Single Dwelling in the Countryside

Conor Corey 11995068 Stage 3 Single Dwelling in the Countryside EVP 8029 Rural Landscape and Design

Stage 3 - Single Dwelling in the CountrysideEVP 8029 Rural Landscape and DesignConor Corey 11995068

Conor Corey 11995068 Stage 3 Single Dwelling in the Countryside EVP 8029 Rural Landscape and Design

01.Site LocationRegional Context - Randalstown National Context International Context

Local Context

The Site - 24 Craigstown Road

The site identified for the development of a single dwelling in the countryside is 24 Craigstown Road, Randalstown.

Redevelopment will be conducted in accordance with, “Building on Tradition - A Sustainable Design Guide for the Northern Ireland Countryside”.

Conor Corey 11995068 Stage 3 Single Dwelling in the Countryside EVP 8029 Rural Landscape and Design

02.Site Views1

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Panoramic view of field and dense woodland north and northwest of the site

Panoramic view of the front of the site showing the house and access from Craigstown Road

Access to field via the rear of the site

Structures to the east of the site lie derelict

The inner courtyard which is in a bad state of dereliction

Narrow entrance to inner courtyard

from Craigstown Road

View along Craigstown Road looking east

Primary access point to the site from Craigstown Road

The site is largely used as a dumping ground for refuse

Cattle feeding in metal barn: the only active land use on the site

Vacant space at the far corner of the site

View along Craigstown Road looking west

Conor Corey 11995068 Stage 3 Single Dwelling in the Countryside EVP 8029 Rural Landscape and Design

03.SWOT AnalysisStrengths Weaknesses

Opportunities Threats

Multiple access points from Craigstown Road

Craigstown Road location provides immediate access to Randalstown

Some structures are much to small in height to be realistically habitable

Some structures are now empty shells

Adjacent field is inaccessible due to overgrown foliage

Dense tree line integrates site with nature

Existing house is traditional rural two story dwelling with distinct character

Site is for sale, giving valuable information such as a market value

Locally sourced building materials can be incorporated into new build

Abandoned farm machinery may delay or even deter redevelopment

Very little space between Craigstown

Road and the front of the house

Three derelict auxiliary buildings detract from the appeal of the site

Several structures are of very poor build quality and may require significant redevelopment

Multiple structures within the site, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, allow for many redevelopment and regeneration options

Buildings in courtyard have fallen into state of disrepair

Conor Corey 11995068 Stage 3 Single Dwelling in the Countryside EVP 8029 Rural Landscape and Design

04.Sun Path, Orientation and FoliageSun Path and Site Orientation Natural Features and Foliage

Essential guidance from ‘Building on Tradition’:

4.2 Integrating with the landscape

- Look for sheltered locations beside woodland- Look for sites that face south (easy to achieve good passive solar gains)

Essential guidance from ‘Building on Tradition’:

4.2 Integrating with the landscape

- Look for sheltered locations beside woodland- Look for sites with at least two boundaries in situ and preferably three

Evening Sun Morning Sun

Tree line restricts morning sunlight to eastern block of buildings

Large volume of light from afternoon and evening sunlight provide high amount of passive solar gain

Craigstown road receives large volumes of light throughout the day

Dense woodland to the north

Large tree line running around eastern boundary of the site

H e d g e r o w s have become overgrown and have reclaimed the abandoned a u x i l i a r y b u i l d i n g s

Tree line to west of site

M u l t i p l e adjacent fields

Site is wrapped in nature

Conor Corey 11995068 Stage 3 Single Dwelling in the Countryside EVP 8029 Rural Landscape and Design

05.Site Access and Wider Road NetworkSite Access IssuesWider Road Network

Local Road Network

Site is in very close proximity to Randalstown and the town is easily reachable by car and on foot. In the wider transport context, the M22 motorway provides access to the rest of the region.

24 Craigstown Road

Magheralane Road

Connaugh Road

Ballylurgan Road

Barnish Road Station Road

A6

A6 A6

M22 Motorway M22 Motorway

Northern field is easily accessible at the rear of the site

West of site inaccessible due to overgrown hedgerow

Rear access to courtyard is largely restricted by an entrance approximately 5.5 metres high by 1.5 metres wide

Access to adjacent fields

Craigstown Road

24 Craigstown

Road

Front access to courtyard is available but it is very narrow at only 3 metres wide

Majority of site is highly accessible via primary entrance on Craigstown Road

Conor Corey 11995068 Stage 3 Single Dwelling in the Countryside EVP 8029 Rural Landscape and Design

06.Building on Tradition and Redevelopment Selection

Small Holdings and Roadside FarmyardsWith farm dwellings and buildings either fronting or with the gable end to the road

‘Building on Tradition’ Example 24 Craigstown Road

‘Building on Tradition’

A Sustainable Design Guide for the Northern Ireland Countryside

Supplementary Planning Guidance to PPS21

‘Building on Tradition’ is a sustainable design guide prepared to give detail on the requirements of Planning Policy Statement 21 ‘Sustainable Development in the Countryside’. It will help to achieve higher quality development that will provide a strong basis to protect and enhance the rural assets of Northern Ireland. This design guide has directed each stage of development, from the design brief, through to site appraisal and ultimately the final design concept itself.

Essential Guidance from ‘Building on Tradition’

3.1 Sustainability and the Historic Environment

3.1.1Throughout Northern Ireland, there is considerable potential to convert and reuse former schools, churches, mills, and farm buildings bringing new life to many beautiful and outstanding historic buildings that presently lie empty. This is a key aspect of the sustainability strategy for the countryside - nurturing our built heritage, bringing empty and redundant buildings into use and conserving the best of our traditional buildings.

3.3.2The retention and sympathetic refurbishment of non-listed vernacular structures is encouraged, particularly where they make an important contribution to the heritage, appearance or character of the locality. Aspects of the setting of these buildings, including hedgerows, trees, boundary walls and existing access arrangements are also integral to the contribution these buildings make to the character and appearance of local landscapes. Preserving and maintaining the physical setting of such sites is therefore an important design consideration.

4.2 Integrating with the landscape

4.2.1The secret is to work with the landscape avoiding prominent and elevated locations and retaining as many hedgerows, trees and stone walls as you can.

The large ‘U’ shaped block to the south of the site consists of multiple buildings, each in a vastly different condition and of varying heights. Due to such a large area, redevelopment of this block of structures would no only be impractical, it also does not fall within the designation of ‘Single Dwelling in the Countryside’. Therefore, an alternative structure within the site will be chosen.

The former two storey barn with the corrugated iron roof presents an ideal option for redevelopment. While it is currently an empty shell, it’s location is the most ideal of any of the structures on the site. Though morning sunlight is restricted by it’s immediate proximity to the tree line, any concerns about it’s height are offset by the tree line, which mask it’s presence from eastern views. Solar gain from the afternoon and evening sun are also maximized by this structure.

Unsuitable Build options Within Site

Ideal Build option Within Site

Conor Corey 11995068 Stage 3 Single Dwelling in the Countryside EVP 8029 Rural Landscape and Design

07.Materials, Plan View and 3 Dimensional Views

View Looking South East

View Looking North East

Overhead View with New Build Included

View Looking North West

View Looking South West

Essential Guidance from ‘Building on Tradition’Primary Building Materials

Rough Cast Render Corrugated Iron Local Stone

Former barn provides the framework for the new dwelling. The traditional barn shape combined with appealing modern features such as the stepped windows create a synergy of traditional and modern.

The development incorporates two distinct built features: a two storey dwelling with a traditional appearance which incorporates the curved roof of the former barn, and the side extension which incorporates large glass windows which run on to the roof to maximize solar gain.

The extension incorporates the local coloured stone which is a feature of other structures on the site. This usage enhances the character of the build and reinforces its historical linkages.

Eastern wall features few windows due to tree line which restricts morning sun. Instead the dense stone wall will incorporate high volumes of insulating materials to retain as much heat as possible.

Existing features and building materials will be combined and incorporated into the final design. The new dwelling will combine traditional character with modern building techniques to achieve a high quality development.

3.7 Change

3.7.1Maintaining and enhancing building form, character and architectural features is a central concern of Policy CTY 4. The policy requires a design approach that respects and reinforces the signature characteristics and architectural traditions of the area.

3.7.2This is achieved through restoration and repair of the existing structure and through the blending in of new buildings or extensions. Rather than proposals for new additions that copy the existing historic architectural style, any new element should blend with the existing structures and landscape setting.

Conor Corey 11995068 Stage 3 Single Dwelling in the Countryside EVP 8029 Rural Landscape and Design

08.Plan View and Elevations

Front Elevation (Northern)

Side Elevation (Western)

Rear Elevation (Southern) Side Elevation (Eastern)

Plan View