Our client approached us to create a sustainable home for the family of four that would make use of a constrained and irregularly-shaped corner plot. Situated between two existing houses to the front, and overlooked by multiple properties to the rear, the site had few opportunities for outlook and little street presence.

We saw the client’s brief as an opportunity to repair the street frontage of this gap site. The building’s design, across two interlocking axes, maintains the frontage line of the street and makes sense of the plot's unorthodox geometry. Our designs embed sustainability credentials from the outset with deep walls and a compact form, as well as setbacks and planting to reduce rainwater runoff and prevent overheating. As the project moves forward, the team are working to meet Passivhaus requirements. Internally, the central core rationalises the site plan and helps divide living and dining spaces. Large windows from each space overlook a partially sunken courtyard to minimise impact on neighbouring properties.

The client was delighted to gain planning permission with the planning officer assured that the design wouldn’t negatively impact neighbouring properties despite their proximity. Through careful consideration we’ve been able to create a home which feels spacious on a tight plot, providing ample space for the family.