Berkhamsted, Buckinghamshire.
What was the client’s brief?
The client, smitten by the views of the Greenbelt protected Frithsden, purchased the property perched on a steeply sloped site. The existing bungalow made little use of the exceptional views of the valley, with living spaces directed towards the road and small windows throughout.
The client, a family of outdoor enthusiasts, wanted to re-establish the connection between the house and the exceptional natural beauty surrounding it. The brief consisted of designing a modern industrial style new build with an open plan living space that would create a link with the garden. Additionally, the client wanted 4 bedrooms and a separate snug that provided a private hideaway.
What challenges did we need to overcome?
The property is located within the Berkhamstead Greenbelt and Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), therefore, our design process was heavily restricted. Through the strict constraints of Greenbelt, the new dwelling must not have exceeded the original footprint of the existing house.
While the site’s location provided stunning views of the surroundings it was steeply sloped and in the vicinity of the Grade II* Listed Castle Hill Barn. Non only did we ensure that the new design harmoniously integrated itself within its surroundings, but we’ve paid extra care in preparing a solid plan for the schedule of works and handling of the local terrain.
What did we do?
Our design marries the client’s brief together with the Chiltern Hills Design guide and the context of Grade II* Listed barn. The refined selection of reclaimed and unique materials is in keeping with the local vernacular. Chiltern red brick with black timber cladding is a gentle nod to the regional style, while crittal windows and corten steel accents achieve an industrial feel desired by the client.
The house is designed to create an exciting experience as you walk through it. Having moved the house slightly away from the slope, one crosses the bridge to enter into the double volume living space with views to the country side beyond. The relocation of the house not only enabled us to create more drama at the entry but bring more light into the lower level of the house.
Status: Planning
Renovations.
We’ve helped transform many wonderful living spaces through renovations and extensions over the years.
Whether you’re looking for a contemporary glass addition, a complete makeover for a period Victorian or Edwardian property, internal remodelling options for houses built more recently, or a complete restoration of a derelict building, we’ll be able to help.
Using our 3D design process, you can explore a range of alterations before embarking on the more detailed phase of your renovation or extension.
Listed Properties.
With our wealth of experience working on listed and heritage properties across London and the South East, HollandGreen has successfully negotiated consents with Local Authority Conservation Officers and with Historic England for a wide range of renovation and extension planning requests.
We work with Specialist Heritage Consultants, and Archaeologists to provide detailed assessments of historic buildings, and have gained approval for ambitious, but sympathetic alterations to properties of historic interest, including those Grade ii* which fall within the top 3% of protected properties in the UK.
New Builds.
For many people the prospect of building their own home is the ultimate dream. At HollandGreen, we’re proud of the fact that we have helped a number of people achieve this dream.
If you are fortunate enough to have a plot of land that has the potential to be built on, or a house that you would like to knock down and start again with a blank piece of paper, we’d love to help.
We can advise on likely planning implications to help establish the feasibility of your project. Our exciting design journey will help you navigate through planning, choosing your builder, and delivering your dream new home.
Barn Conversions.
Barn conversions offer the perfect opportunity to create a unique countryside home, packed with character. At HollandGreen, we’ve had extensive experience in converting existing agricultural buildings into residential dwellings, in accordance to the recent changes to ‘Class Q’ Permitted Development Rights.
From traditional listed stone walled buildings with slate roofing, to more modern metal clad farm sheds for the modern, industrial look, you can create perfect country living with all mod cons. What a great opportunity to create a one-off family home that’s sympathetic to its rural setting, and generally larger in volume and scale than a modern build.
Conservation Areas.
Many properties fall within locations specified as a Conservation Area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and we have specific experience working with planning departments across London, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Please do get in touch if you have any specific questions around what can be possible within a Conservation Area, even if you are just at the early stage of purchasing the property.
Luxury Basements & Pools.
If you’re battling to add space to your property, creating a basement storey can provide the perfect option to add significant living space, without having to move.
With basements closer to the main living areas than lofts, there is greater flexibility in terms of use, from home cinemas, wine cellars and playrooms, to office spaces, personal gyms and swimming pools.
To find out whether adding a basement to your property will add value to your house, we recommend seeking advice from your local estate agents. Talk to us about Permitted Development Rights, as basement extensions are often possible, if a cellar space already exists.
Luxury Kitchens & Lofts.
The way people use their living space is changing. We find that for most of our clients, the kitchen is now the hub of the modern home, and we’re proud that we’ve become known for our inventive and aspirational kitchen extensions.
We’ve helped hundreds of home owners across London and the South East create open, bright and contemporary kitchen living spaces that combine cooking, dining and living within one social and inviting area.
We’re also known for our carefully considered, aesthetically pleasing loft extensions that both increase living space and add a wonderful new aspect to your home.
- Renovations
- Listed Properties
- New Builds
- Barn Conversions
- Conservation Areas
- Luxury Basements & Pools
- Luxury Kitchens & Lofts
