A mixed-use site in the Surrey has successfully received planning approval to be converted into a multi-residence village-style scheme. This proposal benefits from two types of permitted development which required prior approval from the local authority. Pure Town Planning handled the strategy and the application, Now Architecture (formerly Nabney Plans) provided the survey and design.
In previous times, these buildings had been farm buildings within the curtilage of East Stansted House, but more recently had comprised of various workshops and storage buildings.
The site survey utilised various techniques which Now Architecture offer in-house such as LiDar scanning, 360 videos, laser surveys, levelled survey and photographic surveys. From this information we built up an accurate 3D model of the whole site - from tree positions to individual rafters. Accuracy is important because this type of permitted development scheme is restricted to utilising the existing building envelope.
The 'Main Barn' will give the first impression of the complex. The whole barn building is to be converted into a terrace of three homes. Part of the structure will be exposed to provide sheltered porches to the front entrances of the homes. Critically, this design choice unlocks the building, providing a new front elevation by separating it from the adjoining building which will also be converted. The separation also provides for more headroom at first floor level and enables private gardens at the rear. The exterior will have a vertical timber cladding that weathers naturally over time. This weathering allows the cladding to adapt visually over time in harmony with the site's rural surroundings.
The buildings are a mix of old solid wall brick and steel portal frame structures, each requiring different treatments. This project, interestingly, will feature two buildings that encase its existing steel structure, as well as the one above which externalizes the steel structure. The main barn's portal frame would form an "exo-skeleton" with the insulation inside the structure, allowing for exposed steel at the new frontage of the building without creating a cold bridge.
Smaller portal frame buildings will have the steel frame enclosed within the thermal envelope.
Taking this scheme through Building Regulations and construction over the coming months and into next year will be an exciting project for the team. Look out for further updates as the construction gets underway and progresses.
Do you have disused agricultural buildings on your site? Maybe you can turn that cow shed into a desirable new residence. Talk to the team today.
