Developing in a unique protected landscape
The 0.17ha site is located in the Cricket Green conservation area with two Grade II listed manor houses close by and a Pagoda tree, voted Merton’s favourite tree, at its centre, creating a unique environment to respond to through our building proposal.
While the surrounding area is of a high quality, the site itself has no designated use and contributes very little to the surrounding street scape, the development of the site presents a real opportunity to revitalise the public realm, improve the street frontage and contribute to the housing need for the area.
Integrating through thoughtful design
The terrace of townhouses and low-rise apartment block are modest in density to respect the surrounding historic context. A new shared communal garden sits at the centre of the site with the protected Pagoda tree at its heart.
We analysed the Georgian proportions of the neighbouring listed buildings and referenced their simplicity, symmetry, window proportions and groupings.
The form of the townhouses emphasises the rhythm of the individual houses along the street, while the elevations of the apartment building are broken down into smaller elements by vertical brick recesses.
A simple material palette was selected to compliment the adjacent heritage listed Park Place building. A warm buff coloured brick with a weathered effect is used to complement the existing buildings.
Sustainable design
The client, Merantun Developments, wanted an exemplar scheme in terms of sustainability and design, and during the design process announced a climate emergency.
We explored a range of low carbon energy solutions for the development. The preferred solution was high fabric efficiency of the building envelope to reduce its heating demands, with electric panel heaters for space heating, and hot water generated through individual ASHP cylinders.
This gas free solution addressed many of the client’s climate concerns.
The building design is being updated to meet Passivhaus standard, supporting the Merton Council’s Zero Carbon policy for new housing.
