Sketches - Office

Discover Method Studio's Sketchbook, showcasing architectural design ideas, concept sketches, and creative studies that inspire innovative projects.

Architectural Designs & Concepts Sketchbook | Method Studio

Sketchbook

Tom Crudgington

Architectural Designer

Tom Crudgington 

A key part of sustainable architecture is designing solutions that adapts existing building assets instead of creating completely new spaces. This sketch concept explores how we can turn an underutilised garage into a functional and enjoyable part of the home.

Sketch concept with courtyard

Sketch concept with courtyard detail

Utilising existing spaces

Getting a building to look simple and elegant takes a lot of work! There is so much balancing to achieve regulations and simple build-ability, while still delivering the vision for the design. There are layers and layers of complexity even to something as simple as a roof or wall. On this new build project we wanted to achieve a seamless finish with any external water pipes hidden from view. We also wanted to achieve lots of natural light internally through the roof lights but the planners did not want to see them. All of that meant we had to come up with some innovative solutions using multiple layers so that these were all concealed when looking at the building from outside. The occasional headache but a lot of fun once we got it right.

Detail

Its all in the detail, literally!

Detailing in architecture refers to the process of designing and specifying the individual components, materials, connections, and finishes that make up a building or structure. It is an essential aspect of architectural design because it ensures the functional, aesthetic, and structural integrity of buildings while addressing considerations such as sustainability, safety, and cost efficiency. Well-executed details contribute to the overall success and longevity of architectural projects.

Detailing

Detailing in Architecture

Shala Howell

Architectural Assistant

When designing an extension, a crucial rule to bear in mind is the 45-degree angle rule. At times this planning regulation could be viewed as a design limitation. Instead we have embraced it and created a clever design solution.
This planning rule stipulates that any extension to the rear, front, or side of a property must be set within a 45-degree line drawn from the nearest edge of the neighbouring windows. To comply with this regulation we have created a design with a 45-degree courtyard, as seen in these sketches.

Barber 2

Curved courtyard

45 degree courtyard elevation

Barber

Elevation study

Design solutions

Massing studies play a pivotal role in the architectural design process by enabling architects and designers to explore, analyse, and refine various design options. This ultimately leads to the creation of well-integrated, functional, aesthetically pleasing, and feasible building designs. Throughout this particular study, analysing the massing helped to determine the appropriate scale and proportion of the building. Balancing these elements has created a structure that feels appropriate in relation to its surroundings and human perception.

Bojarksi sketch

A massing study

An elevation study is a crucial part of architectural design and planning, providing a designer with several benefits including visualising the external appearance of a building from various angles. This helps in assessing the aesthetics and overall design coherence, ensuring that the building's exterior aligns with the intended architectural style and concept, as seen in this main entrance design.
Elevation studies also help to evaluate the impact of different materials, colours, and finishes on the building's appearance, contributing to the selection of appropriate materials that line up with the design intent and budget constraints for each project.

IMG 8737

IMG 8738

A quick elevation study

This is another fantastic example of how Method Studio always strive to keep up to date with the latest technologies in architecture. This 3D print of our client’s home provides a physical representation of the incredible design created by our team. A 3D print not only helps designers create customised architectural elements but can also help our clients better visualise the space and layout of the building by providing a tangible representation of the design. It can also help to identify potential design flaws or areas that may require improvement.

PHILLIPS MODEL 1

PHILLIPS MODEL-8

PHILLIPS MODEL-6

IMG 8711

IMG 8712

3D printing and modern architecture

This sketch design showcases a modern, sleek side and rear extension, which beautifully contrasts with the traditional style of the existing house. The extension features large, floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for ample natural light to flood the space and provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The use of clean lines and minimalistic details give the extension a contemporary edge. The design also incorporates an outdoor area, perfect for entertaining. Overall, this extension is a beautiful blend of traditional and modern styles, and is sure to make a bold statement.

Gallagher Sketch

Gallagher Movie

Contrasting modern and traditional designs

The Method Studio team love to create beautiful designs and where possible they try to take any available moment to draw by hand. We appreciate the value of 3D designs to model a concept and help our clients visualise their space but there are also many advantages to sketching. Sketching by hand allows designers to explore options, design quick solutions and add to their first level of understanding in the early concept stages.

Barclay Sketch

Barlcay Sketch 2

Sketching by hand

Creating the right feel for a home is an art! At the very early stages of a project we start by sketching and designing internal spaces. This way we can quickly throw ideas around with our clients and make sure we get the right feel for their home, giving them a real feel for their new space from the outset.

GF Room sketches - Barclay

Sketching Internal Spaces

Sometimes things change on site and construction detailing has to be done quickly. Here's an example of an early sketch for a construction detail before actual drawings are created. Although these details may look similar there are a few key elements that are included that will help the designer later decide the best way to progress with construction.

Designing details images

Designing details again

Designing Details

Symmetry can be an important design feature for many of our clients. On a recent project, our team were intrigued by the existing arch at the front of the house and wanted to introduce a similar traditional design feature at the rear of the house to match this unique detail.

3D design concept for home extension in Essex

There's beauty in symmetry....

In the early stages of design, quick concept sketches are really important. Sketches are one of the best tools our designers use when working up and creating concept ideas. Sketches enable us to see how ideas can work together. This particular sketch works to illustrate an idea before it is more formally drawn up and realised.

Sketch concept for house extension in Epping

Early Concept Sketches

From the very start of a project Method Studio models your existing house and site. As designers it is important to understand lighting, trees, neighbours proximity, window placement… the list goes on! We simplify the representation of this process by showing our clients a 3D sketch of the existing house and then how we propose to change elements of their house, in line with their brief. This includes parts we would demolish (shown in red) in order to make room for the new!

The proposed design (shown in pink) quickly shows volumes of spaces added onto the house. We then add more detail so our clients can visualise windows and doors, revealing the connection between the inside and outside. We show in a quick sketch how our modern design sits on site and works with your existing house - helped with some annotations to explain some fun features like a wild-flower roof and large sliding corner windows. Design representation is so important, talk to us today about how we can help you best visualise your project! 

Concept sketch for massing study

Quick Concept Modelling

Our clients love seeing how their project sits on their site with ideas of materials and how the light works. Our talented designer used a 3D modelling program to create this sketch for a recent project. It gives a snapshot of materials, windows, roof type, grand entrance design and shelter. All contributing to what their home could look like and how it can be used. 
As part of our Stage One process we create a similar style of concept image for each of our clients. Often catering to how they best relate to a design and showing extra details for the specific parts of the project that are most important to them. Talk to our designers today to discuss your ideas and share your thoughts on what you want to see in your project! 

Sketch with additional information for architectural project in Essex

An Architect's Vision

Picturing how your homes spaces can be changed to work better together can be hard to visualise! Our digital 3D models can help our clients understand how each level will work between floor plans and how it will affect the actual look of a building. With our quick massing models we show our clients how the basement, ground floor, first floor etc. all the way to the loft fit together… inside and out! 

Massing sketch with detail outlines

Spacial Arrangement 1 level

Spacial Arrangement 2 levels

Spacial Arrangement Complete House 3 levels

Visualising Spatial Arrangements

Our team are full of creative ideas and can often be struck with design inspiration at any time! When this happens they know how important it is to get their ideas onto paper. Napkin sketches are a great way to ensure that a creative moment is never missed. This is often how our process starts and image 2 is an example of this, before any detail or realism has been added. 

Napkin sketch with further detail

Napkin sketch 3

The importance of napkin sketches

Before designing anything it's really important to research and explore ideas of how to blend the old style with the new on any extension. A key principle is incorporating new materials that still respect the existing building. The idea on this sketch is to keep the front elevation outline simple and in keeping with the existing building but with a material differentiation that compares to the rear of the property, which is more modern and contemporary. 

Sketch design concept for home extension in Essex

Define the old and the new

Sketches are one of the best tools to use when working up quick concept changes. It enables our team to see how ideas work together. This sketch works to fully illustrate an idea before it is more formally drawn up and realised. Iterative steps help to keep the design focused and achieve the best results. 

Why sketching is so useful

Why does the Method Studio team sketch in 3D? We believe it's the best way to interact and understand the design for your project. Designing in 3D is a very accurate way of developing a concept. It's to scale, surrounded by context, and gives you a good idea of how the light enters the spaces. You can see this in these 3 proposed concepts.
The end result is in 3D so we design in 3D right from the start!

Designing a concept in 3D

In architecture it's important to use lots of different types of drawings. When we design in 3D we can get an even better feel for a space before we begin fine-tuning the details. These sketch images show a before and after for a large residential space. Small changes to scale, density and permeability can change the feel of a space for the user.  As shown in the sketches, by using simple methods like isometric drawings, diagram drawings and section plans we can attain this objective. The final images in VR show the exciting end result.

Existing street sketch VR for urban design development

ISO sketch VR for urban design development

ISO Diagram for urban design development

Section Plans ISO Diagram for urban design development

Proposed Sketch VR for urban design development

Proposed street sketch VR for urban design development

Using different types of drawings

It's not unusual that our team will have to handle a planning constraint that requires an extra level of design. Due to the restriction of height and depth on the extension alongside the neighbours, we can’t submit this project as a Permitted Development. Therefore, our talented team have sketched an alternative design solution to be submitted under a Householder Application. This design works for both the client and the restrictive planning conditions. Here's our sketch that shows how a revised layout will work in plan, and how it looks in elevation! 

Sketch redesign for new build house in Essex

Dealing with a planning constraint

A great design should incorporate all the needs of a modern family. Here are some simple designs for an exciting contemporary home that we are developing at the moment. 

Sketch elevation for house extension in Essex

Sketch elevation movie for house extension in Essex

Modern design for a modern family

The design for this large contemporary extension was inspired by our clients love of symmetry. We used the lovely gable roof form (which already existed on the house) and modernised it to include vaulted ceilings along with floor to ceiling glazing. We exaggerated the 2 gabled volumes by cladding them in a textured timber material and stepping them forward. This created a sleek design that architecturally melds well with the house but also creates a wow-factor our clients were extremely happy with. The interior materials shown in our sketches and VR are a suggestion for our clients to help them visualise their new spaces. The colour palette used here are soft earthy tones drawn from the surrounding environment. The interior of this open plan kitchen/diner connects directly with the outdoors through big sliding glazed doors. Ultimately the finishes are the clients choice, Method Studio are here to help get the look and feel of the space right so our clients can be inspired. 

Sketch image of external home extension design in Essex

Sketch image of internal home extension design in Essex

Helping clients visualise their home

This is an excerpt from the apprenticeship scheme to develop a massing and site study. A successful scheme should always start with the basics. Often key infographics like this help to make decisions on moving a project forward.

Site Analysis Plan

Detail for SUDS design

Image for massing study and site design

Massing and site studies

For this design we have been exploring different front elevations for this beautiful family home. Included in this innovative design is a hidden garage door for a seamless smooth finish. Very creative!

Sketch elevation for new build in Essex

Video of creating sketch elevation for new build in Essex

Exploring Elevations....

To get this project just right some simple elevations are just what is needed. Before experimenting with materials for this modern extension, this design allows the client to see how they will make the most of their space.

Method Studio Canvas

Method Studio Canvas Movie

Getting that extension just right!

Designing a 5 bedroom contemporary family home is no easy feat. This client required a home that would meet their family's needs for many years to come, including plenty of space for the kids and even the dog! A great design like this can incorporate all their needs.

Karl's Sketch

Another Karl Sketch

Designing the perfect family home

They say there is elegance in simplicity. These are some simple elevations for a beautiful contemporary home we are developing at the moment. It's all about proportions and rhythm before we start getting too distracted by textures and materials. 

New build elevations

Planning and massing sketch

New build with a sea view....

This was a small study in how best to orient the roof to make the most of the view and considering the prevalent sun direction. It is always a balance to capture a fantastic view and bringing in lots of lovely natural light without flooding inside with too much sun. Thermal gain is an issue that can be countered with a little consideration, using shading devices and selective openings.

Roof Options

Mezzanine

Roof Sketch Video

A study in roof options

Sketching by hand on grease proof paper is an old trick to allow layers to be built up on a plan. This allows us to create multiple layout options over top of a single base sheet. This new build is for a growing family hoping to settle in a fantastic country setting. A simple few sketches along the way to us gaining planning approval for a barn style house. You can check out the further design work for this project on our website.

Floor Plans

Floor Plans 2

Floor plans anyone?

We explored the best option for some beautiful additions to the rear of this nice terraced property. We have been experimenting with materials and roof forms to create a great modern addition that will bring a new lease of life to this older building. Before we move into full 3D modelling we have discussed a number of different looks with our client and helped them visualise some great ideas quickly. All part of the design process that we love!