Picture: (l-r) Vic Johnson and Matt Spinks (both Johnson Design Partnership)

Rural areas in the West Midlands are fast becoming hotspots for the next generation of 'grand designs' it was predicted today by one of the region's leading architects.

Vic Johnson, Managing Director of Bridgnorth-based Johnson Design Partnership (JDP), believes its rich mix of countryside and close proximity to commercial centres is proving a magnet to homeowners looking to create the house of their dreams.

He also singled out to the abundance of skilled craftsmen locally, available land and a growing desire to tap into the tax advantages of building your own property as key drivers, with the latter's VAT free status potentially saving tens of thousands of pounds in costs.

JDP, which employs six people at its Station Lane head office, has been at the heart of this trend after its first appearance at the Grand Designs show reaped several new projects.

It builds on the recent completion of 'West Midlands House' in Norton, which has seen the company design a large extension to the rear of 1950's family home that involved underfloor heating, open plan kitchen and dining area and bedroom terrace balcony.

"We are known for our creative design solutions to projects, but even by our standards the demand for 'grand designs' in the past twelve months has almost trebled," explained Vic, who started the business ten years ago.

"Currently, we've probably got about £2m of contracts either underway or in the development process.

"These include a stunning two-bedroom house built into the side of a cliff in the historic part of Bridgnorth and 'Genval', which will see us transform a rundown 1950s bungalow into a fully accessible home with new environmental technologies that will reduce energy and running costs long term."

He continued: "People are now inspired to create their own properties and rural West Midlands is ideally placed to benefit. Its large open spaces provide plentiful land opportunities and being able to live in the countryside yet within easy reach of the centres is proving a big draw with business leaders and retired professionals. We've even had people relocating here from Bermuda.

"Another advantage is that the region has a proven track record for delivering 'grand designs' so there is no need to bring in expensive architects from Manchester or London."

2011 marks the tenth birthday of the Johnson Design Partnership, with the company evolving from a one-man operation into one of Shropshire's leading architect practices, employing six qualified staff.

The award-winning company's belief in respecting people, materials and surroundings has seen it develop an enviable client base in the fields of education, commercial, industrial and regeneration.

Its attention to detail and cutting edge designs have also spread globally, most prominently in the shape of the 'Foyer', a homeless training centre, in the heart of New York.

This is arguably one of its boldest designs ever and incorporates a host of green technologies, such as harvesting grey water, solar panels and rooftop wind turbines.

"As a practice we are committed to providing the most sustainable projects possible so they are as sensitive to the environment as they are landmark to the owner," continued Matt Spinks, Director at JDP.

"This is reflected in the 'Copper Two Eco House' at Acton Burnell, probably our most exciting 'grand designs' project to date. Originally, the site had permission for 2 'noddy style' detached houses, with separate double garages, but the land owner wanted to do a one-off grand design house."

He continued: "After months of negotiations, permission was granted and we were tasked with coming up with something completely different that offered numerous eco benefits. 

"The result, which will take about eight months to build, is a 4/5 bedroom house with unique features including a copper roof for its green credentials and aesthetic value, solar panels, natural stone facade and a timber/steel frame."

Johnson Design Partnership, which is ISO9000:2000 and ISO14001 accredited, offers a complete project management service from feasibility work and planning to detail design, project monitoring and contract administration. 

In addition to its grand designs work, the practice has also recently won a major contract with the Royal Free Hospital in London as part of a new drive to bring its design solutions to the healthcare market.