Initial research showed there was an under provision of smaller well-designed dwellings in the area. This type of house might appeal to younger couples, perhaps moving from a larger town or city in a search for more room and outdoor space. Equally a smaller well-designed and well-appointed house might also suit an older couple or individual looking to downsize from a larger property, and perhaps already living locally.
                     Our design proposal is for seven new houses, using familiar typologies, grouped as a short terrace of three houses and two pairs of semi-detached houses. The proposals also extend and remodel the existing semi-detached cottage as a three bedroom family house.
                     The setting of the houses retains the best attributes of the existing land; enhanced by additional native planting, to provide biodiversity gains across the site. New native trees will be planted, particularly at the perimeter, to replace non-native garden species.

                     An entrance from the lane leads to a new communal court, with the stream running to one side and a small land bridge forming a crossing point. The banks of the existing stream will be planted with waterside species, and a landscape buffer to the west of the site planted with fruit bearing trees. A small clearing provides a sanctuary for wild flowers; extending to an area that forms a migration corridor from the woodland for small animal and reptile species.
                     The threshold between the communal court and private gardens is formed by mid-height brick walls, with a translucent mineral paint finish, clay tile copings and timber gates.  The walls are separated by timber clad garden / cycle stores, with standing-seam metal roofs. A post and rail fence and hedge provides an informal boundary between gardens. The south-facing gardens lead to the front door of each house.

                     The vernacular forms of many of the local houses provides a precedent for the scale and materials of the proposed houses. The existing cottage is roofed in traditional clay tiles, and the upper storey tile hung with decorative clay peg tiles above painted brick. The use of clay tiles and tile hanging is typical of the area. It was particularly prevalent in late 19th and early 20th century domestic architecture - often combined with low eaves and prominent roof forms.
                     Clay tile hanging, brick and timber form part of a simple materials palette for the new houses that to compliment materials seen in the locality. A gabled form with low eaves line echoes the local domestic vernacular, and some of the Arts and Crafts houses that are synonymous with the area.

                     Each house has a similar plan; a living room overlooks the garden, with kitchen / dining room leading to a smaller rear courtyard. A stair to the upper landing is lit by a rooflight, and glazed internal panels maximise daylight to rooms. The two bedrooms are also top-lit, taking advantage of the full volume of the roof.
                     A fabric first approach to the houses includes very high levels of thermal insulation and high performance glazing, to minimise energy demand and CO₂ emissions. Heating and hot water is provided by high efficiency air-source heat pumps, and roof mounted photovoltaic cells will provide renewable energy. Natural ventilation is supplemented by mechanical ventilation and heat recovery, ensuring good ventilation with minimal heat loss. Water usage will be reduced through the use of water efficient fittings, and rainwater harvested for landscape irrigation.