Challenge
The existing home was inefficient and uncomfortable and didn't relate well to the street or neighbouring houses. So, our challenge was to replace it with two homes that would work well with the sloping terrain, respecting the distinctive, locally listed buildings nearby, without resorting to a pastiche design.
Approach
To manage the slope and prevent the pair of houses from appearing too bulky, we incorporated large bays at the front and dormers at the back, creating airy, light-filled rooms. We also opted for varying brick colours and tall windows in the flank setbacks, which also helped reduce the perceived size. The last touch was the long, sloping roof, which paid homage to the neighbourhood's character without copying it.
Solution
The final design replaced one mediocre house with two comfortable, spacious homes that thoughtfully used space, light, and materials to create a balanced yet distinctive aesthetic. In the end, the council granted planning permission, recognising the project's success in efficiently using land while enhancing the area's character.