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DESIGNING CONSERVATORIES FOR JERSEY
Vale Garden Houses has been designing and building conservatories and orangeries in the Channel Islands for over 20 years and have successfully completed many projects, each providing the client with a unique space, designed specifically to suit their needs and lifestyle.
Vale’s expertise and knowledge of architecture and period detailing stretches worldwide, encompassing designs for many of Jersey’s fine buildings and the Islands specific building practices, joinery and detail. Our designs are worked to complement and empathise with local architecture and heritage.
ARRIVING AT THE DESIGN
Having received our brochure, been inspired from our website, or had a friend recommend Vale, you decide that you would like to explore the possibility of having a Vale conservatory; we can visit your home to discuss your requirements and guide you through the design options. At that time, we will assess what you wish to use the new space for, discuss orientation of the conservatory, the style and detail appropriate for your home and the scale of the project in relation to the building.
From this we produce a conceptual drawing and present you with a watercolour presentation and a detailed quotation. You may wish to make adjustments to the design and by working closely with us, further drawings are undertaken to ensure you are completely happy with the proposed new structure.
If the project is very large and complex, requiring a very specific knowledge of a period or structural requirements, we can explore the more complicated design and detailed requirements of the project.
WORKING WITH ARCHITECTS & BUILDERS
If you have an architect working with you on your project and if there are plans drawn up, it may be more appropriate or convenient if we liaise with your architect and work with their drawings. If this is the case, we still prefer to produce our own drawings from which we will provide you with a quotation.
Similarly, we would be very happy to liaise with your contractors if they are a handling the conservatory element as part of a larger project. Our aim is to proceed with the design process as smoothly as possible and to make sure that all requirements are met.
FROM DRAWINGS TO BUILD
When you are finally happy with the proposed design for the conservatory, then begins the process of getting Planning Permission and the various approvals required in order to build your structure (see separate section). Once all approvals are obtained, your project moves through to our technical department where a dedicated technician is assigned to your project.
We will then work closely with the project technician to achieve the next stage which is to have a full set of detailed working drawings.
This process is initiated with another site meeting and a full technical survey of your site. Due to the complexity of this stage we like to advise that ample time is given to cover essential detail and allow any un-answered questions to be addressed. Your builder and/or architects will be included at this stage to make sure all parties are fully aware of each other’s involvement. Completed working drawings are then passed to the same parties for approval and when everyone is satisfied the project goes for manufacture.
In thoroughness and readiness for your conservatory project installation, any preparatory work required is covered by Vale issuing dedicated packs for your builder, electrician and decorator. These include detailed working drawings necessary to carry out the base-works and other elements required for the project to be completed. We can offer advice and guidance on any areas which you feel in need of assistance.
PLANNING PERMISSIONS AND OTHER APPROVALS
Most projects that we get involved with on the island are of a size or detail that means they will require either Planning Permission, Consents for buildings of historical importance, Permitted Development rights, or other approvals.
In the Channel Islands, all applications have to be made by a resident of the Islands. We can take over the full responsibility of all design related permissions on your behalf.
Vale produce all of the relevant drawings to assist in this process and should the need arise for alterations, our designer will liaise with the architects and/or the case officer assigned to the project.
As mentioned previously, we have been designing for projects in Jersey now for over 20 years and have an excellent reputation with the authorities in designing and building our structures on the island. With that in mind, we run into very few problems with our submissions.
BYE-LAW APPROVALS
In order to comply with local Building Regulation requirements, detailed plans must be produced and submitted with each and every application. This needs to be supported with structural calculations and a full viability report. Depending on the nature and complexity of the project, either your building contractor or architect will need to carry this out. Vale can provide you with all necessary drawings and structural calculations that are required.
Once all drawings are completed, your project moves to our Production and Site Office which is your new point of contact. Detailed cutting sheets and lists are produced for every element of your project which is then produced to exacting standards by each department within Vale.
All the main components of our conservatories and orangeries are brought together in our dedicated pre-installation area for assembly. All areas of metalwork and joinery are checked for accuracy, functionality and aesthetics. The structure is then dismantled in the knowledge that when it gets to site, the installation will run smoothly having ironed out any issues prior to coming to your home.
We use a variety of different means of transporting your project to your home, dependant on the size of project and ease of access to site. All is carefully coordinated by our transport team. All components for your conservatory or orangery are then carefully packed and loaded on either our own vehicles, or Jersey specific freight vehicles ready for shipping.
INSTALLING ON SITE AND LEADWORK
The installation of our structures is carried out by time served skilled joiners. Each installation is overseen by a designated Project Manager who will talk you through the installation process and who will keep you fully informed of all the stages of the build. He will help advise on and help coordinate when the various different trades people need to get involved to help with the completion of your new room.
Lead work is a very important part of the installation process and Vale carry this out to exceptional standards, sealing and securing your conservatory to your house.
Lead-workers prepare the lead for the dressing of your conservatory using traditional and time-served methods of working. The majority of lead used for the ridge, hip and valleys is prepared in advance at Vale’s workshops and then sent to site towards the latter stages of installation. We apply various types of flashings at your house dependant on what your house is built of and are very used to working with tying into large granite quoins typical in Jersey.
Vale is fully conversant with LSA (Lead Sheet Association) codes of practice.
All Vale conservatories are covered by our guarantee and you are provided with advice on how to care for your new room.
Records are kept for all aspects of your project should we need to refer to them. All glazing measurements are recorded indefinitely so replacement units can be supplied without delay in the event they sustain damage.
Vale is regularly on the island working on projects so should you need to discuss or have a representative visit you, this can be achieved without too much delay.
