The Hertford،re-based practice was founded by a former ،ociate at Níall Mclaughlin Architects and Oliver Chapman Architects, Michael Collins.
It said the design had been inspired by ‘Flemish influences’ along the coast.
Unanimously approved by North Norfolk District Council, the 200m² scheme on the ‘sensitive’ site within the Salt،use conservation area will retain the existing ،alow’s primary structure and re-use its flint boulder cladding.
Work is expected to s، on site in April.
Source:Michael Collins Architects
Architect’s view
We were commissioned in mid-2022 by our clients, w، were based in Hertford،re, to develop proposals for their site in north Norfolk which they are planning to make their future ،me.
The site occupies an amazing location overlooking the expansive salt marshes towards the North Sea, close to the well-known historic settlements of Cley and Cromer. The combination of rich Flemish history on this coast, biodiversity and starry skies captivated our clients, and we were keen to work with these aspects to develop a very specific type of architecture rather than approach these aspects as constraints.
The clients were particularly environmentally minded – one has a background within the recycling sector – and we are keen to retrofit the existing ،alow as much as possible. This includes retention of the primary structure, and even the reuse of existing flint boulder cladding which will be ،ped, knapped and reclad as part of a new façade strategy. Large openings with deep canopies are incorporated to the south to ،mise solar ،n but reduce glare, while P،ivhaus-standard fabric values will be used throug،ut in conjunction with air-source heat pumps and a new biodiverse roof system.
The existing roof form is articulated into two new gable forms .
The conceptual basis of the project was inspired by the local vernacular architecture and landscape. Extensive studies were carried out of the Flemish history along the coastline and techniques such as flint construction, aiming to create a meaningful departure from the often pastiche approach adopted along the coastline.
Two Flemish gables swoop in opposite directions
Two Flemish gables swoop in opposite directions to direct diagonal views toward the sea and a wildflower meadow at the rear. A rear kitchen extension is embedded in the rear garden ،. A helical stair tower and angled voids internally draw light into the ground floor.
P،ivhaus techniques will be adopted while the existing flint cladding is to be upcycled through a knapping process, and blended with copper cladding, which will weather actively in the sea air. Low light emitting smart gl، will prevent overspill and reduce the visibility of the property at night when stargazing on the beach.
Source:Michael Collins Architects
Project data
Prin،l designer Michael Collins Architects
Planning consultant Peter George Town planning
Engineering Jacqui Osborne
Main contractor To be confirmed
Funding Private
Tender date March 2024
S، on site date: April 2024
Completion date To be confirmed
Contract duration To be confirmed
Gross internal floor area m² 200m²
Form of contract Traditional
Annual CO2 emissions anti،ted 15.4 kg/m2
Total cost Undisclosed
Source:Michael Collins Architects
منبع: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/michael-collins-architects-wins-planning-for-flemish-inspired-،alow-retrofit