Overcoming obstacles to construct a new dwelling in a flood-prone zone and wildlife preserve yields impressive outcomes - draw inspiration from the achievement
When Matthew and Anna, a growing family, decided to self-build a house in Cambridge, they faced a unique challenge: their chosen plot was situated in both a conservation area and a flood zone. This required a thoughtful and strategic approach to ensure compliance with local regulations, preservation of heritage, and adaptation to the flood-prone environment.
The project's architect, Richard Owers, masterfully navigated these challenges, resulting in a traditional brick-and-block house that seamlessly integrates modern features and energy-efficient design.
Demolition of the old house made way for the new design, which retains a footprint similar to the demolished house but comes in at 300m2. The house is built to a strict self-build schedule, spanning 12 months, and showcases a variety of flood prevention measures. These include raising the ground floor by 400mm and positioning the terrace two meters away from the flood zone.
The design prioritizes family-friendly features over purely visual considerations. Walls are heavily insulated, and the window-to-wall ratio has been optimised to achieve a good thermal environment throughout the year. The interior design includes exposed Douglas fir timber beams in the ceiling of the garden-facing living room, adding a touch of rustic charm.
Hard surface flooring was laid throughout the house to minimise dust, making it easier for the family to maintain a clean and hygienic home. 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.
The top floor serves as a versatile workspace, particularly for Matthew who works predominantly from home. The design includes a smaller wing and a steeper roof with a raised ridge height to accommodate additional sleeping space.
To maintain the character of the conservation area, slates were chosen for the roof to mirror the dominant Victorian roof material used locally, and Cambridge buff brick was used to reflect the brickwork in the surrounding area. The house also incorporates external bird and bat boxes, including specialist boxes for swallows, contributing to the local ecosystem.
A steel frame was erected on the south facade to allow for the installation of continuous glazing at a later date, ensuring the house remains modern and adaptable. The house also features an extensive array of solar panels and battery storage, making it an energy-efficient home.
In conservation and flood zone contexts, the approach hinges on balancing regulatory compliance, heritage preservation, structural condition, design goals, and environmental resilience. Strategies include conducting detailed inspections and obtaining expert advice on structural and flood risks, engaging early with local planning authorities to understand regulations, considering partial demolition to preserve historic character, weighing retrofit vs. new build costs and environmental benefits, and prioritising flood-adapted designs if rebuilding.
This comprehensive assessment ensures the selected strategy aligns with both practical needs and local conservation and environmental objectives. The result is a beautiful, family-friendly self-build home that respects its historical and natural surroundings while providing a comfortable and sustainable living space for years to come.
- Matthew and Anna, with their expanding family, embarked on a challenging project: self-building a house in Cambridge that conforms to both conservation area and flood zone regulations.
- Richard Owers, the architect, skillfully combined tradition, modernity, and energy-efficient design in the house's creation.
- The demolition of the old house paved the way for a 300m2 design, maintaining a similar footprint.
- The construction adhered to a strict 12-month self-build timeline and incorporated flood prevention measures such as raising the ground floor and relocating the terrace.
- The house's design prioritized practical family needs over aesthetics, featuring heavily insulated walls and optimized window-to-wall ratios for thermal efficiency.
- The interior design included Douglas fir timber beams on the living room ceiling, adding rustic charm.
- Hard surface flooring was laid throughout the house for easier maintenance, and acoustic sliding panels separated the living area for Matthew's cello practice.
- The top floor serves as a flexible workspace, with additional sleeping space in a smaller wing and a steeper roof to accommodate the raised ridge height.
- To preserve the conservation area's character, materials resembling local Victorian roofing and brickwork were used, and bird and bat boxes were installed for ecosystem support.
- A steel frame was installed on the south facade for future continuous glazing, ensuring the house remains adaptable to modern trends.
- Solar panels and battery storage systems were installed, making the home energy-efficient and sustainabile.
- In consideration of the conservation area and flood zone, a comprehensive assessment was conducted to balance regulatory compliance, heritage preservation, flood resilience, and sustainable design, resulting in a comfortable and environmentally friendly home that respects its surroundings.
