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part ii section c

buIldIng TyPes And CHARACTeRsection C describes the building Types and Character lexicon. The section looks at both building type, for example apartments or terraced houses, at building character, and at the degree of formality or informality that we can find within each type.

both type and character will have an important effect on the quality of streets and on achieving a meaningful sense of place within sherford. The central part of this section describes a number of illustrative examples, both photographic and drawn, that designers should consider when preparing detailed schemes.

Although not intended to be exhaustive, this section outlines the logical hierarchy of architectural variety that will be achieved at sherford.

CBuilding Types ThoroughfaresBlock Types

C CD DBAPrivate

FrontagesTypes

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74 sHeRFORd | Town Code

1CommerCial

2apartments

3large terraCed House

buIldIng TyPes mATRIx

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4medium terraCed House

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5small terraCed House

6paired Villas

8urban mews

7detaCHed House

CBuilding Types ThoroughfaresBlock Types

C CD DBAPrivate

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buIldIng TyPes

IntroductionA town is made up of a collection of buildings. Of course, the way they are put together involves a complex, inter-related play of streets and urban blocks, of natural topography and formal planning, and the innumerable, compound decisions that make up the subtle townscapes of south Hams that are the inspiration for sherford.

buildings are however, the ‘blocks’ that make the town. They provide its physical structure; they define, more than any other single ingredient, its appearance and ultimately they are the part that people will occupy and make their own. The design of buildings is therefore critical to the success of the new development, and will do more than anything else to create its character.

Typology and CharacterThe sherford Town Plan creates a logical, hierarchical structure for the new settlement, providing a diverse range of places, from a vibrant high street and formal avenues and squares, to informal village-like areas.

The logic of this structure is partly embedded in the plan and it is partly informed by street type and layout but the structure will only be given meaning and legibility if buildings respond carefully to their place within the development.

This response is both to do with choice of type and with character.

Building TypeThere are eight general building types for use at sherford:1. Commercial 2. Apartments3. large terraced house4. medium terraced house5. small terraced house6. Paired villas7. detached house8. urban mews

Of course, choice of building type will very largely be the result of use, and of market condition. The sherford development as a whole will be flexible to the changing requirements of use and need and also the property market.

nonetheless, market forces and need cannot entirely dictate development if we want to make a town, as opposed to a collection of housing estates and business parks. Certain building types belong in certain places, and not elsewhere. And within the settlement, certain building types will define the nature of the place.

For instance, a street lined with shops and mixed-use commercial buildings ‘makes’ a high street. A similar street lined with large terraced townhouses has a different hierarchical legibility within the town, as does a street of small terraced cottages. And this legibility is purely typological, as distinct from architectural character or style.

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CharacterAs well as type, the sherford Regulating Plans will specify in certain key areas the character of the development. This code defines urban character very simply – the degree of ‘formality’ or not.

In most areas of sherford, a mix of different styles, materials and architectural character will be welcomed. A relaxed approach to character coding is therefore the ‘default’ setting for the development as a whole (In these areas, the sherford materials Code will maintain a high quality of finish).

In certain areas however, more formal responses will be required by the Code.

To a large extent, formality is determined by how buildings relate to one another, and these rules described are in Part III, ‘Putting it All Together’.

nonetheless, formality also depends on a series of rules at the individual building scale.

section C looks at these rules, as follows:1. Proportion2. Hierarchy3. uniformity of openings4. Regular spacing of openings5. Relationship of window to wall6. Proportion of openings7. degree of enrichment8. material

many ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ qualities are universal between types. A large formal townhouse, for instance, shares many of the same characteristics as a small formal townhouse or a formal paired villa.

In practice, formal architecture has a huge range of creative variations that are the result of the individual designer’s inventiveness, as well as size, material and detailed design decisions, let alone how buildings combine with one another, the topography and so on. but these rules provide the baseline from which the variety can begin.

Informal architecture is best defined by the relaxation or absence of these rules.

The matrix in Part III, ‘Putting it All Together’, will specify whether the formal architectural code listed above has to be followed or not.

How Section C worksbecause formal and informal qualities are relatively universal, the section begins by looking at Character – the eight coded rules for formality and, by default, informality.

The section continues by examining Type - the eight major building types that will make up the sherford development (followed by specific limited-use types). This part is effectively an illustrative pattern book, demonstrating best practice and the essential qualities of type that designers will be expected to adhere to when preparing their proposals.

designers should then proceed to Part III to see how the building types get put together, and how formal they should be. This matrix will also refer to all of the other ingredients – streets types, setbacks, boundary treatments - that together make up the town.

All the illustrative building type elevations are drawn at approx 1:200 scale.


2 hierarchyHierarchy is a system of grading the importance of each part of a building relative to another part.

Hierarchy is imparted both by composition (i.e. placing a door in the centre of a symmetrical building), and by use of enrichment (i.e. door surround).

CODE: Designs must demonstrate a sense of logical ‘hierarchy’ within buildings.

CODE: Ceiling heights increase:In the most prominent floorIn more important/larger building types

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Designs of formal building types must demonstrate:

1 proportionsystems of geometric proportion (i.e. derived from the relationship of geometric shapes, square/golden section) or harmonic proportion (i.e. numerical relationships, for instance 1, 3, 5, 8, 13) underlie much classical design. Proportion is simply a system of relating each part to its neighbour and to the whole, with a shared series of common shapes and relationships.

CODE: If required, designers must be able to demonstrate the underlying logical proportioning systems to the composition.

buIldIng CHARACTeR: FORmAl

ii) Simple hierarchythe first floor, which contains the living room and principal accommodation, traditionally therefore called the ‘piano-nobile’, is emphasised with the tall ceiling height and windows.

i) Simple hierarchythe front door is emphasised by its central location and by the small pediment.

i) Proportional Seriesthe diagram shows a series of proportioned rectangles relating to one another in a geometric series. the rectangles at either end are a ‘golden section’ and in the middle is a square.

ii) Golden section rectanglethe golden section rectangle is that which, when applied to a square makes another rectangle the same shape.

iii) Proportion applied to a façadethis simple three bay house façade has an underlying proportion system. the regulating lines control the position, height and size of the openings. the proportion of the openings is related to the proportion of the façade as a whole.


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3. uniformity of openingsuniformly aligned openings are a characteristic of formal design.

CODE: Openings should align both vertically and horizontally in a classically composed façade. Variation: Smaller townhouses often show misalignments between ground and first floor windows (refer C4, C5) reflecting internal staircase/hall layouts.

i) Formalthe windows align vertically and horizontally.

ii) Informalthe windows misalign.

iii) Formal variationthe door and ground floor window in this townhouse are misaligned from the windows above, due to the interior floor layout.

4. regular spacing of openingsRegular spacing of openings is a characteristic of formal design, particularly in terraced architecture.

CODE: Openings must be regularly spaced. Variation: For more complex façades (5 bay, 7 bay or more), the device of inflection or deflection can be adopted to emphasise the centre or the wings (refer to illustration).

iv) Variation: deflectionthe wings are emphasised.

iii) Variation: inflectionthe centre is emphasised.

ii) Regular openingsthe openings on this 5 bay façade are equally spaced.

i) Regular openingsregular openings on 3 bay terraced houses.



6. proportion of openingsTypically, windows in formal buildings have a vertical ‘portrait’ format. The principal floor, ground or first, typically has the largest windows, which diminish in size in upper storeys.

CODE: Windows in formal buildings should be vertically proportioned, and never less than square. Variation: If wide windows are desired in formal buildings then tripartite windows with sidelights (matching the proportion of the central panes) must be used (refer to illustration).CODE: Window size should reflect a logical hierarchy within the façade as a whole.CODE: Within each window, glazing bars must be designed to ensure that panes are always taller than square.

7. degree of enrichmentAll the above rules are concerned with underlying compositional arrangement. Finally, buildings are given more or less formality according to the degree of architectural enrichment used.

The diagrams demonstrate increasing classical formality in a range, from no enrichment to full application of the classical orders and a pediment. The building size and proportion has not changed at all, but the formality is increased dramatically.

5. relationship of window to wallOn a regional and national scale, most traditional formal architecture has a fairly consistent relationship between window/wall openings. Orientation, design of interior layouts and specific architectural style may dictate variations from the norm, but in all cases the size of openings must relate coherently to the wall to create a harmonious balance between solid and void.

CODE: Windows must occupy not less than 15% and not more than 35% of wall. Variation: Where designers want to vary these rules, either use a space such as a sunroom or solar lobby or a suitable architectural precedent.

iii) Variation: Wider openingswider windows can either have an extra pane width, or for very wide openings, must be a tripartite arrangement with central sash and sidelights. sidelights and central panes must match in size.

ii) Pane proportionpanes are always taller than they are wide, never the other way around.

i) Proportion of openings from square to double squarethe windows also reflect a hierarchy of ceiling height and importance within the façade

iii) Relationship of window to wall – correctthe diagram shows a ratio of approximately 30%

ii) Relationship of window to wall – incorrectthe windows are too small in relation to the wall

i) Relationships of window to wall - correctthe diagram shows a ratio of approximately 15%

Wrong typeCorrect type


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8. materialsmaterials themselves have a hierarchy. Traditionally, stone has been considered the most ‘noble’ material, due to its inherent qualities of beauty and durability. Wood is perhaps the most humble. These hierarchies of course vary subtly by region, country and culture, but remain surprisingly universal around the world and through time.

Within south Hams, the following hierarchy of walling material can be identified:

dressed stone (most formal)stuccobrickRubble stoneRough harlingTimber (least formal)

CODE: Designs must reflect hierarchy of material appropriate to: Building type/size: larger buildings typically more formal materials. Building function: civic/commercial buildings typically more formal materials. Building formality: formal buildings where designated to be dressed stone, stucco or brick. Informal buildings where designated to be brick, rubble stone, render, rough harling or timber.

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Typically, most buildings at sherford will reflect regional characteristics, which have relatively little enrichment, as shown (i-iii). Application of orders will generally be limited to large terraced compositions (refer to Part III) or to public buildings.

CODE: Degree of enrichment must reflect local and regional precedent, with enrichment typically limited to string course, eaves cornice, door surround and parapet wall at eaves.Application of formal classical orders will be limited to large terraced compositions (refer to Part III) or to public buildings.Variation: Some more formal classical details may be applied to small buildings if designers can demonstrate suitability, according to location or use.CODE: Classical orders or details where applied must be based on local or historic precedent. Designers of large formal buildings or buildings with a degree of classical detail must demonstrate their detailed familiarity with classical design.

i) no enrichment

ii) string course, eaves

iii) door/window surrounds, parapet

iv) application of order (column, cornice, parapet)

v) application of order and formal pediment



buIldIng CHARACTeR: InFORmAl

Informal architecture is found in two basic categories: designed and vernacular.

both are best defined by an absence of the rules that make up formal character, but they have slightly different responses:

Designed InformalA number of building styles self-consciously adopt a non-formal architectural language, but they are often just as controlled and carefully designed as formal or classical buildings. such styles include Picturesque, Italianate, gothic, Arts & Crafts and much Contemporary design. There are many good examples regionally and locally, and a variety of these styles will be welcomed at sherford.

In relation to the eight coded rules for formal design, designed Informal styles can be characterised as follows: 1. Refined proportional system. 2. Careful hierarchy of design, but dependent on asymmetry and subtle

balance rather than simple symmetry and simple hierarchy. 3. misaligned openings. 4. Irregular openings. 5. Window to wall relationship both smaller and much larger than norm. 6. Openings often horizontal. 7. Relatively little enrichment, and typically not based on classical detailing. 8. A range of material from formal to simple, appropriate to style.

CODE: Designers working within each particular style noted above must demonstrate suitable local, regional or national precedent for their design, and must be able to demonstrate familiarity with the particular style adopted.

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Vernacular Informalmost rural building in south Hams before the end of the 19th century, where buildings were constructed according to need and locally available material, and where few conscious ‘design’ decisions were taken, is vernacular.

With regard to the seven coded rules for formal design, Vernacular Informal building can be characterised as follows: 1. Relatively simple, unrefined proportion systems (if at all). 2. Hierarchy determined by use/need, not exterior design. 3. misaligned openings. 4. Irregular openings. 5. Window relationships smaller than norm, typically. 6. Openings typically horizontal. 7. Relatively little enrichment, and rarely based on classical detailing. 8. simple materials.

In addition: All materials relate closely to south Hams precedent: refer to Part I, town wide regulations. In general, predominantly rendered walls (white or colourwashed), slate roof, painted timber casement windows.

Floor to floor heights are low, especially at first floor (eaves often located below ceiling line).

storey heights are low: typically 2 or occasionally 2.5 storeys. Roof pitches 40-42° typically (variation up to 50° if accommodation required in roof).

CODE: Designers working with South Hams vernacular must demonstrate suitable local precedent for their design, and must be able to demonstrate familiarity with South Hams building and its reinterpretation.

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IntroductionCommercial C1.1 includes all structures specifically built for single use commercial (retail/office). Locally, this building type emerged in the 19th century in the form of banks and office headquarters. 20th century types include large purpose built offices and department stores.Design of C1.1 at Sherford will be required to demonstrate structural robustness and adaptability to a number of uses for lifetime sustainability.

Specificationsgenerally 2-4 storeys locally; max. 6 storeys.located at important vista streets for maximum commercial benefit.Plot width typically 8m - 30m.Plot depth typically to account for rear service yard and car parking.Only one door or one set of doors, usually placed centrally on the front

elevation. use of classical orders typical on large buildings to break up building mass and provide civic quality.

Typical Illustrations

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i) Large purpose built commerciala typical large purpose built commercial building derived from early mid 20th century models: 4-6 storeys, extensive glazed wall systems, but with an overall hierarchy of parts and detailed scale elements as an integral part of the building design. a 7m-8m wide bay module is extendable according to need. the front doors will always be emphasised.

ii) General purpose built office/retail buildinga typical office/commercial building may have shop front windows. an internal staircase leading to office floors above. typical uses include general office, small gp surgery, solicitors or other professional use.

C1.1 COmmeRCIAl: sIngle use


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civ) Turning the cornerpurpose built commercial buildings are always designed to take advantage of an urban corner situation. public houses, inns and coffee houses are very often located on street corners in traditional urban environments.

iii) Single storey commercialseveral types, especially banks contain large single storey spaces. a formal symmetrical façade provides impact in the street scene.



IntroductionCommercial mixed-use provides for retail or office accommodation at ground floor with apartments above.Two categories may be found in local examples: purpose built mixed-used buildings, or, more typically, converted from terraced housing.

Specificationsground floor retail/office. Apartments or separate office above, accessed from door onto street, integral with façade/shopfront design.2-3 storeys typical, 4 storey occasional. Plot width tends to follow residential categories: 6 - 12m typical (occasional wider).


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C1.2 COmmeRCIAl: mIxed-use

Commercial: mixed-use purpose builtthis building is a common type regionally. although very similar in form to (iv) opposite, the large bay window, as a part of the formal composition of the shop front, demonstrates that the entire building is designed as an integrated whole. the first and second floor could contain apartments or offices.

ii) Commercial: mixed-use purpose builtthis building occupies a wide plot providing for a mix of retail space at ground floor with apartment accommodation above. the apartments are accessed from a single stair at street level, which is incorporated into the architectural composition. the building could be 2 or 3 storey as indicated. local examples of the type often celebrate the corner with an architectural motif such as a ‘pepperpot’ tower.


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civ) Commercial :mixed-use convertedthis converted townhouse has a front door at the left – approximately the location of the original door – and door to the shop at the right. the entire composition is unified in a symmetrical shopfront.

iii) Commercial: mixed-use convertedin traditional urban settings, this type usually implies a converted mixed-use building. this village house has a free-standing front door to the left of the main shopfront – an extremely common type locally.



IntroductionPurpose-built mansion flats allow for a large number of apartments accessed off common stairs/lifts, sometimes with doorman control of the building entrance. This is a 19th century building type adapted from continental European examples. Depending on position with the development, the style of the architecture can be more or less formal.

Specifications4-6 storeys typically.Often occupies entire urban block or substantial part thereof.single entrance to street, typical. large formal buildings often make use of classical orders to provide articulation and scale.

Typical Illustrations Formal

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C2.1 mAnsIOn APARTmenTs

i) Large mansion block: formalthis is an urban example of a 5 or 6 storey apartment building articulated with full use of the classical orders to provide a sense of scale and hierarchy. this building type is not common locally, but provides a suitable model for high density apartments near the centre of sherford.

ii) Medium mansion block: formalthis building is derived from a large georgian townhouse model. 7 bay, and 2.5 or 3 storeys, this type is more common locally and would be suitable for an end-of-vista location or similar. within a town centre situation, this large townhouse model is often set back behind a small forecourt.


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iv) Medium mansion block: designed informalat a smaller 2.5 storey scale, this building also follows arts & Crafts typologies. the gable front, dormers and casement windows give an informal appearance. the building is arcaded at ground floor, potentially around a garden courtyard.

iii) Large mansion block: designed informalthe arts & Crafts movement developed models for larger building types, containing multiple units, but with less formal elevations than shown in (i) opposite. the elevation is treated as a series of related but distinct elements. the bay window, broken gables and variation in window uniformity all enhance this effect (refer photograph).

Typical Illustrations Informal



IntroductionWhere smaller apartment buildings are required in general neighbourhood areas, townhouse or industrial converted provide a useful model. Critically, a lively urban frontage should be maintained with regularly spaced front doors at the street. Both models are suitable for contemporary architectural transformation.

Specifications: Townhouse converted3-4 storeys typical.Appearance of formal or informal terraced housing (see C3, C4).maintain front doors at street - not dummy door.

Specifications: Industrial converted 3-6 storeys typical. Appearance borrows from local industrial language, typically large areas of glazing and clear hierarchy of form.


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i) Townhouse convertedin many urban environments, apartment buildings are required where the street context will not support formal mansion apartment buildings. Here, the model of converted townhouses can be used. typically, in original townhouses converted, individual doors/stairs feed a single apartment on each floor of the house. in contemporary reinterpretations, it is common for a central stairwell/lift to feed a large number of upper flats, but front doors should still be provided to the ground floor apartments to give a sense of liveliness to the street. Front doors must never be ‘dummy’ doors.

C2.2 APARTmenT buIldIngs: geneRAl

ii) Mansionettesthis 4 storey apartment building borrows from a typical early 19th century model providing for 4 maisonettes. the lower apartments have their own front door and internal stair. the upper apartments are accessed via a central stair/lift and have their own internal stair to reach the top floor. the type is particularly useful where height and architectural presence is required but the market for large single family units cannot be accommodated.


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iv) Warehouse contemporarythis building is rendered in a more contemporary style which can work well with apartments, both as a part of the urban fabric and in marketing terms. the language draws clearly from industrial models.

iii) Warehouse convertedacross the country, industrial and warehouse buildings have been successfully converted to apartment living. this type, with large clear span floors and extensive areas of glazing, make a successful part of an apartment ‘offer’. Coloured brick and simple classical detail are often used to enliven the simple industrial style façades. the model can be easily transformed with a modernist interpretation if desired.




IntroductionTerraced housing was the staple housing type during 18th/19th century urban expansion, both nationally and locally. The terraced housing type has proved remarkably successful as a model for compact sustainable urban dwelling.At plot width/height dimensions noted, C3 dwellings provide very large single-family houses and it is expected that their number at Sherford will be limited according to the requirements of the local housing market. Architecturally, C2.2 apartments/masionettes can provide a similar appearance.

Specifications6-10 m wide, typically 2 or 3 bay to suit width of façade.3/4 storeys high. single building line, unless centre/end bays break forward as part of ‘palace-front’ composition. Typically all windows to align vertically and horizontally. Occasional vertical offsets are allowable between ground and upper floors.Floor to floor dimension at ground and first floor typically 3.5m min.


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C3 lARge TeRRACed HOuse

i) Large terraced house: formalthis 4 storey, 3 bay townhouse has little formal classical detail but contains all the formal architectural characteristics described and coded in the introduction (p66). repeated on the scale of a terraced street, this type would create a simple, formal (and relatively inexpensive) urban streetscape.

iii) Large terraced house: formalthis 3.5 storey, 3 bay townhouse has a repeated arcaded ground floor. this is characteristic both locally and nationally and will create a formal response on the scale of the terraced street. the large windows at first floor are hierarchically not quite as important as the arched windows at ground floor.

ii) Large terraced house: formalthis 4 storey townhouse is narrower. the 2 bay arrangement allows for larger windows facing the street – including sills almost at floor level at the first floor. Hierarchically, these windows are the most important in the façade. the arched windows are characteristic of many late 18th terraced houses both locally and nationally.

Terraced houses: plot ratiowhen laying out terraces, consideration needs to be given to the building massing ratio in relation to the overall plot dimension. typically, terraced houses were designed with a narrow front/deep plot (top),which tends to maximise density. where deep plots cannot be achieved, the wide front/shallow plot type below maximises garden size and increases daylight provision within dwellings.


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iv) Large townhouses: semi-formalalthough each house shares a common proportion system, the overall composition is one of attractive informality suggesting incremental growth over time. Formal terraced development typically required a single landowner/developer, and single architectural control. before the mid 19th century this was unlikely in rural areas. Hence a typical pattern of varied widths and building heights, related to old land ownerships and individual requirements at the time of construction. taller/larger buildings tend to be found at key vista locations.

Typical Illustrations Semi-formal



IntroductionAt the plot width/height dimensions noted, C4 dwellings provide medium-size family houses that will be suitable for many areas in Sherford. Typically, C4 will be built in repeated terraced units, with a variety of characters achieved by adjusting opening patterns and the degree of architectural enrichment.

SpecificationsNarrow fronted:

5-7 m plot width, typically 2 or 3 bay, occasionally 1 bay with tripartite window at first floor.3 storeys high. All windows to align horizontally, vertical offsets allowable between ground and upper floors.

Wide fronted:9-12 m plot width, typically 3 bay (‘double fronted’) house.All windows to align horizontally and vertically.single or double height bay windows typical.


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i) Medium terraced house: formalthis 3 bay house has arched windows/fanlight at the ground floor. because the windows align between ground and first floors, the building has a more formal quality. the projecting eaves (no parapet) are conversely less formal than the other examples shown.

ii) Medium terraced house: formala typical terraced house plan has been designed with arched ground floor window/door, and a large tripartite window at the first floor living room. the pilasters expressed at the property line will enhance a sense of formal classical architecture when applied to a complete terrace.

iii) Medium terraced house: formala simple 2 bay elevation with a narrow plan width of approx. 4.8m. a simple classical door surround and parapet wall, together with a clear hierarchy, impart formality to the design.

C4 medIum TeRRACed HOuse


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Typical Illustrations Semi-formal

iv) Medium terraced house: designed semi-formala terrace of gabled houses. the gables add informality to the street scene, an effect compounded by the possibility of painting each house in a different colour. architectural details on this type may be less classical and more ‘gothic’ in inspiration. relatively common type regionally.

vi) Medium terraced house: designed semi-formala variation of (v) with 2 bay windows at ground floor. projecting bay windows give the houses a broken appearance, which is less formal than a typical plain fronted house. this sense of informality can be enhanced by a variety of painted colour joinery for bay windows and doors from house to house.

v) Medium terraced house: designed semi-formala terrace of double-fronted (3 bay) houses. although classical in composition and with regular window spacing, the wide front, 2 storey buildings create a more relaxed, informal feel than the 3 storey terraced dwellings illustrated in (i – iv). these houses likewise could be painted a variety of colours. the parapet wall adds a small note of formality. a very common type in south west towns and villages.



IntroductionThe small terraced house is an extremely common type both locally and nationally, and it is anticipated that this type will comprise a large percentage of the eventual housing offer in Sherford. Most terraced housing in Sherford will be relatively simple in character, although in certain areas the Town Plan will call for a more formal architectural response. In this instance, use of the classical orders and such features as pediments or door surrounds can offset the relatively humble size of a dwelling.

Specifications4.8-6 m plot width.2 – 2.5 storeys high.


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i) Small terraced house: formalalthough small in plot width and height, these terraced houses have relative formality imparted by the classical pediment and parapet walls, the paired projecting door surrounds and arched fanlights.

ii) Small terraced house: formalsimpler and more modest, these cottages still have an underlying formality with their regular fenestration pattern, cornice and parapet wall.

C5 smAll TeRRACed HOuse


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iv) Small terraced house: vernacular informalthis row of cottages is still built to a regular building line and eaves height, but the horizontal window openings (always subdivided into vertical casements), open eaves and tarred plinth are characteristic of an informal vernacular. the buildings are also painted a different colour. this is an extremely common local building type.

v) Small terraced house: vernacular informalthe varying eaves heights and fenestration patterns make these cottages completely informal/vernacular in quality.

iii) Small terraced house: designed informalthese cottages, while still ‘planned’ and regular in design, have an arts & Crafts informality imparted by the gable front and the resultant irregular roof line. the low eaves emphasises the cottage nature of the architecture.




IntroductionPaired villas were a common 19th century building type and have proved a particularly durable housing model. They can create more privacy and sense of ownership than ordinary terraced housing, and can achieve high densities without the repetitive monotony sometimes associated with streets of terraced houses.The villas may be free-standing (semi-detatched) or linked to form a continuous terrace but with the linking side wings (called ‘hyphens’) set back from the main building line. In many formal examples, the wings contain the front door and stair hall. Where front-loaded parking is permitted, garages may be located in the linking wing.

Specifications Plot widths and heights as noted for C3, C4, C5, but often allow 1.5 – 2.5m extra per dwelling for hyphen (3.0m if garage).


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iii) Paired villas: formalthese villas are wide fronted, resulting in a 4 bay wide elevation contained under a single pediment. single storey linking wings contain the front door.

C6 PAIRed VIllAs/semI-deTACHed

iv) Paired villa: formalsimple paired villas under a hipped roof.

ii) Paired villas: formalthough smaller, these villas will still create a commanding terraced elevation. the paired doors are set back slightly from the face of the main building. the accommodation above is set back further, creating the potential for outdoor balcony space overlooking the street.

i) Paired villas: formalthese 3 storey villas are unified under a single pediment with pilasters, making for a very formal classical composition. the side wings are set back and contain front doors with additional accommodation above.


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vii) Paired villas: designed informalthese arts & Crafts paired houses share a similar plan type to examples (ii) and (iii). the casement windows, hipped roof and open eaves all give the architectural language a much more informal/rural quality.

vi) Paired villas: designed informal (Italianate)this picturesque composition combines two villas, which are architecturally distinct but share a common language and detailing. the asymmetrical location of the tower reinforces the informality of the paired houses.

v) Paired villas: designed informal (Gothic)the gable fronted elevation, as with medium terraces, creates a more informal appearance. this is reinforced by the use of dormer windows and varied window arrangement. a relatively common mid 19th century building type regionally.




IntroductionTerraced and paired villa/semi-detached housing may comprise the bulk of housing types at Sherford, but provision of detached houses, including some large dwellings, will be an important ingredient in creating a strong social mix in the new settlement.The bulk of detached housing will occur in lower density neighbourhood areas on the edge of local centres. Within denser, more urban contexts, C7 can be set back from the main street line behind a wall or railing. Detached houses with high quality boundary treatments also provide a useful way to ‘turn the corner’ of a block with internal parking courtyards.

SpecificationsA variety of architectural form and language, from traditional to contemporary.A variety of sizes from small to large.dwellings must take particular advantage of site – i.e. views, solar orientation.


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iii) Detached house: formala 3 bay 2 storey house with single storey wings. this villa, planned on a generous scale, is typical of early 19th century regional examples. this type is generally found on a fairly extensive plot with a forecourt set back from the street.

i) Detached house: formala formal 3 bay 3 storey double fronted house. the pilasters add architectural detail but the formality derives largely from the proportion of window openings and height.

ii) Detached house: formala 5 bay 2 storey double fronted house. likewise classical orders are limited to the door surround, but the width of the building, the vertical window proportions and parapet wall give the house a formal quality.

iv) Detached house: formala very simple 3 bay model with tripartite sash windows at ground floor. this model, with or without the special windows, is particularly common locally.

Detached houses a large detached house set back from the main street line (top); a detached family house used to turn the corner in a typical block (above).

C7 deTACHed HOuse


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viii) Detached house: designed informaldetached houses on their own plot are particularly suitable for contemporary styles of architecture. Vernicular and local materials should be considered to relate the building closely to the local environment.

vi) Detatched house: vernacular informalan informal, gable fronted house. the l-shaped plan implied by this elevation is typical of a freestanding detached house set within its own plot and taking full advantage of site specific characteristics such as views or solar orientation.

vii) Detached house: vernacular informalthis simple cottage like form of detached house has low floor to floor heights and potentially a thatched roof, characteristic of regional rural vernacular architecture. this type would be suitable for use in rural edge situations at sherford. the size and position of openings are determined by interior need rather than any formal exterior arrangement.




i) Urban Mewsthe repeated arcaded bays with dividing pilasters create a formal, classical response out of a simple plan type. the single central window and cupola emphasise the central element of the composition.

ii) Urban Mewsless formal, but still regular, this mews has a small projecting central unit, which could provide a stand-alone maisonette or stair access to the adjacent flats. the front doors and garage doors are designed in a unified way.

C8 uRbAn meWs

IntroductionMews buildings were traditionally built ancillary to urban townhouses and provided stabling as well as servant accommodation. Today, social requirements have changed dramatically but the mews has proved to be an enduringly popular building type.Locally, few examples of traditional mews exist as the type is rarely found outside large conurbations. C8 has been introduced at Sherford owing to the success of mews in accommodating the car without impairing urban design, and in providing flexible accommodation that can be successfully used in a variety of ways – home office/flat ancillary to main dwelling, rented office or apartment, or a building under entirely separate occupation.

SpecificationsA variety of plot frontages from 4.5m – 12m.Typically 2 storey, occasionally 2.5-3. Front loaded garages at ground floor with integral designed front door to residential or office accommodation over.


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iii) Urban MewsCharacteristic of most mews development, this collection of dwellings has a variety of building widths, materials and eaves conditions. accommodation above is accessed from stairs adjacent to the garage building, in a variety of configurations. Contemporary architectural responses would sit well within this mews type.




CIVIC buIldIngs

Civic buildings in sherford include the following listed below.

Health Centre

Library

Secondary School

Primary School

Youth Centre

Church

Police Station

Sports Pavilions

Cemetery/Memorial Garden (entrance)

Public Houses

Sport Centre

Town Hall

detailed information on these buildings will be dealt with in the detailed design Codes for areas where these buildings occur in the Reserved matter Application.

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