Set within Hereford’s central conservation area, this compact house was designed as a bespoke contemporary infill dwelling, replacing a non-original garage within the historic Victorian streetscape. The dwelling was designed to occupy a subservient stance between its more substantial historic neighbours, delivering a statement piece of contemporary architecture, whilst making reference to the local vernacular.

 

Following lengthy debate with the planning department, including the withdrawal of an earlier scheme, the finalised design sees the dwelling set out over an innovative split-level plan layout to maximise the internal configuration of space, whilst minimising the visual mass.

 

The street elevation places particular emphasis on the verticality of the facade, with a single distinctive glazed aperture made in the red brick frontage at first floor level. Within this facade, a high level of attention to detail is proposed, with decorative buff brick detailing utilised to frame doorway openings and storey courses – a reference to the nearby historic precedent. Crisp detailing and subtle elements of visual interest serve to celebrate the individual, tailored nature of the proposed dwelling.

​

Through use of the split floor plan, the house is effectively set out over 5 individual floor plates, each coming together around a central stair core, offering intervisibility and playful interaction from balconies and workspaces. The spaces form range from a sunken terraced kitchen to a generously proportioned one and a half storey vaulted living room overlooking the remains of the ancient Hereford city moat, far exceeding the expected spatial parameters from street level.

 

Designed whilst Project Architect at R.R.A.