Planning consent was secured to demolish and replace an existing pair of semi-detached properties, formerly used as a bedsit / hostel facility, with a two and a half storey building which fronts Alexandra Road in Watford.

The replacement building provides ten shared-ownership apartments at ground, first and second floor, with a mix of one, two and three bedrooms.  The scheme makes provision for six car parking spaces located to the front of the property and includes garden amenity space to the rear of the property, as well as an integral bin store and a secure cycle store.

The design approach was to create a replacement building that occupied a similar sized footprint to that of the building that currently occupies the site. This approach helps maintain a similar building line to the front of the property, minimising the impact on the adjacent property.  The design of the proposed replacement development takes precedent from the Victorian vernacular which is prominent along Alexandra Road and in the surrounding context of the site. This architectural style is articulated in the design details, proportions and materiality of the proposal.  The front and rear elevations adopt design features including projecting bay windows, large windows, dormer windows, brick and stone detailing and feature gables, as well as high floor to ceiling heights internally. The central pitched / flat roof section helps to avoid a large central roof aspect and a ridge line which exceeds the adjacent property. This approach to the central roof section will enable this space to be utilised internally for accommodation space at second floor level. Roof lights and dormer windows will also help provide a good level of natural light to the second floor in both the flats and central circulation core.

The proposal has been designed to ensure all ten flats have views either over Alexandra Road or the communal garden space to the rear of the site.