electricity. Block 2 will harbour the solar panels, as it is the block out of Coventry town centre and thus the site,
with the most glass and is also South facing, meaning it can take full and most providing key access to the site, hence any
advantage of natural resources such as sunlight. alterations to the site will not affect such road
links, in order to ensure the site remains accessible.

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site
Block 2 – The Boulevard (Scales 1:200 and 1:50)
Iso Elevation showing the pedestrian boulevard (scale 1:50). Here is shown the boulevard in
furthe4r detail, of which will provide users with seating, such as benches, including picnic
benches where they can eat etc. The pathway of the boulevard will also be completed with a
canopy for further aesthetic. Lights will be placed along the canopy, in order to ensure visibility
and again aesthetic during darker hours of the day.
Importantly, bins will also be available along the boulevard for rubbish, to ensure
cleanliness and thus overall providing an area that fulfils user requirements in being
convenient and pleasing to the eye,

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Masterplan Analysis

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – A3 Summary –
Planning, Design and Access Report – SWOT Analysis

Strengths –
Weaknesses –
• Immersive design of a boulevard with a water feature, to boost
• Increasing competition, for example providing exhibition
attraction to the site, also creating an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere
space in block 2 may be jeopardised due to the already
• Widening of Cope Street to get more people to and from the site
existing Transport Museum and the Herbert Art Gallery,
• Possibility of new parking facilities close to the site and use of neutral located close to the site. Both are already established and
accents to layer the space, achieving a calming atmosphere. Competitive hence well known to users within the area, making it harder
pricing aims to maximise income and reduce costs to attract people to the new exhibition centre within block 2
• Existence of Cope Street next to the site, which is currently a pedestrian
path, hence is unoccupied eg the4re are no existing buildings on this
street. This gives opportunity to convert it into a pedestrian boulevard,
make it wider and also provides landscaping opportunities
SWOT Analysis – Key factors
that impacted on my design
proposal

Opportunities –
Threats –
• Existence of Cope Street next to the site, of which is currently a pedestrian path and is
• Rising costs for materials – costs of raw materials are rising, such as steel,
unoccupied eg there are no existing buildings directly on the street. This provides
iron, aluminium and copper. These costs have risen by 4.8% “between 2016
opportunity to turn it into a pedestrian boulevard, make it wider and also provides
and 2017” (Builder Blueprint 2019). Such rises can be attributed to increases
landscaping opportunities.
in housing demand, of which have caused suppliers to subsequently increase
• Demolition of existing buildings to the left of the site, providing opportunity to turn this
their material prices, especially as materials cannot be created quick enough
area into a car park for users of the site to park their vehicles. This is convenient for users
to meet demand.
and thus ensures customer satisfaction
• The area in front of block 2 is currently only occupied by trees – providing there are no
tree preservation orders this area can be landscaped, allowing the addition of a new
entrance to block 2 and a water feature/bridge.

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – A3 Summary –
Planning, Design and Access Report – Sustainability Strategy

Sustainability Strategy – factors proposed for improving sustainability

There are many factors that can be incorporated into the site to improve its overall sustainability, of which will be discussed below.

1. Transport – the National Planning Policy Framework (PPF) defines sustainable transport as “any efficient, safe and accessible means of transport with overall low impact on the environment, including
walking, cycling and public transport”. The site is located close to public transport links such as bus stops, of which will encourage users of the site to choose these transport options. Such options of
bus stops have an overall low impact on the environment, as they carry a larger volume of people at once, as opposed to each individual person using cars for example. The proposal of changing Cope
Street into a pedestrian boulevard will also attract more people to the site area and thus may encourage walking and cycling, ag ain positively impacting the environment in reducing the number of
vehicles being used.

2. Materials – sustainable materials will be incorporated into block 1, as this is the only block that will be completely demolished and rebuilt – the exterior of blocks 2 and 3 will remain the same and will
only be changed from the inside. AA sustainable material to be used is wood; block 1 will be demolished and parts of it such as the outer shell will be rebuilt using timbercrete, of which is a sustainable
and sensitive material that can be used as panels. Hence, timbercrete will be used for the outer panels of block 1. This material is environmentally friendly as it is composed of recycled waste and
natural materials such as sand. Similarly, timbercrete also behaves as a carbon trap due to the cellulose waste that is preserved within the concrete, meaning that it doesn’t break down.
Green bricks will also be used for the construction of block 1, for example wool bricks and mud bricks. Both are sustainable and wool bricks are even more advantageous in that they are “37% stronger
than normal bricks” (Greenmatch 2019). Mud bricks are recyclable and non-toxic. Both these kinds of bricks are advantageous in being sustainable. Sustainable concrete will be incorporated where
possible into block 1, for example when building its structure. This kind of concrete is more sustainable as it is made with natural waste such as mud chips and is also advantageous as it is lighter and
a better insulator than normal concrete.

3. Orientation – As found out when analysing sun path, the sun is primarily located on Cox Street, specifically within the areas of Blocks 1 and 2. Hence, all entrances will be on this side, along with the
pedestrian boulevard to be built on Cox Street also; in order to maximise the amount of sunlight received by users of the site. Likewise, the existing glass panelling incorporated into the walls of block
2 will remain untouched, of which are also situated on Cox Street. Such glass panelling will also maximise the amount of sunlight received, as well as providing renewable energy to be used inside the
building, for example for heating.

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – A3 Summary –
Planning, Design and Access Report – CABE/Secure by Design Principles

1. Ease of movement – Connectivity and permeability “a place that is easy to get to, density highest where (there is) access to public transport, roads, footpaths and public spaces connected to
well used routes”. Site redevelopment provides a place that is easy to get to, primarily due to the fact that there is access to public transport
– bus stops are located next to block 2. Similarly, Cope Street, Cox Street and Priory Street are the footpaths running parallel to blocks 1 to 3 on either side. These routes are well used by
pedestrians at present and can be coupled with roads such as Ringway Whitefriars , of which also run parallel to the blocks and form part of the main access roads into/out of the town centre.
Hence, all roads, footpaths and public spaces around the site are connected to well used routes.

2. Legibility – Ease of understanding “a place that has a clear image, focal points and signage”. The redevelopment of the site will provide users with a clear image/focal points. This will especially
be achieved by The Elephant (block 3) as this provides users with a clear image/impression of Coventry in reflecting its history through its elephant-like structure. The boulevard to be built
along Cope Street will similarly provide a focal point, in being aesthetically pleasing and hence attracting the attention of pedestrians within the area. This will be achieved through renovations,
such as landscaping of Cope Street and the addition of a new entrance to block 2, of which will be accompanied by a water fountain and bridge – both of which will also serve as additional
focal points for pedestrians walking along the boulevard.

3. Adaptability – Ease of change “a place that has flexible uses and reuse of important historic buildings”. The site will have flexible uses, for example block 1 will have a residential use in being
redeveloped into flats, block 2 will provide a cinema/theatre, along with a variety of exhibitions such as those relating to art and block 3 will attribute uses such as shopping, food, classroom
learning/conferencing and concerts. The Elephant (block 3) is an important historic building within Coventry; hence it is being reused and redeveloped as opposed to being demolished
completely.

4. Diversity – Ease of choice “a place with variety of layout and variety of architectural styles”. This is achieved by each block collectively, as each one poses a different layout to the other.
Likewise, each block provides a variety of architectural styles, for example block 2 is noticeable through its W shaped roof and vast amounts of glass paneling at its South rear, whilst block 3
provides an elephant-like exterior.

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – A3 Summary –
Planning, Design and Access Report – Economics

Budget –

The following is an example of an early cost advice budget sim ply based on the project is building size (gross floor area), location and an indicative start of construction date. This example is
for a proposed new apartment block in Coventry, 25000 m2 gross floor area, with a proposed construction start date of July 2019.

Adjustment for construction start date

Base cost cost per m2 Apartment Block
39, 888, 9 56. 3
2 5 0 0 0 m2 x £ 1, 710

42, 750, 000

Forecasted tender price index September 2019

Adjustment for location (Coventry = 99) 0.99 181

42, 322, 500 Adjustment ( 181 - 180) / 180

1%
3, 988, 8 95. 6
Adjustment for project value
Base cos t f a cto r (7 00 0 m2 x £ 1, 710 = £ 11, 97 0, 0 00 )
0.87 43, 877, 8 51. 9

Allowance for external works say 20%

Cost factor for this project (base value £42, 322, 8, 775, 5 70. 4
0.82

A d j u s tm e n t ( 0 . 82 - 0 . 87) / 0 . 87 Allowance for risk say 15%

6, 581, 6 77. 8
5.75%
2, 433, 5 43. 75 Indicative total building works cost
£ 59, 23 5, 100

Estimate base date: 1 July 2019.

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site
Block 1 – Flats (Scales 1:200 and 1:50)

Plan of the communal area (scale 1:200).

Iso Elevation of the communal area (scale

1:200). The communal area will be located on
the ground floor only and will provide a range of
facilities, such as toilets, coffee shops, gaming
and access to all flats located on floors above
via lifts and stairs.

Iso Elevation of gaming areas within the

communal area (scale 1:200). Users will be
able to play games such as pool, as well as use
the seating provided and watch TV etc.

Iso Elevation of the shops in the communal area

(scale 1:100). Shops will include Londis for
general supplies and Starbucks for coffee.

Iso Elevation of general facilities within the communal area

(scale 1:200). Here will be toilets (male, female, disabled)
and access to flats on the floors above via stairs and lifts
available from the communal area for easy access and
convenience.

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site –
Site Analysis

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site –
Developmental, Concept and Site sketches

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 Development and Planning – Reuse of Coventry Swimming Baths – Proposals for the site
Block 1 – Flats (Scales 1:200 and 1:50)
Iso Elevation of the hallway area
(scale 1:50). This hallway will be
present on each floor and will
Iso Elevation of the inside of
Iso Elevation of the provide access to all flats and
the communal area
will be accessible from the
inside of one ( communal area via the black
residential unit (scal e door shown below.
1:50) a

Enlarged plan of the

inside of one residential
unit (scale 1:50)

Plan of an entire floor

(scale 1:200)

Enlarged plan of the

inside of the communal
area (scale 1:50)

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