WESTON HALL
A stunning listed estate. Landscape first. Buildings second. This sensitively designed scheme refurbishes a listed barn, stables and para 80 style outhouse to create a carbon negative proposal, embedded in its context.
A site nestled in the Norfolk landscape within the Weston Hall listed estate, surrounded by The Weston Fisheries. The folding landscape with subtle shifts in topography lends itself to architecture that is anchored into its context; it was clear from the first site visit, there were opportunities to work sensitively with the existing listed buildings whilst also exploiting the undulating landscape to position contrasting and contemporary architecture within the grounds.
The architectural response varies from building to building; sensitive refurbishment of the listed stables with minimally glazed openings, offering framed views to the Weston Fisheries. In complete contrast, there is an existing outbuilding which the local authority were keen to demolish; the studio’s position from an environmental perspective was that there was already significant embodied carbon within the existing structure, therefore, would a paragraph 80 response be more an appropriate way to bring the building back to life? Para 80 comes from the NPPF and refers to new isolated homes being built in the countryside. Contrary to the general policies of restraint for building new dwellings in the countryside, the NPPF allows new dwellings to be built in the countryside where they are of exceptional quality of design.
Searching for architecture in the image above? That was the intention; landscape led response, respecting the natural environment and sensitively positioning units in the woodland. A range of design responses depending on the immediate area of the site, ranging from sensitive restorative work through to minimal contemporary architecture.
(01) WALLED GARDEN
(02) OUTBUILDINGS
(03) LISTED BARN AND STABLES
(04) LISTED HALL
(05) EXISTING CONTEMPORARY DWELLINGS
Planning History – The site has an extensive and rather complicated history of planning applications and approvals. Working collaboratively with the heritage officer was the key to unlocking the sites potential- through back and forth dialogue of the possibilities, we were able to agree on maintaining a number of existing structures on site, breathing new life into the buildings, utilising the para 80 design vision to unlock the challenging areas of the site, which previously had a controversial planning history. Another scheme highlighting sustainability at the heart of the concept offers an elegant and environmentally led response.
Planning History – The site has an extensive and rather complicated history of planning applications and approvals. Working collaboratively with the heritage officer was the key to unlocking the sites potential- through back and forth dialogue of the possibilities, we were able to agree on maintaining a number of existing structures on site, breathing new life into the buildings, utilising the para 80 design vision to unlock the challenging areas of the site, which previously had a controversial planning history. Another scheme highlighting sustainability at the heart of the concept offers an elegant and environmentally led response.
Listed Barn – Threshing Barn to the west of Weston Hall, grade II (designated, 1952). The approach taken retains a strong essence of the original arrangement and the relationship of the Stables building with the listed Barn. Use of natural materials with a light-weight aesthetic help re-establish an aesthetic on the Site where the Barn remains the prominent feature.
Stables – (curtilage listed). The role of the Stables in the Site and as part of the original arrangement is acknowledged through reference to the original footprint and retention of the most important elements, preserving the visual connection with the listed Barn immediately to the south-east. The opportunity to improve permeability through the Site as well as views has been recognised through removal of the most altered element of the existing Stables to release longer views out towards the wider listed estate.
Outbuildings –The sports hall development is the most substantial on the Site and the trickiest to address given its scale and massing. The approach taken has been to make use of the existing structure, which represents a more sustainable approach. The proposals work with the existing built form but break down the massing and bulk through the intelligently managed treatment of elevations and roof forms, creating a run of bright and spacious family homes that look back towards the listed barn.
Walled Garden –The walled garden is of no particular heritage interest, but it is a feature that, when introduced, was in-keeping with the overall character of the Site. The contemporary approach taken reflects the more recent history of this part of the Site and allows for a sustainable and informed development that draws on the character of the Site and includes low level dwellings, green roofs and traditional boundary walls marking out large private garden space. The walled garden is peeled back in certain areas to release views out towards the woodland and fisheries.
Project Info
STATUS
PLANNING SUBMITTED, 2021
TYPE
RESIDENTIAL
LOCATION
COUNTY
NORFOLK
CLIENT
Serruys Property
AREA
2300m²
COORDINATES
The Team
The Client
Serruys Property
Planning Consultant
Maddox Planning
Heritage Consultant
HCUK Group
Sustainability
Ensphere Group
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