HERITAGE, DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT · 2020. 7. 20. · HERITAGE, DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT Ash Tree Farm – Proposed Annex Westbury-Sub- Mendip March 2019 Revision: (a) 19/03/2019
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HERITAGE, DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
Ash Tree Farm – Proposed Annex
Westbury-Sub- Mendip
March 2019 Revision: (a) 19/03/2019 – First Draft
(b) 09/04/2019 – Planning Issue
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS 2
1 INTRODUCTION 3
1.1 Purpose of this document 3
1.2 Project Brief 3
2 CONTEXT 4
2.1 Site Location 4
2.2 Site Description 5
SITE PHOTOS 8
2.3 EARLY HISTORY 9
2.4 PLANNING HISTORY 10
2.5 ARCHITECTURAL APPRAISAL: 11
2.5.1 Farm House 11
2.5.2 Barn A 12
2.5.3 Barn B 12
2.5.4 Barn C 13
2.5.5 Barn D 13
2.5.6 Topography 14
SITE MODEL : VIEWS/ANIMATION 15
2.5.7 Character appraisal summary 16
2.6 PRE-APPLICATION 17
18
PRE-APPLICATION: SECTIONS 18
3 DESIGN PROPOSALS 19
3.1 Design Objectives: 19
3.2 Outline Design 19
3.2.1 Potential re-use/adaptation: 19
FARM HOUSE PLANS: LEVEL CHANGES 21
3.2.2 Barn D - Adaptability 24
3.2.3 Development area: 25
3.3 Developed Design 26
3.3.1 Height Massing 26
3.3.2 Proposed Accommodation 26
3.3.3 Form and Articulation 27
VISUALISATION: STRUCTURAL GLASS LINK 28
3.4 Design Features 29
3.4.1 Material and Components 29
MATERIALS: EXISTING AND PROPOSED 30
VISUALISATION:32
VISUALISATION:33
4 SUSTAINABILITY 34
5 Summary 35
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose of this document
This Design and Access Statement is provided as supplementary
information in support of a full planning and listed building consent
application to Mendip District Council for a new annexe to the rear of an
existing Grade II listed farm house at Ashtree Farm, Westbury-sub-Mendip.
The statement describes the approach that has been adopted to ensure
the design addresses the contextual sensitivities of the site and complies
with local planning policy guidance.
1.2 Project Brief
Smith Maloney Architects Limited were appointed in September 2018 to
prepare design proposals for a new annex to the rear of the main farm
house at Ash Tree farm, Westbury-Sub-Mendip. The purpose of the annex
is as follows:
a) Medium term:
To provide separate and accessible living quarters for visiting
guests, elderly relatives and extended family in the short to medium
turn.
b) Long Term:
To create accessible and adaptable ancillary accommodation to
house Mr and Mrs Jones (the clients) as they grow older, whilst their
one of their daughters take occupation of, and assume
responsibility for the maintenance of the main grade II listed farm
house.
The clients have also stipulated that the annex should be an exemplar of
sustainable design and should aim to minimise the life cycle impact of
the new accommodation and the ongoing environmental impact of the
farm house.
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2 CONTEXT
2.1 Site Location
The site is within the village of Westbury Sub Mendip, located 4 miles from
Cheddar to the north-west and the City of Wells to the south-west. It is
situated on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, designated an area of
outstanding natural beauty. Ash Tree farm is located towards the north
end of the village on the east side of Old Ditch Lane, which connects the
upper and lower part of the village. The site lies to the south of an area
designated as a space of visual interest.
Figure 1 – Local Area Plan
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2.2 Site Description
Ashtree farm is located to the east of Old Ditch road, in the Westbury-sub
Mendip conservation area. An up to date character appraisal of the
area has not been published. However, the area is evidently of special
interest with several listed buildings and heritage assets in the village.
Figure 2 - Site Location
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The farm comprises a large grade II listed farm house, surrounded by a
cluster of smaller barns (A, B, C and D) and out-buildings (see figure 3)
The site is broadly split over 2 levels. The lower level runs along the west
boundary with Old Ditch Lane. At this level the main driveway provides
vehicular access to the garage located in barn B, pedestrian access via
steps to a raised ground floor of Barn C, and direct pedestrian access to
Barn D to the south. A mature tree sits as a central landscaping feature in
the middle of the driveway.
The upper level occupies the east side of the site. It is separated from the
driveway by a retaining wall to the south and landscaped terraces to the
north. This level provides access to the farm house and a longitudinal
informally landscaped garden and outdoor swimming pool to the south.
Dense foliage and mature trees along the south-west, south and south-
eastern boundaries give the garden a sense of enclosure and provide
visual screening between the garden and adjoining residential properties
to the south.
Figure 3 - Site layout
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The eastern boundary with Drapel Lane is defined by a sharp incline from
the garden to the adjacent road. At the north end of the site, adjacent
to the farm house, the incline is retained by a large retaining wall that runs
parallel to the gable end of the building.
The farm house is L-shaped in plan, with the original late C18 building and
longitudinal extension on its north side forming the main leg, and a recent
kitchen extension (application reference – 2010/2738) at its west end
forming the toe.
A colour-washed rubble retaining wall and open timber fence separates
the property from a large expanse of green open land to the north of the
site. The space between the farm house and boundary has raised beds,
currently used as a vegetable patch.
D
B
C
A E
GF
Figure 4 - Site Photo key
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Photo E Photo G
SITE PHOTOS
Photo A Photo B Photo C Photo D
Photo F
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2.3 EARLY HISTORY
Historic maps illustrate how the site has evolved since the middle of the
19th century. The Tithe map from the 1840s shows a residential building on
the site with ancillary buildings attached to its north and west elevations.
Furthermore, there are buildings which are assumed to be in agricultural
use shown to the west, alongside what has become Old Ditch road. This
broadly corresponds to the relative siting of the Farm House, Barn A and
Barn B.
By the time of the first edition of the ordnance survey (c. mid-1880s) the
residential building has been substantially increased in size and its
curtilage altered. The same is shown on the 2nd edition of the Ordnance
from the early 20th century.
Today Ash Tree Farm sits in a far larger domestic curtilage with a range of
ancillary buildings used for incidental residential purposes.
Figure 5 - Tithe Map (1840s) Figure 6 - OS 1st Edition (1844-88) Figure 7- OS 2nd Edition (1984-1903)
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2.4 PLANNING HISTORY
In the last 10 years planning and listed building consent has been granted
for an extension to the existing house, renovations of the barns (A-D) and
installation of the outdoor pool. Barns A to D have been sensitively
restored from a state of dereliction. The completed projects have been
built to a very high standard and demonstrate the client’s commitment
to modern design and traditional craftsmanship. The table below sets out
the main application references and associated projects:
2.5 HERITAGE DESIGNATION
Ash Tree Farm was included on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special
Architectural of Historic Interest as Grade II in January 1987. The listing
provides the following description:
‘Farmhouse. Late C18-early C19. Colourwashed rubble, slate roof, coped
verges, 3 brick stacks. Two storeys and attic, 1:3 bays, 12-pane sash
windows, exposed sash boxes, shallow reveals. Door opening to centre
of right 3 bays, C20 three-quarter glazed door. Two-light metal casement
to left of ground floor. Interior with lias flagstones; remains of bread oven’
There is no reference in the listing to the later outbuildings, stone
boundary walls or other structures within the curtilage. The special interest
of the building lies in the fact it is an early example of its type, albeit much
altered."
Description Application reference
Installation of an outdoor
swimming pool
2017/2908/FUL – 2017/2909/LBC
Proposed erection of Victorian
Style Greenhouse
2017/2846/HSE
Erection and installation of 2 no.
glass verandas
2017/0924/LBC – 2017/0775/HSE
Minor external fenestration
alterations to the Listed Farm
House incl. new external double
door. Retention, refurbishment
and strategic new works to four
existing dilapidated barns to the
bring the buildings back into use
as part of the principle residential
demise, providing a new
home/office, attic store & lobby,
guest bedroom and living
accommodation and an
exercise room, along with minor
external and landscaping works.
2015/0828/FUL - 2015/0829/LBC
A single storey kitchen and porch
extensions including internal
alterations, demolition of external
wc, internal alternations to form
new bathroom and new stone
wall to enclose kitchen garden
2010/2761
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2.6 ARCHITECTURAL APPRAISAL:
2.6.1 Farm House
The farm house is grade II listed and is identified as late C18 to early C19.
It comprises two storeys plus attic and is topped with a double pitched
slate roof with coped verges. The existing walls are built from colour-
washed rubble with 3 no. brick stacks. The front elevation has a formal
aesthetic typical of this era and has large evenly spaced windows with
flattened brick arches over 12 pane timber sash windows. The rear
elevation is less formal in appearance with smaller casement windows at
irregular height and intervals.
The original form of the house has been altered and extended
incrementally. The main changes include a longitudinal lean-to rear
extension, a single storey porch and a single storey pitched roof rear
extension at its east end. The extensions have been designed in a manner
that references the architectural design, material and form of the original
house, including the use of colour-washed rubble walls and slate roofing.
Architectural detail to the older lean-to extension is broadly consistent
with the original house, except for exposed timber lintels over the
windows instead of red brickwork. A change in the quality of the
stonework from new to old at the east and west ends of the building
suggests the extension may date to back to a relatively early period in its
lifespan. This is supported by mid to late 19th century Ordnance survey
data illustrated in section 2.4, above.
The single storey kitchen extension at the west end of the farm house is a
more recent intervention from circa 2010 (application reference
2010/2761). It has been designed to match the main house and is formed
from rubble walls with a double pitched slate roof. Large timber windows
and French doors on the east and west elevation provide access to the
vegetable patch/rear garden and a raised terrace overlooking the
driveway.
Figure 8 - South Elev: Farm Hse Figure 10 – North Elev: Farm Hse Figure 9 - West Elev: Kitchen
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2.6.2 Barn A
Barn A and B are located alongside Old Ditch road in the north east
corner of the site. Barn A is a single storey colour-washed rubble load-
bearing structure with a shallow pitch zinc roof and modern hardwood
windows. An inspection of the planning documents for the barn’s
conversion, dated 2014 (application ref. 2015/0828/FUL &
2015/0829/LBC), indicate that whilst the original internal layout has been
retained, much of the load-bearing structure is new. The plan comprises
a small cinema room separated from a home office by an original thick
load-bearing rubble wall. Lightweight partitions subdivide the office to
incorporate a WC and kitchenette/tea point.
2.6.3 Barn B
Barn B adjoins barn A at its north end. The building is a single storey load-
bearing rubble structure with a hipped red clay tile roof. A review of the
planning documents for the renovation of the barn, dated 2014
(application ref. 2015/0828/FUL & 2015/0829/LBC) reveal that most of the
load-bearing walls, open timber roof structure and tiles were retained.
The Barn is currently used as a double garage and workshop with a new
entrance lobby and stairway providing access to Barn A and attic
storage within the roof space. Externally, the character of the original
barn structure remains largely intact with bespoke treated oak and glass
sliding doors being the only discernible modern intervention.
Figure 12 - East Elev: Barn A Figure 11 - East Elev: Barn B Figure 13 - Door detail: Barn B
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2.6.4 Barn C
Barn C is located adjacent to the main vehicular entrance to the site; to
the south of barns A and B. It is a two-storey structure with load-bearing
colour-washed rubble walls and a red clay tile double pitched roof. The
ground floor has recently been subdivided into a bedroom, study room,
bathroom and entrance lobby. New internal stairs provide access to an
open plan kitchenette and lounge at first floor level. The subdivision of the
ground floor, new staircase, internal linings and were carried out at the
same time as the renovation and extension of barns A and B (application
ref. 2015/0828/FUL & 2015/0829/LBC). Conservation rooflights were
installed as part of the renovation works, as the existing structure has
limited number of small window openings, mainly limited to the ground
floor. A feature brick dovecote is integrated into the top of the east
facing gable end.
2.6.5 Barn D
Barn D is located towards the south end of the site. It is a single storey
colour-washed rubble building with a modern double pitched zinc and
structural glass roof. Extensive bespoke timber-framed glazing and large
bi-parting sliding glass doors on the west elevation provide access onto
a raised timber decking area. A single bespoke timber door on the north
elevation faces the farm house. Existing drawings submitted as part of the
renovation works in 2014 (application ref. 2015/0828/FUL & elevation door
were installed into existing openings. The rubble walls to the north, east
and south elevations were predominantly retained and repointed. A
structural glass roof light separates the main roof from the north facing
gable end, which also incorporates new limestone copings and
decorative limestone cornice details at the eaves
Figure 15 – Barn C Figure 14 – Barn D(L) & Barn C(R) Figure 16 – Zinc Roof: Barn D
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2.6.6 Topography
As noted above the site is broadly split into an upper (east) and lower
(west) level. The lower level has a loose gravel driveway which provides
direct access to barns A-D. The upper level provides access to the farm
house, garden and pool is predominantly soft landscaped. Large rubble
retaining walls and a planted terrace separate the upper and lower
levels of the site.
A mix of mature trees and shrubs occupy the southern and eastern
boundaries of the site. The site slopes up steeply towards Drapel Lane on
the eastern boundary. At the north end, toward the house, the slope is
partially retained by a approx. 2-3m high rubble retaining wall that
extends from the northern boundary of the curtilage to beyond the front
(south elevation) of the farm house.
Figure 19- Retaining walls
beyond east gable end
Figure 18 – Retaining wall to drive & garden Figure 17 – Swimming Pool/Garden
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Figure 20 – view from south west Figure 22 – view from north (click on link so see animation)
Figure 21 – view from north west Figure 23 – view from north east
SITE MODEL : VIEWS/ANIMATION
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2.6.7 Character appraisal summary
Ash tree farm comprises a collection of small-scale residential buildings
within a rural setting. The use of colour-washed rubble for both hard
landscaping features and load-bearing walls ensures that the building
and landscape feel cohesive. Both the historic buildings, renovation work
and modern interventions have a restrained simplicity. Original features
such as brick arches, chimney stacks, exposed timber lintels, a gable end
dovecote (barn C) add moments of visual interest and historic value.
Modern features such as structural glass rooflights, standing seam zinc
roofing, and high-quality joinery enhance the setting and create a subtle
dialogue between new (residential) and old (agricultural) elements.
With regard to the topography and massing; the transition from a less
formal arrangement of multiple small buildings (barns) around a central
space (and mature tree) at the lower level, to a singular larger building
(farm house) that has a formal relationship with the landscape to the
upper level, gives the site its unique character. In our view the aspect of
the site at the point of entry from Old Ditch road is critical and should be
carefully maintained without further substantial alteration or extension of
the buildings.
The L-shaped plan form of the farm house and its proximity to the north
boundary also creates a more intimate external space to the rear of the
house. At present, this space is currently under-utilised and could be
enhanced with careful landscaping to the benefit of the overall setting.
The lack of buildings on the adjoining site to the north suggests that
development in this area of the site could avoid neighbourly issues such
as overlooking, overshadowing and/or loss of amenity. The east
boundary, with Drapel Lane is also largely under-utilised. At the south end,
the presence of mature foliage enhances the setting of the garden and
adds visual and acoustic screening to the adjacent road. At the north
end, however, the foliage thins out and the steep slope of the site makes
ongoing maintenance problematic.
The overriding characteristic is of a series of buildings that carefully
integrate with the surrounding landscape. The extensive use of rubble
walls to the houses, garden and driveway creates visual unity. Modern
additions and alterations, such as the pool, kitchen extension and barn
renovation feel both discreet and modest. Our assessment is that any
future work must follow this approach.
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2.7 PRE-APPLICATION
A pre-application report proposing a new annex to the rear of the farm
house was submitted to Mendip District Council (MDC) planning
department in November 2018. The report explored various options for
the location of the annex as well as site-related constraints and
opportunities.
As part of the pre-application process we met with the local planning
officer on site to discuss the proposals.
Informal pre-application advice was received from MDC on 29/01/2019.
The advice confirmed the following:
• There are no amenity or highway issues.
• That a building that is detached and contemporary would have
‘some merit’
• That alternations to the heritage asset in terms of the setting and
works to the wall would require justification.
The above guidance has been considered in developing the full
application scheme design and in the preparation of this document.
Figure 25 – sunpath diagram Figure 24 – site option A Figure 26 – Site option B
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Figure 27 – Preliminary section (pre-application) Figure 28 – Preliminary section (pre-application)
PRE-APPLICATION: SECTIONS
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3 DESIGN PROPOSALS
3.1 Design Objectives:
As noted in section 1.2 above, the client’s aspiration for the site is to have
a collection of buildings that can accommodate their immediate and
extended family, both now and in the future. Their assessment is that the
addition of a small accessible residential annex will offer the increased
capacity and flexibility they need to remain at the property as they grow
older. The annex will include a double bedroom, bathroom/wc and
open-plan living space, but will remain incidental accommodation to the
main house. Following an appraisal of the context, the following
objectives were agreed:
• To ensure any future design is a sustainable exemplar and has
minimal impact on the environment during construction and in
use.
• To look for opportunities to use the new building to improve the
environmental performance and life cycle impact of the existing
buildings.
• To ensure the design is accessible and adaptable.
• To ensure the design has no harmful impact on the historic
building fabric.
• To ensure that the design represents a genuine enhancement to
the site.
• To avoid unnecessary alterations to existing historic elements.
3.2 Outline Design
3.2.1 Potential re-use/adaptation:
Consideration was given to the possible adaptation of the existing historic
building to fulfil the objects of the design brief as follows:
3.2.1.1 Farm House - adaptability
The farm house is a 4-bedroom property. It comprises the following
accommodation over 2 floors:
FLOOR LEVEL ACCOMMODATION
Ground Floor
Porch
Entrance Lobby
Dining Room
Living Room
Kitchen
Stairwell
Utility Room
WC
First Floor
Bedroom 1
Bedroom 2
Bedroom 3
Bedroom 4
Ensuite
Master Bathroom
Stairwell
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At ground floor level there are three existing level changes between
adjacent rooms. There are two steps (300mm) between the entrance
lobby and the adjacent kitchen, dining room and stairwell. There is a
five-step (1m) level change between the dining room and the lounge.
At first floor level there are existing level changes between the stair
landing and all adjacent rooms, as well as between bedroom 1 and the
ensuite.
Whilst a full accessibility appraisal is beyond the scope of this document,
it is evident that a building of this size with so many level changes would
be unmanageable for elderly or immobile occupants. Whilst it is possible
to rationalise and reduce the number of level changes, the impact on
the historic building fabric would be considerable. This might include,
but would not be limited to the following:
• Raising existing floor levels at ground floor level
• Raising the floor level of the landing, ensuite, store and bathroom
in the lean-to element.
• Raising the roof to the lean-to element to accommodate the
increased floor heights.
• Adjust window head and sill heights to relate to adjusted floor
levels.
• Possible installation of a stair-lift to the main stair.
These changes would require intrusive alterations to the existing
structure and fabric, resulting in potentially significant harm to the
character of the grade II listed farm house.
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Figure 29 - Existing ground floor Figure 30 - Existing first floor
FARM HOUSE PLANS: LEVEL CHANGES
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3.2.1.2 Barn A & B – Adaptability
Barn A is currently in use as an ancillary building to the main house. It
provides facilities that enable the clients to work from home, thus
reducing dependence on their car. The accommodation is restricted
by the spatial arrangement of the plan layout and size of rooms which
are insufficient for a residential annex to serve 2 people. Major
alterations to the existing spine wall would be required to open up the
spaces, but this would result in an unacceptable loss of historic fabric.
Barn B is primarily used as a car maintenance workshop and charging
point for the clients’ classic car and Tesla, respectively.
It is considered that these facilities are essential to rural properties of this
type in order to attract future residents, to facilitate sustainable, remote-
working, reduce commuting and discourage migration to urban
centres. The building would require substantial alteration to make it into
habitable accommodation. For this reason, no further consideration
was given to converting these buildings.
Figure 31 - Barns A&B: ground floor plan
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3.2.1.3 Barn C – Adaptability
Barn C is currently the only guest accommodation for the clients’
extended family and friends when they visit. It is therefore fully utilised and
not the preferred location for an accessible annex. Other factors that
affect the viability of adapting the barn also include:
- The limited number of windows and a lack of outlook and amenity
from the upper floor.
- The existing level change (300mm) at the entrance threshold.
- Limited floor to ceiling (ground floor) and floor to eaves (first floor)
heights.
Whilst the accommodation in its current form is suitable for guests residing
over short periods, the lack of amenity, accessibility and tight living
conditions are not suitable for prolonged use. In order to rectify these
issues and to maintain reasonable floor to ceiling heights (+2300mm
A.F.F.L) the building structure would require substantial modification,
including raising the floor levels and roof, and adjusting window and door
sill and head heights. In our view this would have a harmful effect on the
integrity of the historic building fabric. The
Figure 32 - Barn C: ground floor plan
Figure 33 - Barn C: first floor plan Floor plans courtesy of
Wootten Donogue Architects
Ltd
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3.2.2 Barn D - Adaptability
Barn D is the smallest Barn on the site. It is currently used as a workshop
space and home brewery. The barn has an approximate floor area of
32m2 on a single storey. To provide comfortable sized living quarters for
elderly relatives, or eventually the client, the floor area would need to
double in size. Whilst there is scope to either add an additional floor or
extend to the south, it was deemed that an extension of this size would
be over-bearing and would not be subservient to the form of the existing
building.
Floor plans courtesy of
Wootten Donogue Architects
Ltd
Figure 34- Barn D: north elevation
Figure 35 - Barn D: west elevation
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3.2.3 Development area:
Based on the above assessment, a decision was made to consider
options for a new build annex.
We sought to find an area that was visually discreet and offered the
possibility for enhancement.
The area selected is in the north east corner of the site, behind the
retaining wall that separates the farm house and upper terrace, from the
slope below Drapel Lane. This area is hidden behind the farm house and
will have no impact on key views of the heritage assets, most notably the
south and east facing elevations of the farm house, the existing barns and
the main garden.
The adjacent site to the north is currently used as a pear orchard and
open grassland. There is no immediate risk of overlooking or other
neighbourly issues.
Figure 37 - development
site behind green house
Figure 36 - view of
adjacent site to north
Figure 39 - top of
retaining wall
Figure 38 - retaining wall
from garden level
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3.3 Developed Design
3.3.1 Height Massing
To minimise the visual impact of the new annex we propose to build the
accommodation into the east slope of the site, behind the existing
retaining wall. As such, the design will not increase the amount of
apparent building mass on the site. The intention is that the annex will
appear as much a subtle landscape intervention, as it does a new
building. The volume of the new accommodation will largely be hidden
below the existing site topography.
The existing rubble retaining wall will be retained and extended to the
north to create a clean edge to the rear garden. The raised beds will be
lowered, and new landscaping introduced to create a formal ‘walled
garden’ or courtyard feel that addresses the annex and the back of the
farm house.
Existing dense undergrowth will be retained around the perimeter of the
new annex. A built-up biodiverse green roof above the first-floor
accommodation will to mimic the surrounding environment and tie in
with surrounding levels and dense undergrowth.
A set back at first floor level, cut into the slope, will provide an external
terrace that overlooks the garden below.
3.3.2 Proposed Accommodation
The new accommodation will comprise the following:
FLOOR LEVEL ROOM NAME
Sub-ground
Wine store/cellar
Ground Floor
Lounge (open plan)
Dining area (open plan)
Hall
Storage
First Floor
Bedroom
Ensuite
Storage
External terrace/balcony
Other
Lift (ground to first)
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3.3.3 Form and Articulation
To avoid detracting from the character of the existing farm house a
restrained aesthetic is proposed. The ground floor accommodation is only
legible on the west elevation as a continuation of the existing colour-
washed rubble retaining wall. The material, detail and alignment of the
new section of wall will exactly match the existing stonework. A large
rectilinear opening with sliding doors will provide access from the ground
floor accommodation onto a new landscaped garden.
A new structurally-glazed link is proposed at the east end of the farm
house. This will provide convenient access between the farm house and
the annexe and will ensure that the house and annex remain under single
occupation. The proposed link will result in minimum loss of fabric. Rubble
stone work will be re-used to create the new opening and new walling.
Access between the front and rear gardens will be retained via glazed
doors to either side of the link. New steps will be provided in the existing
utility room to accommodate the level change between the two spaces.
Comments from the conservation officer at pre-app stage expressed
reservations about the link between the annex and house. We have
therefore reduced the size of the link considerably.
The first-floor accommodation is expressed as a simple recess, cut into the
landscape. The recess forms the external terrace. Retaining walls on
either side slope along their top edge to follow the gradient of the existing
landscape behind. The terrace is accessed via a large sliding glass door,
from the main bedroom and ensuite. These rooms sit buried within the
slope of the site with no discernible roof or visible elevations to the north,
south or east.
The overall desire was to create subtle, but contemporary intervention
into the landscape, rather than the creation of a new building on top of
the landscape.
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VISUALISATION: STRUCTURAL GLASS LINK
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3.4 Design Features
3.4.1 Material and Components
A limited palette of materials has been chosen that is derived from, or
compliments existing aspects of the site, as follows:
3.4.1.1 Colour-washed rubble walls
As noted previously, the ground floor east elevation will be built entirely
from colour-washed rubble to match the existing load-bearing structures
on the site. A green roof will blend with the upper slope below Drapel
Lane.
3.4.1.2 Corten windows
The existing stonework has a rich colour and tonal variance. The presence
of iron oxide creates highlights of red and brown. To compliment this
feature, we are proposing to use a slim-line corten window system and
projecting corten window surrounds to add depth and articulation.
3.4.1.3 Timber clad concrete walls
At first floor level the intention is to create a softer aesthetic that blends
with the landscape either side. Weathered western red cedar battens
fixed back to a grey concrete retaining wall are proposed. The timber
references the presence of exposed timber lintels and window frames to
the farm house. Glimpses of concrete between the battens will
complement the grey mortar to the retaining wall below.
3.4.1.4 Structural glass
As the design is single aspect, we have looked at opportunities to
maximise daylight penetration through the roof. The objective has been
to ensure all of the main habitable rooms have both outlook and direct
sunlight for at least 50% of the day. This is achieved using high quality
structural glass rooflights. A walk-on rooflight will be provided to the
external terrace to light the main ground floor space below. At first floor
level, a walk-on rooflight will pop through the green roof.
At detail design stage consideration will be given to the integration of
transparent photovoltaic cells to all roof lights.
Structural glass will also be used for the walls and roof of the link
connecting the new accommodation to the east gable end of the
farmhouse. This approach is consistent with that of the link between the
house and kitchen extension.
Figure 40 - structural glass rooflight in brown roof
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Figure 42 - Existing rubble walls Figure 41 - Weathered timber Figure 44 - corten window
surround
Figure 43 - corten window
frames
MATERIALS: EXISTING AND PROPOSED
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3.4.1.5 Landscaping
As part of the proposed works, the greenhouse located in the rear garden
will be relocated to the top of the slope on the east boundary. The raised
beds will also be lowered to create a level lawn and limestone patio.
A timber pergola is proposed along the north boundary to create a soft
edge to the garden and to create a frame for climbing plants.
Limestone coloured fair-faced insitu concrete will be used for steps and
retaining structures to add a contemporary feel. The garden will become
a more useable amenity space enclosed by the farm house, kitchen
extension and new annex on three sides. It is anticipated this space will
become the focal point of outdoor social activity for the family, their
guests and relatives and will improve the north facing aspect of the farm
house.
In addition to the above a brown roof will be provided over the second
floor accommodation.
Figure 45 – White concrete detail Figure 46 – Limestone paving precedent
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VISUALISATION:
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VISUALISATION:
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4 SUSTAINABILITY
The annex will be an exemplar of sustainable design. Our objective is to
create a building that has little or no impact on the environment, has
minimal life-cycle costs and, where possible, contributes to an
improvement in the performance of the farmhouse with respect to
energy and water use. The following attributes have been identified for
integration into the design:
Life Cycle Impact:
• Ground source heating
• Exposed thermal mass for cooling
• Better than Building Regulations Part L2 (conservation of energy)
thermal performance, through super-insulated walls, roof and
floor.
• Integrated photovoltaic glazing (subject to detailed cost benefit
analysis)
• Structural glass rooflight for natural ventilation and to minimise
use of artificial lighting.
• Below-ground rainwater harvesting, using the new external
terrace and new hard landscaped garden.
Sustainable Living:
• Improving the flexibility of the group of buildings to enable longer
term use by single occupant or family.
• Retention of existing homeworking & workshop accommodation.
Figure 48 - transparent PV glass
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5 Summary
The proposed development is intended to provide additional
accommodation that will cater for the current owners’ and their family’s
needs, now and in the future. The new building will make long term multi-
generational living viable on the site.
From a planning policy perspective, the design will increase the
probability of generational diversity in the village. The retention of existing
workshop and homeworking spaces offer the potential for future
economic benefit, as well as supporting more sustainable ways of
working.
The scheme will also reduce the future pressure to alter or extend the
existing heritage assets on the site. The new annex will provide discreet
accessible and sustainable accommodation without the need to make
potentially harmful adaptations to the grade II listed house or barns.
The development will also help to mitigate climate change through the
integration of sustainable technologies. This includes grey water,
transparent PV glazing, ground source heating and passive cooling
(using thermal mass).
The design has been carefully developed in a manner that improves the
character and utilisation of the rear garden. It is responsive to its context
in terms of scale, material and siting, and is not visible from the wider
context.
The siting is compatible with the pattern of natural and manmade
features of the existing landscape which is characterised by the slope of
the topography, the use of traditional rubble retaining walls and terraces
and small discreet areas of development.
Finally, the proposals have been thoroughly considered in light of the
listing of the main house. This documents has shown that the proposed
development is justified and the ultimately it will preserve the character
of the building ‘as on of special architectural or historic interest’.
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CONTACT:
SMITH MALONEY ARCHITECTS LTD
WATERLOO HOUSE
WATERLOO STREET
CLIFTON
BRISTOL
Tel: 01172140575
Email: info@smithmaloney.co.uk
Web: www.smithmaloney.co.uk
NOTE: All drawings and images copyright of Smith Maloney Architects Limited ,
unless noted otherwise.
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