Overcoming Challenges in Constructing a Residence in a Flood Zone and Conservation Area: Marvel at the Achievements
A Modern Family Home Built to Withstand Flood Risks in Cambridge
Matthew and Anna, a growing family, were determined to stay in Cambridge and expand their living space. Facing the challenge of a flood-prone and environmentally sensitive location, they decided to demolish their old house and build a new one that complies with flood resilience standards.
Their property, located in a flood zone and conservation area, is designed according to these standards, ensuring the new construction would be built to withstand flood risks effectively. This opportunity allowed them to improve the home’s durability and safety against flooding compared to the older structure.
The new design that emerged was a classically proportioned family home with a smaller wing. 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.
The house spans 300m2, retaining a footprint similar to the demolished house. The children's bedrooms take up most of the first floor, with a smaller wing containing the main bedroom. A children's playroom is at ground level. The top floor serves as a versatile workspace for Matthew, who works predominantly from home.
To find extra space, a steeper roof with a raised ridge height was designed, allowing for a third storey. The ground floor living area can be separated into two areas, with acoustic sliding panels to form a smaller, soundproofed area for Matthew's cello practice.
Hard surface flooring was laid throughout the house to minimize dust. The interior features exposed Douglas fir timber beams in the ceiling. The walls are heavily insulated to ensure the home is energy efficient. The project's architect, Richard Owers, mentioned that Matthew and Anna wanted to build a house that was not too loud or ostentatious.
An elegant staircase is one of the architectural highlights of the home. The construction of the traditional brick-and-block house spanned just 12 months and kept to a strict self-build schedule. The ground floor of the house was raised by 400mm, and the terrace at the back of the house was positioned two metres away from the flood zone.
The house features an extensive array of solar panels and battery storage, further enhancing its energy efficiency. The bedrooms all have views over the surrounding countryside. A steel frame was erected on the south facade to allow for the installation of continuous glazing at a later date.
Getting planning permission for the project was a challenge due to the site's unique location. However, the adoption of flood resilience standards and the commitment to resilient building practices likely made the redevelopment a more feasible option than extensive retrofit of the older home that may not meet current standards.
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- Matthew and Anna's primary focus was planning a new project to expand their living space in Cambridge.
- The project involved designing a home that would comply with flood resilience standards due to the property's flood-prone location.
- The new design included a classically proportioned family home with a smaller wing, featuring a roof made of slates and Cambridge buff bricks.
- The house's floor plan covers 300m2, with the children's bedrooms on the first floor and a playroom on the ground level.
- To maximize workspace, a third storey was added, accessible via an elegant staircase.
- Hard surface flooring was used throughout the house to minimize dust, and the ceiling features exposed Douglas fir timber beams.
- Exhaustive insulation in the walls ensures energy efficiency in the home, while solar panels and battery storage further boost its energy independence.
- In the new home, all bedrooms offer views of the surrounding countryside.
- The ground floor was raised by 400mm, and the terrace at the back was positioned two metres away from the flood zone.
- The implementation of flood resilience standards and a commitment to sustainable building practices made the redevelopment of the home more feasible than extensive retrofitting of the old one.
- The project aimed to create a home that exudes a modern aesthetic, reflecting the lifestyle and desires of a modern family while embracing sustainable living principles.
