Wonford Road

Surrounded by Victorian villas on a site that affords expansive views of the sky, One Wonford Road remains tucked away and out of sight from most passers-by, despite its city-centre location. It was this feeling of seclusion that inspired our clients to purchase the 1960s bungalow and set about creating their new home in a popular residential area close to local independent amenities.

The client’s brief was for a highly energy efficient home. Following analysis of the existing building and through close liaison with a cost consultant, it was deemed economically more viable to build new rather than attempt to refurbish. Therefore, planning permission was obtained for a replacement dwelling occupying the original footprint.

A circulation spine runs the length of the dwelling from the entrance hall, leading off to 3 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and flowing freely into open plan spaces for living, dining and cooking before opening out into the south-facing garden.

The palette of finishes has been carefully distilled to include muted tones and natural materials, further linking spaces throughout the house. Adjoining the house is a new pottery studio and garage in place of former outbuildings.

Designed to meet Passivhaus standards, the new house comprises a highly insulated primary timber frame construction, triple-glazed windows and doors and whole-house mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR).

The client took an active role in the design and specification of the new build and our team worked very closely with them to efficiently deliver a fully detailed package of work for construction. From that stage, the client, who had some experience in the construction industry, oversaw the build process. Gale & Snowden remained on hand to answer any specific technical queries about the details and specification.