Positioning & Scale

New developments should integrate well into the existing built environment and context. This means that new buildings should match the height profile of neighbouring buildings from window level to roof eaves and roof ridge lines to ensure continuity of the streetscape and built environment.

The building footprint and external features (windows, doors etc) should be of a scale that is sensitive to the existing site context and best matches existing examples from neighbouring buildings. If the scale of the proposed new development is different to that of surrounding buildings, designers need to ensure that there is a compelling reason for the difference.

The positioning of buildings on site should be designed to be Beautiful and inclusive for all users and particularly pedestrians, cyclists, and people with disabilities. New buildings should be positioned to line up with existing building lines within the area where applicable, engage positively with the street & surrounding spaces to create interesting street spaces as well as promoting strong and active built frontages.

The built frontage of any new development is important because it helps to enclose spaces, creates continuous pedestrian route as well as continues the pattern of the existing built environment context.

Joining dwellings to each either via blocks of flats or terraced housing can create a powerful and Beautiful continuous frontage. Joined dwellings i.e. terraces are comparatively economical to construct and offer improved insulation. They are therefore energy-efficient and easily Connected to district heating systems, renewable energy sources, waste distribution systems and other digital infrastructure.

It is important to consider the location and design of car parking facilities and their relationship with the surrounding plot, street, built environment and open space – as well as how their construction allows to be Connected to services and conversion to alternate uses.

Where a layout requires that a house be set back from the road, the space in front should be utilised for a publicly Accessible paved area forming part of the general street space or an enclosed front garden with a wall, railing and/or hedge of at least waist height.

In potential suburban developments it will be expected that a variety of different housing types will be provided and that these will be laid out to give a variety of streets and spaces.  These should integrate with the hierarchy of the streets in the surrounding area and overall context.

Design Principles

• Match the general height and form of buildings prevailing in the surrounding area.
• Harmonise the scale of buildings including their size and form, windows and doors and other features by making them a similar size to those of their neighbours.
• Position new buildings to line up with the building lines of neighbouring buildings.
• Where building lines do not exist, position new development to engage positively with streets and spaces and where the surrounding townscape character of the area is good, it should be reflected in the layout.
• Use the positioning of buildings to create interesting, Beautiful streets and spaces.
• All such spaces should be overlooked by windows
• The orientation of buildings should inform internal layouts to maximise the benefits of solar gain and daylight and reduce energy demand as well as overlooking of any potential car parking/front garden for added security
• Configuration of building allows to achieve the desired minimum dual aspect
• Flexibility of design allows the Blackwood House to be stacked easily and grouped
• Due to the fixed bathroom, kitchen core and flexible space around, site specific restrictions can be overcome by adapting the outer wall lines to accommodate for increased space standards, additional WC or bedrooms to ensure a fully futureproofed design.