Initial housing design study for cohousing group

HOUSING SCHEME STUDY FOR FIVE-RIVER CO-HOUSING GROUP

Prepared by: Miss Kalpana Rai Graduate Urban Designer, Architect’s Assistant i

Contents

Preface

1

1 Background

2

2 Design Requirement

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3 Skye Edge - Site

Site Description

Site and surrounding views

Green open spaces around the site

Housing character around the site

4 5 6 6 7

4 Precedents

Housing at Mozzorbo by Giancarlo de Carlo

Terrace houses in UK

LILAC (Low Income Living Affordable Community)

Flat Roofed Houses

8 8 8 9 9

5 Design Development

Design Ideas

Housing Site Layout

House Plans

House Composition

Flat and Common House Plan

Flat & Comon House

Ariel View

Site Section at A-A

View of the Housing from Adjacent Open Space

Profile of the Houses from the Southern Edge

10 11 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24

6 Process and Feedback

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7 Conclusion

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Annex

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ii

Preface This report describes in brief the Initial Housing Design Study delivered for a Co-housing Group in 2015.

This housing scheme is the outcome of the synthesis of aspirations of the Co-housing group, standards and space requirements in the UK context, response to the site and surrounding context and the vision to ‘create lively place for living’.

Complex issues, social, economical and environmental factors, various constraints, diverse ideas and opinions is a part of any design project. Everything is processed by the designer and a design is realized that answers, responds or solves them all and is also appealing, meaningul and sustainable. My continuous effort is to deliver a wholistic design through creative approach.

The intention of this report is also to record, evaluate and inform on this Housing Scheme Study.

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1 Background How this project came to be with Five River Co-housing Group?

Five River Co-housing Group are co-housing group from Sheffield. Consisting of mostly older demographic, their children had left home and the houses are too big for them. Typical owner occupier, they want to free up some capital and not live in such an expensive way. They are looking to live in an environment that offers both privacy and community environment.

During my Masters in Urban Design in University of Sheffield, in order to gain deeper understanding on housing scenario of UK, I undertook the topic ‘COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO DELIVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING’ for my thesis. In the design section of thesis, I had the opportunity to work with Five-River Co-housing group to design and explore different housing layouts responding to their brief.

The scope of work was to prepare a block layout for housing responding to their requirements in the brief.

In their search for housing site they had found a new site within Sheffield. They wanted to explore the possible housing layout in this new site. So, they approached few other architects along with me for the Members of Co-housing group Initial Housing Scheme study. discussing the housing layouts that I prepared during thesis.

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2 Design Requirement Build a Co-housing scheme between 20 to 25 highly sustainable dwellings plus a Common House and Common Open Space. Common Open space includes play, rest areas and common gardens.

Types of dwelling Area (sq m) One Bedroom Flat 50 Two Bedroom Flat 70 Two Bedroom House 80 Three Bedroom House 90 Four Bedroom House 110 Common House 250

Quantity 4 4 6 4 2 1

Requirements of the Co-housing Group1 are listed below; • Preference for small clusters of mixed housing (will also consider terraced housing, inter-connecting courtyards or something more Mediterranean style) quite densely packed and pedestrianised.

• Housing to maximize the extensive views while providing visual security across the site and giving a sense of enclosure.

• Shared open space should be maximised to include play and quiet rest areas and as large a shared vegetable garden as possible.

• Common House and flats could be three-storey buildings with some flats possibly sharing the Common house building. The houses will be two-storey.

• Response to the exposed nature, terrain of the site and the existing desire paths.

• Front doors shall either be defended by small front gardens or be mutually visible.

• Each dwelling and each block of flats will have a patio area large enough for table, chairs and planters or small raised beds. First and higher floors flats to have balconies to ensure outward aspects in as many as possible.

• No of parking 12 and delivery space.

• SCC’s Informal Planning Advice Note the potential for a landmark building on the Skye Edge Site.

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Cohousing on Skye Edge - Initial Capacity Design Brief, July 2015, Annex

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3 Skye Edge - Site

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Site Description

The Skye Edge site is Sheffield City Council site which is in close proximity to the city centre. Occupying 2.36 hectares it located to the south of the Skye Edge Avenue S2.

Historically the site accommodated terraced housing and was subsequently redeveloped to accommodate council flats. At current the site remains vacant as an open space. The entire site is designated as Housing Area by Sheffield Local Plan (SPL).2 To the North and North East is a large residential area of Wybourn and the nearest Local Centre is at the Manor Oaks Road. To the rear of the site at the South is a steep slope which is planted with trees. Open space adjoins the south west which has footpath and viewing spots.

The red outline indicates the Skye-edge site boundary.

Historic map, 1970 3

The western portion of site outlined as a potential site for Co-housing scheme.

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Site and surrounding views

180o view from the south corner towards the east-west part of the site. The cluster of cherry tree in the picture is in the middle of the site which is to be preserved.

City spreading below and the surrounding green wood makes up beautiful view from the footpath intersection adjacent to the site.

The location of the site at the edge of a hill offers beautiful view of the sorrounding both near and far.

Green open spaces around the site

Large play ground surrounded by protected flora and fauna.

Legend Site Green space Allotment within close proximity Footpath across the adjacent of the These footsteps lead down to conto the site. Enthusiast for garden- housing site. Pigeon Loft nestled in nect to the road and the bus stop. ing from the Co-housing group the slope. can also use it.

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Allotment Pigeon Loft SYHA housing study

Housing character around the site

Terrace houses and semi-detached houses characterised by red brick walls and grey tiles.

Cluster of houses that some member liked.

Two to three storey houses and bungalows built in 1970s. Features dull yellow bricks for wall and red tile roof.

Two - three storey stone terrace houses and shops

Semidetached houses where facade is treated to give distinctive appearance.

Legend Site Green space Allotment Pigeon Loft Existing Housing SYHA housing feasibility study Road

2 3

Skye Edge Informal Planning Advice Note (March 2015), Sheffield City Council Fig. 4. Historic map 1970. [Ordance Survey Map] In: Skye Edge Informal Planning Advice Note (March 2015) p. 3

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4 Precedents Housing at Mozzorbo by Giancarlo De Carlo Giancarlo de Carlo’s way of integrating the forces that comes to play in a given context like social, cultural, physical, historical to create authentic and harmonious buildings is itself an inspiration.

Here, basic types of houses is combined in different ways to get interesting formal 4 composition.

Terrace houses in UK Terrace houses are a row of identical houses sharing side walls and have following advantage; They are more efficient in land use and achieves higher density compared to detached homes.

It clearly defines public and private realm.

It is more economical as the two consecutive house shares a common separating wall, it reduces the area to be built.

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The composition of houses in terms of spatial and formal is very poetic.

View of the housing from the canal besides it. 5

Photo of terrace housing in Sheffield. Although each house is mirror image of the next. The finishes, details and colours brings out the individuality.

LILAC (Low Impact Living Affordable Community)

All houses looks down on the central shared space.6

Community living ideas - lots of shared spaces and a sense of enclouser.

Shared parking space for residents.

Each dwelling is accessed by a footpath. This saves space which is dedicated to shared open space.

Site layout of the housing community.7

Flat Roofed Houses I lived in a flat roofed brick and concrete house in Kathmandu very similar to the houses shown in the figure. Flat roof gives immense possibility for various day to day activities. We had a terrace where lots of activities like sunbathing during winter, watching other people’s activities, having religious pujas, gathering for conversation or get-together, planting pots, washing, cleaning or drying.

Most neighbouring houses used to have similar roofs. This possibility brought people outside and added liveliness to the whole community.

The image is of Boudhanath in Kathmandu. The flat roof offers views, different vantage points of the surrounding and possibility to use the roof for many activities.8

Fig. 10.10 A cluster of four types together. On the right hand corner is the cafe. Plans of ground floor, first floor and roof. [Drawing] In: Zucchi, B. (1992) Giancarlo De Carlo. Butterworth Architecture 5 IoArch, Redazione. Giancarlo De Carlo, rsidenze del nuovo quartiere popolare sull´isola di Mazzorbo, Venezia (1979-1997). [Photograph] At: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/156148312057445628/ (Accessed on 25/09/2015) 6 LILAC - official opening [photograph] At: http://www.modcell.com/news/lilac-official-opening/ [Accessed: 16/08/2014] 7 Current Site Plan showing 20 units over 5 blocks with Common House.[Drawing] At: http://www.lilac.coop/about-lilac/site-design. html [Accessed: 16/08/2014] 8 Old houses near Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal. [Photograph] At: http://www.robertharding.com/index.php?page=search&s=Boudhanath%20stupa> [Accessed on 04/11/2015] 4

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5 Design Development

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Design Ideas

The housing scheme has main entry from Sky Edge Road (at the North east corner). The place at current is a hard surface of brick or concrete. It is also a pedestrian crossing point. It’s crossing point is maintained and enhanced. The main entry to the housing is adjacent to this pedestrian path intersection. Besides the point is provided vehicular access to the parking area of the housing.

able all the houses to be mutually visible thus providing visual security and achieving a sense of enclouser.

This adds distinctiveness and spaciousness with parks, shared garden and parking in the central area.

Placement of the houses considers sun path and is oriented such that they receive sunlight. The individual houses are designed so that each room gets natural day-light and ventilation. This is advantageous in,

Residents and visitors after parking their car can walk up to their houses or wherever they want to. i. Each room is sufficiently lighted and ventilated.

Housing placement

ii. No need for artificial lighting. Thus saves up energy consumption in the long run.

The houses, flats and common house are arranged along the boundary to meet the objective of the Viewing Spot Co-housing group. i. providing visual security across the site and giving a sense of enclosure. ii. shared open space should be maximized to include play and quiet rest areas.

The stone visible in the photo marked as VIEWING SPOT.

The south west corner of the site is very near to the VIEWING SPOT - marked by 3 stones. The spot is also at the intersection of footpath and foot trail used by the local people so frequently used. This south-west edge of the site has a fantastic view to adjacent parks, tree line, pigeon loft, view of city centre. A MINI PARK is placed here to enhance the this spot with sitting spaces, gardens, lighting and planting trees and wild flowers. This will be an inviting spaces for both residents and the people outside the co-housing. This would help to connect the Co-housing with the neighbourhood and the surrounding.

Placing the building more towards the boundary frees up the center for common uses.

As the site is offers view all around, by creating cluster of housing blocks rather than one long terrace house Placement of the buildings in the circumference to reduces the mass and offers glimpses of the views outcreates maximum shared space in the centre and en side as well as inside.

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Site Terrain

During the site visit members of Co-housing were interested to retain the existing trees. Grown plants are valuable and these cherry trees give food, shade during hot days, freshens the place and adds beauty with natural greenery.

Consideration to this has influenced the scheme to preserve these plants, enhance them by defining with thoughtful design of soft and hard landscape.

Wind factors Winds usually westerly’s is blocked by the houses around the perimeter. Thus frontage of the houses are mostly protected.

Plan of Site and Surrounding with contours.

Scale 1:2500

Growing evergreen trees at strategic point where it doesn’t block sunlight to the houses and in parks will help to shelter against the cold wind during the winter.

Choosing evergreen trees like pine trees as deciduous trees are bare during winter and doesn’t protect the wind.

Shared space receives sunlight throughout the day.

Extra store space, tool storage of shared gardening and cycle storage is provided in 1 storey storage spaces at various point.

Section showing the slope of the site towards north. Very close to the site on the south the ground has a steep slope.

The site slopes down from the central area towards the north side where it meets the sky edge road.

This factor has been considered . The lower height houses are thus placed at the south i.e. at the edge while the taller structure of flats are placed on the north side. This way the sunlight is not blocked by the tall structure and profile of the overall housing scheme appears well balanced.

Connection with the surrounding foot trails and future development The house blocks are arranged to creating gaps in order to create a permeable space that can connect to the surrounding footpath, foot trails and the future development.

Figure showing the footpath and foot trails within and around the site.

Maintains existing cluster of trees

Existing Cherry trees within the site.

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Foot- trail Footpath

Parking As per brief , Total 12 no parking space for vehicle allocated. Extra space at the end for deliveries, emergencies are also provided.

In the first layout, vehicular access road to take as less space was planned with parking radiating from it. This created an isolated space containing existing trees within the loop. It would be a loss of that beautiful space if people don’t enjoy it.

In the development of the plan, I have taken cue from Parking in LILAC and vehicular access directly leads to parking or for deliveries/services or for emergencies. This is advantageous as it takes ; i. minimum space, ii. Placing it in one corner of the site so that it doesn’t create separation to the shared spaces. iii. Located such that it is easily visible from the dwellings and well connected and integrated within the landscape, so that it doesn’t feel like a left out space in the corner.

Sustainability The housing scheme with its consideration to environmental factors, surrounding and it’s context, future resident’s need and it’s design vocabulary that would be timeless will sit harmoniously in the site and will sustain many future lives. Thus in this aspect the housing is sustainable.

The roof of house blocks and flats could be fitted with solar panels to generate electricity. Because of the prevalence of wind here can also be utilized for wind generation.

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HOUSING SITE LAYOUT

scale 1:500 14

HOUSE PLANS

Description The individual houses are designed so that each room gets natural day-light and ventilation. This is advantageous in, i. Each room is sufficiently lighted and ventilated. ii. No need for artificial lighting during day. Thus saves up energy consumption in the long run.

Interior, flow and spaces of the room planned to make each room spacious and comfortable for use.

Terrace with space enough for table and few chairs, pots and planters in the first floor. This overlooks the large shared space of the housing scheme and receives sufficient sunlight. It creates possibility for people to be outside, enjoy the view and engage with other residents. It enhances the liveliness of the place.

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HOUSE COMPOSITION 2-3-2 HOUSE BLOCK

Composition

3-2-4 HOUSE BLOCK

Composition of 3 types of houses to form a harmonious whole. The recess and the projected part, the terraces in the first floor of each individual houses combines together to add pattern and rythm at the same time maintaining each house’s individuality.

Blocks are composed so as to reduce the effect of a long wall like effect at the edges. It is arranged to create permeable space so that surrounding views are glimpsed from all sides.

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FLAT AND COMMON HOUSE PLAN

Description GROUND FLOOR PLAN scale 1:100

Common house located near the road for easy pedestrian and vehicular access i.e. for delivery and so on.

Flat is placed besides common house in response to the site terrain and location. It is placed in the lower level to the north side so that shadow effect is minimized. Also placing the attractive tall building at the corner marks the sense of arival to the housing.

Each room receives sufficient daylight and flow of the spaces designed considering the use.

As per brief, spacious terraces and balconies are integrated in the planning of the flats.

A bridge in the first floor and an open passage below it connects the flats with the common house in the first and ground floor respectively.

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FLAT AND COMMON HOUSE PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN scale 1:100

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FLAT AND COMMON HOUSE PLAN

SECOND FLOOR PLAN scale 1:100

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FLAT &COMMON HOUSE

Butterfly House (This could be the name of this structure.) This building is what people notice while approching to the site from sky edge road. So, the form and appearance of the building has to be visually appealing. Something contemporaty, elegant yet not flashy and can harmoniously fit within the context.

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ARIEL VIEW

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SITE SECTION at A-A

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VIEW OF THE HOUSING FROM ADJACENT OPEN SPACE

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PROFILE OF THE HOUSES FROM THE SOUTHERN EDGE

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Process and Feedback Key design stages transpired whilst working on this project which has been summarized as below;

Site Visit 12 August Site visit was done with 4 members of Co-housing group to understand the distinctive character like topography, roads, location, views, surrounding context.

Along with this information on site background, opportunities and constraints was gathered from materials and research provided by the City council.

Design Exploration 25 August

Ariel view of the scheme with vehicular access froming a loop.

Design was explored that responded to different aspects like; •Client requirements and their ideas •Site context (affected the orientation, access, layout, composition) and how the scheme relates with the nature of the surrounding area (types of spaces and buildings, height, style, materiality of buildings) •Vision to create “vibrant community for living”. Ideas from precedents, understanding, knowledge and design flair to realize this vision.

Drawings was prepared and sent for first feedback.

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Site Layout exploration with a vehicular access forming a loop. Parking bays radiated from the access road.

First Discussion on Prepared Work 28 August The design developed was discussed with Adams and Chris through Skype Conversation (online).

Some key points raised during the discussions for further consideration were; •Concern about the scheme being blocked off more than we might want from the neighbouring SYHA development on the SE boundary.

•The areas of houses and flats were larger than specified on the brief.

•Look for other approaches to the layout as an island effect was created by the vehicular loop to a portion of the site.

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Progressed Design 24 September In light of the comments made during the previous discussion, the design was refined and a viable scheme was proposed. The drawings in DESIGN DEVELOPMENT section in this report were submitted to the Cohousing group.

Meeting 10 November Meeting was held with 8 members of the Cohousing group. Prepared proposal was presented and followed by discussions and question and answer session.

I had two main objective with this meeting; •Explain and make the group understand the intent of the proposed Housing design. The thoughts and ideas involved in the design proposal is vital for understand design which sometimes cannot be communicated just through drawings.

•To get a sincere feed-back from the future residents for whom the housing was designed for. This will help me to test the design’s relevance, success and also help me to improve my skills as a designer.

Overall everyone liked the housing scheme and appreciated the level and quality of work delivered. During the discussion session some concerns were raised by the members which are; •At the southeast side the middle and corner houses would have minimum view with the rest of the housing.

[Solution: This can be amended by staggered arrangement of the houses which will allow the view towards the rest of the housing.]

•Connection between the flat and common house and the generous accessible terrace above common house (can be converted to green roof) was liked by many members. But, they felt the lift to be placed closer to the common house so that the visitors and wheelchair user using the lifts don’t enter into the private space in front of each flats.

[Solution: This can be easily addressed by rearranging the flat plan and placing the lift directly adjacent to the connection bridge.]

•As the parking space was at some distance from the houses members questioned on “how to deliver the furniture to each dwelling from the parking?”.

[Solution: The footpath leading to each dwelling is 2m width at current, it can be widened to 2.5m to allow the entry of delivery vehicle when necessary. Strong and grass loving permeable membrane can be used to pave it.]

•Various aspects like solar and wind harnessing possibilities and building materials was also discussed in brief.

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Conclusion Overall the initial housing design study has been helpful and productive for the Cohousing group. This design exercise has born a valuable understand in the possibilities of housing layouts in the given site as per their need.

For the housing scheme to go through the next phase, a confusing situation regarding the site has to be cleared.

This was a design exploration proposing a feasible housing scheme in the part of Skye edge site. The group was considering a partial development in collaboration with SYHA i.e. they would develop housing in the selected site and the rest would be developed by SYHA. But, SYHA who were doing initial financial modelling of the site didn’t find it profitable so the development was stalled. This situation left the Co-housing group in dilemma regarding the site. As of present, they are seeking clarification with both SYHA and Council about the site. The outcome will determine the future of the proposed housing study.

Whatever happens in the future, working on this project has strengthened my confidence to deliver responsive design, communicate and lead projects like this. I have also gained a valuable insight into what resident’s seek from their houses and community. I have explored precedents, used new software and refined on how to express what I intend in a clear and attractive way (visual, written and verbal). Thus, this initial housing design study has been immensely fruitful and a wonderful opportunity.

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“The work you have put in for us has been very helpful to us”, has been the general response from the Co-housing group.

Annex Five Rivers Cohousing Co. Ltd. COHOUSING ON SKYE EDGE – INITIAL CAPACITY DESIGN BRIEF

July 2015

We are looking to build a co-housing scheme of between 20 and 25 highly sustainable dwellings plus a Common House and common open space on land at the western end of an SCC site zoned for housing to the south of Skye Edge Avenue S2.

An indicative mix for a 20 dwelling scheme would include: 4 x One Bedroom Flat 4 x Two Bedroom Flat 6 x Two Bedroom House 4 x Three Bedroom House 2 x Four Bedroom House

@ 50 m2 plus a Common House @ 70 m2 @ 250 m2 @ 80 m2 plus play & rest areas @ 90 m2 plus common gardens @ 110 m2

Our preference is for small clusters of mixed housing (though we will also consider terraced housing, inter-connecting courtyards or something more “Mediterranean-style” – quite densely packed and pedestrianised) with aspects maximising the extensive views while providing visual security across the site and giving a sense of enclosure. The exposed nature of the site means sun and wind are likely to determine buildings and gardens locations.

Creative use should be made of topographical features such as the significant east-west bank separating two main areas. Note is to be taken of existing trees including those without preservation orders. Boundary tree planting and/or shelter belts should be incorporated where possible.

The Common House and the flats could be three-storey buildings; with some flats possibly sharing the Common House building. The houses will be two-storeys. Shared open space should be maximised to include play and quiet rest areas and as large a shared vegetable gardens as is possible.

Front doors shall either be defended by small front gardens or be mutually visible. Each dwelling and each block of flats will have a patio area large enough for table, chairs and planters or small raised beds. First and higher floors flats are to have balconies to ensure outward aspects in as many as possible.

The layout should respect two existing desire paths on the site as far as possible without compromising security which should be enhanced by a sensitive but effective approach to boundary marking.

Parking is to be located as close as possible to two existing road access points to minimise traffic movement across the site. We will be pushing planners to allow a low ratio of one car to every three dwelling units plus five visitor/delivery spaces.

Emergency and removals van access is to be provided to minimum standards using sub-strata membranes allowing grass and ground-loving plants to grow through. There will need to be a creative solution to how this “green emergency roadway” crosses up over the lateral bank.

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The Common House should be centrally located and be large enough in total for the following functions: meeting space for the whole community and smaller groups, the preparation and eating of shared meals, guest accommodation, and the provision of utilities such as a common laundry, tool store and workshops.

SCC’s Informal Planning Advice Note for the whole site (i.e. including the more linear extension eastwards which is under consideration by a housing association with whom we are in discussion about shared development) indicates the potential for a landmark building on the site we are seeking to develop. We would encourage a creative response to how, for instance, a Common House/flats complex could achieve that aspiration.

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Contact

Kalpana Rai Email: quealpana@hotmail.com