Project Brief

The brief was put forward to optimise usage of an area of brownfield waste land to the rear of the existing Post Office. A feasibility study indicated that it was possible to construct four low cost terrace houses on the site, with individual south facing gardens.

To achieve the number of houses on the site it was also necessary to rationalise the rear of the Post Office, providing a new storage area at ground floor level, and deck access and balcony-garden space to the flats above.

Project Design Description

The client was specific with regard the appearance of the proposed development, preferring that the houses should blend into the surrounding area, in appearance and in use of materials; the planners agreed. Given the necessary constraints of a very challenging budget and the site, it was essential that the design rationale of the plan to the terrace houses demonstrated an imaginative solution for both the floor area and volume of the proposed buildings. Large floor to ceiling windows and inclusive use of the roof space at first floor gave each room a sense of volume, whilst the solid stone-faced walls provide a traditional appearance. A design rationale for the plans of the terrace house has enabled each unit to successfully achieve comfortable, large, well-proportioned rooms, looking over private gardens.

The courtyard to the front of the terrace houses for parking and access was achieved by rationalising the rear of the shop with a high sheer wall angled of parallel to the rear of the Post Office. This demarcates the rear of the shop, provides access and private outdoor balconies to the existing flats above and addresses the courtyard to provide context for the new houses.

The terrace, set in the new courtyard was well received by the local community and the properties sold prior to completion and are a step in the right direction for this forward looking village.

Project type/ Sector

• Housing /Low Cost Terraced Housing:- New Build

Client

• Private Client

Key Dates

• Instruction to provide professional services - April 2002
• Planning Application Submission - July 2002
• Planning Consent Granted - October 2002
• Contract Commencement - March 2003
• Practical Completion - October 2003

Contract Value and Duration

• Band £250,000 - £500,000
• Eight Months

Project Team

• Nick Shipp Architects - Architect (NSA)
• Adrian Brown Associates - Structural Engineers (ABA)
• Heritage Restoration - Main Contractors (HR)
• T Ward Whitfield & Son - Planning Supervisor
• J Rozputynski - Quantity Surveyor