THE VINEYARDS

Client: CABU/Silvertown

How do you design barns that are green, contemporary, cosy and at the same time efficient to build? That’s the challenge developer Silvertown gave us on the back of HWO’s Woodland Barn project.

The site lies in the attractive stretch of countryside to the north of Ongar (Essex) in the pretty hamlet of Birds Green. Previously used as a landscape contractor’s yard, the site included a large barn which volume was used as a the maximum development benchmark.

Following a quick visit on site, it became clear the development faced number of constraints such as the trees bordering the edge of the site and associated root protection areas, but also the close proximity of neighbours. But there were also clear opportunities within the site because existing tree lines created natural plot divisions also screened the property from main road.

During design development, we aimed to create a well-designed scheme to reflect the local vernacular. We started the designs by working on the primary volume. This was inspired by the barn shape, characteristic of the area. Using simple proportions ensured that the form is not over bearing within the setting. The pitch of the roof varies across the 4 units to create character and help the scheme look more organic.

By folding the entrance elevation, depth and identity were created. A small canopy indicates the entrance and the simple fold in the building line created interes. The volume was then animated with playful windows. Further changes in materials helped create texture and depth to the buildings.

Obviously these design considerations also took on board the construction method, ie insulated timber panel technology which CABU, the client’s JV partner, specializes in. The scheme provides four flexible, well designed units and also aims to satisfy the demand for a range of residential users. While the smallest unit was 3-bedroom the other three were 4-bedroom units ranging

‘We’re over the moon with the development and actively looking for more sites.’

Olivia Hutchinson Silvertown

from 2,090 to 2,680 sqf. Generally the immediate existing context to the site is a mix G+1 and G+2 so the proposal was for G+1 buildings. Due the range in type, size and roof form, each unit varied slightly in size, the lowest at 7.87m and the largest 8.52m. The non-uniformity of the buildings adds interest and prevents the scheme from looking too homogeneous. Clear floor to ceiling heights are comfortable at 2.6m for the ground floor, and open into the roof space on the upper level, creating the feeling of space and openness.

The window strategy has been designed to create variety and interest across the four houses. Across all four units the intention was to have larger windows on the ground floor and smaller punchy windows on the first floor and this will give the building weight at the base. To strengthen this concept there is also a change in texture at the base. This simple panel is the timber used on the elevation but in a different direction.

The entrance is expressed by a brick reveal. This adds variety, defines the entrance and breaks the timber façades. Two

Client

CABU / Silvertown

Contractor

Cowley Timber + Partners

Procurement

Design & Build

Local Authority

Epping Forest District Council Number of the units have a traditional gable roof with equal sized slopes. The remaining two units have a pitched roof but with unequal sized pitches. This adds interest to the building lines. The gable end to the west of the units is full glazed with a double height space behind, over the living area. This elevation creates a distinctive feature for the dwellings and introduces light into the key spaces. The material palette considers a variety of textures and tones to create architecturally rich buildings. High quality materials are key in creating vigorous and well detailed schemes. Each unit as a different but similar material palette to create individual dwellings. This helps with place making, ownership and avoids the scheme to look too repetitive. This approach is supported by The Essex Design Guide which states different facing materials on different houses within a development is deemed appropriate.

Development was completed on site and launched early 2020.