Warehome was approached to take a previously completed design through the technical design phase and into construction. After initial consultation, however, it was discovered that the clients were not fully on board with the aesthetic, the layout or the use of space. We revisited the concept to reimagine the site with a design that was more in keeping with the planners' wishes, the clients' desires and the site constraints.
The resultant low-energy home is an example of how small and underutilised spaces in urban environments can set the precedent for the UK's housing requirements. Something that is critical to consider with the government's push for more homes to be built across the UK.
Building upon the experience of navigating tight sites and difficult planning conditions from previous projects, Warehome were keen to find a true 'Goldilocks position' for the clients, and not a building that felt like a compromise on all accounts. Greenwich's updated Urban Design Guide provided insight as to what the planning needs were and, although extensive in its content, the application needed to be carefully considered so that the new design actively contributed to the streetscape whilst not being bound to the out-of-date and poor performing existing properties. Using the adjacent building as an aesthetic reference, whilst also applying the same Passivhaus design considerations used across all Warehome's work, presented a solution that the clients loved and reignited their energy to proceed.
Stack Ventilation: The positioning of the staircase in the middle of the house helps draw air through the home in conjunction with strategically placed windows and the associated ventilation strategy.
Dual Aspect Considerations: With the entire south elevation being a party wall, stepping the middle section of the building in slightly to allow for additional glazing ensured light and air can flow into the rooms from multiple aspects, thus avoiding excessive light contrast and overheating.
Lightweight Foundations: A lightweight mini screw-pile strategy is being implemented to support the new home, whilst being considerate of the neighbouring trees.
Automated External Shading: With overheating being a significant consideration in all new-build homes, due to the increased building fabric thermal performance, appropriately placed and automated blinds have been specified to reduce solar gain before this becomes an issue.
The planning process, informed by the ongoing council engagement and the support of our external planning consultant, presented the opportunity to update the framework in which we assess and present our planning documents. The systematic approach, stressed by multiple professionals, helped us to submit with more certainty about a positive result. This approach is something we are now presenting to new clients to explain the risk mitigation options - to explain how we can help reduce the stress for them.
