Property Oct 1.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 14:01 Page 1
BATH | ARCHITECTURE
THE HOUSE THAT TEAM BUILT Georgette McCready visits a newly built home on Bath’s skyline that’s been created by the owners working with a crew of local skilled tradespeople. Photography by Anna Barclay
O
ne way to get the home you want for your family is to buy an existing house – preferably one of no historic or architectural merit – demolish it and realise your own vision on the site. There’s an increasing trend in Bath of people doing just that, sweeping aside the less than pretty buildings of the 1960s and 70s, which happen to occupy prime sites, and building in their place homes better suited to 21st century living and values. The magnificent five bedroom house we went to visit, set on one of Bath’s wooded seven hills, has just been completed. It was commissioned for a graduate of the University of Bath who has long loved the city and wanted a family home here. The owner bought the less than lovely house before applying for planning permission for the new build. Simon Harris, chartered building surveyor, was involved from the offset. He said: “In March 2013 we were instructed by our clients to prepare initial sketch proposals. We worked closely with the clients on the concept and prepared an initial scheme, we submitted this to Bath and North East Somerset Council prior to making a full planning application.” Working in conjunction with the clients and BBA Architects and Planners, who used advanced CAD programmes with 3D images – the original plans for a Y shaped building with a central circular atrium/entrance evolved into a T shaped house with a hexagonal atrium/entrance. Simon said: “We acted as lead designers on the construction team and project managed the scheme co-ordinating specialist consultants for M&E, tanking and damp proofing, structural glazing, kitchen and bathroom design and fit out and suspended stair structures. The structural engineer was an important member of the design and construction team, we appointed lead engineer Chris Cozens of DJP Consulting Engineers who I have worked with for over 25 years, with his vast knowledge and experience we prepared the construction package for Practical Solutions to construct.” Experienced project manager Jim Norton, of Practical Solutions (Bath) was on site for three years, overseeing the project as it evolved from a muddy site, knee-deep in clay to the polished, finished home we see now. 108 TheBATHMagazine
|
OCTOBeR 2017
|
He said: “This was an extremely challenging site and we had to dig in and tackle each issue as it arose.” As we flicked through photographs of work in progress Jim talked about some of the challenges along the way. To begin with geologists found a deep seam of clay ran through the site – not ideal for stable foundations, especially on a hillside. Jim said: “We had to literally manhandle 200 lorry loads of rubble and earth off the site and then sink a series of massive piles deep into the ground to give the house the firmest of foundations.” Visitors enter the house into a large hall, with a glass atrium the full height of the
iSSUe 181
property with a dramatic elegantly curved cantilered staircase rising up in spectacular style as its centrepiece. As Jim explained, an eye for every detail was needed as this intricate installation took place, ensuring that every measurement was correct. His was the overview that ensured millimetre-precise placement of stairs, landings and the symmetrical and pleasing sight lines as the visitor gazes through the house. Bath kitchen designer Stephen said of this brief: “Having previously worked for the clients, we were approached and asked to get involved with the project as design consultants for all aspects of the interior. “Although not involved with the