A'Bear & Ball Architects | RIBA Chartered Architects

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Not a bad office view... As work continues on the new Redgrave & Pinsent Rowing Centre, the future office accommodation is already offering a glimpse of what users can look forward to once the project is complete. Overlooking the lake and rowin
Not a bad office view... As work continues on the new Redgrave & Pinsent Rowing Centre, the future office accommodation is already offering a glimpse of what users can look forward to once the project is complete. Overlooking the lake and rowing course, these spaces will provide coaches, staff and visitors with a unique vantage point across this important sporting venue. It's always rewarding to see a building begin to reveal not just its form, but the experience it will offer to those who use it. We're looking forward to seeing the project continue to take shape. hashtag#Architecture hashtag#Rowing hashtag#ConstructionProgress hashtag#ProjectUpdate hashtag#RedgraveAndPinsent hashtag#BuildingDesign hashtag#ABearAndBall
10 Years of A'Bear & Ball: Looking Forward Reaching a 10-year milestone inevitably prompts reflection, but it also raises an important question: What happens next? For Rob and Damon, the answer lies in continuing to evolve. Rob sees a slightly
10 Years of A'Bear & Ball: Looking Forward Reaching a 10-year milestone inevitably prompts reflection, but it also raises an important question: What happens next? For Rob and Damon, the answer lies in continuing to evolve. Rob sees a slightly different model with less reliance on the more traditional services, "I can see more collaboration projects in the future, with opportunities to bring people together." Damon, sees more continued growth, saying, "I'd like to see the practice continue to grow to maybe 15–20 people." Both partners are fascinated by how technology may influence the profession, especially how AI is impacting the role of the architect. While much has changed since 2016, the things that matter most haven't. As Damon puts it, the measure of success is still seeing how much clients enjoy the buildings that have been created for them and how happy they are with your service. The next decade may bring new challenges, new technologies and new opportunities, but the ambition remains the same: to create great places and work with great people. Here's to the next 10 years. 🥂 hashtag#10YearsOfAandB hashtag#Architecture hashtag#Architects hashtag#FutureOfArchitecture hashtag#StudioLife hashtag#PracticeMilestone
Halloween Special: Who's in the Roof? Before work starts on an older building, there's sometimes an important question to answer: Who else might be living there? 🦇 Bats are a protected species and can often be found roosting in barns, roof spaces
Halloween Special: Who's in the Roof? Before work starts on an older building, there's sometimes an important question to answer: Who else might be living there? 🦇 Bats are a protected species and can often be found roosting in barns, roof spaces and older buildings. Their presence doesn't necessarily prevent development, but it can influence how and when work is carried out. That's why ecological surveys are an important part of many projects, helping to ensure developments can proceed while protecting local wildlife. At A'Bear & Ball, we work alongside specialist ecologists to help clients identify potential constraints early and keep projects moving smoothly. Sometimes the most important site occupants are the ones you never see. 🦇🎃 #Halloween #Architecture #BatSurvey #ProtectedSpecies #EcologyMatters #Biodiversity #SustainableDesign #PlanningPermission #WildlifeConservation #abearandball
A bold self-build that combines dramatic forms, timber-frame construction and low-energy design. Featured on Grand Designs: The Streets, this is architecture tailored entirely to its owner's lifestyle and aspirations. Swipe to explore → #ABea
A bold self-build that combines dramatic forms, timber-frame construction and low-energy design. Featured on Grand Designs: The Streets, this is architecture tailored entirely to its owner's lifestyle and aspirations. Swipe to explore → #ABearAndBall #GrandDesigns #SelfBuild #Architecture #Architects #GravenHill #TimberFrame #ContemporaryHome #AwardWinningDesign #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #ModernArchitecture
A Passivhaus-certified home that demonstrates how contemporary architecture and sustainability can work hand in hand. Natural materials, thoughtful detailing and exceptional energy performance create a home that sits comfortably within its countrysi
A Passivhaus-certified home that demonstrates how contemporary architecture and sustainability can work hand in hand. Natural materials, thoughtful detailing and exceptional energy performance create a home that sits comfortably within its countryside setting. #ABearAndBall #Architecture #Passivhaus #SelfBuild #SustainableDesign #ZincRoof #Architects #ResidentialArchitecture #LowEnergyHome #ContemporaryArchitecture #HomeDesign #EcoHome
A significantly remodelled home centred around light, openness and simplicity. The double-height entrance hall, oak staircase and glazed balustrades create a bright and welcoming interior, while timber cladding and crisp rendered elevations give the
A significantly remodelled home centred around light, openness and simplicity. The double-height entrance hall, oak staircase and glazed balustrades create a bright and welcoming interior, while timber cladding and crisp rendered elevations give the house a contemporary character. A project where thoughtful design and attention to detail come together to create a home that is both practical and uplifting. Swipe to explore → #ABearAndBall #Architecture #ContemporaryHome #ResidentialDesign #Architects #HomeDesign #HouseDesign #InteriorArchitecture #TimberCladding #ModernLiving #ContemporaryArchitecture
Unlocking Potential with Class Q The conversion of agricultural buildings to residential use can often be achieved under Class Q Permitted Development, without the need for full planning permission. While the criteria can sometimes limit the final
Unlocking Potential with Class Q The conversion of agricultural buildings to residential use can often be achieved under Class Q Permitted Development, without the need for full planning permission. While the criteria can sometimes limit the final design and appearance of a building, Class Q can also provide a valuable starting point. We've successfully used Class Q as a strategic fallback position to secure full planning permission for more ambitious residential schemes, delivering higher-quality architecture, improved environmental performance and reduced visual impact on the countryside. A great example of how thoughtful planning can help unlock opportunities that may not appear possible at first glance. #ABearAndBall #Architecture #ClassQ #BarnConversion #PlanningPermission #ResidentialDesign #Architects #RuralArchitecture #HousingDesign #CountrysideLiving #ArchitecturalDesign 🏡🌿
Award-winning design at Graven Hill. This contemporary self-build combines timber-frame construction, excellent energy performance and flexible spaces designed for modern family life. Swipe to explore → #ABearAndBall #Architecture #SelfBuild
Award-winning design at Graven Hill. This contemporary self-build combines timber-frame construction, excellent energy performance and flexible spaces designed for modern family life. Swipe to explore → #ABearAndBall #Architecture #SelfBuild #TimberFrame #LowEnergyHome #Passivhaus #GravenHill #Architects #BuildItAwards #SustainableDesign #HomeDesign #ModernLiving #SelfBuildJourney
Kingsgrove Community Hub – Progress on Site Great to be back on site at the Kingsgrove Community Hub in Wantage and see the continued progress being made. ✅ Windows and external glazed screens installed ✅ Acoustic sound boarding commenced ✅ R
Kingsgrove Community Hub – Progress on Site Great to be back on site at the Kingsgrove Community Hub in Wantage and see the continued progress being made. ✅ Windows and external glazed screens installed ✅ Acoustic sound boarding commenced ✅ Roof purlins battened out ready for the suspended ceiling support system ✅ Roof coverings completed to flat roof decks and parapets With the building envelope becoming increasingly enclosed and internal works gaining momentum, the scale of the Hub is becoming ever more apparent. The feature spiral staircase is now installed and is already establishing itself as a striking focal point within the building. A huge thank you to Barry and the team at Edgar Taylor Construction for hosting the visit and for the excellent bacon and sausage rolls! 🥓 #CommunityHub #Kingsgrove #ConstructionProgress #ProjectUpdate #Architecture #CommunityBuildings #Wantage #EdgarTaylorConstruction #ABearAndBall 🏗️📐
A contemporary family home designed to maximise light, views and energy efficiency. Carefully detailed timber cladding, vaulted spaces and large areas of glazing create a calm, light-filled home that feels connected to its surroundings. #ABearAndBa
A contemporary family home designed to maximise light, views and energy efficiency. Carefully detailed timber cladding, vaulted spaces and large areas of glazing create a calm, light-filled home that feels connected to its surroundings. #ABearAndBall #Architecture #ContemporaryArchitecture #TimberCladding #ResidentialDesign #Architects #ModernHome #HomeDesign #SustainableDesign #BerkshireArchitecture #ArchitecturalDesign #DreamHome
Two contemporary hillside homes designed to capture stunning countryside views. Combining innovative construction, low-energy design and careful site integration, these homes demonstrate how sustainability and contemporary architecture can work toget
Two contemporary hillside homes designed to capture stunning countryside views. Combining innovative construction, low-energy design and careful site integration, these homes demonstrate how sustainability and contemporary architecture can work together. Swipe to explore → #ABearAndBall #Architecture #LowEnergyHome #ContemporaryArchitecture #Architects #SustainableDesign #Wiltshire #ResidentialArchitecture #ModernHome #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDesign
🎉 10 Years of A'Bear & Ball Architects! From two founders working from a garden office to a growing team delivering projects across the residential, community, commercial and education sectors. Swipe through to see some of the milestones from
🎉 10 Years of A'Bear & Ball Architects! From two founders working from a garden office to a growing team delivering projects across the residential, community, commercial and education sectors. Swipe through to see some of the milestones from our first 10 years. Thank you to all our clients, consultants, contractors and colleagues who have been part of the journey. Here's to the next 10 years. 🥂 #10YearsOfAandB #Architecture #Architects #PracticeMilestone
Not a bad office view... As work continues on the new Redgrave & Pinsent Rowing Centre, the future office accommodation is already offering a glimpse of what users can look forward to once the project is complete. Overlooking the lake and rowin 10 Years of A'Bear & Ball: Looking Forward Reaching a 10-year milestone inevitably prompts reflection, but it also raises an important question: What happens next? For Rob and Damon, the answer lies in continuing to evolve. Rob sees a slightly Halloween Special: Who's in the Roof? Before work starts on an older building, there's sometimes an important question to answer: Who else might be living there? 🦇 Bats are a protected species and can often be found roosting in barns, roof spaces A bold self-build that combines dramatic forms, timber-frame construction and low-energy design. Featured on Grand Designs: The Streets, this is architecture tailored entirely to its owner's lifestyle and aspirations. Swipe to explore → #ABea A Passivhaus-certified home that demonstrates how contemporary architecture and sustainability can work hand in hand. Natural materials, thoughtful detailing and exceptional energy performance create a home that sits comfortably within its countrysi A significantly remodelled home centred around light, openness and simplicity. The double-height entrance hall, oak staircase and glazed balustrades create a bright and welcoming interior, while timber cladding and crisp rendered elevations give the Unlocking Potential with Class Q The conversion of agricultural buildings to residential use can often be achieved under Class Q Permitted Development, without the need for full planning permission. While the criteria can sometimes limit the final Award-winning design at Graven Hill. This contemporary self-build combines timber-frame construction, excellent energy performance and flexible spaces designed for modern family life. Swipe to explore → #ABearAndBall #Architecture #SelfBuild Kingsgrove Community Hub – Progress on Site Great to be back on site at the Kingsgrove Community Hub in Wantage and see the continued progress being made. ✅ Windows and external glazed screens installed ✅ Acoustic sound boarding commenced ✅ R A contemporary family home designed to maximise light, views and energy efficiency. Carefully detailed timber cladding, vaulted spaces and large areas of glazing create a calm, light-filled home that feels connected to its surroundings. #ABearAndBa Two contemporary hillside homes designed to capture stunning countryside views. Combining innovative construction, low-energy design and careful site integration, these homes demonstrate how sustainability and contemporary architecture can work toget 🎉 10 Years of A'Bear & Ball Architects! From two founders working from a garden office to a growing team delivering projects across the residential, community, commercial and education sectors. Swipe through to see some of the milestones from
Featured
10th Anniversary Celebration
10th Anniversary Celebration

A’Bear & Ball Architects celebrate their 10th Anniversary in London

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Celebrating 750th Anniversary of Livery Company
Celebrating 750th Anniversary of Livery Company

Stephen Simkins was delighted to be invited to the 750th Anniversary Banquet of the The Worshipful Company of Paviors at the Mansion House in central London

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Award-winning Tun House
Award-winning Tun House

A'Bear & Ball Architects has won another award - the Architecture Single Residence Award for Oxfordshire for Tun House at the UK Property Awards.

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Award Winner!
modern architecture
Award Winner!
modern architecture

We're delighted to share that Combe Barn has been named the Regional Winner for the West of England in the Best Conversion to a Single New Home category at the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2026.

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modern architecture
A'Bear and Ball Architects and Stroma Building Control team up
A'Bear and Ball Architects and Stroma Building Control team up

A'Bear & Ball Architects LLP and Stroma Building Control are holding a CPD on the Building Regulations procedures relating to contractor responsibilities.

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Another busy year at A'Bear and Ball Architects LLP
Another busy year at A'Bear and Ball Architects LLP

Throughout last year, the Practice worked on a number of exciting projects, including designing numerous self-build homes, barn conversions, residential developments and school buildings.

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Progress on recent architecture projects at A’Bear and Ball Architects
Progress on recent architecture projects at A’Bear and Ball Architects

A’Bear and Ball Architects LLP has been working on a range of projects in recent months. Here are a few schemes that show the variety of architecture projects that are currently in progress at the Practice.

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Plot 154 project in Graven Hill shortlisted at Building Innovation Awards
Plot 154 project in Graven Hill shortlisted at Building Innovation Awards

A’Bear & Ball Architects LLP has been shortlisted for the Best Use of Timber on a Construction Project at the 2023 Building Innovation Awards for our work on Plot 154 in Graven Hill.

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Looking back on a busy summer at A'Bear and Ball Architects
Looking back on a busy summer at A'Bear and Ball Architects

It’s been another eventful few months at A’Bear & Ball Architects LLP! While designing and bringing forward a range of projects, we also took part in a number of events over the summer months.

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Whitehouse Farm project shortlisted at Building Awards
Whitehouse Farm project shortlisted at Building Awards

A project designed and delivered by A’Bear & Ball Architects LLP has been selected as a finalist in the Small Project of the Year (up to £5m) category at the 2023 Building Awards! 

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Planning permission secured for contemporary and low energy homes
Planning permission secured for contemporary and low energy homes

A’Bear & Ball Architects LLP has been the lead architect for a range of contemporary and low energy homes that recently received planning permission.

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Recent site visits to a range of our in-progress projects
Recent site visits to a range of our in-progress projects

At A’Bear and Ball Architects LLP, our team continues to be extremely busy delivering high-quality projects on site for a range of our clients! Recently, we have made a lot of site visits to a number of our projects that are currently under construction.

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A’Bear and Ball Architects shortlisted for two OxPropFest Awards
A’Bear and Ball Architects shortlisted for two OxPropFest Awards

A’Bear & Ball Architects LLP has been shortlisted for Best Architect of the Year at the 2023 OxPropFest Awards! Our project Whitehouse Farm in Wantage, Oxfordshire was also shortlisted for Residential Development of the Year – Small Scheme.

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Co-founder Rob cycled the iconic LEJOG in support of a local charity
Co-founder Rob cycled the iconic LEJOG in support of a local charity

Our co-founder Rob completed a self-funded cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 10 days and rode in support of Helen & Douglas House, a children’s hospice charity based in Oxford.

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Looking back on an exciting spring at A’Bear and Ball Architects
Looking back on an exciting spring at A’Bear and Ball Architects

It’s been an eventful couple of months at A’Bear & Ball Architects LLP! At the beginning of April, we celebrated our office anniversary, and later that month our team visited a contemporary glazing manufacturer. And then in May, our employee Duncan passed his Part 3 Examination!

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