The scale, form and massing of the property was carefully designed to fit comfortably within the surrounding context. A 3D computer model was used to develop the design and this was submitted with the planning application allowing a fast planning approval with limited Conditions. The new design is rectangular in plan with a 2m wide circulation area and lightwell positioned along the central axis, providing long vistas right through the property on every floor, ensuring a visual connection to the front and rear outside spaces at all times. Projecting bay windows provide window seats at ground floor. The roof is slate with a proprietary render system protecting the walls. To ensure privacy, vertical cedar cladding sections will be fitted 1m forward of the front entrance, creating a ‘veil’ that will allow daylight to entire whilst minimising views directly into the home from the street.

Left: front view from street. Right: rear garden view.

This image shows a slice through the main double height entrance hallway and circulation areas in the property. Instead of a traditional chimney in the roof a skylight delivers natural daylight right down into the centre of the home. The site slopes down towards the rear with a change in level of about 1.6m. This informed the design and, by providing split levels at the rear, an additional floor has been provided for the master bedroom suite without needing to raise the main roof line above the existing house roof line, which could have been a reason for planning refusal.

This view shows the three levels at the rear of the property. The central circulation and daylighting zone are expressed and an additional skylight is provided on this axis for the open-plan kitchen area at ground floor. Timber cladding to match the front elevation wraps around the large sliding door system to provide a soft, natural and durable finish.

Further cut sections of the house showing the stepped floor levels and feature staircase. The staircase has been designed in folded steel with timber open treads and glass handrails to allow views through the staircase from both ends of the house.

Proposed ground floor plan.

Split first and second floor plans.

Proposed elevations drawn for the planning application.

Detailed section drawing issued for construction purposes.

Detailed section drawings issued for construction purposes. Left: section through front double-height hallway. Right: section through main skylight and landing.

Detailed construction drawing.

Detailed construction drawing.

Detailed construction drawing.