Planning Approved - Dwelling in Stratford-upon-Avon
Unity Architects has obtained planning consent for the creative adaptation of an existing dwelling on Banbury Road, Stratford-upon-Avon.
The new single-storey projection replaces a sequence of rear-wing derelict structures. The architectural enhancements are significant in all areas, delivering a critical uplift in building footprint, redefining the spatial order and creating dynamic spaces suitable for modern living.
We wanted to share some of the design journey with you. Below you can see two photographs of the existing garden space and the existing rear facades of the dwelling. Many parts of the existing dwelling are in need of attention and some of the materials are at the end of their lifespan.
The rear-wing was a focus of the homeowner client. The spaces aren’t well arranged and the client wanted to demolish the entire rear-wing and replace with new construction. This is where Unity Architects came in, to assist the client with the exploration of design possibilities.
“We worked closely with the client over many months to explore a number of design arrangements, including basement, ground floor, first floor and loft/roof level. We like to generate a masterplan vision for our clients, so that they can construct the scheme over a period of time subject to their financial capacity.”
Here you can see the early massing images we produced. Some of the main moves are captured in these images:
The single-storey rear extension with a modern, flat, metal roof that cantilevers along the north and west facades for solar shading and protection from the elements.
A minimal aluminium frame, sliding door system has been proposed to keep sightlines to an absolute minimum, ensuring the client can visually engage with the garden all year round and during fairer weather, slide the large spans of glass to the side to physically connect the internal space with the external garden.
Extensions to the loft and roof to establish a more generous third bedroom and en-suite.
A glazed link to mediate between the existing dwelling and the newly proposed construction.
“The relationship between old and new is essential on these types of projects. You want to avoid bolt-on architecture at all costs. We spend a lot of time harmoniously weaving the existing spaces with the proposed spaces, to generate a coherent vision and a sequence of spaces that flow naturally.”
This results in appraising the existing spaces as well as designing new spaces. We look at the entire dwelling as part of the process, maximising efficiencies and tweaking each space to ensure it performs in the right way for the client.
A quick glance at the existing and proposed plans below will visually demonstrate the improvements we have made. The enhancements attend to many areas of design, including efficiency, functionality, poetics, quality of daylight, drama, experience and delight.
The proposed plan is well arranged and redefines the spatial order of the dwelling, presenting a beautiful platform for future family living.
“The result is a transformative proposal and the creation of architecture crafted to the needs of the client. You can’t buy this type of dwelling. The spaces have been created as consequence of a close working relationship between the homeowner client and the architect. Blending professional insight with the needs of the end-user.”
Construction is due to start during September 2025 and we look forward to this dwelling setting new standards along the Banbury Road, Stratford-upon-Avon.
We hope the resultant spaces deliver many years of enjoyment for another one of our excellent clients.