An exploration into elevated living: Positioned in a flood-risk area and ecologically sensitive area, two interconnected houses on stilts allow us to meet environmental challenges head-on—ensuring dry, safe access even
under extreme conditions. Another layer of complexity is its being located next to a listed building. Through this project we invoke what role architecture plays in responding to climate risk and creating a new vernacular.
Homes Rooted In Luddington Woodlands And Its Heritage
Two new homes will grow from the undergrowth to site harmoniously within the woodland setting. Timber forms and textures will blur the lines between built form and the woodland’s boles and limbs. Houses will operate within the woodland dynamic, providing habitat opportunities to local fauna and holding and reusing rain and grey-water for the benefit of surrounding flora.
It will be apparent that the two buildings are designed to respect not only the woodlands in which it is set in, but also the existing Luddington House, an adjacent Listed Building which is a strong contributor to the character of the area.
Detailed Study To Forge Clarity Within A Complex Site
The design process incorporates site strategies that balance environmental considerations, accessibility, and safety.
A detailed study was carried out to analyse which trees must be preserved and which may be removed to identify the developable area. The two interconnected units are positioned within this area and linked by a shared elevated pedestrian pathway, designed to capture the presence of mature trees and integrate seamlessly with the natural setting.
Their layout follows site requirements, incorporating vehicular access from the existing Luddington House to maintain the existing streetscape along Stroude Road. Additionally, safe flood zones are identified, and elevated pedestrian access routes enhance safety while ensuring a harmonious connection between the built and natural environment.
Distilling Layers Of Sustainability Into Two Houses
1. Existing trees and Root Protection Areas are preserved, while trees in poor condition are removed
2. Buildable area and connection are defined to link with Luddington House.
3. Pedestrian and car access are provided while maintaining the existing Stroude Road frontage.
4. Green Belt openness is respected by placing
dwellings with minimal impact.
5. Flood risk and landscape are addressed by elevating buildings and adding a suspended path.
6. Sustainability strategies guide the design through passive and green solutions.
This design ensures sensitivity from Green Belt, flood risk, and heritage perspectives guided by sustainable and passive design strategies.
It begins by preserving mature trees and their Root Protection Areas, removing only those in poor condition. The buildable area is defined to maintain a strong connection with the adjacent listed building, respecting its heritage value. Pedestrian and car access are introduced while keeping the frontage along Stroude Road. The openness of the Green Belt is maintained through careful placement of dwellings within the landscape. To address flood risk, they are elevated and connected by a suspended path.
Minimising Visual Impact
The new scheme has been designed to ensure minimal visual impact from both Stroude Road and the existing Luddington House, aligning with heritage and landscape considerations.
The existing Luddington House has a maximum height of approximately 10.9 meters, while the proposed development reaches a maximum height of around 5.9 meters, making it significantly lower and less prominent.
Additionally, the building is positioned within the existing tree cover, further reducing their visibility and allowing them to blend naturally into the surroundings. This approach helps preserve the character of the area while ensuring the development remains discreet.
Seamless Transition From Nature To Dwelling
The proposed dwelling is divided into two interconnected units, ensuring a seamless flow between spaces while maintaining privacy and functionality. A shared elevated pathway sits at the heart of the design, enhancing circulation and strengthening the biophilic experience, offering views of the surrounding greenery, water, and natural elements, reinforcing the project’s deep connection with nature.
The low, single-storey profile ensures that the structures sit discreetly within the landscape, maintaining the openness of the surroundings and preserving the visual integrity of the Green Belt.
The Y-shaped timber columns at the front, reinforcing the idea of the buildings being rooted in the landscape while allowing for structural openness. The extensive glazing maximizes views, inviting nature inside while maintaining a sense of transparency and lightness.
The floating roof design, appearing detached from the main structure, adds to the sense of openness and minimizes the building’s visual impact. This architectural approach helps integrate the scheme into the woodland setting, ensuring it remains discreet within the Green Belt.
The two units are connected by a shared elevated pedestrian pathway, designed to capture the presence of mature trees in the north part of the site, ensuring their preservation and integration within the design. This thoughtful approach enhances the experience of movement, keeping the trees as a central feature of the site.
Each dwelling entrance is marked by a distinct circular space, where newly proposed trees emerge, subtly defining the transition from the natural landscape to the built environment. These circular openings provide a sense of arrival while integrating seamlessly into the overall design.
