Affordable Housing Development at Northaw
An application for 26 affordable houses at Northaw Park was submitted to Welwyn Hatfield Council in June 2019. There are 50 homes in the area already and the proposed development will add 15 three-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom houses in response to the need for affordable housing in surrounding rural areas. The dwellings are two-storey in scale and relatively low in density to reflect the site’s semi-rural location. They will be traditional in design and use of materials to sympathise with the local architectural character of Hook Lane and elsewhere in Northaw. The applicant is Watford Community Housing, a Hertfordshire-based housing association whose priority is to provide better homes and friendlier communities.
New Team Member
We are pleased to welcome Adam Parsons who recently joined Boast Architects as a Senior Architectural Technologist. Adam brings considerable experience in producing construction information for large residential developments by national house builders. We hope he enjoys his new role at Boast Architects.
Extension at Private House, Essendon
Boast Architects have obtained planning permission from Welwyn Hatfield Council for a contemporary extension a private house in Essendon. This comes after seeking Pre-application advice about the proposal from the planning authority because of the sensitive location in the Metropolitan Green Belt. The close proximity of a significant Cedar of Lebanon in the grounds of the original house was a concern but an arboriculturalist proved that the new building would not adversely affect its long term future, to the satisfaction of the local authority. The largely glazed new structure is simple and minimalist in appearance to ensure that the architectural integrity of the original house will continue to prevail whilst taking full advantage of magnificent views over rolling Hertfordshire countryside. It will provide additional living space for hospitality and a sunken Swim Spa for the clients who are both very keen on water sports. We are currently coordinating the design team to produce working drawings and construction information for tender. Completion is expected this Summer.
Barn Conversion, Bovingdon near Hemel Hempstead
Boast Architects are pleased to announce that planning approval has been obtained for converting an agricultural barn in Bovingdon into three 3 bedroom dwellings. The change from agricultural to residential use had been established by the client under Class Q of Permitted Development Rights before we were appointed. This exciting project incorporates structural insulated panel (SIP) construction with zinc wrapping around the entire structure to reflect the agricultural context of the existing farm buildings. The design uses vertical standing seam zinc cladding throughout with contrasting horizontal detailing in the same material on the gable ends. Feature strip windows and eaves windows punctuate the zinc cladding to reinforce the contemporary design theme. We are currently producing construction drawings for tender and construction is due to commence in July 2019.
New Team Member
We are very pleased to welcome a new member to our technical team this week – Darren Lansdall. Darren studied at the University of Northampton where he qualified with a First Class (Hons) Degree in Architectural Technology. We hope he enjoys his new home at Boast Architects as we work together to develop his career.