5 + 6 BEECHWOOD

Beechwood Close lies in The Battledown Estate in Cheltenham.

The established development pattern throughout Battledown comprises individually designed detached houses of varying ages and styles on sizeable plots.

The two proposed dwellings on this site share a common language in their character and appearance. This is expressed primarily with the living accommodation being positioned at the upper level. This creates the opportunity to ‘float’ terraces and roof overhangs that have been designed with the same materials, details and compositions in mind.

The living accommodation to both dwellings is also double aspect, addressing the north and south elevations but respecting neighbouring properties with its solidity to flank walls. Both house designs also share a dramatic, central stair¬case zone, that helps to bring light into the darker, subterranean parts of the house as well as providing efficient but grand, formal entrances.
The relationship of the houses with the gardens is of particular importance with the public aspect to the south and private aspect to the north enhanced. External terraces at all levels of the houses provide opportunity for connections to the landscape

The larger house is designed over 3 levels with the lower level buried into the hillside. The ground floor level steps back from the building line to create a small terrace area, respecting the natural slope of the ground. The upper floor is expressed by the addition of lighter weight, zinc clad living accommodation that is stepped out from the storey below to provide a dramatic terrace area along the south elevation.

The smaller house is designed over two floors. The driveway leads up to reveal a similar, zinc clad accommodation space at first floor, with façade set back to create depth and shade to the glazed elevation. The set back of the glazing line creates space for a balcony space, as well as providing cover over the entrance and garage. The accommodation at first floor consists of a large kitchen, living and dining space, along with separate sitting room and study to the west end.