• Location: Cheshire West

• Context: Suburban

• Nature: New-build family dwelling

• Status: Planning Submitted

Paul Ashton Architects were commissioned by a private client to design a contemporary low-energy dwelling next to their their existing dwelling.

This project was located within a Conservation Area in a village in Cheshire. The site's level difference compared to the adjacent road allowed us to design a discreet, low-profile, two-storey dwelling.

PAA collaborated with the a conservation consultant to develop a design approach that was sensitive to the site's location within the Davenham Conservation Area. The LPA supported the argument that a building with a contemporary design language would be an appropriate addition to the conservation area, standing in contrast with its historical and architectural context. We employed this approach to accentuate the inherent aesthetic qualities of both traditional and contemporary design languages

The presence of several mature trees of exceptional quality adjacent to the site offered significant levels of natural screening. PAA worked with an arboriculturist and structural engineer to develop a foundation design for the dwelling which would work within the Root Protection Area [RPA] of the adjacent trees in accordance with with the British Standard ‘BS 5837:2012 - Trees in relation to design, demolition, and construction – Recommendations'.