BROOKLYN | NEW BUILD
Project Description: New Build replacement dwelling within greenbelt, Billericay, Essex
Total Gross Internal Area: 355m² (inc garage)
Planning Granted: 2013
Project Type: New Build Dwelling 150-500m²
Procurement Method: Consultant Project Manager managing the site and trades on behalf of the Client with materials purchasing materials direct from suppliers by the Client.
Construction Technique: Mass concrete piled foundations with suspended concrete beam and block ground floor structure; Prefabricated timber frame superstructure.
Tony Holt Design Appointment: Design and planning. Full working drawings and assembly details. Ad-hoc support during construction phase.
This chalet bungalow is situated on a private road in the greenbelt area. The existing dwelling currently occupies a large plot with open views to the rear, which the current house does not take full advantage of. Many of the properties along this private road are substantial two & three storey dwellings which have undergone significant development. The existing house was built around the late 1950’s and since its original construction it has undergone small extensions to the roof space with the addition of box dormers to the front and rear creating extra space for bedrooms.
The ground floor consists of a small footprint (126m²) which occupies the majority of the width of the plot with almost half of this space being used by a large single storey double garage. Due to the limited space downstairs the rooms are very small with limited fenestration over the adjacent views to the rear resulting in small dark spaces. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms & family bathroom which all have sloping ceilings squeezed into just 70m² and currently feel too small make this a viable family home.
The challenge:
The overall size of the property does not relate proportionally to the plot but also the surrounding built form. The client wished to create a modern day family home with open planned spaces and bedrooms upstairs that were not squeezed into tight areas. The neighbouring properties were positioned reasonably close to the plot with a small gap between each property. This meant that the final design had to be careful of any overbearing impact it might have on these existing properties.
Conceptual Approach:
The main approach here was to create a modern day family home with a mixture of spaces whilst respecting the character of the area and not to overbear on the neighbouring properties. The proposal of a remodel on this property soon became an unviable option due to the principle being at the very least the existing roof being needed to be removed to accommodate a substantial first floor. This meant we would be left with only 126m² of existing property and the client hoping to achieve closer to 350m². The decision was taken to look down a new build route with many benefits over the remodel side. The first challenge was to make sure the first floor did not impose on the neighbouring property by offsetting it from the ground floor allowing for the garage to sit closer to the boundary and ground floor level whilst at first floor the roof sloped away from the boundary and minimised impact on the shared boundary.
Externally:
The external appearance of this property was a driving factor to make sure the proposals would fit in with the surrounding area and to enhance the local area whilst having minimum impact on the green belt. The use of natural stone and timber cladding creates a soft blend of contemporary materials into the traditional natural environment. The large glazed areas to the front entrance create a visually impressive entrance to focus your eye on approach; these glazed areas are encased in powder coated aluminium frames which add to the modern feel within the traditional form. The mixed palette of materials all contribute to a visually striking building with architectural merit.
Ground Floor:
Upon entering the property you are hit with the double storey glazed circulation space with views directly ahead looking through the glass doors that lead to the open planned kitchen family area. The views continue on through to the open rural views to the rear, immediately connecting the occupants to the adjacent landscape, with a terraced area to the rear also allowing occupants to move between the internal and external spaces, without feeling disconnected. Also off the main entrance hall is a coats cupboard and W/C area in the centre of the plan form where natural light will be limited. To the front elevation is a small home study/office with windows out to the front entrance. A separate living area with fire place allows for the occupants to have a range of different spaces available to them for different styles of entertaining.
First Floor:
The stairs wrap around up the feature wall to the gallery landing which looks back down to the entrance hall below, the two storey mullion glazing brings in large amounts of natural light to the centre of the plan form creating a light and open space. The gallery leads to 5 double bedrooms each with primary fenestration over either the front amenity space or to the rear, with the rural landscape. The bedrooms are all vaulted with the master bedroom enjoying a glazed gable to enhance and frame the views even further beyond the internal space. 3 of the bedrooms have access to their own en-suites and built in wardrobes spaces with bedrooms 4 & 5 sharing an en-suite. The master bedroom benefits from a grand walk in wardrobe leading to a generous en-suite with views out over the rear.
Summary:
The replacement dwelling on this plot now provides an impressive 355m² modern day house with a range of internal spaces to suit the needs of a typical family home. The large open planned kitchen/family/dining area allows for large family’s to all socialise together during the day with a variety of spaces for different activities such as cooking, eating and relaxing. The final proposals offer a suitable solution to modernising this building and bringing it into the 21st century with a mixture of materials that will last for many years to come.
Existing floor area 196m² (2,109ft²)
Proposed 355m² (3,821ft²)
Build Cost: £350-£400K
Bought for £690k
Predicted Valuation £1.2m