We pride ourselves in adapting to an approach that fits the project. Sometimes this is primarily an experience and aesthetics-led brief, but for residential and commercial developments, this is often coupled with analysis of options that can be clearly quantified. Here’s some great examples of how extra value can be found:
Analysing Opportunities, enhancing existing permissions
Melrose Mews took advantage of a brownfield site which had consent to build 4 identical homes. With careful consideration of design options, a terrace not only doubles the development area but improves outlook for all of the 7 new units as well as being inherently easier to meet high environmental targets, alongside an improved housing mix.
Consent GIA at outset 360m2, new consent 723m2
Penthouse Apartment
Clarendon Road provided an opportunity to improve on a consent to extend a flat into the roofspace of a multi-unit block. Despite challenging planning constraints, we designed a new penthouse apartment which met London Plan guidelines by changing the proposal to a mansard roof. Thanks to comprehensive analysis of views and an imaginative approach to presenting the project to the local authority we secured consent.
Consent GIA at additional 23sqm to 2nd floor flat, new 3rd floor dwelling consent 54m2
Creative Adaptation for Practical Solutions
This redundant former stable block at Strelley Hall saw little in interest as an office, this was due various constraints imposed by its listed building status meaning very poor natural light and outlook felt inevitable. Sometimes a change of use can optimise property potential. We explored the possibility of introducing a café, which not only needs less natural light, but allows for greater public access to historic assets – a clear benefit in planning terms. While the large timber doors had to stay, this doesn’t prevent a secondary glazed door keeping heat and light while outlook to a pedestrian courtyard is maintained.
Enhance Existing Permissions
At this semi-detached house, the brief asked that the development maximise property value. This could have been approached by dividing the existing single family dwelling with a standard communal lobby to reach separate flats. Through our analysis we demonstrated that a separate door to each unit was possible, while needing more complex design it provided clear development benefits:- greater internal space, higher quality accommodation, better housing mix and highlighting existing character features. The largest unit takes on the character of the original building, The 2-bed unit’s focus is on the garden space beyond, while the top flat makes the most of its elevated location with views to its leafy sorroundings.
Previously: 211sqm & garden
As built: 150sqm 3-bed unit & garden, 73sqm 2-bed unit & garden & studio, 60sqm 1-bed unit & balcony
BREEAM ‘Excellent’
Initially we secured planning permission for an existing industrial unit to be transformed into more lucrative office units. We followed this success by securing an ʻExcellentʼ rating from BREEAM design and procurement guidelines. Through the process of certification we demonstrated that the building was an exemplary project in terms of sustainability. We achieved this by incorporating passive ventilation, designing in effective daylighting, and including high levels of insulation, all of which contributed to the success of the project. Making partial use of existing steel portal frame that formed the previous building was also critical in the certification, and also minimised construction cost.
