Introduction / Brief
The client purchased the former Silcocks clothing factory on Derby Road Ashbourne with outline planning for 7 residential units.
Site / Context
The site was very small with limited access off of the busy Derby Road. Furthermore the former factory units faced directly onto Sturston road with virtually no pedestrian access to this elevation. On top of this the outline application didn’t meet building regs or indeed was even buildable due to the arrangement of buildings and the proximity of the proposed units to neighbouring sites. So we prepared revised scheme for 7 units which were of a size and layout that could be built in accordance with building regulations.
Materials and Design
The scheme was for a simple masonry construction that the contractor was familiar with. Due to the very limited nature of the site we worked closely with the contractor to over come the issues of programme and deliveries.
For the elevation to Sturston Road due to its proximity to the carriageway with the contractor we devised a way that he could carry out works to the external elevation without the need to apply for a road closure.
Sustainability
While the building is traditional masonry construction we increased the insulation within the cavity walls by 50% on building regs standard. While the old factory building was insulated internally with 100mm of breathable insulants. This allowed the units, including those formed in the old factory build, to be easily heated by small individual heat pumps. Removing the need and cost of bringing a gas supply onto site.
