Introduction / Brief
The brief was to form a new library extension underneath the existing formal gardens to the rear of the property. In addition a scheme was required to provide a lift to access the main parts of the walled gardens.
Site / Context
The existing building is a very prominent feature of the Parwich conservation area. Being located within the Peak Park and a grade 2* listed building the proposal would appear to be unlikely to be supported.
Materials and Design
Due to its listed nature and location in the Peak Park it was critical to establish an early relationship with both the planning and conservation officer. We also commissioned a local artist to prepare a before and after watercolour of the garden and summer room to show the limited impact the proposals would have. In this way we quickly established a preferred construction approach and a scheme that both the conservation and planning officer could support. Planning and listed building approval being granted for the proposal in December 2018
Sustainability
The client was keen to ensure the proposed underground extension was well insulated and well tanked. We worked with a conservation structural engineer to produce a design scheme with an insulated raft foundation and ICF retaining wall. This provided a significantly higher level of insulation than building regs require. It also created a duel layer with regards the tanking to the retaining wall.
