Marney Lodge

This proposal for modifications to the existing Georgian style house and development on the large back land garden site mixes refurbishment and extension of a handsom but neglected existing building with a sensitive sustainable backland development of 5 new 2 storey houses.

On East Hill, Marney Lodge has become lost between later developments, particularly No.87 which is much taller. The additon of an extra storey with the same roof profile and sympathetic detailing restores the scale of building in the streetscape. It also provides the oportunity for 2 additional flats in the building.

The wing to Marney Lodge has been demolished and we have created a new contemporary three storey, three bedroom house with its own front door. The living spaces are on the second and third floor and there are three bedrooms across the remaining floor space. Innovative translucent glass louvred screens maintain a high level of daylight whilst protecting the privacy of the surrounding properties.

The rear of the site beyond the amenity space for the flats in the main building is split into five similar sized plots. Each accommodates a three bedroom detached house on two floors. These units are accessed by a path that runs along the side of the plot next to the line of lime trees on the boundary with the back gardens of the three storey terraced houses on Herndon Road. The developer aspired to create an exemplary sustainable modern development. As such we have incorporated ground source heat loops within the curtilage of each dwelling. In addition an ecological beneficial biodiversity roof has been incorporated, it also plays a role in the drainage of the site. Run-off from this type of roof in flash weather condtions is much slower because the roof acts like a sponge. It is common to find trickle run-off from a green roof many hours after the rain has stopped. There is some 400sqm of biodiversity roof in the scheme overall.