The site, characterised by a broadly triangular parcel of former farmland, was part of the original Severalls Hospital Estate. Following a review of the original outline application, we sought to not only improve it in terms of placemaking, but to ensure that the layout was more efficient and deliverable.

Our brief was to create attractive and desirable family homes consistent with the principles of the Essex Design Guide. We were also tasked with ensuring that all the homes passed the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4, Lifetime Homes, full HCA internal designs criteria, Building for Life Silver Standard and Essex County parking standards.

Our proposals developed the concept of a continuous street frontage with secure rear garden areas, connected through generous car ports. Most parking was therefore situated within plot curtilage, which provided opportunities for glimpsed views through secure gates into courtyard proportioned gardens. A strong street hierarchy of boulevards with swales, secondary streets and mews were lined with a varied mix of houses which delivered a contemporary take on traditional Essex built form and detailing.

Attention to detail created robust and confident design solutions to hard landscaping, defensible planting, play areas and home entrances. Careful consideration of all aspects of family life have resulted in homes that can be adapted to changing lifestyle patterns and can provide conveniently designed spaces for all those little things, that make a difference to quality of life.