DJD Architects have completed the design of three individual new contemporary houses on the upper slopes of the Wye Valley, set within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The houses are partially inserted within the slope of the site, and the use of heavy weight stone visually anchors the buildings into the site.
Each house is designed to make the most of the fine views across the valley with living spaces arranged on the upper floors, with a generous glazed outlook opening onto generous elevated terraces. Each house is oriented to align with the slope of the site and spaces are arranged to capture the best of the views whilst providing privacy between each of the new houses.
Low pitched roofs create generous roof areas to allow for the inclusion of photo-voltaic panels oriented south for maximum efficiency. Heating and hot water provided by heat pumps will help to make the houses efficient low-carbon homes to live in.
Our Clients sought a bold contemporary design with references to the traditional materials and colour pallete of other houses along the valley, including stone, timber, and zinc cladding which references the vernacular muted grey slate and tile materials, whilst creating a sharp contemporary feeling.
The site retains all of the best quality trees existing on the site including several large Scotts Pine trees, and a number of veteran pear trees. New shrub and tree planting will enhance the immediate setting of the buildings, create new private curtilages for each plot, and enrich wildlife habitat.
DJD Architects collaborated with landscape architect Potterton Associates to develop the site layout and approach, integrating the buildings into the context of the steeply sloping site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Bruton Knowles provided planning advice and liaison with the Local Planning Authority. Planning consent was granted in May 2022.
Project Details
Client: Private
Work Stages: 1-3
Dates: 2020-2022
Approximate Value: Not disclosed
Planning Consultant: Bruton Knowles
Landscape Architect: Potterton Associates
