Saunders were appointed as the working drawing architect for this residential development in Northaw, Hertfordshire.

The 25 Acre site includes the existing Grade II listed Northaw House, and is adjacent to the Conservation Area of Northaw.

Saunders appointment included the repair and refurbishment of the existing Oak Cottage into a 3-bedroom house, the construction of one 3-bedroom detached house, four 4-bedroom semi-detached houses and two 4-bedroom detached houses. Known as “The Settlement”, the houses in this part of the site were all designed and constructed in timber frame, using materials already common with former farmyard buildings on the site, including re-using reclaimed materials from those buildings.

Trees have been planted to line the public areas, creating small avenues. There are lawned areas and hedges in front and to the rear of the houses. Access routes within the development are shared surfaces, covered by gravel, making an informal appearance.

In contrast to “The Settlement” the three 4,000 sq ft 4 bedroom detached houses within the Walled Garden are of modern contemporary design, limited to a single storey high to comply with the planning permission. Living accommodation and a garage is at ground level with a second storey of accommodation sunk into the ground creating a recessed courtyard, providing natural light into the accommodation at this level.
These contemporary Style housing are constructed in Steel and glass with a sedum flat roof, and concrete retaining structure for the sunken bedrooms and open courtyard.

Each house has a private garden situated within the Walled Garden. Hedgerows and estate fencing provide privacy and security to each property.