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a contemporary thatch
Feasibility study & concept design for a new countryside house
The client identified a potential self-build plot in the countryside and instructed BDA to carry out a feasibility study and produce a concept design for a potential 'para 80' new house. 'Para 80' is national planning policy which allows a new house to be built in the countryside if it satisfies the test of being both isolated and of exceptional design quality.
feasibility study
A site appraisal was carried out and we identified multiple constraints and opportunities:
Constraints
The site includes a section of chalk stream which is ecologically extremely sensitive and heavily protected. A construction exclusion zone would have to be implemented and adhered to.
The implementation of a construction exclusion zone results in a narrow site.
The site is relatively close to two existing dwellings and demonstrating 'isolated' would be required.
The site lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the visual impact of a scheme would have to be assessed.
Being close to the stream, any flood risk would have to be identified.
An ecology survey would be required to determine the ecological value of the site.
Access rights from the highway would have to be determined.
Availability of services would inform the mechanical and electrical design.
Opportunities
Satisfy planning policy and the local community by proposing a modest sized new dwelling of exceptional design quality.
Clearance and conservation of the currently neglected and unmaintained stretch of chalk stream. Ongoing conservation of the stretch of stream would improve the health of both the down and up stream natural habitats.
The provision and conservation of a biodiversity buffer between the stream and any built form or formal landscaping.
Enhance the setting within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a quality design.
Improve the biodiversity of the site through quality landscape design and careful selection of plant species.
The use of traditional construction techniques to reflect the local vernacular.
The use of energy efficient construction and systems to minimise the impact on the environment.
Include a 'work' element so the client can run their business from home and support the rural economy.
Opportunity: improved biodiversity
Opportunity: chalk stream conservation
Opportunity: conservation of natural habitats
Longbrook House
Concept Design
A context study was carried out to determine the character, history and vernacular of the local area; the following were quickly identified:
The character of the site is heavily influenced by the overgrown wooded stream and adjacent arable farm land and converted farm buildings.
Historic maps show an old mill on the adjacent land but no buildings on the plot itself.
History of the wider area dates back to the iron ages and the site is in close proximity to an iron age fort.
The stream was used extensively for milling and watercress farming.
Local vernacular is mixed but the historic character is of timber frame and thatch construction with agricultural influences.
Being in the valley, the site is clearly visible from the nearby elevated public rights of way to the south and north. The design solution would have to minimise the impact on these distant views.
Taking into account the constraints, opportunities and context, we proposed a contemporary interpretation of a thatched timber frame iron age house.
The proposal was for the north and west elevations (facing the road) to present as a timber clad thatched barn whilst the south and east elevations would bring the outside in with extensive glazing overlooking the stream and the fields beyond. The large amounts of glazing would also allow high levels of solar gain in the winter. Over heating in the summer was overcome by providing passive ventilation via a glazed ridge and including large overhangs at the eaves for solar shading.
The overall intention was to create the impactful, private and soulful internal space of a longhouse in which to enjoy the natural setting of the chalk stream. This was achieved by using a conicle shaped built form which opens up the internal volume from the 'sleeping zone' towards the full height top lit 'living zone' with a fire place at its heart. The floor plan of the conicle shape creates a large sweeping roof which, along with thatched external walls, would define the appearance of the proposed scheme.
The proposed site layout provides a 10m ecology buffer between the house and the bank of the stream, which would be landscaped with a diverse mix of native plant species to encourage biodiversity. The existing hedgerow along the road would be managed/enhanced to improve its health and the garden to the east of the house would be reserved for formal landscaping.
In summary, by proposing a modest house which would nestle into the landscape whilst showcasing traditional construction techniques, the architectural design and landscaping strategy present an opportunity to build a contemporary scheme of excellence.
Project Status: land purchase and planning application pending.
Proposed Site Plan
Proposed Floor Plan
Example of Iron Age House
Example of Contemporary Thatch Detailing
Part East Elevation
Section Through Open Plan Living Area
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