79A & B CHOUMERT ROAD

The key challenge of this project was to extract the maximum potential from this shallow, single aspect and landlocked brownfield plot whilst remaining sympathetic to its context. The design evolved as a pair of mirrored mews-type houses extending the terrace towards Bellenden Road and replicating the scale and rhythm of the adjacent street.

Following extended negotiations with the local authority we were able to unlock the potential of the site by exploiting the established massing on the site of the existing single storey block built out to the pavement line. This volume was redeployed to provide external courtyards and entrances shielded by a masonry frame and decorative metal screens. This gave

each of the new houses a private amenity space on the constrained single aspect plot.

Poor ground conditions and a tight site added to the complexity of the build and put pressure on the budget. A robust conventional masonry construction was adopted to echo the existing terrace, with timber floors and roofs. The design of bespoke precast concrete features and simple but carefully considered details maintained a sustainable low-cost approach with architectural integrity.