The client recognised that this site in the Manchester suburb of Chorlton held great potential for a contemporary family house. Their vision for the house was a fusion of contemporary and traditional architecture, with high quality materials which would provide a positive contribution to the neighbourhood.
The site was originally a side garden to Francis Court at 45 Manor Drive - a substantial property that was owned by the Catholic Children's Rescue Society. Latterly it provided a home for a number of lock up garages.
The garage use provided a separate site access which could be brought in to serve the new house. In fact the new house re-uses the existing substantial brick and stone gateposts and iron gates.
The design of the new house takes cues from the traditional building forms found in the area and along Manor Drive. There are changes in scale between the existing properties along the street which the new building seeks to address. The house is intended to sit comfortably with its neighbours in form and material with the front of the house reflecting the forms and fenestration of the street.
The house has been designed to have a public and private face. The North elevation is more solid in its treatment to the street. The house then opens up via a two storey glazed entrance into a double height entrance hall. The hallway creates a visual depth and transparency through the house and forms the hub of a centralised plan spaces feeding off this atrium.
The house opens up to the rear garden space with large glazed openings at ground floor with
elements overhanging to provide shelter to ensure the garden can be used throughout the year.
A simple pitched roof form envelopes the building with a projecting bay braking up the roofline and providing a readable entrance feature.
Using modern structural technology larger brickwork openings are achieved which enable the house to connect more effectively with the garden spaces.
The idea of a traditional form with modern materials is a successful fusion which allows modern
design to integrate with its setting.
We have created a dwelling based on a sustainable design approach. From first principles the design identifies the position and orientation of the sun on the site and fuses the journey of the sun through the day with the functions of the spaces.
Reid Architects provided all design, planning and technical services to the client. Also support and advice during the owners self build programme.
The site was originally a side garden to Francis Court at 45 Manor Drive - a substantial property that was owned by the Catholic Children's Rescue Society. Latterly it provided a home for a number of lock up garages.
The garage use provided a separate site access which could be brought in to serve the new house. In fact the new house re-uses the existing substantial brick and stone gateposts and iron gates.
The design of the new house takes cues from the traditional building forms found in the area and along Manor Drive. There are changes in scale between the existing properties along the street which the new building seeks to address. The house is intended to sit comfortably with its neighbours in form and material with the front of the house reflecting the forms and fenestration of the street.
The house has been designed to have a public and private face. The North elevation is more solid in its treatment to the street. The house then opens up via a two storey glazed entrance into a double height entrance hall. The hallway creates a visual depth and transparency through the house and forms the hub of a centralised plan spaces feeding off this atrium.
The house opens up to the rear garden space with large glazed openings at ground floor with
elements overhanging to provide shelter to ensure the garden can be used throughout the year.
A simple pitched roof form envelopes the building with a projecting bay braking up the roofline and providing a readable entrance feature.
Using modern structural technology larger brickwork openings are achieved which enable the house to connect more effectively with the garden spaces.
The idea of a traditional form with modern materials is a successful fusion which allows modern
design to integrate with its setting.
We have created a dwelling based on a sustainable design approach. From first principles the design identifies the position and orientation of the sun on the site and fuses the journey of the sun through the day with the functions of the spaces.
Reid Architects provided all design, planning and technical services to the client. Also support and advice during the owners self build programme.
