Design Buy Build Issue 17 2015 | Page 19

Yard House Mews Development in order to reduce the massing of all blocks, whilst the windows on upper levels are also part obscured to prevent the views down onto adjoining gardens. The detached house and Block A on the far end of the site have been kept two storey height only in order to m inimise the impact on existing houses nearby. The distances between proposed and existing buildings are greater on the rest of the site and allow for taller construction without creating adverse impact on privacy and outlook from adjoining properties. scaled development with urban characteristics the public realm is both preserved and enhanced. These features are an integral part of the design led approach to new housing. The development contains a total of 23 residential units spread across three blocks and comprising a range of one, two and three bedroom apartments and one family house. The entire development is cut into the site to prevent the impact on adjoining properties. Associated parking is provided in the centre of the site. The proposal has been designed to re-use this brown field site to enhance it by providing a development with strong sustainable credentials and a character appropriate for the locality. The area is characterised by inconsistent spaces between buildings and boundaries, whilst the road itself contains a variety of different building styles, massing and architectural detailing. The general character of the site is clearly defined by the dominance of the existing warehouse building. The scheme offers a variety of housing types with an appropriate policy led emphasis towards three bedroom accommodation. Through the creation of an appropriately The proposed design reflects the urban terraced character of the wider locality in having the scale of the larger terraced houses and regard to the pattern and grain of the existing spaces and streets. Through its position on the site it respects the existing natural landscape features and site topography. 019 The impact of the proposal on the character of the area is positive, furthering existing new design trends and traditions. The proposed building has been designed to incorporate current space and amenity standards and will secure sustainable qualities including energy use. The design of the proposal includes off-road parking within landscaped forecourts. As far as the outlook is concerned, the design is looking to minimise the possibility of overlooking by the introduction of Lumisty view control film and angled slats on upper level openings facing south. The slats (which also contain photovoltaic cells) are not blocking the view as much as directing it downwards towards the landscaped buffer area, whilst the view control film obscures direct views to adjoining gardens in those units closest to adjoining properties. The film, however, allows a clear view through when observed from an angle – this directs the outlook further along the site creating the separation required by planning legislation.