This project introduced a contemporary replacement dwelling in the Leckhampton area of Cheltenham, located within the outermost reaches of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site is located just outside of a SSSI designated area and Local Nature Reserve, meaning close attention was paid to the development process itself and impact of the proposals once in use.

 

To meet with strict planning criteria, the replacement dwelling could only be marginally increased in overall footprint due to its location within an AONB. As such, the proposals re-utilised the exact footprint of the former delapidated bungalow, on a North East – South West orientation. By introducing efficiencies in internal configuration and extending upwards rather than outwards, it was possible to increase the habitable volume without drastically increasing footprint. The site setting further assisted in minimising the visual impact, thanks to well-established mature trees to perimeter boundaries and the steeply banked plot helping the resultant proposals to nestle into the hillside.

 

With the built context comprising of a diverse mix of dwelling styles in the immediate vicinity, the resultant scheme design presents itself in a modern composition, employing a mixed material palette of Render, Red Cedar cladding & local Cotswold drystone walling. The stacked planar banding of materials accentuate the horizontality of the residential accommodation and its wider relationship with the heavily contoured site context.

 

To the North Eastern end of the dwelling, the ground floor is occupied by the living room, with a lower level utility and bike store beneath, accessed from a dedicated stairway up from the block paved parking area. The master bedroom suite is positioned above the living room, with partial view corridors through dense foliage to the north back towards Cheltenham town centre. To the south-western aspect, views into and out of the site are shielded by extensive forestation, whilst allowing for beneficial solar gains and natural light deep within the plan.

 

At the heart of the dwelling, the kitchen is designed in an open plan manner, linking to the adjacent living and dining rooms. Multiple aspects are achieved through glazing to the North, south, entry hall at the east, and up into the central double height void space with natural light from a rooflight above. A staircase bisects the space linking the ground floor to the bedroom accommodation at first floor.

 

Views from inside the dwelling address the surrounding garden & terrace spaces to both aspects, with the front entrance door addressing the access drive, entry steps and rear garden by virtue of location on the Eastern Façade. To the North, a large decked terrace projects out over the parking area, providing some degree of shelter, whilst allowing activities to spill out from the living room. At first floor level, sheltered external balconies are also provided to Master Bedroom suite and the Bedrooms at the South of the property.

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Designed & Completed whilst Project Architect at R.R.A.