Garden Cottage
New Build
Location:
Chelsham, Surrey
Client:
Private Domestic Client
RIBA Stages:
1 - 4 (Inception to Technical Design)
Description:
The project involved the replacement of two existing single storey dwellings with three, storey & a half dwellings, with our practice taking the lead for the overall design of the site and one of the dwellings, Garden Cottage. Set within a small clearing in ancient woodland covered by a blanket Tree Protection Order (TPO), the site also lies in an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) and the Green Belt, creating a great opportunity for the development to engage with the historic setting as well as providing a number of new homes meeting the latest construction standards.
The clearing allowed for the three houses to be set around a large shared courtyard each facing onto a new central Oak tree, whilst the rear gardens faced towards the ancient woodland, allowing all of the properties to be fully immersed in the surrounding nature. The smaller of the three, Garden Cottage, includes a master bedroom with en-Suite, two double bedrooms, spacious family bathroom, guest bedroom/office, utility cupboard and large living room with the space flowing into the kitchen and dining room. A double height space with full height windows acts as the main feature of the house, connecting ground and first floors together whilst also allowing the full height of the nearby protected trees to be fully appreciated.
A common aesthetic for the three houses was chosen, utilising oak detailing, cream render, slate tiles and traditional style bricks to form the gable ends of the house, all combining to create homes reflective of the ancient woodland and ensure a feeling of unity to the small development. This theme was continued inside, mixing more traditional features such as an oak staircase, oak balustrade, oak ridge beam and large brick fireplace with log burner. Together with contemporary fittings and stylings, our design creates a home that meets modern living standards and also responds and connects the inhabitants to the beautiful woodland context.
