Sergison Bates architects . photos: © Kristien Daem . + RIBA
The design builds on the qualities of the site, an area bounded to the north and east by wooded railway embankments, amplifying and extending it into a green, informal setting that incorporates car parking and private amenity space. Within this landscape, clearings are formed in which 7 ‘villas’ containing 14 semi-detached homes are placed.
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The villas are evenly distributed across the site and angled to the boundary edges and to one another in a loose arrangement reminiscent of a rural setting. Variations in building form, type and orientation, together with small, open car ports within the landscape, combine to create a rich and varied development.
The two houses within each villa are arranged side by side, along a stepped party wall. An enfilade of spaces is established at ground level, linking the entrance hall with the kitchen and living room. The increased floor-to-ceiling height of the living room creates a stepped section on the first floor, with bedrooms access at different levels.
Landings are open to the roof space and this collection of sectional adjustments and spatial sequences gives a surprisingly rich and complex character to these modest-sized dwellings. Each of the three different villa types has a unique character based upon its position and orientation.
All houses have generous windows that provide views of the communal landscape and gardens against the backdrop of the wooded embankments.
