Project Information:

Falling within the Roydon conservation area, The Old Coal yard draws upon the local vernacular typologies. Surrounding tiled pitched roofs, facing gault brickwork, timber weatherboarding and lead clad dormer windows informed the design to create an environment sympathetic to the local context. Seven new dwellings, comprising a combination of two storey detached and semi-detached family houses with associated parking, are arranged around a central green island. The sweeping block paved shared surface creates a cycle and pedestrian friendly street which encourages sustainable modes of transport.

Variety has been created in the house types themselves, diversifying architectural form and design allows the changes in materials between plots to be more subtle. As a result, this has created a visually coherent scheme. A materials palette of grey timber weatherboarding, buff brick and grey roof tiles have been chosen to reflect the site’s industrial history whilst creating interest and articulation on the elevations, whilst being reflective of the modern high-quality design.

Sun orientation and climate has been considered throughout the designing process. Morning and evening sunlight have been considered in the arrangement of windows in the internal space. Limited windows on the South face prevent overheating from solar gain. The strategies adopted include the provision of solar panels and widow positioning in strategic places.

Thermal mass techniques have also been included within the design as the dwelling’s windows positioning to the East will enable solar gains to be stored in the walls throughout the day and released into the internal spaces as temperatures drop overnight.