Overcoming Regulatory Challenges to Construct a Residence in a Flood Zone and Conservation Area: Witness Remarkable Outcomes
In the heart of Cambridge, a couple, Matthew and Anna, embarked on a self-build journey that combined modern design with respect for the local environment and heritage. Facing the conundrum of renovating and extending, or demolishing and starting anew, they chose the latter option.
Key Considerations
The decision to demolish and rebuild, especially in a conservation area and flood zone, involves several crucial factors.
Conservation Area Constraints
The design of their new home, masterminded by architect Richard Owers, reflects the area's architectural style. The house is a classically proportioned family home with a smaller wing to one side, and the materials used are sensitive to the area's heritage. The project's approval from local authorities was no easy feat, considering the site's location in both a flood zone and a conservation area.
Flood Zone Implications
To mitigate against flood risks, the ground floor of the new home was raised by 400mm. The construction, spanning just 12 months, incorporated flood-resistant materials, and the house comes in at 300m2 but retains a footprint similar to the demolished house.
Structural Integrity and Age
The original house was insubstantial, and its demolition was straightforward. The new home incorporates external bird and bat boxes, including specialist boxes for swallows, due to its proximity to a county wildlife site.
Cost Comparisons
The cost of demolition, including debris disposal and potential asbestos removal, was weighed against the cost of extending the house. In this case, demolition and rebuild proved to be a more cost-effective solution in the long term, given the house's poor structural condition.
Environmental and Sustainability Factors
The house's garden-facing element features exposed Douglas fir timber beams in the ceiling, and the top floor serves as a versatile workspace, particularly for Matthew who works predominantly from home. The project prioritized sustainability by salvaging materials from the existing structure and incorporating energy-efficient features, such as an array of solar panels and battery storage, and heavily insulated walls.
Timeline and Lifestyle Impact
The construction process, while lengthy and disruptive, was executed efficiently, with progress made quickly. Hard surface flooring was laid throughout the house, with tiles in the bathroom, polished concrete in the kitchen, and solid oak elsewhere, to minimize dust for Matthew's severe dust allergy.
The bedrooms all have views over the surrounding countryside, and the smaller wing contains the main bedroom on the first floor and a children's playroom at ground level. Slates were chosen for the roof to mirror the dominant Victorian roof material used locally, and a Cambridge buff brick was used to reflect the brickwork in the surrounding area.
A steel frame was erected on the south facade to allow for the installation of continuous glazing at a later date, ensuring the house remains modern and well-lit while integrating seamlessly with the surrounding area.
