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

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: [email protected]

Web: www.smithmaloney.co.uk

NOTE: All drawings and images copyright of Smith Maloney Architects Limited ,

unless noted otherwise.